When the sun sets over the Perfume River, Hue’s culinary soul awakens on Truong Dinh Night Food Street—a cozy, pedestrian-only stretch that comes alive with sizzling street food and the gentle buzz of nighttime energy.
Spanning just over 100 meters, this vibrant food street lies a short walk from the riverbank, yet it packs a flavorful punch that has quickly turned it into a must-visit nighttime spot for both locals and travelers.
A Street with History and Heart
Decades ago, the area near Hue’s University of Education was a local favorite for students and workers seeking affordable bites—roasted sweet potatoes, grilled corn, sesame cakes, and banana fritters cooked over makeshift charcoal stoves. Those simple stalls offered more than food—they created memories.
Over time, these vendors were relocated to Hoang Hoa Tham Street, but the growing number of carts caused crowding and disrupted traffic late into the night. Recognizing the cultural and economic value of street food, Hue authorities developed a new plan: transform Truong Dinh Street into a formalized, organized night food zone.
The result? A safe, clean, and lively food street where local vendors thrive and visitors can enjoy the best of Hue’s snacks under strings of glowing lights.
Street Food and Sidewalk Culture
From 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., the street becomes a lively gathering place. Entry barriers block vehicles, turning the road into a relaxed pedestrian walkway. Rows of plastic chairs and foldable tables line the sidewalks, inviting diners to sit and enjoy their meal just steps from the sizzling grills.
Favorites include:
- Roasted corn, grilled sausages, sweet potatoes
- Crispy banh ep, chewy grilled rice paper
- Grilled eggs, skewered fish, and squid
- Classic Hue desserts and spicy noodle bowls
The charcoal aroma, the chatter of families and tourists, and the occasional busker all blend into a warm, communal atmosphere. Though short in length, the street offers a diverse taste of Hue’s nighttime cravings, especially appreciated in the cool evening air.
🌏 A Hit with International Visitors
Truong Dinh has drawn praise from foreign tourists, particularly visitors from South Korea and Japan, who enjoy its blend of casual ambiance and bold local flavors. The setting is informal and intimate—no fancy restaurants, just heartfelt cooking and the hum of daily life.
Beyond food, the street invites people to slow down. Many take an evening stroll along the Perfume River before making their way here. It’s not just about eating—it’s about experiencing Hue’s rhythm after dark.
More Than a Meal
By organizing the vendors and restoring order to the area, the city has turned what was once a scattered scene into a cultural highlight. Truong Dinh Night Food Street is now part of a larger initiative to create designated vending zones, offering opportunity to low-income residents while enhancing the tourist experience.
Hue may be famous for royal palaces and tranquil pagodas, but it’s in places like this—over a bowl of spicy noodles or a warm grilled banana—that you truly feel the city’s soul.