Discover Hue Cuisine: A Royal Journey Through Vietnam’s Ancient Flavors

Hue, Vietnam—a former imperial capital nestled in Central Vietnam just 5 miles from the coast—is not only rich in history but also renowned for its extraordinary cuisine. Once the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is where tradition meets taste, and its culinary legacy is as majestic as its palaces and tombs.

Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh

Hue Royal Cuisine: Fit for an Emperor

Back in the days of imperial rule, Hue’s chefs were tasked with creating exquisite meals worthy of emperors. Within the famed Forbidden Purple City, royal cooks crafted dishes that were not only delicious but also visually stunning. These carefully prepared meals gave birth to what we now call Hue Royal Cuisine—a unique culinary tradition defined by delicate presentation, bold flavors, and incredible variety.

But the magic of Hue’s food wasn’t limited to the palace. Everyday people in Hue elevated their own cuisine to match the royal standards, resulting in a city where every bite tells a story.

Ready to eat like royalty? Here are some must-try Hue dishes that promise a feast of flavors and a taste of history.

1. Bun Bo Hue – Hue Spicy Beef Noodle Soup

Arguably the most iconic dish of the region, Bun Bo Hue is a rich, spicy broth filled with vermicelli noodles, tender beef brisket, pork hocks, and cubes of congealed blood. Flavored with lemongrass, fermented shrimp paste, garlic, and chili, this dish is full-bodied and deeply satisfying. Even celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain called it: “Lusty… at the very top of delicious, slurpy stuff in a bowl.”

2. Banh Nam – Steamed Flat Dumplings

Wrapped in banana leaves, Banh Nam is a soft, savory dumpling filled with ground pork and shrimp, steamed to perfection. Delicate in texture and bursting with umami, it’s best enjoyed with a dash of nuoc mam (Vietnamese fish sauce). A true royal delicacy.

3. Banh Khoai – Hue-Style Crispy Pancake

Think of it as a Vietnamese taco: a crispy rice flour pancake packed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, folded and dipped in Hue’s famous peanut and fermented bean sauce. It’s crunchy, savory, and totally irresistible.

4. Banh Canh Nam Pho – Crab and Tapioca Noodle Soup

This thick, hearty soup uses tapioca noodles and features a delicious topping of crab meat, prawns, quail eggs, and fish sauce. Originating from Nam Pho village near Hue, this dish is perfect for a chilly evening in Central Vietnam.

5. Banh Ep – Grilled Rice Cake

A favorite Hue street food, Banh Ep is made by pressing marinated pork and egg between two hot metal plates over charcoal. It’s crispy on the outside, chewy inside, and served with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and sweet-sour fish sauce for dipping.

6. Bun Thit Nuong – Grilled Pork with Vermicelli

Cold rice noodles paired with hot grilled pork, tossed with crunchy peanuts, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs—then doused in tangy fish sauce or Hue’s signature peanut sauce. It’s a simple yet unforgettable blend of textures and flavors.

7. Com Hen – Baby Clam Rice

This spicy and savory rice dish features tiny clams from the Perfume River, served with herbs, peanuts, crispy pork rinds, and a splash of fermented shrimp paste. Originally a “peasant dish,” Com Hen today is a staple of Hue’s street food scene.

8. Nem Lui – Lemongrass Pork Skewers

Grilled over charcoal and served on lemongrass sticks, Nem Lui is typically wrapped in rice paper with pineapple, herbs, green bananas, and vermicelli, then dipped in Hue’s famous creamy fermented sauce. Street food, elevated.

9. Com Am Phu – “Hell Rice”

Don’t let the name fool you—Com Am Phu is heavenly. Featuring fragrant rice, grilled pork, shrimp, egg, and herbs, all sliced into fine strips and arranged like an edible work of art. A budget-friendly feast packed with flavors.

10. Che Hem – Hue’s Sweet Soups from the Alleyways

End your royal feast on a sweet note. Hue is famous for its wide selection of “che”—sweet soups made with lotus seeds, taro, mung beans, sticky rice, and even grilled pork dumplings (yes, sweet and savory!). These colorful desserts are often found in hidden alley stalls, offering a unique and authentic taste of Hue.

Why Food in Hue is More Than a Meal

Hue’s cuisine is more than just a collection of dishes—it’s a reflection of its imperial past, local creativity, and cultural pride. Whether you’re a street food lover or a fine dining enthusiast, Hue offers a culinary journey that satisfies both history buffs and foodies.

Travel Tip:

When in Hue, don’t just visit the tombs and citadel—eat your way through the city. With flavors this rich and prices this humble, Hue is the perfect destination for culinary adventure in Vietnam.