Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in Hue

Buzz

Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Content

1. Various Rice Cakes (Bèo, Lọc, Nậm)

2. Hẻm Street Desserts (Chè Hẻm)

3. Com Am Phu

4. Banh Khoai Ca King from Lang Chuan Village

5. Steamed Rice with Lotus Leaves

6. Bánh Canh

7. Sour Bamboo Shoot Soup with Snakehead Fish

8. Hue Beef Noodle Soup

1. Various Rice Cakes (Bèo, Lọc, Nậm)

If you've ever visited Hue, you'll not only be captivated by its beauty and charm, but also by the variety of delicious rice cakes it offers. Hue is home to several iconic, simple yet delicious cakes, including Bánh Bèo, Bánh Nậm, and Bánh Bột Lọc—traditional treats from the ancient imperial city.

Bánh Bèo Chén – These tiny, delicate rice cakes require great care to prepare. The rice flour is mixed with ingredients like dried shrimp, crispy pork fat, and spring onions, and steamed into small, flavorful cups. Served with a dipping sauce made of pure fish sauce, sugar, chili, and garlic, Bánh Bèo offers a chewy texture paired with a delicious, savory flavor.

Bánh Bột Lọc – Among the most famous of Hue's rice cakes, Bánh Bột Lọc is a must-try. It's a delicate dumpling wrapped in banana leaves and filled with a combination of shrimp, pork, or just vegetables, depending on the style. Served with a special dipping sauce that's both sweet and savory, this dish is an unforgettable experience. Bánh Bột Lọc comes in two variations: Bánh Lọc Lá (wrapped in leaves) and Bánh Lọc Trần (unwrapped).

Bánh Nậm – Made from thin rice flour batter spread on banana leaves, this dish is filled with a flavorful mixture of pork, shrimp, mung beans, and a hint of onion. Bánh Nậm is a childhood favorite for many locals and is a simple yet satisfying dish.

While these rice cakes may seem humble, they are a point of pride for the people of Hue. Other local varieties, like Bánh Ram and Bánh Khoái, also deserve a try. When you visit Hue, don’t miss the chance to enjoy these unique and tasty treats!

Recommended Places to Try Hue’s Famous Rice Cakes:

Bánh Bèo Nậm Lọc Bà Đỏ - 8 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Phú Cát, Hue City
Chi’s Special Bánh Bèo, Nậm, Lọc, Ram Ít - 65 Nguyễn Trãi, Thuận Hoà, Hue City
Bánh Nậm, Lọc, Ram, Ít O Lé - Kiệt 104, Kim Long, Hue City
Bánh Bèo, Lọc, Nậm - Bà Huyện Thanh Quan, Vĩnh Ninh, Hue City

Hue’s Bánh Bột Lọc

Hue’s Bánh Bèo Chén

2. Hẻm Street Desserts (Chè Hẻm)

Hue’s dessert shops are often tucked away in narrow alleyways, which is how the term “Chè Hẻm” (Alley Desserts) came to symbolize a local specialty. Hue is famous for its wide range of desserts, especially the royal-style sweets, with over 36 different varieties. The locals often joke that while Hanoi is known for its 36 streets, Hue is known for its 36 types of chè. Hẻm street desserts, originating from the imperial kitchens, are made with great attention to detail, with ingredients sourced from Hue’s local specialties like the sweet corn from Cồn Hến or the delicate lotus seeds from Tịnh Tâm Lake.

The way of enjoying Chè Hẻm also reflects Hue’s refined culture—it’s a slow, careful experience. The dessert is served in small bowls or cups, and a small spoon is used to savor each bite. With every spoonful, you taste the subtle, refreshing sweetness of the ingredients, making it clear why visitors to Hue always take time to enjoy a cup of this traditional dessert.

Notable Dessert Spots in Hue:

Chè Hẻm Cung Đình 20 Món - 93 Xuân 68 Street, Phú Hậu, Hue City
Hue’s Dessert Variety Shop - 67 Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Phú Hoà, Hue City
Chè Hẻm - 1 Kiệt, 29 Hùng Vương, Phú Hội, Hue City
Chè Hẻm - 1/29 Hùng Vương, Phú Nhuận, Hue City

Hẻm Street Desserts

3. Com Am Phu

Com Am Phu is one of the most iconic dishes in Hue, representing the city's rich culinary culture. Its name may sound strange and curious, which often intrigues travelers with the saying, “If you want to eat a romantic plate of rice, the Am Phu restaurant waits in the shadows behind.” This dish is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

The dish originated from a restaurant called Am Phu, located on Nguyễn Thái Học Street, near the Hue Stadium. This establishment, which has been open for nearly a century, was initially known for serving food late at night, under the dim light of oil lamps, which is how it earned its unusual name. As a true representation of the art of plating, Com Am Phu is an artwork on a plate, with a variety of vibrant colors and textures that captivate the senses.

The traditional Com Am Phu dish consists of a serving of white rice placed in the center of the plate, surrounded symmetrically by slices of pork belly, Hue-style sausage, fried egg, shrimp, sour fermented pork, fresh herbs, cucumber, pickled vegetables, and tomatoes, all garnished with cilantro and spring onions. While the dish has evolved over time with various creative presentations, the essence of its original flavor remains unchanged, even in modern interpretations. If you visit any of the famous Hue restaurants or hotels serving Com Am Phu, don't worry—the traditional taste is still preserved.

One of the popular places to try Com Am Phu in Hue is: Com Am Phu Restaurant - 51 Nguyễn Thái Học, Phú Hội, Hue City.

Com Am Phu

4. Banh Khoai Ca King from Lang Chuan Village

Ca King is a type of fish that thrives in brackish water, commonly found in Thua Thien – Hue. It’s considered one of the region’s signature fish. Unlike its larger counterpart, the sea Ca King, this fish is smaller—only about the size of two to three fingers—yet it boasts a clean and rich texture. The fish is prized for its soothing properties, promoting a good night’s sleep, so when preparing it, make sure not to discard its nourishing parts.

Many local eateries feature Ca King as a specialty, but none serve it better than in the Tam Giang Lagoon, where fresh, locally caught Ca King is transformed into delicious dishes. The two most popular preparations are Bánh Khoái (crispy pancakes) and a fragrant soup made with chili and fermented shrimp paste.

Located along the Tam Giang Lagoon, Chuon Village is a coastal town in Hue that not only offers stunning scenery but is also famous for its culinary delights, including Chuon’s sticky rice cakes, traditional wine, seafood, and most notably, Bánh Khoái Ca King.

Though these dishes may be reinvented in different ways, nothing beats the authentic flavor of the place where it all started. The taste here is not just about the ingredients but also the unique cultural essence embedded in the food. So, if you’re a fan of Hue’s cuisine and want to experience the distinct taste of Ca King, a visit to Chuon Village is a must.

Recommended Spots to Try Bánh Khoái Ca King in Chuon Village:

Chuon Market - Phú Thị, Phú Vang, Thừa Thiên Hue
Bánh Khoái Ca King Chuon Village - 54 Kiệt 271 Chi Lăng, Phú Hiệp, Hue City
Bánh Khoái Chuon Village - 60-62 Hoàng Văn Thụ, An Đông, Hue City

Bánh Khoái Ca King from Chuon Village

5. Steamed Rice with Lotus Leaves

In the past, lotus flowers were widely cultivated in Hue because of the Nguyen Dynasty’s admiration for them and their connection to Buddhism. The lotus eventually became a symbol of Hue and deeply integrated into the culture and daily life of the locals. Not only do they appear in art and poetry, but they also make their way into the local cuisine.

During the flood season, you may find the fish called cá ngạnh feeding on rice, but in the scorching summer heat of Hue, the air is filled with the intoxicating fragrance of lotus. This is when the traditional dish, Steamed Rice with Lotus Leaves, truly shines as a local delicacy.

This dish comes in two varieties: vegetarian and non-vegetarian. The rice is steamed with vegetables and diced meat or sausages, but unlike the fried rice dishes, it is gently steamed in lotus leaves, infusing the rice with a fragrant, rich flavor. The combination of rice and lotus scent is so enticing that it will stimulate your senses even before you taste it. Just inhaling the aroma of this dish will already give you a sense of its appeal.

On hot summer days, there’s nothing quite like a light meal of steamed rice with lotus leaves. You don’t even need meat or fish—the subtle yet delicious flavor of the lotus rice is satisfying enough. You won’t find a more delicious version of this dish anywhere else in Vietnam. Only the people of Hue have the refinement to perfect this unique creation. Come to Hue to fully experience its exquisite flavors—you’ll remember it forever.

While the dish may appear simple, its preparation is quite detailed, and it’s best enjoyed during the season when lotus leaves are fresh. Most restaurants in Hue now offer this special dish, but it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance to ensure availability and avoid long waiting times.

Steamed Rice with Lotus Leaves

6. Bánh Canh

Bánh Canh is a beloved, humble dish commonly found in Quảng Trị, Quảng Bình, and throughout central Vietnam. However, Hue’s version of bánh canh is considered the finest. Its unique flavor likely stems from local traditions, giving it a distinctive taste that entices visitors from all over.

Bánh canh in Hue is known for its vibrant, red broth made from crab roe and shrimp, often mixed with cashews to create a visually appealing dish. The noodles are also special—translucent and chewy, yet not overly soft or mushy. When it comes to bánh canh in Hue, two names stand out: Nam Phổ and Bà Đợi, both famous for their exceptional dishes.

Here are a few top spots for enjoying bánh canh in Hue, but to make it easier for your visit, we suggest stopping by places along streets like Phạm Hồng Thái or Dốc Phan Bội Châu for a truly delicious experience.

Notable bánh canh spots in Hue:

Thúy - Bánh Canh Nam Phổ - 16 Phạm Hồng Thái, Vĩnh Ninh, Hue City
Bánh Canh Nam Phổ - 76 Hàn Thuyên, Phú Hậu, Hue City
Bánh Canh Bà Đợi - 34 Huỳnh Thúc Kháng, Phú Hoà, Hue City
Bánh Canh Nam Phổ Mệ Dư - Xóm 1, Trung Đông, Tây Thượng, Phú Vang, Hue City

Bánh Canh Nam Phổ

Sour Bamboo Shoot Soup with Snakehead Fish

7. Sour Bamboo Shoot Soup with Snakehead Fish

Hue is a narrow land area where the distance from the lowlands to the coastal regions is very short. This proximity to the sea has greatly influenced Hue’s culture, giving it a distinct maritime character. Particularly, the intense flavors, whether spicy or rich, likely stem from this coastal influence.

Like the Kình fish, the Snakehead fish (Cá Ngạnh) is another specialty of the Thua Thien region. During the flooding season, when these fish are filled with eggs, local housewives eagerly prepare the famous Sour Bamboo Shoot Soup with Snakehead Fish. This dish has become a staple of Hue's culinary tradition, deeply ingrained in the local way of life.

The Snakehead fish resembles a small catfish, but it's only about the size of a thumb. In the flood season, these fish are brimming with eggs, which are large, rich, and fatty, while the fish meat is tender and fresh. Combined with the spicy kick of chili peppers, this soup is the perfect dish to enjoy on a cool, rainy day, offering a comforting and extraordinary taste.

Many visitors eagerly wait for the flood season in Hue just to experience the unique Sour Bamboo Shoot Soup with Snakehead Fish. The fish is also used in other dishes such as braised with banana or grilled, but this sour soup remains the most popular and iconic, offering the most authentic flavor.

This dish is commonly found at any local Hue restaurant, so you need not worry about finding a place to try it—it’s always delicious!

Sour Bamboo Shoot Soup with Snakehead Fish

Hue Beef Noodle Soup (Bún Bò Huế)

8. Hue Beef Noodle Soup

Hue Grilled Pork Skewers (Nem Lụi)

Vietnamese noodle soups like bún and phở are not just beloved dishes locally, but they have also earned global fame for their unique and intriguing flavors. Each region of Vietnam offers its own variation, contributing to the diverse culinary culture. And when you visit Hue, make sure to try the local specialty, Hue Beef Noodle Soup (Bún Bò Huế), a dish that truly captures the essence of Hue’s flavors.

Bún bò Huế is the soul of Hue’s culinary tradition, a dish renowned both domestically and internationally. It’s a combination of fresh beef, rich broth, and aromatic herbs that creates an unforgettable taste experience. The broth itself is a harmonious blend of spices, including lemongrass, shrimp paste, pork bones, and various herbs. The bold combination of flavors—from the heat of chili peppers to the fragrance of lemongrass and the savory umami of shrimp paste—makes this noodle soup stand out.

The broth’s special characteristic lies in its spicy kick, the fragrance of lemongrass, and the distinctive taste from a dash of shrimp paste. This unique combination of ingredients gives Bún Bò Huế a flavor that is deeply tied to the region’s culinary identity. That’s why locals feel immense pride when they see “Bún Bò Huế” restaurants popping up around the world.

Famous Bún Bò Huế spots you should visit in Hue:

Bún Bò Huế - 36 Bà Triệu, Phú Hội, Hue City
Bún Bò Huế - Phú Hoà, Hue City, Thừa Thiên Hue
Street-side Bún Bò Huế - 36 Tô Hiến Thành, Phú Cát, Hue City
O Nga’s Bún Bò Huế - 19 Nguyễn Công Trứ, Phú Hội, Hue City
Bún Bò Huế - 38 Lương Ngọc Quyến, Tây Lộc, Hue City

Rice with Clams (Cơm Hến) is considered a humble dish in the culinary landscape of Hue, embodying the simplicity and authenticity of the region. Despite its modest origins, it has become a quintessential symbol of Hue’s food culture. Anyone who has visited Hue will forever remember the unique and delightful taste of this dish.

The dish is typically served as cold rice mixed with stir-fried clams, flavored with oil and spices, clam broth, shrimp paste, cabbage, crispy pork cracklings, toasted rice paper, crispy noodles, chili, whole peanuts, fried oil, pepper, MSG, and salt. The combination of these ingredients creates a robust, aromatic, and spicy flavor, representing the distinctive taste of Hue.

Though simple in ingredients, it’s the careful preparation and the delicate balance of flavors that make this dish a true embodiment of Hue’s culinary excellence, sure to captivate anyone who tries it.

While it may not be the most extravagant or unique dish, not trying Cơm Hến while in Hue would be a missed opportunity. If you’re planning to visit, be sure to check out these popular spots to experience this local favorite.

Famous places to try Cơm Hến in Hue:

Cơm Hến Hoa Đông - 64 Kiệt 7 Ưng Bình, Vỹ Dạ, Hue City
Cơm Hến Bà Cam - 2 Trương Định, Vĩnh Ninh, Hue City
Quán Nhỏ - 28 Phạm Hồng Thái, Vĩnh Ninh, Hue City
Tý Hon - 84 Mạc Đĩnh Chi, Hue City
Cơm Hến - 17 Hàn Mặc Tử, Vỹ Dạ, Hue City
Cơm Hến – Bún Hến Lành - 29 Ngô Gia Tự, Vĩnh Ninh, Hue City
Quán 26 - 26 Trương Định, Vĩnh Ninh, Hue City
Cơm Hến Thu Hiền - 55 Trần Phú, Phước Vĩnh, Hue City

Rice with Clams (Cơm Hến)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of rice cakes found in Hue?

Hue is famous for its rice cakes, including Bánh Bèo, Bánh Nậm, and Bánh Bột Lọc. Each type features unique ingredients like shrimp, pork, and vegetables, offering a chewy texture and rich, savory flavors. Bánh Bèo is steamed in small cups, while Bánh Bột Lọc is wrapped in banana leaves. Bánh Nậm is made with rice flour batter on banana leaves.

Where can I try Hue’s famous Hẻm street desserts (Chè Hẻm)?

Hue’s Hẻm street desserts are a local delicacy, found in hidden alleyways around the city. Notable spots include Chè Hẻm Cung Đình, Hue’s Dessert Variety Shop, and Chè Hẻm at 1 Kiệt 29 Hùng Vương. These desserts offer a refined, slow-eating experience that combines ingredients like sweet corn, lotus seeds, and other traditional flavors from Hue’s royal kitchens.

What is the story behind Com Am Phu, a traditional Hue dish?

Com Am Phu is a traditional Hue dish originating from the Am Phu restaurant, famous for its romantic ambiance under dim oil lamps. It features a variety of ingredients like pork belly, shrimp, and fresh herbs, served with white rice at the center of a vibrant, colorful plate. This dish embodies Hue’s culinary art and is a must-try for food enthusiasts.

What makes Bánh Khoái Ca King from Chuon Village special?

Bánh Khoái Ca King from Chuon Village is a crispy pancake made with the local Ca King fish, known for its clean texture and soothing properties. This dish is unique to the region, where the fish is served fresh, either in a pancake or a flavorful soup with chili and fermented shrimp paste. It’s a true representation of Hue’s coastal culinary heritage.

What is the significance of lotus leaves in Hue’s cuisine?

Lotus leaves are integral to Hue’s cuisine, particularly in dishes like Steamed Rice with Lotus Leaves. The rice is gently steamed with vegetables or meat in lotus leaves, infusing the dish with a fragrant, rich aroma. This dish is best enjoyed in the summer, when lotus leaves are fresh, offering a delicate, flavorful taste that symbolizes Hue’s cultural connection to the lotus.

What makes Hue’s Bánh Canh noodles unique?

Hue’s version of Bánh Canh noodles stands out for its vibrant red broth made from crab roe and shrimp, combined with chewy, translucent noodles. The dish is often served with cashews for added texture, and two renowned places to try it are Nam Phổ and Bà Đợi. Hue’s Bánh Canh is known for its bold, distinctive flavors, which reflect the region’s rich culinary traditions.

What is Sour Bamboo Shoot Soup with Snakehead Fish in Hue?

Sour Bamboo Shoot Soup with Snakehead Fish is a famous dish in Hue, especially popular during the flooding season. The soup is made with tender Snakehead fish, bamboo shoots, and a spicy broth that combines chili and other regional spices. This dish is known for its bold flavors and is often enjoyed on rainy days for its comforting warmth.

Where can I find the best Hue Beef Noodle Soup (Bún Bò Huế)?

Hue Beef Noodle Soup, or Bún Bò Huế, is a local specialty known for its rich, spicy broth and tender beef. Some of the best spots to try this dish are Bún Bò Huế at 36 Bà Triệu, O Nga’s Bún Bò Huế, and street-side vendors at Phú Hội and Phú Cát. The soup’s unique blend of lemongrass, chili, and shrimp paste makes it a standout Hue dish.

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