Hue's Culinary Delights: A Food Tour Under $8

Hue, the former imperial capital in central Vietnam, offers a rich culinary landscape that can be explored on a budget. According to VnExpress International, a food tour encompassing six signature local dishes can be completed for under $8 (approximately VND190,000-VND200,000). The tour begins with Bun bo Hue, the city's most iconic dish. This spicy beef noodle soup features a broth flavored with lemongrass and fermented shrimp paste, served with beef, pork knuckle, pork sausage, and herbs. Chili oil adds a kick that balances the broth's sweetness. A bowl costs from VND45,000 ($1.70), with recommended spots including Bun Bo Mu Roi at 40 Nguyen Chi Dieu Street, Bun Bo Ba Nga at 62 Nguyen Chi Dieu Street, and Bun Bo Hanh at 69 Dang Van Ngu Street. Next is Banh beo, steamed rice cakes served in small cups, topped with dried shrimp, pork rinds, and fried shallots, accompanied by fish sauce. The flavor profile is a delightful mix of salty and sweet. A serving ranges from VND25,000 to VND35,000 ($0.95-$1.30), with Banh Beo O Lan at 17 Chua Ong Street and Banh Chi at 52 Le Viet Luong Street being popular choices. Nem lui, grilled pork skewers, involves minced pork grilled over charcoal, wrapped in rice paper with herbs, and dipped in a peanut sauce. Four to five skewers are typically priced around VND40,000 ($1.50) and are filling enough for a meal. Stalls on Dao Duy Tu, Dinh Tien Hoang, Dien Bien Phu, and Truong Chinh streets, as well as around An Cuu Market, are good places to find them. Banh ep, a Hue-style crepe, is a snack best enjoyed in the afternoon. Rice flour sheets are pressed with egg, meat, or pate, served with herbs, pickles, and fish sauce. The crepe offers a chewy interior with crisp edges. Portions of two to three pieces start at around VND30,000 ($1.15), available at stalls on Le Ngo Cat, Mac Dinh Chi, and Truong Chinh streets. Com hen, or clam rice, consists of rice mixed with stir-fried clams, greens, banana blossoms, peanuts, and pork rinds, served with a side of clam broth. This dish creates layers of spicy, salty, and nutty flavors. Many shops also offer noodle or porridge versions. A bowl costs VND20,000-VND25,000 ($0.75-$0.95), with Com Hen Hoa Dong at number 64, Alley 7, Ung Binh Street being a notable establishment, and stalls around the Han Mac Tu area also recommended. Finally, Che Hue, Hue's sweet soups, offer a sweet conclusion. Varieties include lotus seed, purple sweet potato, and tapioca filled with roasted pork. A cup is priced at VND15,000-VND20,000 ($0.60-$0.75) and shops become busy from late afternoon onward. Recommended spots include Che Cam at 10 Nguyen Sinh Cung Street, Che Mo Ton Dich at 3/3 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, and Che Hem at number 1, Alley 29, Hung Vuong Street. Most of these eateries are located within one to three kilometers of each other in central Hue, making them easily accessible by motorbike or on foot. This culinary exploration not only showcases Vietnam's diverse food culture but also highlights the vibrant local economy that supports it.