Top 10 Must-Try Dishes When Visiting Hue

It's truly regrettable if you've been to Hue and haven't savored the iconic dish of Nem Lui. A unique Hue specialty, Nem Lui is made by finely grinding pork mixed with thinly sliced pork skin, pork fat, salt, pepper, sugar, and toasted rice powder. The mixture is then skewered onto small bamboo sticks and grilled over charcoal, creating a deliciously fragrant and irresistibly flavorful dish for diners.

The Nem Lui in Hue has a distinct taste, attributed to the preparation of the dipping sauce. The sauce is made from finely ground peanuts mixed with a bit of fish sauce, cinnamon, guava blossom extract, coconut water, soy sauce, pork liver, and minced pork. This sauce complements the dish, adding richness and flavor typical of Central Vietnam.

Served with Nem Lui are various thinly sliced fruits like green bananas, sour star apples, cucumber, carrots, and aromatic herbs. The harmonious blend of the grilled meat's aroma with the distinct flavors of the herbs creates a Nem Lui dish that is renowned in Hue and a must-try for everyone.

When in Hue, make sure to indulge in this famous dish, not just for its delicious taste but also to experience the culinary essence of Hue. It's the best way to feel the unique cultural identity of Hue, an ancient, charming city filled with memories.

Here are some recommended addresses by Mytour. However, for your convenience, you can also visit Nem Lui stalls at Dong Ba Gate or on streets like Nguyen Thai Hoc, Nguyen Hue, Phan Boi Chau to enjoy this dish. These are establishments opened by the locals, ensuring an authentic and traditional taste that won't disappoint.

Popular Nem Lui spots in Hue for you to explore:

1. Quan Hanh - No. 11, Pho Duc Chinh, Hue City
2. Quan Ba Ty - No. 81 Dao Duy Tu, Hue City
3. Quan Tai Phu - No. 2 Dien Bien Phu, Vinh Ninh, Hue City

Hu Tieu is a delicious and enticing dish for tourists visiting Hue. Originating from China, over the decades, this dish has become an integral part of Vietnamese cuisine, with various adaptations. However, it is only in Hue that Hu Tieu is truly delectable, diverse, and attracts numerous local and international food enthusiasts.

Hu Tieu is a familiar dish for the people of Hue, available from street vendors to casual eateries and upscale restaurants. In Hue, Hu Tieu serves as a diverse culinary map with numerous addresses and brands, allowing diners to experience different flavors each day. The main ingredients of Hu Tieu include Hu Tieu noodles with broth, accompanied by additional ingredients such as bean sprouts, Chinese chives, minced meat, and quail eggs. It can be enjoyed with beef balls and various types of chili sauce. The harmonious blend of flavors creates a distinct and appealing taste that is unique to the region.

Some famous Hu Tieu addresses in Hue that you can visit:

1. Dang Huy Tru Hu Tieu - 86 Dang Huy Tru Street, An Cuu Ward, Hue City
   
2. Nguyet's Affordable Hu Tieu - Eye Hospital, Diem Phung Thi, Vy Da Ward, Hue City

Com Hen is considered a humble dish in Hue's cuisine due to its simplicity and authenticity. Consequently, Com Hen has become a popular dish, symbolizing the culinary essence of Hue. Anyone who has been to Hue will never forget the delicious taste of this dish.

Com Hen is presented as cold rice mixed with baby clams sautéed in oil and spices, clam broth, fermented shrimp paste, Chinese mustard greens, crispy rice crackers, stir-fried noodles, red chili, whole peanuts, cooking oil, pepper, MSG, and salt. The combination creates a delicious, rich, and characteristic spicy flavor of Hue. The dish, derived from common ingredients and simple preparation methods, showcases the meticulous and clever culinary artistry of Hue, captivating any diner.

Although not luxurious or unique, not trying this Com Hen in Hue would be a missed opportunity. If you are planning to visit Hue, make sure to note the addresses that Mytour recommends below for a fantastic journey to Hue.

Some famous Com Hen addresses in Hue that you can visit:

1. Com Hen Hoa Dong - 64 Alley 7 Ung Binh, Vy Da Ward, Hue City
2. Com Hen Ba Cam - 2 Truong Dinh, Vinh Ninh, Hue City
3. Quan Nho - 28 Pham Hong Thai, Vinh Ninh, Hue City
4. Ty Hon - 84 Mac Dinh Chi, Hue City
5. Com Hen – 17 Han Mac Tu, Vy Da Ward, Hue City
6. Com Hen – Bun Hen Lanh - 29 Ngo Gia Tu, Vinh Ninh, Hue City
7. Quan 26 - 26 Truong Dinh, Vinh Ninh, Hue City
8. Com Hen Thu Hien - 55 Tran Phu, Phuoc Vinh, Hue City

Pho and Bun are not just familiar dishes to the Vietnamese people but also globally renowned for their unique and exotic flavors. Each region has its variations, adding a distinct touch to the traditional culture. When in Hue, don't forget to savor the local specialty - Hue Beef Noodle Soup, a delicacy rich with the essence of Hue.

Hue Beef Noodle Soup is the soul of Hue's cuisine, a famous dish known not only domestically but also worldwide. Eating Hue Beef Noodle Soup allows you to feel the sweet and clear taste with a variety of spice aromas. The scents of lemongrass, shrimp paste, simmered bones, boiled meat, lime, herbs, shallots, and fish sauce all blend together to create the uniquely captivating specialty of Hue.

The distinctive flavor of the bowl of Bun lies in the broth with the spicy taste of chili, the fragrance of lemongrass, a bit of shrimp paste, all combining to create the very characteristic taste of Hue. That's why locals, when traveling far from home, feel proud when encountering shops named 'Hue Beef Noodle Soup.'

Some famous Hue Beef Noodle Soup places in Hue that you can visit:

1. Hue Beef Noodle Soup - 36 Ba Trieu, Phu Hoi, Hue City
2. Hue Beef Noodle Soup - Phu Hoa, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue
3. Hue Beef Noodle Soup on the sidewalk - 36 To Hien Thanh, Phu Cat, Hue City
4. Hue Beef Noodle Soup O Nga - 19 Nguyen Cong Tru, Phu Hoi, Hue City
5. Hue Beef Noodle Soup - 38 Luong Ngoc Quyen, Tay Loc, Hue City

Trần-style Clear Shrimp and Pork Dumplings are a famous delicacy in Hue, considered a culinary specialty of this ancient city. For a long time, it has been the most sought-after dish by both domestic and international tourists. When dreaming of Hue, don't forget to indulge in these delicious clear shrimp and pork dumplings.

The dumplings are made from tapioca flour with a filling of shrimp and meat, served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. This dish is endlessly enjoyable, with the chewiness of tapioca flour, the sweetness of shrimp and meat, all complemented by the delightful sweet and sour dipping sauce. CNNGo even introduced these dumplings as one of the 30 most delicious steamed dumplings in the world, alongside Shanghai's baozi and Italy's ravioli.

When you come to Hue to enjoy these dumplings, you will experience a unique taste that cannot be matched anywhere else. The dumplings are soft yet elastic, chewy but not tough. You may have tried this dish in many places, but nowhere will it be as delicious and wonderful as where it originated. Don't forget to visit the addresses recommended by Mytour below when you're in Hue.

Popular places for Clear Shrimp and Pork Dumplings in Hue:

1. Clear Shrimp and Pork Dumplings at La Que - 49 Ba Trieu, Xuan Phu, Hue City
2. Banh Beo, Loc, Nam - Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, Vinh Ninh, Hue City
3. Banh Beo Nam Loc Me Le - Kim Long - 17/9 Alley 104, Ward 7, Kim Long, Hue City
4. Banh Loc Mu Cai - 9 Alley 475 Chi Lang, Phu Hiep, Hue City
5. Banh Nam, Loc, Ram, It O Le - Alley 104, Kim Long, Hue City

Hue Bánh Canh is a familiar and rustic dish found in Quang Tri, Quang Binh, and many places in the Central region. However, Hue Bánh Canh is considered the finest version of this dish. Influenced by local customs and traditions, the flavor of Bánh Canh in this region is unique, creating a distinctive and attractive appeal to food enthusiasts from all corners.

Hue Bánh Canh features the characteristic flavor of its red broth, derived from crab and shrimp, creating a visually appealing color when mixed with cashews. The noodles are special, transparent, chewy, and soft without being mushy. When talking about Bánh Canh in Hue, people often mention famous places like Nam Pho Bánh Canh and Bà Đợi Bánh Canh.

Here are some addresses suggested by Mytour. However, for your convenience during the sightseeing journey, you can visit Bánh Canh stalls on streets like Pham Hong Thai or the slope of Phan Boi Chau to enjoy these delights. The places here are equally fantastic.

Popular places for delicious Hue Bánh Canh:

1. Thuy - Nam Pho Bánh Canh - 16 Pham Hong Thai, Vinh Ninh, Hue City
2. Nam Pho Bánh Canh - 76 Han Thuyen, Phu Hau, Hue City
3. Bà Đợi Bánh Canh - 34 Huynh Thuc Khang, Phu Hoa, Hue City
4. Nam Pho Bánh Canh Me Du - Hamlet 1, Trung Dong, Tay Thuong, Phu Vang, Hue City

Hue Hidden Rice is one of the iconic representatives of the culinary art deeply rooted in Hue's culture. The name may sound intriguing, causing curiosity among travelers with the phrase, 'Want to eat romantic plate of rice, visit the Ghost Palace secretly.' However, this dish is fascinating both in presentation and taste.

The origin of this dish traces back to a rice eatery called Ghost Palace on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, near the Hue Stadium. The restaurant has been open for nearly a century, traditionally operating only at night with dim oil lamps, which led to its unique name. Considered a masterpiece in culinary presentation, Hue Hidden Rice boasts a variety of colors, resembling a diverse color palette that chefs can use to create an alluring culinary artwork.

In the traditional version of Hue Hidden Rice, white rice is usually placed in the center of the plate. Surrounding it are slices of pork belly, Hue sausage, fried eggs, shrimp, fermented pork roll, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and tomatoes arranged symmetrically. A touch of cilantro and green onions is added for decoration. While the traditional presentation remains, modern variations in serving styles can also be found in famous Hue restaurants and hotels, ensuring the original flavor of this dish remains unchanged.

Famous Hidden Rice restaurants in Hue you can visit: Ghost Palace Rice - 51 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Phu Hoi, Hue City.

If you have ever been to Hue, you will not only see the beauty and poetry of Hue but also be impressed by the numerous delicious cakes. Hue is the land of many popular cakes, among which we must mention the dish called bánh bèo - a simple yet famous dish in Hue in recent years.

Making bánh bèo is not difficult; the ingredients include finely ground rice soaked in water for a few minutes to achieve a moderate elasticity. Then, scoop into small cups, arrange on a tray, and steam until cooked with steam. When the cake is cooked, add ingredients such as shrimp, green onions, fat shrimp, and a little vegetable oil on the cake cup before eating.

The dipping sauce for bánh bèo is meticulously prepared. Pure fish sauce is mixed with fat, a bit of sugar, garlic, chili, and cooked with fresh shrimp, making it very delicious and flavorful. The dipping fish sauce has the sweet taste of shrimp, the fat taste of fat, and the spicy taste of chili, blending with the delicious and fragrant bánh bèo to create an unforgettable experience.

Some famous bánh bèo addresses in Hue that you can visit:

1. Bánh Bèo Chén - 40 Tran Huy Lieu, Phu Hoa, Hue City
2. Bánh Bèo Nậm Lọc Bà Đỏ - 8 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Phu Cat, Hue City
3. Quán bánh Chi đặc sản Bèo, Nậm, Lọc, Ram Ít - 65 Nguyen Trai, Thuan Hoa, Hue City
4. Bánh Nậm, Lọc, Ram, Ít O Lé - Alley 104, Kim Long, Hue City
5. Gốc Bánh Bèo Bà Cư - Alley 148 - Nguyen Hue, Phu Nhuan, Hue City
6. Quán bánh bèo O Mai - 97 Duong Van An, Group 10, Xuan Phu, Hue City
7. Bánh bèo O Thu - 374 Chi Lang, Phu Hiep, Hue City
8. Bánh bèo, lọc, nậm - Madam Thanh Quan, Vinh Ninh, Hue City

Hue is renowned for its narrow alleys that unexpectedly make 'Hem Sweet Desserts' a famous brand. Speaking of desserts, there's nowhere with as many varieties as in Hue. Just considering the royal desserts, there are over 36 types. Locals often say, 'If Hanoi is famous for its 36 streets, Hue is famous for its 36 types of desserts.'

Hem Sweet Desserts originates from royal desserts, making it intricate in preparation, presentation, and enjoyment. The ingredients for making desserts must come from the specialties of Hue, such as young corn from Con Hen for its sweet flavor, and carefully selected lotus seeds from Tinh Tam Lake...

The way to enjoy desserts is also distinctly Hue: it should be gentle and meticulous. Hem Sweet Desserts are served in small cups or glasses, and you use a small spoon to savor them. Sipping each spoonful allows you to feel the sweet and gentle taste of the various desserts. This is why visitors to Hue never forget to indulge in a bowl of desserts.

Some famous dessert spots in Hue that you can visit:

1. Hem Sweet Desserts Royal 20 Dishes - 93 Xuan 68 Street, Phu Hau, Hue City
2. Quan Che Du Mon Hue - 67 Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Hoa, Hue City
3. Hem Sweet Desserts - 1 Lane, 29 Hung Vuong, Phu Hoi, Hue City
4. Hem Sweet Desserts - 1/29 Hung Vuong, Phu Nhuan, Hue City

From commoners to aristocrats, people in Hue have a tradition of vegetarianism. Someone once said: 'In Hue, the mountains aren't high, and the rivers aren't deep, but people's hearts are tranquil.' They know how to meditate and eat vegetarian to keep their souls serene. Being a spiritual land of Buddhism, vegetarian dishes in Hue are often delicious, diverse, and prepared no less elaborately than savory dishes.

From natural herbs such as incense, mushrooms, tofu, green beans, rice paper, skillfully crafted by grandmothers and mothers, they create 'gio lua' (Vietnamese pork sausage), 'cha que' (Vietnamese cinnamon pork), 'nem' (spring rolls), 'chicken'... If you're not familiar, you might mistake it for a regular non-vegetarian feast. A vegetarian feast has as many dishes as a non-vegetarian feast, beautifully presented, harmonious in color, and an art not inferior to the presentation of savory dishes.

If you haven't tasted vegetarian food in Hue, it's a regret. Looking at the vegetarian feast, you'll feel like you're at a grand banquet somewhere. You'll be curious why someone can create such exquisite and beautiful dishes, whether it's 'chicken,' 'gio lua'... it looks so real. If you visit Hue, make sure to stop by the vegetarian restaurants listed below to experience the sophistication in Hue's culinary culture; you'll surely be amazed.

Some famous vegetarian food places in Hue that you can visit:

1. Dieu Lac Vegetarian - 01 Han Mac Tu, Vy Da, Hue City
2. Vegetarian Restaurant Nhat Le - 85 Nhat Le, Thuan Thanh, Hue City
3. Vegetarian Restaurant Ba Minh - 4 Han Thuyen, Phu Hau, Hue City
4. Tinh Lam Nhi Vegetarian - 112A Truong Chinh, An Dong, Hue City
5. Thanh Lieu Vegetarian - 50 Nguyen Cong Tru, Phu Hoi, Hue City
6. Tinh Quan Vegetarian Restaurant - 2 Tran Cao Van, Vinh Ninh, Hue City
7. Bo De Vegetarian Restaurant - 11 Le Loi, Vinh Ninh, Hue City
8. Cloud Courtyard Vegetarian Restaurant - 8 Thanh Tinh, Vy Da, Hue City