Hue is not only known for its temples and tombs, but also captivates visitors with one of Vietnam's most diverse culinary traditions.
These 12 eateries were selected based on a survey by a reporter Phan Huy Hoang, 35, born and raised in Hue. Hoang shared that the best spots in Hue are family-run, affordable, and near the city center.
Huyen Anh rice rolls
Address: 50 Kim Long Street, Phu Xuan District
Opening hours: 8 a.m. - 7p.m.
Run by three generations, Huyen Anh is a top spot for grilled pork rice paper rolls. The dish includes sliced pork grilled to perfection, wrapped in rice paper with herbs. Each portion has five pre-rolled pieces served with two dipping sauces: a sweet fish sauce and a sesame-peanut sauce that defines the dish's flavor.
Prices range from VND30,000 to VND70,000 (US$1.15 to $2.70).
Photo by Xuan Phuong
Gia Hoi noodle with jellyfish
Address: 02 Chi Lang Street, Phu Xuan District
Opening hours: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Owned by Lanh, this noodle shop has been known for over 20 years for its noodle soup with nuoc, a jellyfish found in the region's brackish lagoons.
The broth is made from sour bamboo shoots, crab roe, and spices. Toppings include nuoc, fried spring rolls, shrimp, and herbs. Fermented shrimp paste and chili are recommended for extra flavor.
A bowl costs VND35,000 ($1.35).
Photo by Minh Thao
Tai Phu Restaurant
Address: 02 Dien Bien Phu Street, Thuan Hoa District
Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Located on a main road, Tai Phu has a spacious layout and a menu full of Hue specialties: nem lui - grilled pork rolls, bun thit nuong - grilled pork with noodles, or banh trang cuon thit heo - pork wrapped in rice paper.
The signature dish is nem lui. It is made of ground pork mixed with diced pork fat and grilled on bamboo skewers. It is often served with rice paper, herbs, figs, green bananas, and a peanut dipping sauce.
Dishes cost from VND35,000 to VND100,000 ($1.35 to $3.85).
Photo by Tuan Anh
Hoa Dong clam restaurant
Address: 64 Ung Binh Street, Thuan Hoa District
Opening hours: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Serving for nearly 30 years, Hoa Dong specializes in clam dishes like stir-fried clams with rice crackers, clam porridge, clam rice, and clam noodles. The clams are sourced from a local dune or the Huong River's alluvial flats. Rice or noodles are served with banana blossom, taro stems, pennywort, roasted peanuts, and pork crackling, along with clam broth.
Prices range from VND15,000 to VND20,000 ($0.58 to $0.77).
Photo by Tuan Anh
Me Keo's spicy beef noodle soup
Address: 94 Bach Dang Street, Phu Xuan District
Opening hours: 6 a.m. - 8 a.m.
Among Hue's countless bun bo stalls, Me Keo's shop stands out with nearly 70 years of history. Known for its broth made from lemongrass and fermented shrimp paste, the bowl is topped with beef, pork knuckle, crab rolls, and blood jelly. The shop fills up fast, so expect a wait.
A bowl with full toppings costs VND50,000 ($1.92).
Photo by Tuan Anh
Chan clay pot restaurant
Address: 1 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Thuan Hoa District
Opening hours: 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
The restaurant is located in a two-story house right on the main street, decorated in a nostalgic style. It has about 20 tables and can serve around 200 guests at the same time. The name of the restaurant is inspired by the old-fashioned food cabinet (chan) that people used to store food. The space features a courtyard with green plants, making it a pleasant spot to enjoy coffee on cool days.
Chan offers over 50 traditional Hue dishes like boiled pork with fermented shrimp paste, fig salad, and caramelized pork and shrimp.
A meal of 4 to 5 dishes averages VND250,000 - VND300,000 ($9.60 to $11.50) per person.
Photo courtesy of Chan
O Tho banh mi
Address: 14 Tran Cao Van Street, Thuan Hoa District
Opening hours: 6:30 a.m. - 11 a.m., 3 p.m. - 3 a.m.
Once a late-night food cart near Truong Tien Bridge, this shop now serves banh mi from a fixed location. The small but stuffed baguettes include roasted pork, Chinese sausage, cured ham, and a meat sauce. Toasted over charcoal before serving, each sandwich costs from VND15,000 ($0.58).
Photo courtesy of Kachi
Chi's Hue cakes
Address: 52 Le Viet Luong Street, Thuan Hoa District
Opening hours: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Chi's shop serves a full range of Hue's savory cakes such as banh beo - steamed rice cakes, banh nam - flat rice dumplings, or banh loc - tapioca dumplings. The cakes are continuously wrapped and steamed hot, with caramelized shrimp filling.
The restaurant has a spacious atmosphere with parking, making it suitable for large groups. Besides dining in, the restaurant also sells vacuum-packed cakes for customers to take home as gifts.
Prices start at VND20,000 ($0.77) per portion.
Thuan duck restaurant
Address: 94 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Thuan Hoa District
Opening hours: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Open for over 20 years, Thuan is a go-to for duck dishes like roasted duck, boiled duck, and duck porridge. The crispy duck skin, sticky rice, and porridge are fan favorites. Dishes are served with a ginger-sesame dipping sauce.
Meals range from VND35,000 to VND100,000 ($1.35 to $3.85).
San May Vegetarian Restaurant
Address: 8 Thanh Tinh Street, Thuan Hoa District
Opening hours: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.; 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
With over 1,000 temples in the city, Hue's vegetarian cuisine is rooted in its Buddhist culture. San May is set in a wooden house with private dining areas. Its menu includes vegetarian rice dishes, hot pots, and Hue cakes featuring ingredients like jackfruit, mushrooms, and figs.
Prices range from VND30,000 to VND200,000 ($1.15 to $7.70).
Photo courtesy of San May
Dang Thai Than's salt coffee
Address: 142 Dang Thai Than Street, Phu Xuan District
Opening hours: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Opened over 15 years ago by Ho Thi Thanh Huong and her husband, this cafe gained international attention after a CNN feature in June 2024. The signature drink combines condensed milk, salt, black coffee, and a creamy foam layer, balancing bitter and sweet flavors.
Each cup is VND15,000 ($0.58).
Photo by Tuan Anh
Cam sweet soup shop
Address: 10 Nguyen Sinh Cung Street, Thuan Hoa District
Opening hours: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Sweet soups (che) are a hallmark of Hue cuisine. Open for nearly 30 years, Cam serves both royal-style and street-style versions, from lotus seed and taro to the roasted pork tapioca.
An interesting point is that Hue's sweet soups are rarely served filled to the brim like in other places. At Cam, each glass is just nearly full, topped with a small amount of shaved ice, just enough to whet customers' appetites and make them want to order another serving.
Prices start at VND15,000 ($0.58).
Photo by Tuan Anh
