From sweet to savory, rustic to royal, Hue’s culinary scene is rich in both flavor and heritage. In a recent vote for the Top 9 Impressive Hue Dishes, organized by Thua Thien Hue’s Department of Tourism and Saigon Tiep Thi, several standout dishes are winning hearts with their unique origins and unforgettable taste.
Here’s a closer look at the dishes topping the list:
Crispy Bánh Khoái with Kinh Fish
A specialty of the Tam Giang and Chuon lagoons, this dish combines the golden crunch of banh khoái with the tender sweetness of kinh fish. Wrapped in rice paper with herbs and dipped in spicy sauce, it’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that screams Hue.
Boiled Pork with Fermented Shrimp Paste
A humble yet beloved Hue staple. Thin slices of pork belly are dipped into fermented shrimp paste, pungent yet complex, often served with rice and fresh vegetables. The contrast between richness and sharpness makes this dish a memorable bite of daily Hue life.
Sautéed Clams with Rice Crackers
While clam rice is well-known, sautéed clams stir-fried with lemongrass, chili, and garlic, then scooped with crispy rice crackers, offer an equally delightful experience—spicy, crunchy, and deeply satisfying.
Betel Nut Candy
More than a treat, betel nut candy is a symbol of nostalgia. Its intricate design—white sugar shell with a golden core—mimics the traditional betel nut slice. This candy brings back childhood memories and is often shared during family gatherings.
Caramelized Goby Fish in Clay Pot
Using local goby fish, this dish is slow-cooked in a clay pot with sugar and spices until deeply caramelized. The result: a sticky, savory, melt-in-your-mouth delicacy that pairs beautifully with plain rice.
Hue-Style Fig Dishes
Hue makes creative use of figs—both in fig salad with shrimp and pork, and in fried fig patties. The figs’ subtle bitterness blends perfectly with savory ingredients, giving these dishes a refined, earthy taste.
Hue-Style Fried Spring Rolls
Wrapped in softened rice paper and fried until crisp, these mini spring rolls are filled with pork, mushroom, and carrot, served with sweet-and-sour dipping sauce. Light yet addictive, they’re a favorite on every Hue-style tray.
Royal Salted Rice (Cơm muối cung đình)
Once reserved for emperors, this elegant dish is crafted with nine types of flavored salts, each presented in small compartments around the rice. More than food, it’s a culinary art form that symbolizes harmony and longevity.
Fig Salad with Shrimp and Pork
While mentioned above, this version stands on its own for its refreshing balance of sweet, sour, and nutty flavors, especially when served with crispy sesame crackers.
These dishes don’t just nourish—they tell stories of tradition, creativity, and the imperial spirit of Hue. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime lover of Vietnamese food, these nine specialties offer a flavorful way to connect with Hue’s cultural soul.