Hue is one of Vietnam's best cheap eats destinations, where a full day of noodle soups, rice cakes and desserts costs just VND200,000 (US$7.60).
Bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup)
Bun bo is the dish most visitors associate with Hue, home to the former Imperial Citadel in central Vietnam.
The broth is flavored with lemongrass and fermented shrimp paste. The noodle soup is served with beef, pork knuckle and pork sausage and herbs. Chili oil adds heat that balances the broth's sweetness.
A bowl starts at VND45,000 ($1.70).
Suggestions:
- Bun Bo Mu Roi: 40 Nguyen Chi Dieu Street
- Bun Bo Ba Nga: 62 Nguyen Chi Dieu Street
- Bun Bo Hanh: 69 Dang Van Ngu Street
Banh beo (steamed rice cakes)
Banh beo are steamed rice cakes served in mini cups, topped with dried shrimp, pork rinds and fried shallots and served along with fish sauce. The flavor is salty and sweet. Most shops also serve other types of rice cakes alongside.
A serving costs VND25,000 - VND35,000 ($0.95 - 1.30).
Suggestions:
- Banh Beo O Lan: 17 Chua Ong Street
- Banh Chi: 52 Le Viet Luong Street
Nem lui (grilled pork skewers)
Nem lui is minced pork grilled on skewers over charcoal. It is wrapped in rice paper with herbs and eaten dipped in a peanut sauce. The portion is filling enough for a meal.
Four to five skewers cost around VND40,000 ($1.50).
Suggestions:
- Stalls on Dao Duy Tu, Dinh Tien Hoang, Dien Bien Phu and Truong Chinh streets.
- Around An Cuu Market.
Banh ep (Hue-style crepe)
Banh ep is a snack, best eaten in the afternoon. Rice flour sheets are pressed with egg, meat or pate and served with herbs, pickles and fish sauce. The crepe is chewy inside with crisp edges.
Portions of two to three pieces start at around VND30,000 ($1.15).
Suggestions: Stalls on Le Ngo Cat, Mac Dinh Chi and Truong Chinh streets.
Com hen (clam rice)
A bowl of clam rice has rice with stir-fried clams, greens, banana blossoms, peanut, and pork rinds. It comes with a side of clam broth. The combination builds layers of spicy, salty and nutty flavors. Many shops also offer noodle or porridge versions.
A bowls costs VND20,000 - 25,000 ($0.75 - 0.95).
Suggestions:
- Stalls around the Han Mac Tu area
- Com Hen Hoa Dong: number 64, Alley 7, Ung Binh Street
Che Hue (Hue sweet soups)
Hue's sweet soups, known as che, come in many varieties, from lotus seed to purple sweet potato and tapioca filled with roasted pork. All share a sweetness that works well after a run of savory dishes.
A cup costs VND15,000 - 20,000 ($0.60 - 0.75). Shops fill up from late afternoon onward.
Suggestions:
- Che Cam: 10 Nguyen Sinh Cung Street
- Che Mo Ton Dich: 3/3 Dinh Tien Hoang Street
- Che Hem: number 1, Alley 29, Hung Vuong Street
Most of these spots sit within one to three kilometers of each other in central Hue, and are easy to cover by motorbike or on foot.
Eating through all six dishes comes to roughly VND190,000 - VND200,000, or under $8.
