Explore the culinary heaven of Tet in Hue with 7 incredibly tempting dishes

It can be said that in Vietnam's S-shaped land, each province and region has its own special Tet dishes. However, the food from Hue has always been beloved and remembered by visitors. Hue cuisine is more than just food; it embodies the beauty of culture and is the very soul of this land.

Join Mytour as we explore what the people of Hue will be enjoying for their Tet celebrations.

While people from the North typically make square cakes (Bánh Chưng) for Tet, the people of Hue, like those in Central Vietnam, prepare Tet cake (Bánh Tét). This cake is an essential part of the Lunar New Year celebrations and holds the same importance as Bánh Chưng. It is cylindrical in shape, made with sticky rice and filled with green beans. During Tet feasts, the cake is unwrapped and sliced into round pieces, a distinctive and familiar sight.

In addition to Tet cakes, the people of Hue also often prepare other types of cakes for the Lunar New Year, such as bánh phu thê, bánh sen chấy, bánh dừa mận… These are all special cakes unique to Hue.

Anyone who has booked a flight to Hue or simply has a love for Hue's cuisine is surely familiar with the tempting grilled nem lụi. These flavorful skewers are made from finely ground pork, thinly sliced pigskin, diced pork fat, and seasoned with salt, pepper, sugar, and rice powder. The mixture is shaped into long rolls, skewered onto bamboo sticks, and grilled over charcoal. Grilled nem lụi is served with rice paper, green bananas, fresh herbs, sour starfruit, and green mango, all dipped in a special sauce unique to Hue.

In fact, nem lụi is not only a dish that attracts diners during Tet, but it can be enjoyed any time you visit Hue.

Tré is a well-known dish in Central Vietnam, but Hue's version offers a distinctive flavor that has become a hallmark of the ancient capital’s cuisine. This dish is made primarily from pigskin and meat, mixed with a variety of special spices, including fermented fish sauce, fresh chilies, chili powder, garlic, shredded ginger, and rice powder. Although it may appear simple at first glance, preparing Hue Tré requires great attention to detail, patience, and precision to capture the authentic taste. During Tet, when richer, heavier dishes are served, Hue Tré becomes a popular choice for its refreshing qualities that help balance the meal.

If you've dined at a Hue restaurant, you’ve likely noticed jars of pickled purple onions on the table. This dish is especially popular during Tet, much like how people in the North enjoy pickled vegetables or onions. With its refreshing flavor, pickled onions are known for aiding digestion and stimulating the taste buds, while also making the Tet feast more vibrant and appetizing.

This intriguing dish is actually a simple yet beloved meal. 'Cơm âm phủ' typically consists of a bowl of white rice served with everyday ingredients such as pork belly, Hue-style pork sausage (chả lụa), Hue nem (grilled pork skewers), eggs, and fresh herbs.

If you're a fan of vegetarian cuisine, enjoying Hue’s vegetarian dishes is undoubtedly a great choice. During Tet, the people of Hue often prepare vegetarian meals, adding a refined and poetic touch to the season, rivaling even the savory dishes like nem, tré, and bánh tét. Using simple, humble ingredients such as mushrooms, lotus seeds, peanuts, and coconut milk, the skillful hands and creativity of the people of Hue transform these ingredients into a beautiful and healthful vegetarian feast for the New Year.

During Tet, it's impossible to skip the traditional sweets, and one of the most beloved ones in Vietnam is ginger jam. With its enticing pale yellow hue and the perfect balance of spicy heat mixed with a delicate sweetness, a piece of ginger jam paired with a fragrant cup of Hue tea on the first morning of the New Year, amid the dreamy spring weather, truly offers an unforgettable experience.

The culinary paradise of Hue during the Lunar New Year offers many more exciting dishes to discover. Book your flight to Hue now to experience the beauty of this ancient capital and explore its unique and delicious cuisine firsthand.

Please contact Mytour through the hotline 1900 2083 for advice on flight schedules, updated ticket prices, and the fastest, most efficient way to book your Lunar New Year flight tickets.