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Top 6 Iconic Dishes You Must Experience in Hue City
Hue City is a culinary paradise for food lovers. Vietnam Discovery Travel invites you to explore its must-try dishes, from Bun Bo Hue to Nem Lui. Whether you’re discovering historic landmarks or savoring local flavors, these dishes will elevate your Vietnam travel experience. Plan your culinary adventure with Vietnam Discovery Travel today.
1. Bun Bo Hue (Hue Beef Noodle Soup)
Description:
One of Hue’s most iconic dishes, Bun Bo Hue is a hearty noodle soup made with tender slices of beef, meatballs, crab cakes, and cubes of congealed pig’s blood. The dish is renowned for its rich, spicy broth, which carries the distinct aroma of lemongrass. Enhanced with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and chopped onions, Bun Bo Hue is the perfect blend of heat and flavor that will delight your palate.
Where to Eat:
- Address: 50 Tran Thuc Nhan Street, Vinh Ninh, Hue City
- Price: 40,000 – 60,000 VND per bowl
What Makes It Special:
The broth of Bun Bo Hue is simmered with a variety of spices, creating a bold, savory flavor that lingers long after the meal. It’s often topped with chili oil, adding a fiery kick that complements the tender beef and fragrant lemongrass.
2. Com Hen (Clam Rice)
Description:
Com Hen, a staple of Hue’s cuisine, is a complex dish with layers of flavor and texture. It’s made with baby clams and rice cooked in a delicate broth. The dish includes a variety of toppings, such as fried pork skin, peanuts, fried onions, roasted sesame seeds, and garlic. Chili and fish sauce add an extra punch of flavor, while crispy vegetables provide a refreshing crunch.
Where to Eat:
- Address: Com Hen Thu Hien, 55 Tran Phu Street, Phuoc Vinh, Hue City
- Price: 20,000 – 30,000 VND per serving
What Makes It Special:
The combination of fresh clams with a rich array of herbs and spices makes Com Hen a must-try dish. The varying textures and flavors—from crunchy pork skin to tender clams—make every bite an exciting experience.
3. Banh Beo (Vietnamese Steamed Water-Fern Cakes)
Description:
Banh Beo is a delightful dish of small steamed rice cakes topped with minced shrimp, crispy fried shallots, and mung bean paste. The cakes are served in small plates and typically accompanied by a savory dipping sauce made from fish sauce, garlic, and chili. Though simple, this dish packs a punch with its rich flavors and delicate presentation.
Where to Eat:
- Address: 11 Pho Duc Chinh Street, Phu Hoi, Hue City
- Price: 10,000 – 20,000 VND per plate
What Makes It Special:
Banh Beo is a light yet flavorful snack, offering a perfect balance of textures between the soft rice cakes and crispy shallots. The dish is designed to be enjoyed in small bites, which makes it perfect for sharing with friends or as an appetizer before a larger meal.
4. Banh Khoai (Hue Crispy Pancakes)
Description:
Banh Khoai is Hue’s answer to Vietnam’s famous crispy pancakes. Made with a batter of rice flour, these pancakes are filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and eggs. Once fried to a crisp, the pancakes are typically served with fresh vegetables and wrapped in rice paper. Dip each bite in a tangy peanut sauce for a burst of flavor.
Where to Eat:
- Address: 110 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Phu Hau, Hue City
- Price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND per serving
What Makes It Special:
The contrast between the crispy pancakes and the fresh vegetables, coupled with the rich peanut dipping sauce, makes Banh Khoai a truly unique and satisfying dish. It’s a fun and interactive meal as you assemble each roll to your liking.
5. Nem Lui (Hue Lemongrass Pork Skewers)
Description:
Nem Lui is a traditional Hue dish of grilled pork skewers flavored with lemongrass. The ground pork is marinated, shaped around stalks of lemongrass, and grilled over an open flame. Served with fresh herbs, cucumber, and rice paper, Nem Lui is typically dipped in a flavorful sauce made with peanuts and fermented shrimp paste.
Where to Eat:
- Address: 2 Dien Bien Phu Street, Hue City
- Price: 40,000 – 60,000 VND per plate
What Makes It Special:
The smoky, aromatic flavor of the lemongrass-infused pork pairs perfectly with the fresh herbs and rich dipping sauce. Nem Lui is not only a delicious dish but also offers a taste of traditional Hue street food culture.
6. Banh Bot Loc (Vietnamese Tapioca Dumplings)
Description:
Banh Bot Loc is a small, chewy dumpling made from tapioca flour and filled with shrimp and pork. The dumplings are often steamed and served in banana leaves, making them easy to eat on the go. They’re typically garnished with fried shallots and served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.
Where to Eat:
- Address: 23/117 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Hue City
- Price: 10,000 – 20,000 VND per serving
What Makes It Special:
Banh Bot Loc’s chewy texture and flavorful filling make it a unique treat. The contrast between the soft dumplings and the crispy shallots, combined with the sweet dipping sauce, creates an irresistible flavor combination.
7. Conclusion
A trip to Hue City is not complete without indulging in its famous cuisine. Whether you’re savoring a bowl of Bun Bo Hue or sampling delicate Banh Bot Loc, the food here will leave a lasting impression. As you plan your Vietnam Discovery Tours, be sure to include a culinary journey through Hue’s top dishes. For a seamless travel experience, Vietnam Discovery Travel can help you organize everything, from booking tours to providing recommendations on where to eat. Contact them via WhatsApp for quick and convenient travel arrangements tailored to your preferences.
