Hue, the serene ancient capital, captivates visitors not only with the timeless beauty and romance of its mausoleums and palaces but also with its unique and refined cuisine. In Hue, dining is more than just enjoying a meal; it’s an experience of culture and history through every flavor. From elaborate royal dishes to rustic, flavorful street food, Hue’s culinary scene has an irresistible charm. Let’s explore the list of top restaurants in Hue where you can savor the essence of imperial cuisine and deeply appreciate this region.
1. Cơm Hến (Baby Clam Rice), Bún Hến (Baby Clam Vermicelli): Rustic Flavors Deeply Rooted in Hue
When it comes to Hue cuisine, cơm hến and bún hến are must-mention dishes. These rustic meals embody the soul of the imperial city’s culinary heritage. Cơm hến is not just a filling dish but a harmonious blend of the sweetness of baby clams, the spiciness of chili, the aroma of Vietnamese mint, and the crunch of crispy pork cracklings. Bún hến is similar, but fresh vermicelli is used instead of rice, creating a lighter and more refreshing taste. Here are the best cơm hến and bún hến restaurants in Hue that you shouldn’t miss:
1.1. Cơm Hến Ba Cam: A Nearly 50-Year-Old Family Recipe
- Address: No. 2 Truong Dinh, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Price Range: 10,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl
Cơm hến Ba Cam has become a familiar culinary brand for Hue locals and tourists alike. With nearly 50 years of history, this cơm hến restaurant still maintains its traditional, distinctive flavor. The secret lies in the baby clam broth, cooked according to a family recipe, offering a subtly sweet and rich taste. Fresh baby clams are carefully selected, stir-fried just right to retain their natural sweetness. The restaurant’s ambiance is simple yet cozy, creating a familiar and welcoming feeling. In addition to cơm hến, the restaurant also serves bún hến, mì hến (baby clam noodles), and stir-fried baby clams, all meticulously and elaborately prepared. At Ba Cam, you not only enjoy delicious food but also experience the old Hue culinary atmosphere.
1.2. Cơm Hến Dap Da: Delicious, Nutritious, and Affordable for All Diners
- Address: No. 1 Han Mac Tu, Vy Da, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Price Range: 20,000 – 40,000 VND/bowl
A bowl of Com Hen Dap Da Hue, a famous and affordable eatery
Cơm hến Dap Da is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy delicious cơm hến at an affordable price. The restaurant is located right at the beginning of Han Mac Tu street, very easy to find. A special feature here is that cơm hến is served with sweet and clear baby clam broth instead of fish sauce like many other places. This combination creates a unique and pleasant flavor. Fresh baby clams, fluffy rice, and fresh green herbs all blend together to create an appealing bowl of cơm hến. The restaurant space is spacious and airy, suitable for large groups. Cơm hến Dap Da is an ideal destination for you to fully experience Hue’s specialty dish.
1.3. Cơm Hến Hoa Dong: Familiar Flavors Near the Citadel
- Address: 64/7 Ung Binh, Vy Da, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Price Range: 20,000 – 40,000 VND/bowl
Cơm hến Hoa Dong is a well-known eatery in Hue, especially popular with tourists visiting the Hue Citadel. Located near the Citadel, it’s very convenient to stop by after exploring historical sites. The cơm hến here is prepared in a traditional style, preserving the characteristic Hue flavor. Fluffy rice grains, sweet and rich baby clams, and well-balanced seasonings create a delicious and nutritious cơm hến dish. The restaurant’s ambiance is simple and cozy, giving a familiar feeling as if you are eating at home. Cơm hến Hoa Dong is a perfect choice for you to enjoy Hue’s specialty dish in a close and comfortable setting.
1.4. Quan Nho (Little Restaurant): Diverse Menu, Flavorful Cơm Hến
- Address: No. 50 Hai Ba Trung, Vinh Ninh, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Price Range: 10,000 – 30,000 VND/portion
Quan Nho Hue, a place to enjoy diverse and unique Hue cuisine
Quan Nho is not only famous for cơm hến but also has an incredibly rich and diverse menu of Hue specialty dishes. However, cơm hến remains the most popular dish at the restaurant. Cơm hến at Quan Nho has a rich flavor, chewy baby clams, a flavorful broth, served with crispy pork cracklings, fresh herbs, and fragrant shrimp paste. In addition to cơm hến, you can enjoy Bún bò Huế (Hue beef vermicelli soup), Bánh canh Nam Phổ (Nam Pho thick noodle soup), Bánh khoái (Hue crispy pancake), Nem lụi (Lemongrass skewers), Chả ram ít (Fried spring rolls with wet rice paper)… The restaurant space is designed in a traditional style, offering a cozy and familiar feeling. Quan Nho is an ideal destination for you to explore Hue cuisine comprehensively.
2. Thế Giới Bánh Huế (Hue Cake World): The Essence of Central Vietnamese Cuisine
Hue is not only famous for cơm hến but also a paradise of cakes. Hue cakes are diverse in types and rich in flavors, from the delicate Bánh nậm (Steamed flat rice dumplings) and Bánh bèo (Water fern cakes) to the savory Bánh khoái and Bánh ép (Pressed cake). Each type of cake has its own unique flavor, reflecting the sophistication and skill of Hue people in culinary arts. Here are the best Hue cake restaurants that you cannot miss:
2.1. Bánh Canh Nam Phổ Quan Thuy: Famous Flavor Near Trang Tien Bridge
- Address: 16 Pham Hong Thai, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Price Range: 15,000 – 25,000 VND/dish
Quan Thuy is a familiar place for Hue locals and tourists who want to enjoy Bánh canh Nam Phổ. Bánh canh Nam Phổ at Quan Thuy is famous for its thick, soft noodles, smooth, rich broth, and especially fragrant and fatty shrimp cake. Tender and flavorful roasted pork is also a big plus. The restaurant space is small but always bustling with customers, demonstrating the appeal of Bánh canh Nam Phổ here. In addition to Bánh canh Nam Phổ, the restaurant also serves other Hue cakes such as Bánh nậm, Bánh ít (Pyramid dumplings), Bánh lọc (Clear shrimp and pork dumplings)… so you can fully enjoy the culinary flavors of the dreamy land.
2.2. Quan Ba Do: Traditional Bánh Nậm, Bèo, Lọc
- Address: 8 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Hue City (near Trang Tien Bridge)
- Opening Hours: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Price Range: 20,000 – 40,000 VND/portion
Banh Nam Ba Do Hue, a long-standing and beloved Hue cake shop
Quan Ba Do is a long-standing Hue cake shop, famous for its Bánh nậm, Bánh bèo, and Bánh lọc. Bánh nậm at Ba Do is made from delicious, white, fine rice flour, wrapped in green banana leaves, bringing a distinctive flavor that cannot be mistaken. Bánh bèo is soft and chewy, Bánh lọc is chewy, each type of cake has its own unique and appealing flavor. The dipping sauce at the restaurant is also specially prepared, just right. The restaurant’s ambiance is simple and rustic, offering a close and familiar feeling. Quan Ba Do is an ideal place for you to enjoy traditional Hue cakes.
2.3. Quan Hue Xua (Old Hue Restaurant): Authentic Central Vietnamese Bánh Bèo
- Address: No. 1 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: 15,000 – 25,000 VND/10 bowls
Quan Hue Xua is a must-visit destination for those who love Hue’s Bánh bèo. Bánh bèo Hue at Quan Hue Xua is made according to a family recipe, with a soft and chewy crust, rich braised shrimp filling, combined with the fatty flavor of scallion oil and a harmonious sweet and sour fish sauce. Each small, delicate bowl of Bánh bèo is filled with Hue flavors. The restaurant space is decorated in the old Hue style, offering a nostalgic and romantic feeling. Quan Hue Xua is where you can savor the taste of Hue in every Bánh bèo.
2.4. Bánh Khoái Hanh: Renowned Bánh Khoái, Crispy and Golden Brown
- Address: 11 – 15 Pho Duc Chinh, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: 20,000 – 55,000 VND/piece
Banh Khoai Hanh Hue, a must-try famous and delicious Banh Khoai restaurant
Bánh khoái Hanh is one of the best Bánh khoái restaurants in Hue. Bánh khoái Hanh is famous for its golden brown, crispy crust, generous and flavorful shrimp and meat filling, combined with the subtle sweetness of bean sprouts. The Bánh khoái dipping sauce here is also specially prepared, just right, enhancing the flavor of the cake. The restaurant space is spacious and airy, serving quickly and enthusiastically. Bánh khoái Hanh is an ideal place for you to enjoy the famous Bánh khoái of Hue.
2.5. Bánh Bèo Cung An Dinh: Family Recipe Flavor in a Small Alley
- Address: No. 33, alley 177, Phan Dinh Phung, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Price Range: 25,000 – 40,000 VND/serving
Bánh bèo Cung An Dinh is a delicious Bánh bèo restaurant hidden in a small alley on Phan Dinh Phung street. Although a bit hard to find, this Bánh bèo restaurant is always loved by diners for its delicious and rich flavor. Bánh bèo here is made according to a family recipe, with a soft and smooth crust, chewy texture, rich shrimp and meat filling, combined with a special fish sauce. The restaurant space is small and cozy, offering a close and friendly feeling. Bánh bèo Cung An Dinh is a hidden gem of Hue cuisine, worth exploring.
2.6. Bánh Ép Chi Hue: Fatty and Unique Bánh Ép
- Address: 118 Le Ngo Cat, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: 5,000 – 10,000 VND/piece
Banh Ep Hue Chi Hue, a famous Banh Ep restaurant with unique flavors
Bánh ép Chi Hue is a must-visit place for those who love Hue’s Bánh ép. Bánh ép Chi Hue is different from Bánh ép in other places because the crust is made from rice flour mixed with coconut milk, creating a distinctive fatty flavor. The cake is pressed hot on the spot, fragrant with the aroma of lemongrass, eggs, fried shallots, and Vietnamese mint. The restaurant space is simple and casual, suitable for all types of diners. Bánh ép Chi Hue is an ideal snack for you to experience Hue street food.
3. Hue Breakfast Restaurants: Start Your Day Full of Energy
Breakfast in Hue is also very diverse and plentiful, from rich Bánh canh cua (Crab thick noodle soup) to subtly sweet Bánh canh cá lóc (Snakehead fish thick noodle soup). Hue people often choose hot, nutritious breakfast dishes to start a new day. Here are the best breakfast restaurants in Hue that you shouldn’t miss:
3.1. Bánh Canh Cua Roi Huong: Rich Flavor, Diverse Toppings
- Address: 30 Pham Hong Thai, Vinh Ninh Ward, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 11:30 AM & 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Price Range: 20,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl
Bánh canh cua roi Huong is a delicious breakfast restaurant in Hue that is loved by many. Bánh canh cua roi Huong is famous for its rich broth, authentic Hue flavor, chewy bánh canh noodles, and diverse toppings such as crab, crab claws, shrimp, and fish cakes. Fresh ingredients are meticulously processed, ensuring quality. The restaurant space is clean and airy, serving quickly and attentively. Bánh canh cua roi Huong is an excellent choice for you to enjoy a flavorful breakfast with the taste of Hue.
3.2. Bánh Canh Cá Lóc Binh: Sweet Broth, Fresh Snakehead Fish
- Address: 140 Truong Chinh, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Price Range: 15,000 – 30,000 VND/bowl
Bánh canh cá lóc Binh is a delicious and famous breakfast restaurant in Hue. Bánh canh cá lóc Binh conquers diners with its sweet broth, simmered from fish bones, fresh snakehead fish, firm and not fishy. The bánh canh noodles are soft and moderately chewy. The restaurant serves from early morning until late at night, very convenient for customers. In addition to bánh canh cá lóc, the restaurant also has bánh đa cua (Crab noodle soup), lòng (offal), chả cốm (young rice patties)… Bánh canh cá lóc Binh is an ideal place for you to enjoy a delicious, nutritious breakfast with the flavor of the ancient capital.
4. Bún Thịt Nướng Hue (Hue Grilled Pork Vermicelli): An Irresistible Delight
Bún thịt nướng Hue is a specialty dish that you must try when you come to Hue. This dish is appealing with fragrant, flavorful grilled pork, soft fresh vermicelli, refreshing herbs, and a harmonious sweet and sour dipping sauce. Here are the best bún thịt nướng restaurants in Hue:
4.1. Bún Thịt Nướng Ba Ty: Family Flavor, Rich Grilled Pork
- Address: 81 Dao Duy Tu, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Price Range: 6,000 – 20,000 VND/person
Bun thit nuong Ba Ty Hue, a long-standing famous and delicious grilled pork vermicelli restaurant
Bún thịt nướng Ba Ty is a famous and delicious bún thịt nướng restaurant in Hue. Ba Ty restaurant has been around for a long time, and the flavor of bún thịt nướng here is considered unique and different from other places by many people. The secret lies in the sophisticated seasoning, golden brown, fragrant grilled pork that is not dry. The sweet and sour pickled vegetables served with it are also perfectly prepared. The restaurant space is simple but always crowded. Bún thịt nướng Ba Ty is an ideal place for you to enjoy authentic Hue-style bún thịt nướng.
4.2. Quan Banh Uot – Thit Nuong Huyen Anh: Soft Banh Uot, Fragrant Grilled Pork
- Address: 50 Kim Long, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Price Range: 15,000 – 30,000 VND/person
Quan bánh ướt – thịt nướng Huyen Anh is a delicious restaurant in Hue specializing in grilled dishes. A special feature of Huyen Anh restaurant is the soft and smooth bánh ướt (steamed rice crepe), freshly made at the restaurant, combined with fragrant, flavorful grilled pork marinated with a special secret recipe. Besides bún thịt nướng, the restaurant also serves bánh ướt thịt nướng, nem lụi, chả ram (fried spring rolls)… The restaurant space is spacious and airy, suitable for both families and groups of friends. Quan Huyen Anh is an ideal place for you to enjoy delicious grilled dishes in a comfortable space.
4.3. Nem Lui Tai Phu: Distinctive Nem Lui Flavor, Charcoal Grilled
- Address: 81 Dao Duy Tu, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: 8,000 VND/skewer
Nem Lui Tai Phu Hue, a delicious charcoal grilled Lemongrass skewer restaurant
Nem lụi Tai Phu is a famous and delicious nem lụi restaurant in Hue. Nem lụi Tai Phu is loved for its distinctive flavor, nem is seasoned just right, grilled over red-hot charcoal, creating a fragrant aroma. Nem lụi is served with rice paper, fresh herbs, green bananas, cucumbers, and a special dipping sauce. The restaurant space is casual, the prices are affordable, suitable for all types of customers. Nem lụi Tai Phu is an ideal place for you to enjoy authentic Hue-style nem lụi.
4.4. Bún Mắm Nêm Me Theo: Rich Shrimp Paste, Unforgettable Flavor
- Address: 235 Ba Trieu, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Price Range: 25,000 – 35,000 VND/bowl
Bún mắm nêm Me Theo is a delicious and famous bún mắm nêm restaurant in Hue. Bún mắm nêm Me Theo is loved for its rich and fragrant shrimp paste, prepared according to the restaurant’s own recipe. Chewy vermicelli, fresh green vegetables, tender boiled pork, all blend together to create an appealing and unforgettable bún mắm nêm dish. The restaurant space is simple, clean, and the prices are affordable. Bún mắm nêm Me Theo is an ideal place for you to enjoy Hue’s specialty bún mắm nêm.
5. Bún Bò Huế (Hue Beef Noodle Soup): The Quintessence of Imperial Cuisine
Bún bò Huế is the most famous dish of Hue, loved throughout the country. However, only when you enjoy bún bò Huế right in Hue can you truly feel the authentic and quintessential flavor. Here are the best bún bò Huế restaurants that you shouldn’t miss:
5.1. Bún Bò Huế O Khuong: Over 20 Years of Tradition, Unforgettable Flavor
- Address: 276 Hung Vuong, An Cuu, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 AM (estimated)
- Price Range: 20,000 – 30,000 VND/bowl
Bun bo Hue O Khuong, a long-standing famous and delicious Bun Bo Hue restaurant
Bún bò Huế O Khuong is a delicious bún bò Huế restaurant with over 20 years of history in Hue. O Khuong restaurant is famous for its sweet broth from bones, rich in authentic Hue flavor, fresh ingredients, carefully selected. Crab cakes, pork knuckles, and beef are all meticulously and elaborately prepared. The restaurant space is clean and airy, serving enthusiastically and attentively. Bún bò Huế O Khuong is an ideal place for you to enjoy authentic and quality bún bò Huế.
5.2. Bún Bò O Cuong Chu Diep: Affordable but Quality, Distinctive Flavor
- Address: No. 6 Tran Thuc Nhan, Vinh Ninh, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM (estimated)
- Price Range: 20,000 – 30,000 VND/bowl
Bún bò O Cuong chu Diep is a delicious, affordable but quality bún bò Huế restaurant in Hue. O Cuong chu Diep restaurant is loved for its distinctive bún bò flavor, rich and well-seasoned broth, tender beef, and fatty pork knuckles. Affordable prices, suitable for many people’s budgets. The restaurant space is simple and clean, serving quickly and enthusiastically. Bún bò O Cuong chu Diep is an excellent choice for you to enjoy delicious, nutritious, and cheap bún bò Huế.
5.3. Bún Bò Me Keo: 70-Year-Old Bún Bò Stall, Unique Experience
- Address: 20 Bach Dang street, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM (daily)
- Price Range: 20,000 – 30,000 VND/bowl
Bun bo Me Keo Hue, a famous Bun Bo Hue stall with over 70 years of history
Bún bò Me Keo is a famous bún bò Huế stall with a history of over 70 years. Bún bò Me Keo is different from other bún bò restaurants in that it does not have beef, instead, it has crab cakes, pork knuckles, and a sweet and rich broth simmered from pork bones. The experience of eating bún bò Me Keo is also very unique, you have to serve yourself noodles, vegetables and wait for Me Keo to ladle the broth. The restaurant space is simple and rustic, imbued with traditional features. Bún bò Me Keo is an ideal place for you to experience traditional bún bò Huế and feel the old Hue culinary atmosphere.
5.4. Bún Bò Ba Nga: Evening Bún Bò Restaurant, Rich Flavor
- Address: No. 105 Xuan 68, Hue City
- Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Price Range: 25,000 – 30,000 VND/bowl
Bún bò Ba Nga is a delicious bún bò Huế restaurant that only opens in the evening. Bún bò Ba Nga is famous for its rich and spicy broth, characteristic of bún bò Huế, simmered from beef bones for many hours. A full bowl of noodles with tender beef, fatty pork knuckles, and delicious crab cakes. The restaurant space is cozy, serving enthusiastically and attentively. Bún bò Ba Nga is an excellent choice for you to enjoy a delicious dinner with authentic bún bò Huế.
Hopefully, with the list of delicious restaurants in Hue suggested by Du lịch khắp thế gian (Travel Around The World), you will have wonderful and memorable culinary experiences in the ancient capital of Hue. Wishing you a complete trip to Hue and discovering many interesting things!