Kim Long Village, situated along the northern banks of the Perfume River in Hue, is an area steeped in history and revered as the birthplace of traditional Hue culture. This locale boasts a rich culinary heritage, featuring various Hue dishes, with one standout being banh uot cuon thit nuong - steamed rice rolls with grilled meat.
Kim Long's rice rolls are renowned for their distinct flavor, which is crafted through precise techniques, hand-crafting the rolls, grilling the meat homestyle, and preparing the secret sauce.
Among the well-known establishments offering this cuisine is Huyen Anh shop. It is at 50 Kim Long Street and stands as an enduring and frequented shop, drawing both locals and tourists to savor its offerings.
According to Nguyen Thi Hang, the shop's legacy dates back to 1968 when her husband's parents, Le Canh Anh and Huyen Ton Nu Thi Dinh, decided to open a shop selling rice rolls to supplement their income from their teaching careers. Today, more than five decades later, their descendants continue to maintain the family tradition.
Steamed rice rolls with grilled meat are a staple in Hue, enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or snacks. Huyen Anh's restaurant is open all day, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. During the peak tourist season, the shop often sells out between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The key ingredients include wet rice cakes, grilled meat, fresh herbs, and a signature dipping sauce. The rolls are made from rice flour, which is prepared in-house.
Rice is carefully selected, processed, and ground into flour, which is then mixed into a batter and baked into thin, soft, 20-centimeter long square cakes. Achieving the perfect texture requires a precise ratio of flour and water and skilled baking techniques. Finished rice cakes are served immediately.
The pork is sliced thinly, marinated with spices, and grilled to a golden brown. This flavorful meat is placed on a wet rice sheet alongside fresh herbs and rolled up to create the dish. The marinade ensures that the grilled meat is delicious and bursting with flavor.
The dipping sauce, considered the "soul" of the dish, sets it apart. Alongside the traditional sweet and sour fish sauce, Huyen Anh's shop also offers soy sauce with sesame.
In response to customer requests, the shop has started making nem lui - pork rolls.
Huyen Anh's restaurant continues to uphold its reputation for offering reasonably priced dishes. A serving of five rice rolls with grilled meat is priced at VND25,000 ($1), while grilled meat vermicelli is priced at VND35,000.
For those seeking the deliciousness of grilled meat alone, a plate costs VND70,000, and pork rolls are available at VND60,000 per plate.
