Hue is not only famous for its historical landmarks and poetic scenery but also a culinary paradise with countless delicious dishes. Below are the must-try specialties when you visit the ancient capital.
Nuoc – A Unique Specialty of Hue
Nuoc is a type of small, transparent jellyfish with a refreshing taste, often used to make salads or dipping sauces. It is a simple yet special dish for the people of Hue.
How to Enjoy Nuoc
- Nuoc Salad: A mix of nuoc, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, green mango, shrimp, or pork belly, all blended with a sweet and sour fish sauce, creating a refreshing and crunchy dish.
- Nuoc with Fermented Anchovy Sauce: Lightly blanched nuoc is served with fresh vegetables and dipped in a rich fermented anchovy sauce, offering a unique flavor experience.
📍 Recommended places to try: Local eateries or Dong Ba Market, Hue.
Banh Ep – An Addictive Street Snack
Banh Ep is a famous street food in Hue with a crispy yet chewy crust and flavorful fillings, usually made from tapioca flour, eggs, pork, and scallions.
What Makes Banh Ep Special?
- Unique Cooking Method: The cake is pressed onto a hot mold, creating a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside slightly chewy.
- Flavorful Dipping Sauce: It is typically served with a sweet and sour fish sauce, adding a perfect balance of flavors.
📍 Where to try: Banh Ep Gia Di, Banh Ep O Xi (Nhat Le Street), Banh Ep Nguyen Du.
Bun Bo Hue – The Soul of Hue Cuisine
When talking about Hue specialties, Bun Bo Hue is a must-mention dish. This noodle soup is known for its rich, fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, paired with beef, pork knuckles, and crab cakes.
What Makes Bun Bo Hue Unique?
- Flavorful Broth: Simmered from beef bones, lemongrass, and Hue’s signature fermented shrimp paste, creating a sweet yet robust taste.
- Thick and Chewy Noodles: Unlike the noodles in the North or South, Hue-style noodles are thicker, white, soft, yet still chewy.
- Fresh Herbs on the Side: Served with bean sprouts, herbs, and thinly sliced banana blossoms to enhance the dish’s flavors.
📍 Recommended places to try: Bun Bo Me Keo, Bun Bo O Cuong (Nguyen Du Street), Bun Bo Ba Gai.
Com Hen – A Simple Yet Flavorful Dish
Com Hen is a humble dish but represents Hue cuisine well, with its bold, spicy flavors.
Key Ingredients in Com Hen
- Cold Rice Mixed with Stir-Fried Clams: The clams are stir-fried with fermented shrimp paste and fried shallots, adding an aromatic taste.
- Various Toppings: Roasted peanuts, crispy pork rinds, banana blossoms, herbs, and clam broth make the dish more flavorful.
- Sweet and Savory Clam Broth: Served alongside a bowl of hot clam broth to enhance the taste.
📍 Where to try: Com Hen Hoa Dong, Com Hen Dap Da, Com Hen Ba Cam.
Hue’s cuisine is a harmonious blend of flavors and unique cooking techniques, resulting in irresistibly delicious dishes. If you have the chance to visit this ancient capital, don’t miss out on these specialties to fully experience the essence of Hue’s culinary heritage!