Food In Imperial City The Citadel

Food History of Imperial City (The Citadel), Hue, Vietnam

Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam, is renowned for its rich culinary traditions that reflect the opulence and sophistication of its royal past. The Imperial City (The Citadel) of Hue was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors and thus became a cultural and culinary center where the finest dishes were concocted for the royalty. The complexity and elegance of Hue's cuisine were partially designed to please the palates of emperors, mandarins, and their numerous concubines.

The cooking techniques were often elaborate, with aesthetics and balance in every dish. Due to the demand for perfection and variation in the royal meals, Hue's dishes became noted for their delicate preparation, presentation, and a harmonious blend of flavors. Meals typically included an array of small dishes, a tradition that continues in the region's cuisine today. Although the days of the royal court are long gone, Hue maintains a food culture unlike any other in Vietnam, with many of its dishes still served in a manner befitting royalty.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Imperial City (The Citadel), Hue, Vietnam

• Banh Beo (vegetarian/non-vegetarian) - Steamed rice cakes typically topped with savory ingredients such as shrimp, crispy pork skin, scallions, and sometimes served with a sweet dipping sauce.
• Banh Khoai (vegetarian/non-vegetarian) - Hue's version of a crispy pancake that's filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and sometimes folded into a half-moon shape.
• Bun Bo Hue (non-vegetarian) - A spicy Vietnamese beef noodle soup associated with Hue, this hearty dish typically includes slices of beef, vermicelli-like rice noodles, and is flavored with lemongrass and chili.
• Nem Lui (non-vegetarian) - Grilled lemongrass pork skewers that are often wrapped in rice paper with fresh greens and herbs and dipped in a special peanut sauce.
• Banh It Ram (vegetarian/non-vegetarian) - Crunchy glutinous rice cakes with a savory topping, which is a mix of shrimp and pork or can be prepared vegetarian.
• Banh Nam (vegetarian/non-vegetarian) - Flat steamed rice dumplings filled with shrimp and pork or sometimes prepared vegetarian, wrapped in banana leaves.
• Che (vegetarian) - A sweet dessert soup or pudding that comes in various forms and flavors, including beans, fruit, and sticky rice.
• Banh Loc (vegetarian/non-vegetarian) - Transparent chewy tapioca dumplings filled with shrimp and pork or can be prepared without meat, steamed in a banana leaf.
• Banh Uot Thit Nuong (non-vegetarian) - Grilled pork served with delicate rice paper, fresh herbs, and a flavorful dipping sauce.
• Banh Cuon (vegetarian/non-vegetarian) - This dish is fresh rice paper rolls filled with ground pork, mushrooms, and shallots, although vegetarian versions are available.

Top Famous Restaurants in Imperial City (The Citadel), Hue, Vietnam

• Les Jardins de La Carambole
  Address: 32 Dang Tran Con St, Hue, Vietnam
  Famous Food: French and Vietnamese Cuisine (Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available)
• Hanh Restaurant
  Address: 11 Pho Duc Chinh St, Hue, Vietnam
  Famous Food: Nem Lui and Banh Khoai (non-vegetarian)
• Lac Thien
  Address: 06 Dinh Tien Hoang St, Hue, Vietnam
  Famous Food: Banh Beo and Che (vegetarian options available)
• Mandarin Café
  Address: 24 Tran Cao Van St, Hue, Vietnam
  Famous Food: Western and Vietnamese dishes (Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available)
• Tinh Gia Vien
  Address: 7K/28 Le Thanh Ton St, Hue, Vietnam
  Famous Food: Hue Royal Cuisine (Vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes inspired by the imperial court)