Tour detail

Hop on a cycle and embark on a flavorful night in Hue, where you’ll taste the city’s best local dishes, discover hidden gems, and experience the charm of Hue’s vibrant evening food scene!

Notes: Vegan menu is available only with a private tour option in the morning ($60USD per pax)

CHILDREN‘S PRICE

• Under 5 years old: FOC (please share the seat & food with their parents)
• From 5 to 10 years old: 75% Adult‘s price
• From 11 years old up: Adult’s price

Located in central Vietnam, Hue stands out not just for its historical significance but also as a haven for food lovers. Once the imperial capital, it carries a rich culinary heritage shaped by royal influences and local creativity. And a Hue food tour is an ideal way to immerse yourself in this cultural and gastronomic treasure trove. This post will explore why Hue is a must-visit for food enthusiasts, what makes a food tour in this city so special, and the types of experiences available. 

Why Hue is a Must-Visit for Food Lovers?

1. The unique blend of imperial and local cuisine

Hue’s cuisine beautifully combines elegance with simplicity. Back in the days of the Nguyen Dynasty, the city hosted the imperial court, where chefs created elaborate meals consisting of numerous small, meticulously prepared dishes. While traces of this royal sophistication still shine through, Hue’s culinary traditions also embrace the simplicity of its regional roots. 

2. A city known for its culinary diversity

Situated at the heart of Vietnam, Hue serves as a meeting point for northern and southern culinary influences. This cultural blend is reflected in its cuisine, where sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors come together in perfect balance. Despite its modest size, Hue is a paradise for street food lovers. Its lively markets and roadside vendors offer a wide variety of dishes, each carrying a story of its own. 

3. Food as a gateway to Hue’s rich culture

Beyond the flavors, Hue’s food is deeply intertwined with its culture and history. Many dishes carry symbolic meanings rooted in the spiritual beliefs and traditions of the local community. 

9 Must-Try Dishes in Hue (with Locations and Prices)

1. Bún Bò Huế (Hue Beef Noodles)

If there’s one dish that screams Hue, it’s Bún Bò Huế. This bowl is a perfect blend of spicy, savory flavors, with tender beef slices, silky rice noodles, and a flavorful broth infused with lemongrass and chili. Don’t forget to squeeze in a bit of lime and toss in some fresh herbs, it’s the perfect balance of richness and freshness. 

• Location: Bún Bò O Bê, 77 Nguyễn Huệ Street
• Price: ~40,000 VND

2. Bánh Bèo (Steamed Rice Cakes)

These delicate, flower-shaped rice cakes are like little pillows of flavor. Topped with dried shrimp, crispy pork skin, and scallion oil, they’re served with a side of sweet fish sauce for dipping. It’s simple but oh-so-satisfying. You’ll often get a platter of these bite-sized treats, perfect for sharing or not! 

• Location: Bánh Bèo Nậm Lọc Bà Đỏ, 8 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm Street
• Price: ~30,000 VND (for a platter)

3. Nem Lụi (Grilled Pork Skewers)

Imagine this: tender, flavorful pork, expertly seasoned and grilled over charcoal, skewered onto fragrant lemongrass stalks. That’s Nem Lụi. But the real fun begins when you wrap it yourself in rice paper, adding fresh herbs and crisp vegetables, then dunk it into a rich, savory peanut sauce. 

• Location: Quán Hạnh, 11-15 Phó Đức Chính Street
• Price: ~25,000 VND

4. Bánh Lọc (Clear Dumplings)

These translucent dumplings are little pockets of happiness. Filled with shrimp and pork, they’re chewy, savory, and absolutely delightful. They’re typically steamed or boiled, then served with a drizzle of sweet fish sauce. Each bite is a perfect blend of textures and flavors. 

• Location: Bánh Lọc Mụ Cai, 47 Đào Duy Anh Street
• Price: ~30,000 VND (for a portion)

5. Cơm Hến (Clam Rice)

Cơm Hến is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s deeply rooted in Hue’s food culture. It’s a bowl of white rice topped with tiny stir-fried clams, crispy pork skin, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and bean sprouts. A dash of chili flakes and a drizzle of fish sauce or shrimp paste add an extra punch of flavor.

• Location: Quán Cơm Hến Hoa Đông, 64 Kiệt 7 Nguyễn Công Trứ Street
• Price: ~20,000 VND

Bonus: it gives you a true taste of life along the Perfume River!

6. Chè Huế (Sweet Soup)

When it comes to desserts in Hue, chè takes center stage. This beloved category of sweet soups offers endless variety, with flavors and textures to suit every taste. From mung beans and lotus seeds to taro and coconut milk, there’s always something new to try. My personal favorite is a cup of chè hạt sen (lotus seed sweet soup), which is the perfect way to wrap up a meal on a sweet and refreshing note.

• Location: Chè Hẻm, 29 Hùng Vương Street
• Price: ~10,000 VND (per cup)

But, alongside Hue’s savory delights, don’t miss the chance to try its unique desserts, especially chè heo quay (roasted pork sweet soup). This unique dish combines salty roasted pork with sweet pandan-infused syrup which showcases the creative culinary style of Hue.

7. Bánh Nậm (Flat Rice Dumpling)

If you’re a fan of steamed goodies, you can’t miss Bánh Nậm. These flat rice dumplings are wrapped in banana leaves, filled with shrimp and pork, and steamed perfectly. Unwrapping one feels like opening a little present, and the taste doesn’t disappoint.

• Location: Bánh Nậm Bà Đỏ, 71 Nguyễn Huệ Street
• Price: ~30,000 VND

8. Bún Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork Vermicelli)

This dish is a perfect mix of savory, fresh, and tangy flavors. Bún Thịt Nướng combines grilled pork, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a light fish sauce dressing. It’s like a salad but so much more satisfying. The layers of texture and flavor make it a standout dish. 

• Location: Quán Bà Tý, 81 Bà Triệu Street
• Price: ~35,000 VND

9. Bánh Canh Nam Phổ (Thick Noodle Soup)

Finally, we have Bánh Canh Nam Phổ, a cozy noodle soup that stands out for its thicker consistency than pho or bún. The rich shrimp-and-pork broth wraps around the thick rice noodles, making every bite burst with flavor. It’s hearty, warming, and absolutely perfect for a chilly evening.

• Location: Quán Thúy, 16 Phạm Hồng Thái Street
• Price: ~30,000 VND

Types of Hue Food Tours to Consider

1. Walking food tours

For those who enjoy immersing themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of Hue, a walking food tour is ideal. These tours take you through lively markets, hidden alleys, and famous street food spots, offering a close-up experience of the city’s food culture. Plus, walking means you can burn off some calories before the next bite (you’ll need the space)!

2. Cyclo food tours

For a relaxed, leisurely experience, cyclo food tours are a great option. The iconic three-wheeled Vietnamese taxis let you combine sightseeing with food stops. Picture gliding along the Perfume River at dusk, stopping for bánh bèo, and then rolling on to your next tasty destination, a truly unique way to savor Hue’s culinary delights.

3. Motorbike food tours

If you’ve got a taste for adventure (and food!), a motorbike tour might be just what you’re looking for. With a guide driving you from one spot to the next, you can cover more ground and discover off-the-beaten-path eateries. These tours often take you to local favorites that tourists rarely find, offering an authentic slice of Hue’s food culture.

A Hue by Night in Cyclo Recommended Tour

One of the best ways to experience Hue’s food scene is by diving into the city’s vibrant nightlife. The Hue street food tour by night normally offers a perfect combination of food, history, and nighttime charm. 

6:00 PM
Your evening begins with a pickup by a friendly guide and cyclo from your hotel or hostel in Hue’s center. You’ll immediately feel the nostalgia as you settle into this traditional mode of transport.

6:15 PM – 7:15 PM
The first stop introduces you to a variety of Hue’s signature dishes:

• Bánh Bèo (Steamed Rice Cake)
• Nem Lụi (Grilled Ground Pork on a Stick)
• Bánh Lọc (Clear Dumpling)
• Bánh Nậm (Flat Rice Dumpling)
• Bánh Khoái (Hue Fried Pancakes)

At each stop, you’ll savor fresh, authentic flavors that highlight the city’s culinary expertise.

7:30 PM
Next, the cyclo takes you to a bustling street-side restaurant for Cơm Hến (Clam Rice), a specialty that you can only find in Hue. As you enjoy this humble yet flavorful dish, you’ll gain insight into the local lifestyle and the importance of the Huong River to the city.

8:00 PM
Relax as your cyclo winds through Hue’s quiet streets, passing historical landmarks and hidden gems. The city takes on a magical glow at night, and this leg of the tour is perfect for soaking in the atmosphere.

8:15 PM
Time for the pièce de résistance: Bún Bò Huế (Hue Beef Noodles). This iconic dish takes on a special charm when enjoyed as the cool night air settles over the city.

8:45 PM
No meal is complete without dessert, and you’ll end your culinary journey with a cup of Chè Huế (Sweet Soup). Whether it’s chè with lotus seeds or coconut, the sweetness is a perfect way to cap off the night.

9:00 PM
The tour concludes with a scenic ride across the Truong Tien Bridge, an architectural gem that offers breathtaking views of the Perfume River. 

Final Words

Hue’s food tours offer so much more than just a chance to eat; they’re a window into the soul of the city.  From enjoying bowls of flavorful noodles to snacking on street-side delights or cruising along the Perfume River at night, every bite and moment showcases Hue’s rich mix of culture, history, and flavor.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your Hue food tour with Vietnam Backpacker Hostels today, and let your taste buds guide you through this unforgettable culinary journey!