Hue, the former imperial city with its serene and ancient beauty, is not only famous for its majestic tombs and tranquil pagodas but also a captivating destination for food lovers. Hue cuisine, especially Hue street food, possesses a unique identity, refined and rich in local flavors. From street vendors weaving through small alleys to humble eateries along the roadsides, Hue street food is always ready to conquer the taste buds of anyone who sets foot here. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to explore the colorful world of Hue street food and experience the unforgettable flavors of the ancient capital.
Cơm Hến (Mussel Rice) – The Quintessence of Humble Hue Street Food
When it comes to Hue street food, one cannot miss the renowned Cơm Hến (Mussel Rice). A rustic, familiar dish that carries the distinctive flavors of the ancient capital. Mussels, the main ingredient, are harvested from the gentle Perfume River, bringing a natural, sweet, and refreshing taste.
Hue Mussel Rice is not elaborate in terms of ingredients or preparation, but it requires meticulousness and sophistication in each step. Cold rice is cooled thoroughly until fluffy, mixed with flavorful stir-fried mussels, crispy pork cracklings, uniquely textured fried pig skin, fresh herbs, and especially indispensable Hue fermented shrimp paste – the spice that makes up the soul of the dish.
When enjoying Mussel Rice, diners will feel the wonderful harmony between the sweetness of mussels, the richness of rice, the greasiness of pork cracklings, the spiciness of chili, the aroma of fresh herbs, and especially the bold flavor of fermented shrimp paste, typical of Hue. All create a unique and irresistible symphony of flavors.
Suggested places to enjoy street-side Cơm Hến in Hue:
- Con Hen, Vi Da: Area famous for many delicious Hue-style Mussel Rice restaurants.
- Pham Hong Thai – Truong Dinh intersection (Ms. Nho’s eatery in the alley): Long-standing family-run restaurant, loved by many locals.
- No. 2 Truong Dinh Street: A familiar spot for many tourists.
- 98 Nguyen Hue Street (Chao – Bun – Com Hen Restaurant): Serves a variety of mussel dishes.
- Han Mac Tu Street: Many small, affordable eateries.
- Sidewalk on Tran Nhan Tong Street, near Tay Loc Market: Street atmosphere, intimate culinary experience.
A bowl of Com Hen – Hue specialty
Bún Bò Huế (Hue Beef Noodle Soup) – The “Soul” of Hue Street Food
Bún Bò Huế (Hue Beef Noodle Soup) is not just a dish, but also a symbol of Hue street food, a source of pride for the people of the ancient capital. This dish has crossed the borders of Vietnam, becoming a world-famous dish, loved and sought after by many international tourists when visiting Hue.
The uniqueness of Hue Beef Noodle Soup lies in its rich broth, simmered from beef bones for hours, combined with fermented shrimp paste, lemongrass, chili, and other secret spices. The thick, chewy vermicelli noodles, thinly sliced, tender beef, served with crab sausage, pork knuckles, blood cubes, and fresh herbs are essential components.
The highlight of Hue Beef Noodle Soup is its spicy, rich, and stimulating flavor, making diners feel warm and refreshed. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Hue Beef Noodle Soup is always a great choice for those who want to explore Hue street food.
Famous street-side Bún Bò Huế quán addresses:
- 13 Ly Thuong Kiet Street (next to the Labor Union Guesthouse): Long-standing beef noodle soup restaurant, traditional flavor.
- “Mu Rot” quán near Dieu De Pagoda: A familiar place for locals.
- Bun Le on Dien Bien Phu Street: Famous restaurant, known to many tourists.
- Ba Phung’s Bun quán on Nguyen Du Street: Distinctive flavor, affordable prices.
- Ba My’s Bun at 71 Nguyen Cong Tru Street: Family-run beef noodle soup restaurant, famous for its rich broth.
The World of Hue Cakes – Diverse Flavors of Street Food
Hue is known as the “land of cakes,” and Hue cakes are also an indispensable part of Hue street food. From small and pretty Bánh Bèo (Steamed Rice Cakes), translucent Bánh Bột Lọc (Clear Shrimp and Pork Dumplings), soft Bánh Nậm (Flat Steamed Rice Cakes) to crispy Bánh Ram Ít (Fried Sticky Rice Dumplings), each type of cake carries its own flavor and characteristics.
Hue cakes are not only delicious but also beautiful, reflecting the skill and sophistication of the cake makers. Hue people often enjoy cakes as an afternoon snack or light meal, but with their diversity and attractiveness, Hue cakes have become a favorite dish for domestic and international tourists.
Wandering around traditional markets such as Dong Ba Market, An Cuu Market, or weaving into small alleys, visitors can easily find street vendors and small cake shops selling all kinds of delicious and attractive Hue cakes. This is a great opportunity to experience Hue street food in the most complete way.
Places to enjoy diverse street-side Hue cakes:
- Dong Ba Market: Hue cake paradise with all kinds of specialty cakes.
- An Cuu Market: Many delicious, affordable cake shops.
- Chi Lang, Dien Bien Phu, Nguyen Hue Streets: Concentration of many famous cake shops.
- Ba Do quán, 71 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street: Long-standing cake shop, famous for Bánh Bèo and Bánh Nậm.
- Ba Cu quán, 47 Nguyen Hue Street: A familiar spot for many locals.
- Hang Me quán on Vo Thi Sau Street: Family-run cake shop, special flavors.
Chè Huế (Hue Sweet Soup) – Sweet Flavors of the Ancient Capital’s Street Food
Chè Huế (Hue Sweet Soup) is not only a refreshing dessert but also a distinctive cultural feature of Hue street food. With hundreds of different types of sweet soup, from elaborate imperial chè to simple, rustic dân dã chè, Hue is truly the “sweet soup paradise” of Vietnam.
The special feature of Hue sweet soup is the diversity of ingredients and preparation methods. From beans, lotus seeds, taro, corn, green beans, black beans… to fresh fruits, all are processed into delicious and nutritious sweet soups.
Strolling through the streets of Hue, visitors can easily find small sweet soup shops and mobile chè vendors, where you can enjoy a cool, sweet glass of chè and feel the typical flavors of Hue street food.
Suggested famous street-side Chè Huế quán:
- Alley 27 Hung Vuong Street (Ba Linh Lan alley sweet soup): Most famous family-run sweet soup quán in Hue.
- Mo Ton Dich sweet soup at Thuong Bac Park: A familiar place for many generations of Hue people.
- Cung Dinh Sweet Soup 31 Nguyen Hue Street: Enjoy imperial sweet soup in a luxurious space.
- Che Sao on Phan Boi Chau Street: Affordable, dân dã sweet soup quán.
- Sweet soup quán on Truong Dinh Street: Many small sweet soup quán, diverse types of chè.
Bún Thịt Nướng & Bánh Ướt Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork Vermicelli & Steamed Rice Cake with Grilled Pork) – Rich Flavors of Hue Street Food
Bún Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork Vermicelli) and Bánh Ướt Thịt Nướng (Steamed Rice Cake with Grilled Pork) are two familiar dishes in Hue street food, especially popular on hot summer afternoons. The common point of these two dishes is the flavorful grilled pork, marinated and grilled over charcoal, retaining its tenderness and distinctive flavor.
Grilled pork is served with fresh vermicelli or soft steamed rice cakes, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, cucumber, and a special sweet and sour dipping sauce. The harmonious combination of ingredients creates a refreshing, nutritious, and attractive dish.
Visitors can easily find Bún Thịt Nướng and Bánh Ướt Thịt Nướng quán all over the streets of Hue. This is an ideal dish to enjoy in the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of Hue street food.
Addresses of delicious street-side Bún Thịt Nướng & Bánh Ướt Thịt Nướng quán:
- Huyen Anh quán, Kim Long Street (road to Thien Mu Pagoda): Famous quán, airy space.
- Dong Ba Market gate: Area with many snack quán and grilled pork vermicelli.
- Nho quán, Dao Duy Tu Street: Affordable quán, rich flavors.
Hue street food is not only delicious food but also a part of culture, a beauty in the life of the people of the ancient capital. Come to Hue and explore the colorful and flavorful world of Hue street food yourself, to fully feel the beauty of this ancient land.