Welcome to the ancient imperial capital, where history meets culinary excellence! If you’re a true food lover, embarking on a Hue Food Tour is one of the best ways to experience Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Known for its refined royal cuisine and bustling street food scene, Hue offers an irresistible blend of tradition, flavor, and unforgettable culinary adventures.
Whether you’re here for the best food in Hue, exploring Vietnamese Central Cuisine, or simply wondering what to eat in Hue for first-time visitors, this guide covers everything—from hidden street food gems to iconic dishes passed down from royal kitchens.
Must-Try Dishes in Hue: The Heart of Local Food Hue
No Hue food tour is complete without tasting these legendary must-try dishes in Hue, each deeply rooted in the city’s history and identity.
1. Bun Bo Hue – The Iconic Hue Beef Noodle Soup
A symbol of Hue traditional food, Bun Bo Hue is famous for its rich, spicy broth infused with lemongrass and fermented shrimp paste. Each bowl comes loaded with tender beef, pork hock, crab sausage, and congealed pig’s blood, making it a hearty, aromatic experience.
Where to eat in Hue: Discover the best places to try Bun Bo Hue along Nguyen Cong Tru Street or Ly Thuong Kiet Street, where locals gather for breakfast and lunch.
2. Com Hen – Clam Rice, Hue Street Food at Its Best
A true Hue street food delight, Com Hen is a refreshing, flavor-packed dish of cold rice, stir-fried clams, crispy pork cracklings, roasted peanuts, and herbs, served with a side of clam broth.
Where to eat: Head to the Con Hen area or explore Pham Hong Thai Street, home to some of the city’s most authentic local food Hue spots.
3. Hue’s Famous “Banh” Cakes – Royal Bites Full of Tradition
Experience the elegance of Hue imperial city food culture with these delicate steamed cakes:
✔ Banh Beo: Small rice cakes topped with shrimp, crispy pork, and fried shallots
✔ Banh Nam: Soft steamed rice flour cakes with minced shrimp and pork filling
✔ Banh Loc (Goi & Tran): Chewy tapioca dumplings filled with shrimp and pork, with or without banana leaf wrapping
Where to eat: Visit popular spots on Nguyen Binh Khiem Street or Nguyen Cong Tru Street for a true taste of Hue royal cuisine.
4. Banh Khoai – Crispy Hue-Style Pancakes
A thicker, crispier version of Vietnam’s Banh Xeo, these pancakes are stuffed with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and served with fresh herbs and Hue’s signature peanut sauce.
Where to eat in Hue: Look for family-run eateries in the Dinh Tien Hoang or Pho Duc Chinh areas.
5. Nem Lui – Grilled Lemongrass Pork Skewers
A beloved part of Hue street food, these juicy pork skewers are grilled over charcoal and served with herbs, rice paper, and peanut dipping sauce.
Where to eat: Find authentic Nem Lui at eateries in Kim Long village or along Dien Bien Phu Street.
6. Ca Phe Muoi – Hue’s Unique Salt Coffee
A hidden gem of Hue food culture, this rich Vietnamese coffee is topped with creamy, lightly salted foam, offering a perfect sweet-salty balance.
Where to drink: Enjoy Ca Phe Muoi at Cafe Muoi on Nguyen Luong Bang Street or at Huyen Anh Cafe near the Perfume River.
Dive into Hue Street Food: Authentic Local Flavors
Exploring Hue street food is a must for those seeking cultural food experiences beyond the tourist trails.
Sweet Treats – Che Hue
Che Hue, or Hue’s famous sweet soups, come in countless variations:
✔ Che Bap: Corn sweet soup
✔ Che Hat Sen: Lotus seed sweet soup
✔ Che Bot Loc Boc Heo Quay: Unique tapioca dumpling dessert with pork belly
Where to eat: Discover hidden Che Hem dessert alleys along Hung Vuong Street or Dinh Tien Hoang Street.
Other Hue Snacks & Appetizers
✔ Va Tron: Refreshing young fig salad with shrimp and pork
✔ Tre Hue: Fermented pork snack, spicy, sour, and addictive
✔ Banh Ep: Pressed rice pancakes filled with shrimp or pork
✔ Banh Canh Nam Pho: Hearty tapioca noodle soup from Nam Pho village
Trang Tien Night Banh Mi
For a satisfying late-night snack, try the iconic Banh Mi Dem Trang Tien, crispy baguettes filled with pate, sausage, and egg, best enjoyed near Trang Tien Bridge after dark.
Hue Vegetarian Cuisine: Plant-Based Royal Delights
As a city with deep Buddhist traditions, Hue offers diverse and flavorful vegetarian dishes, prepared with the same meticulous attention to detail as its royal counterparts.
Where to eat in Hue: Seek out vegetarian restaurants or enjoy peaceful meals in Hue’s temple courtyards.
Best Restaurants in Hue & Where to Ea
Whether you crave street food or refined Hue royal cuisine, the city caters to every taste:
✔ Budget-Friendly: Explore small alley eateries and local markets
✔ Mid-Range: Comfortable, authentic restaurants serving Hue staples
✔ High-End: Elegant venues specializing in intricate royal recipes
Finding where to eat in Hue has never been easier with options for every traveler.
Plan Your Food Tour Huế: Tips for the Perfect Hue Food Tour
Best Time to Visit:
The dry season (March to August) offers ideal conditions for a self-guided Hue food tour itinerary, with pleasant weather for walking or biking.
Getting Around:
✔ Motorbike: Ideal for flexibility and alley exploration
✔ Cyclo: A charming, leisurely option near historical areas
✔ Walking/Biking: Best for food-hopping around the Citadel or riverside
Tips for Travelers:
- Carry cash (many spots don’t accept cards)
- Learn basic phrases like “ít cay” (less spicy)
- Be adventurous—Hue’s best flavors are often found at humble street stalls
Self-Guided Hue Food Tour Itinerary
Want to explore at your own pace? Here’s a self-guided Hue food tour itinerary for a perfect day of eating:
Morning:
✔ Start with Bun Bo Hue or Com Hen
Lunch:
✔ Try Banh Khoai or Nem Lui
Afternoon Snacks:
✔ Sample Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Loc and a bowl of Che Hue
Evening:
✔ Explore night markets for Banh Mi Dem Trang Tien, Hen Xuc Banh Trang, or late-night street food in Hue
Best Food Tours for Foreigners in Hue
Prefer guided experiences? Consider these curated Hue food tour options:
✔ Journey Through Hue Flavors: A comprehensive street food & market tour, ideal for discovering local food Hue
✔ Royal Cooking Class: Learn to prepare signature Hue traditional food, including famous cakes
✔ Night Street Food Adventure: Explore bustling markets and hidden alleys after dark
✔ Hue Culinary Gift Sets: Take home authentic Hue specialties like Me Xung, Mam Ruoc, and Tre Hue
These are the best food tours for foreigners in Hue, ensuring you savor every iconic dish.
Hue Food Souvenirs to Bring Home
Before you leave, grab these culinary gifts:
✔ Me Xung: Hue’s famous sesame candy
✔ Banh Dau Xanh Trai Cay: Green bean cakes in fruit shapes
✔ Mam Ruoc & Mam Tom Chua Hue: Unique fermented shrimp pastes
✔ Nem Chua Hue & Tre Hue: Tangy, spicy pork snacks
✔ Mam So Lang Co: Distinctive clam sauce from Lang Co
FAQs – Hue Food & Food Tour Huế Guide
Q1: What to eat in Hue for first-time visitors?
A1: Don’t miss Bun Bo Hue, Hue’s savory cakes (Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Loc), Com Hen, Nem Lui, and Che Hue.
Q2: Where to find authentic street food in Hue?
A2: Explore Dong Ba Market, hidden alleys around the Citadel, and local spots along Nguyen Cong Tru Street.
Q3: Is Hue food spicy?
A3: Many dishes are spicy. Request “ít cay” (less spicy) if you prefer milder flavors.
Q4: Are there vegetarian options?
A4: Yes! Hue’s vegetarian cuisine is diverse and easy to find at temples or vegetarian restaurants.
Q5: How much does local food in Hue cost?
A5: Most dishes range from 30,000 to 50,000 VND, making Hue perfect for budget travelers.
Q6: Where to book the best food tours for foreigners in Hue?
A6: Many reputable tour operators and hotels offer Hue food tour packages with English-speaking guides.
Conclusion: Taste the Best Food in Hue Today!
With its royal history, unique flavors, and vibrant street scene, Hue promises an unforgettable culinary adventure. Whether through a self-guided Hue food tour itinerary or joining the best food tours for foreigners in Hue, you’ll savor the true essence of Hue food.
Don’t just visit Hue—taste Hue. Your next great bite awaits!
