Hue street food: Discover 7 culinary quintessence dishes of the ancient capital of Vietnam

This article introduces 7 of the most unique Hue street foods, helping you fully experience Hue cuisine.

Bun bo Hue (Hue Beef Noodle Soup)

Bun bo Hue is the iconic dish of Hue cuisine, distinguished by its rich, slightly spicy broth and characteristic lemongrass aroma. The round, moderately chewy rice noodles, combined with tender beef and fatty pork hock, create a balanced flavor that makes every bowl of bun bo an unforgettable experience. Served with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime, and chili, the dish is both delicious and visually appealing.

Com hen (Baby Clam Rice)

Com hen is a simple yet refined dish, characterized by the combination of cold rice and stir-fried baby clams fragrant with lemongrass. A sprinkle of roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and a sweet and sour fish sauce dressing give com hen a cool, nutty, creamy, and slightly spicy flavor. This dish is often found at street vendors and is a favorite choice of both locals and tourists.

Nem lui (Grilled Pork Skewers)

Nem lui Hue is an appealing grilled dish, made from seasoned minced pork wrapped around a bamboo skewer and grilled over hot coals. When eaten, nem lụi is typically wrapped in rice paper with fresh vegetables and dipped in a special mixed fermented fish sauce (nước mắm nêm), resulting in a rich, fragrant, and characteristically pungent and slightly spicy flavor. This dish is often found in night markets or small eateries in Hue.

Banh khoai (Hue Savory Crispy Pancake)

Banh khoai is a crispy fried pancake, similar to bánh xèo but smaller and more fragrant, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. When served with fresh herbs and dipped in a distinctive Hue dipping sauce, Banh khoai offers a blend of crispy texture, richness, and strong aroma. The dish is appealing not only for its flavor but also for its refined presentation, creating an attractive and appetizing meal.

Banh nam and Banh loc (Steamed Flat Rice Dumplings and Clear Tapioca Dumplings)

Banh nam and Banh loc are two signature Hue dumplings, made from flexible rice flour and filled with shrimp and pork. Banh nam is thin and flat, often wrapped in dong leaves, while Banh loc  is translucent, chewy, soft, and usually filled with fresh shrimp. Both dumplings, when dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce, create a harmonious flavor experience that is both light and rich, demonstrating the sophistication of Hue cuisine.

Che Hue (Various Hue Sweet Soups/Desserts)

Che Hue (Hue sweet soups) are diverse and abundant, ranging from corn sweet soup (chè bắp), lotus seed sweet soup, to mung bean sweet soup, and taro sweet soup. The special feature is the combination of moderate sweetness, the natural fragrance of the ingredients, and eye-catching colors. Che Hue is not just a refreshing dessert but also reflects traditional culture through its preparation and decoration.

Banh ep (Pressed Thin Pancake)

Banh ep is a famous Hue street snack, made from thinly grilled, crispy rice flour, rolled with a filling of meat or egg, topped with a little fried shallots and herbs. The crispy texture blends with the aromatic filling, dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce or spicy chili sauce, creating a rustic yet highly appealing dish that represents a unique characteristic of Hue's culinary culture.

Enjoying Hue street food is a wonderful way to feel the culture of the ancient capital. Be sure to try these 7 culinary quintessence dishes - you will certainly have a memorable experience and gain a deeper understanding of Hue cuisine.

>> See more great food suggestions in the Dine & Drinks section.