Hue, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam, is not only famous for its rich history and stunning landscapes but also for its vibrant and diverse culinary scene. With a unique blend of royal dishes, street food, and traditional Vietnamese cuisine, Hue offers a plethora of mouthwatering delights for food enthusiasts. In this Hue Food Guide, we have compiled a list of 14 must-try dishes that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey through the flavors of this charming city.
Hue Food Guide: 14 Must-Try Dishes in Hue
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Bun Bo Hue: A classic specialty of Hue, Bun Bo Hue is a flavorful beef noodle soup that packs a punch. Made with tender slices of beef, pork, aromatic lemongrass, and shrimp paste, this dish is known for its spicy and hearty broth. Don’t forget to add a squeeze of lime and sprinkle of fresh herbs to enhance the flavors.
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Banh Khoai: Originating from the imperial courts, Banh Khoai is a crispy pancake filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and mung beans. Served with a variety of fresh herbs and a tangy dipping sauce, this delicacy is a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
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Com Hen: A popular street food in Hue, Com Hen is a dish of rice topped with baby clams, sliced pork, crispy pork skin, and a variety of herbs and vegetables. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the crunchiness of the pork skin, makes this dish a delightful experience.
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Nem Lui: A favorite among locals and tourists alike, Nem Lui is a unique dish consisting of grilled pork skewers wrapped in rice paper, fresh herbs, and served with a peanut dipping sauce. The smoky flavors of the grilled pork combined with the freshness of the herbs make this dish a perfect snack or light meal.
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Banh Beo: These small steamed rice cakes topped with dried shrimp, scallion oil, and crispy pork skin are a popular snack in Hue. The soft and delicate texture of the rice cakes, along with the savory toppings, make Banh Beo a delightful treat for any food lover.
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Banh Nam: Another variation of steamed rice cakes, Banh Nam is a must-try dish in Hue. The cakes are filled with a mixture of ground shrimp and pork, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. The fragrant aroma of the banana leaves, combined with the flavorful filling, makes this dish an absolute delight.
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Banh Loc: Similar to Banh Nam, Banh Loc are translucent dumplings made from tapioca starch and filled with shrimp and pork. These bite-sized delights are served with a savory dipping sauce and are perfect for snacking or as an appetizer.
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Banh Uot Thit Nuong: This dish consists of rice paper rolls filled with grilled pork, fresh herbs, and served with a flavorful dipping sauce. The combination of the smoky flavors from the grilled pork and the freshness of the herbs makes Banh Uot Thit Nuong a popular choice among locals and visitors.
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Banh Canh: A thick and hearty noodle soup, Banh Canh is made with tapioca flour noodles and a variety of toppings such as shrimp, pork, or fish. The rich and savory broth, combined with the chewy noodles, creates a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Banh Loc Goi La Chuoi: These unique dumplings are wrapped in banana leaves and filled with a mixture of ground shrimp, pork, and mung bean. Steamed to perfection, Banh Loc Goi La Chuoi is a popular dish in Hue, known for its delicate flavors and fragrant aroma.
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Bun Thit Nuong: A popular Vietnamese dish, Bun Thit Nuong consists of vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork, fresh herbs, and a tangy fish sauce dressing. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish a refreshing and satisfying choice.
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Banh Trang Tron: A popular street food snack, Banh Trang Tron is a mixture of rice paper strips, dried beef, quail eggs, green mango, herbs, and a variety of sauces. The combination of sweet, salty, and sour flavors, along with the crunchy texture, makes this dish an exciting and addictive treat.
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Banh Can: These small and fluffy pancakes are made from rice flour and are typically filled with shrimp, pork, or spring onions. Served with a sweet and savory dipping sauce, Banh Can is a popular breakfast or snack choice in Hue.
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Che Hue: Conclude your culinary journey in Hue with a sweet treat. Che Hue is a variety of traditional Vietnamese desserts such as jelly, sweet soup, and pudding, made from ingredients like beans, fruits, and coconut milk. The vibrant colors and sweet flavors of Che Hue will leave you wanting more.
Hue’s culinary delights offer a unique blend of flavors and textures that are sure to impress even the most discerning food connoisseurs. From the rich and spicy flavors of Bun Bo Hue to the delicate and fragrant Banh Nam, each dish tells a story of Hue’s rich culinary heritage. So, when you visit this charming city, don’t miss the opportunity to embark on a gastronomic adventure and indulge in these 14 must-try dishes. Your taste buds will thank you!