Top 4 Places to Eat in Hue

Written by Lorraine Aust, Minh Nguyen
15/08/2025
Scenic night view of the Imperial City in Hue with reflections on the water.
Quang Nguyen Vinh, Pexels

Hue's culinary landscape is deeply rooted in its imperial past, offering a captivating array of traditional dishes and royal banquets, alongside vibrant street food.

1. Madam Thu Restaurant

Cuisine: Traditional Hue Specialties, especially Bun Bo Hue

Stepping into Madam Thu feels like discovering a local secret, where the inviting atmosphere complements an outstanding introduction to Hue's cuisine. The Bun Bo Hue is particularly memorable, featuring a rich, flavorful, and perfectly spiced broth with tender beef and thick vermicelli noodles. Beyond the signature noodle soup, one can also savor various local delicacies like Banh Khoai (crispy Hue pancake) and Nem Lui (grilled pork skewers). The restaurant maintains an authentic feel while being welcoming to visitors.

Price: Meals from 25,000 VND - 60,000 VND (approx. $1.00 - $2.50 USD)

Getting There: Located conveniently in the city's backpacker area, it is often within walking distance from many central accommodations. Alternatively, a short taxi or Grab ride would be inexpensive.

2. Ba Do Restaurant

Cuisine: Traditional Hue Cakes (Banh varieties)

This hidden gem specializes in the delicate world of Hue's traditional 'Banh' cakes. Here, you discover an array of beautifully crafted steamed rice cakes and dumplings, such as Banh Beo (steamed rice pancakes), Banh Loc (clear crystal dumplings with shrimp and pork), and Banh Nam (flat steamed rice dumplings). Each dish is served with the perfect accompanying dipping sauce, offering a delightful exploration of local textures and flavors.

Price: Dishes from 15,000 VND - 40,000 VND (approx. $0.60 - $1.70 USD) per plate/serving.

Getting There: Situated on Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, it is a short taxi or Grab ride from the city center, offering a glimpse into a more local dining experience.

3. Cơm Hến Đập Đá

Cuisine: Com Hen (Clam Rice) and Bun Hen (Clam Noodles)

Experience a quintessential Hue dish at Cơm Hến Đập Đá, renowned for its simple yet complex clam rice or noodles. The dish features tender baby clams served over fragrant rice or vermicelli, combined with an array of fresh herbs, crispy pork cracklings, peanuts, and a savory clam broth. The combination creates a unique medley of sweet, salty, spicy, and briny flavors, making it a beloved local favorite.

Price: Dishes from 20,000 VND - 35,000 VND (approx. $0.80 - $1.50 USD) per bowl.

Getting There: Located near the Perfume River, it's accessible by a short walk or a quick and affordable taxi/Grab ride from the main tourist areas.

4. Tinh Gia Vien Restaurant

Cuisine: Imperial/Royal Hue Cuisine

For an exquisite step back in time, Tinh Gia Vien offers a unique imperial dining experience. The restaurant is set within a royal-style garden, adorned with lanterns and traditional architecture, where staff dressed in ancient Hue costumes enhance the regal ambiance. Dishes are presented as edible art, meticulously prepared with intricate carvings and refined flavors, reflecting the sophistication of the Nguyen dynasty's banquets. Opting for a set menu allows one to sample a range of delicacies fit for royalty.

Price: Set menus typically range from 250,000 VND - 700,000 VND (approx. $10 - $30 USD) per person.

Getting There: Located a short distance from the Royal Citadel, a taxi or Grab is the most convenient way to reach this immersive dining destination.

Check out our other pages on Hue

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