Hue Beef Noodle Soup (Bun Bo Hue)

6 Hue Dishes Have Been honored as Typical Vietnamese Cuisine

10 November, 2023
Vietnamese Food Culture

Hue dishes – The Vietnam Culinary Culture Association (VCCA) has recently bestowed recognition upon six distinctive culinary delights from Thua Thien Hue, accrediting them as exemplary Vietnamese cuisine.

Among the honored specialties are the renowned 6 Hue dishes: Hue beef noodle soup, tapioca pudding enveloped with succulent roasted pork, flavorful mussel rice, delectable loc cake, a fusion of fig and vegetarian flowers, and the exquisite vegetarian lotus leaf steamed rice.

Hue Culinary Capital

Designated by the Department of Tourism of Thua Thien Hue, these dishes have secured their place in the roster of 121 typical culinary treasures in phase I of the 2022 initiative, titled “Building and Developing Vietnamese Culinary Culture into a National Brand, Period 2022-2024,” orchestrated by VCCA.

Earning the distinguished title of “Culinary Capital,” The City of Hue stands out as the region with the highest number of honored dishes during the inaugural phase of the “Journey to Find Typical Vietnamese Culinary Cultural Values” in 2022.

VCCA, driven by its mission to unearth, revive, safeguard, spotlight, and elevate Vietnamese culinary culture to unprecedented heights, is actively executing the project “Building and Developing Vietnamese Culinary Culture into a National Brand.” This initiative involves comprehensive surveys and data collection on Vietnamese culinary culture to construct “A Journey to Find Typical Vietnamese Culinary Cultural Values – A Collection of 1,000 Typical Vietnamese Culinary Dishes.” Subsequently, the acquired database will be transformed into the “Online Map of Vietnamese Cuisine” and the “Online Museum of Vietnamese Cuisine.”

Anticipated to serve as a cornerstone for propelling Vietnamese brands onto the global stage through culinary culture, the project not only fosters national competition but also lays the groundwork for Vietnam’s economic development.

My Homeland’s Delicious Dishes

In tandem with these efforts, VCCA officially launches the 2023 phase of the project, marked by the program “My Homeland’s Delicious Dishes.” This initiative, nominated by experts, chefs, restaurants, culinary businesses, and various agencies within the cuisine and tourism sector in Thua Thien Hue province, will determine its outcomes through meticulous evaluation and voting by both experts and the local community.

A Culinary Journey through Hue City: Exploring 6 Typical Delicacies

Nestled in the heart of Vietnam, Hue City is not only known for its rich history and imperial architecture but also for its distinctive and flavorful culinary offerings. The city’s cuisine is a delightful fusion of royal traditions and local flavors, creating a unique gastronomic experience. Let’s embark on a Vietnam culinary journey through Hue and explore six typical Hue dishes that capture the essence of this vibrant city.

Hue Beef Noodle Soup (Bun Bo Hue):

A signature dish that has gained international acclaim, Hue beef noodle soup is a flavorful and spicy noodle soup featuring beef shank, pork hock, and pig’s blood. The robust broth, infused with lemongrass and chili, provides a tantalizing taste that distinguishes it from other Vietnamese noodle soups. Topped with fresh herbs, banana blossoms, and lime, this dish is a sensory delight.

Tapioca Pudding Wrapped with Roasted Pork (Che Bot Loc Heo Quay):

Tapioca Pudding Wrapped with Roasted Pork (Che Bot Loc Heo Quay)
Tapioca Pudding Wrapped with Roasted Pork (Che Bot Loc Heo Quay)

Che Not Loc Heo Quay is a unique delicacy that combines the chewy texture of tapioca dumplings with the savory goodness of roasted pork. The translucent dumplings, made from tapioca flour, are filled with a mixture of ground pork and shallots, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The dish is typically served with a side of dipping sauce, enhancing its overall taste.

Mussel Rice (Com Hen):

Hue dishes - Mussel Rice (Com Hen)
Hue dishes – Mussel Rice (Com Hen)

Com Hen is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring tiny mussels, fragrant rice, and an array of fresh herbs. The dish is traditionally accompanied by crispy pork skin, peanuts, and sesame rice crackers, adding a satisfying crunch. Topped with a special sauce made from clam broth, chili, and fermented shrimp paste, Com Hen showcases the culinary ingenuity of Hue.

Loc Cake (Banh Loc):

Hue dishes - Loc Cake (Banh Loc)
Hue dishes – Loc Cake (Banh Loc)

Banh Loc is a clear, chewy dumpling made from tapioca starch, filled with a savory mixture of shrimp and pork. Wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection, these translucent delights are often enjoyed with a side of sweet and spicy dipping sauce. Banh Loc is not only delicious but also a visual delight, displaying the artistry of traditional Vietnamese culinary techniques.

Fig Mixed with Vegetarian Flowers (Fig Salad – Va Chon Moa Mau):

Fig Mixed with Vegetarian Flowers (Fig Salad – Va Chon Moa Mau)
Fig Mixed with Vegetarian Flowers (Fig Salad – Va Chon Moa Mau)

A refreshing and healthy option, Va Chon Hoa Mau is a salad that combines fresh figs with an assortment of vegetarian flowers, herbs, and greens. The dish is light, crisp, and bursting with natural flavors. The sweet and tangy dressing, often made from honey and lime, complements the earthy notes of the figs and creates a harmonious blend of tastes.

Vegetarian Lotus Leaf Steamed Rice (Com Hap La Sen Chay):

Vegetarian Lotus Leaf Steamed Rice (Com Hap La Sen Chay)
Vegetarian Lotus Leaf Steamed Rice (Com Hap La Sen Chay)

Com Hap La Sen Chay is a vegetarian delight that showcases the culinary prowess of Hue’s vegetarian cuisine. Fragrant lotus leaves envelop a delectable mixture of steamed rice, mushrooms, and assorted vegetables. The dish is not only visually appealing but also a testament to the city’s dedication to diverse and innovative culinary offerings.

Conclusion for Hue Culinary Vacation

Hue City’s culinary landscape is a treasure trove of unique flavors and textures, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage. From the iconic Hue beef noodle soup to the innovative Vegetarian Lotus Leaf Steamed Rice, each dish tells a story of tradition, creativity, and a deep connection to the vibrant history of this Vietnamese gem. Exploring these six typical Hue dishes is not just a culinary adventure but an immersion into the heart and soul of Hue City.

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