1.Bun Bo Hue (Hue Beef Noodle Soup)
If Hanoi is famous for its warm, comforting bowls of bun thang or bun moc, then the poetic land of Hue is renowned for its distinctive, flavorful bun bo Hue. A bowl of Hue beef noodle soup combines a savory, sweet broth with a variety of nutritious vegetables and herbs. Bun bo Hue has a unique taste that cannot be confused with any other noodles, thanks to the special flavor of fermented shrimp paste (mam ruoc) and the aroma of lemongrass. It provides a subtle sweetness, a pleasant fragrance, without any overpowering smell or fishy taste. Bun bo Hue has thus become an unmissable specialty in Hue.
2.Mi Quang (Quang Noodles)
Though a well-known dish to many, to enjoy an authentic bowl of Mi Quang, you would have to visit Quang Nam or Da Nang. This dish is seen as the “soul” of Quang Nam cuisine, and finding a place to enjoy it is easy, as it’s available everywhere—from hidden alleys to bustling markets. A bowl of Mi Quang offers the delicious flavors of fresh shrimp, sliced pork, or shredded chicken, mixed with the nutty taste of peanuts, a rich, slightly sweet broth, and crispy rice crackers. It is accompanied by fresh greens such as lettuce, fish mint, coriander, and banana blossom. These ingredients blend harmoniously, enhancing the signature flavor of the renowned Mi Quang.
3.Banh Can (Rice Pancakes)
This popular dish from coastal provinces in Central Vietnam is similar in appearance to the Southern banh khot, yet the fillings for banh can are more varied. It includes options like meat, egg, mushroom, squid, and shrimp. Banh can is often served with various fresh herbs and sauces such as fermented anchovy sauce (mam nem) or sweet and sour fish sauce.
4.Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake)
Unlike the large Southern banh xeo, Central Vietnam’s version is roughly palm-sized with a small amount of filling—often just a single shrimp or a few thin slices of pork or squid along with fresh bean sprouts. The dish captivates diners with its crispy texture and the rich flavor of the dipping sauce, accompanied by fresh vegetables.
5.Com Hen & Bun Hen (Clam Rice and Clam Vermicelli)
This steaming hot bowl of clam rice or vermicelli offers a delightful mix of sweetness and the mild, nutty taste of clams with a rich broth. Known as one of the spiciest dishes in Hue cuisine, it’s meant to be enjoyed with chili, making diners sweat as they savor each bite. For locals, this spiciness enhances the dish’s flavor and fully brings out the unique taste. Clam rice and vermicelli are also available in Hoi An, with a deliciously similar flavor.
6.Hue’s Traditional Cakes
Visiting Hue means experiencing its famous traditional cakes, such as banh beo (steamed rice cake in small bowls), banh ram it (fried sticky rice cake), banh phu the (husband-and-wife cake), banh bot loc (tapioca dumplings), banh nam (flat rice dumpling), banh uot (steamed rice pancake), and banh ep (pressed rice cake).
7.Cao Lau
Cao Lau noodles are unique, made with lye water, and served with char siu pork, crispy rice crackers, and fresh herbs. The noodles are lightly blanched, then topped with pork slices, crispy crackers, herbs, and a soy-based sauce. Cao Lau’s flavor is a delightful mix of chewy yellow noodles, savory sauce, and the crispy texture of fried crackers.
8.Nem Lui (Grilled Pork Skewers)
Nem lui, a delightful specialty in Nha Trang, provides a balanced blend of nutrients, using ground pork, pork fat, garlic, lemongrass, rice paper, fresh herbs, and a rich dipping sauce. The pork mixture is wrapped around lemongrass stalks, grilled over charcoal, and served with a sauce made from liver, peanuts, and sesame seeds, which adds a rich flavor. The aromatic pork, creamy sauce, and refreshing greens create an irresistible flavor combination.
