Indulge in the Delight of Thượng Tứ Pancakes from Hue

Situated right on Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street, near the intersection with Trần Hưng Đạo, if you visit here once, you'll understand why Thượng Tứ Pancakes have become a renowned classic dish in the Land of Kings.

Explore Hue and Enjoy the Authentic Thượng Tứ Pancakes

Among the 10 gates of the Imperial City of Hue, Thể Nhơn Gate and Southeast Gate (also known as Thượng Tứ Gate) seem to be the most familiar to many tourists. Perhaps because when moving from the inner imperial city to the hotels on the other side of the Perfume River, these are the two most convenient gates, one to enter and one to exit.

In the morning at Cống Market, I spotted a lady from Huế sitting in a small corner, diligently making Thượng Tứ Pancakes. I noticed she was spreading batter and filling, mainly with mung beans, small shrimps, and a cute piece of spring roll.

She offered me a treat, but having just eaten Huế beef noodle soup, I politely declined. I then asked if this was the pancake dish she had mentioned a few days ago, somewhat resembling a savory pancake.

Thượng Tứ Gate witnesses bustling traffic; finding a parking spot across the street is a challenge. Upon reaching the eatery, seek an empty table on the sidewalk and wait. Many, including foreign tourists and locals, patiently sit scattered both indoors and outdoors, all eager for their share of delicious pancakes.

The restaurant is equipped with 3 pans, all set with standardized ingredients – pancake batter, shrimp, pork belly, eggs, and mung beans. When a customer orders, the chef ignites the stove, heats the oil, sprinkles a pinch of flour, then systematically layers the ingredients, adding eggs for fragrance and an enticing color.

Covering the pan for a while to ensure the pancake achieves the perfect golden, crispy texture, folding it in half before transferring it onto the plate. The open mouth of the pancake reveals a delightful mix of shrimp, pork, and mung beans, making your mouth water.

While waiting for the chef to cook the pancakes, the staff brings out a plate of fresh vegetables, rice paper, and sliced guavas – essentials when indulging in Thượng Tứ Pancakes.

Another unique element not to be overlooked is the broth accompanying Thượng Tứ Pancakes. Rumored to be made from a secret family recipe, it's thick, flavorful, and offers a distinctive taste experience.

At first glance, I thought it was a type of soy sauce, but my companion clarified that it's the pancake's broth. This special broth is made from soybean sauce, pork liver, lean meat, peanuts, roasted sesame, and various spices, in proportions known only to the owner.

The key is, once customers try Thượng Tứ Pancakes, they come back for more.

Each person receives a plate of steaming hot, golden pancakes, sliced and rolled in rice paper with various herbs, generously dipped in the traditional broth before taking a bite. Puffing up their mouths to savor the crispy texture of the pancake, with the sweet aroma of shrimp, meat, eggs, and cool mung beans, the herbs and slices of guava add freshness.

After finishing one plate, the craving for another sets in, making up for the late lunch.

It seems Thượng Tứ Pancakes have secured their place on Hue's culinary map, with consistently high quality and professional service, catering to discerning tourists and local enthusiasts looking for a bit of sophistication in their meals.

In contrast, in small alleys or market corners, pancakes may have less meat filling or smaller shrimp, and the price might be only half of what Thượng Tứ offers. Nevertheless, these pancakes always carry the distinctive flavor of Hue, leaving everyone yearning and reminiscing about the ancient capital.

While relishing Thượng Tứ Pancakes, you may suggest that after finishing, a ride to Tứ Phương Vô Sự for a cup of coffee sounds like a good plan.

Lầu Tứ Phương Vô Sự, nestled within the inner citadel of Hue, was historically a place where kings and royal family members would relax and enjoy the cool breeze. In this location, one can envisage Kiến Trung Pavilion, Cần Chánh Palace (now reduced to mere foundations), and Flag Tower (Hue Flagpole) aligning in a straight line.

Have you ever indulged in Thượng Tứ Pancakes before ascending Lầu Tứ Phương Vô Sự to gaze into the past?

According to Tuổi Trẻ

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide