Vị Huế Restaurant is part of a chain of three establishments that carry the distinctive flavor of Vị Việt. If Vi Viet in Hanoi evokes a sense of elegance, and its Saigon location brings a cheerful, energetic atmosphere, then Vi Hue offers a gentle, quiet style that feels uniquely connected to the ancient capital.
Located at 61 Vo Thi Sau, one of the city’s main streets, the restaurant opens into a space reminiscent of traditional garden-house architecture, serene yet full of poetic charm. This sophistication appears not only in the overall décor but also in each dish: tidy presentation, harmonious colors, and a clear sense of thoughtful care, reflecting the refined dining traditions once enjoyed in royal cuisine.
Vị Huế’s Location
- Address: 61 Vo Thi Sau Street, Hue City, Vietnam
- Open daily: From 10 AM to 11 PM
- Average price: 70,000 VND per dish and over
Vị Huế Restaurant on Google Maps:
Stepping Into the Charm of Vị Huế
From the outside, the restaurant evokes the look of Hue’s traditional garden houses, with gently sloping tiled roofs and dark wood tones framing each door.
We arrived in the evening, when the entire façade was cast in a warm yellow glow, from the steps to the edge of the porch, making it resemble an old house illuminated to welcome guests from afar.
Red, yellow, and pink lanterns hung along the porch and in the treetops, creating a lively Asian atmosphere, romantic and reminiscent of a lantern festival. Occasionally, a few guests could be seen relaxing on the outer porch, sitting at simple rattan tables and chairs, sipping coffee as they watched people pass by.
Stepping inside, the first thing that caught my eye was the central bar. The counter, finished in wood or reddish-brown brick, reflected the warm yellow light onto rows of wine bottles, giving the area the feel of a small, cozy display space. The terracotta tile floor, in deep earthy tones, adds a rustic touch typical of Hue’s traditional houses, creating an interesting contrast with the elegant dining furniture.
Each dining table is covered with brocade cloth, sometimes decorated with traditional patterns in shades of orange, brown, and white, striking without being showy.
The chairs feature a gently curved back, a dark brown wooden frame, and small carvings along the edge. Cushions covered in moss green or jade green fabric add softness and refinement to the overall setting.
The interior is lit with warm yellow lighting that immediately feels soothing. Bamboo and rattan chandeliers hang high above, casting a soft glow, bright enough to see the food clearly, yet gentle enough to maintain a sense of privacy at each table. Wooden pillars and light yellow, white, and terracotta-orange curtains are placed between seating areas, subtly dividing the space while keeping it airy and easy to move around.
The atmosphere becomes even more pleasant with the presence of a dedicated service team who maintain a consistently warm demeanor. They greeted me naturally as soon as I settled into my seat and proactively suggested suitable dishes without making me feel pressured. Their gentle manner and clear explanations made the space feel friendly and approachable, even for first-time visitors.
Featured Dishes: The Sophistication of Hue Cuisine in Every Detail
The restaurant presents Hue local dishes in a more modern way while still preserving the inherent elegance of this region. Each dish is meticulously arranged, using natural flowers, leaves, and harmonious colors that reflect the kitchen’s thoughtful care in every step of preparation. Below are the dishes that left the strongest impression during my meal.
1. Hue Banh Loc
Banh loc is placed on a neatly cut square banana leaf, creating a cleaner and more refined look compared to the traditional wrapped style. The transparent tapioca layer allows the orange-red shrimp or meat filling to show through clearly, making the dish visually striking. Each piece is topped with a small flower carved from orange-yellow vegetables and an edible petal in shades of purple and yellow, giving the dish a bright, polished appearance.
The dipping sauce, set in the center, has a deep orange-yellow hue. When dipped, the soft, slightly chewy outer layer blends with the sweet-savory shrimp flavor, while a touch of chili in the fish sauce adds a clearer, more defined finish. Although banh loc is a humble dish, this presentation and use of color make it appear elegant and luxurious.
2. A Luoi Pork Neck with Dipping Sauce
The dish is served on a ceramic plate with a dark blue glaze, creating a striking backdrop for the pork. The pork neck is cut into square pieces and pan-fried or roasted until the skin is crispy while the meat inside retains a gentle pink tone. When you bite into it, the crackling skin gives a pleasant crispness, followed by a soft, rich layer of meat that remains balanced thanks to the dark brown sauce with its moderate sweet-savory profile.
Beside the pork is a small portion of sticky rice wrapped in green leaves. The grains are sticky and fragrant, adding balance when enjoyed together with the meat. At the base of the plate is a layer of orange-yellow pumpkin or sweet potato sauce, offering a mild sweetness and serving as a backdrop for the diagonally cut vegetables. A single star anise placed on top perfumes the dish the moment it is served. This plate blends ingredients from A Luoi with a modern presentation, delivering clear layers of flavor—rich, tender, and full-bodied without overwhelming the palate.
3. Seafood Spring Rolls
The spring rolls are cut in half and placed upright, revealing the layers of filling inside. The outer wrap includes an extra layer of green leaves, giving the rolls a two-tone appearance, green and yellow, that looks fresh and distinctive. The filling is packed with vegetables, fruit, and seafood, creating a mix of crisp and soft textures, especially the freshness of the shrimp or fish.
A small dark red leaf placed on top adds a subtle but effective touch of color. The rolls are served with an orange-yellow dipping sauce containing minced meat and chili; the flavor is bold with a slight spiciness that enhances the taste of the vegetables and seafood. This is a light, refreshing appetizer, an ideal choice for those who appreciate something elegant and clean-tasting.
4. Pomelo Salad
The salad is served on a golden-brown ceramic plate, offering a warm visual impression as soon as it arrives at the table. The ingredients are generous: shrimp or meat, pomelo strands, and fresh herbs. The red-orange dressing coats each component evenly, giving the dish a balanced sweet-and-sour flavor that is pronounced but not overpowering.
Toasted white sesame seeds are sprinkled on top, adding fragrance and a light crunch. Two large shrimp crackers, set upright like sails, bring a lively look to the dish. A pair of edible flowers in green and reddish purple add a decorative accent without distracting from the main colors. This salad is an excellent palate opener, easy to enjoy and likely to leave a positive impression on those new to Hue cuisine.
Gallery
You can get a quicker impression of Vi Hue Restaurant & Cafe through the photos below. These images are taken from the restaurant’s Facebook page and have been edited for easier viewing.
Highlights
- Exquisite presentation: Familiar Hue dishes are refreshed with neat arrangements, natural flowers and leaves, and a harmonious color palette, making each dish visually appealing and easy to appreciate in terms of flavor.
- Clear, defined flavors: Every dish offers its own highlight, banh loc is soft and pleasantly chewy; the pork neck is crispy and rich without being greasy; the spring rolls and pomelo salad are refreshing, balancing sour, sweet, and mildly spicy notes.
- Chef’s attention to detail: From the cutting and wrapping to the use of color and plate composition, every element shows thoughtful precision. Each dish arrives with a sense of order and care.
- Suitable for many types of guests: Light dishes are available for those who prefer delicate flavors, while bolder, richer dishes satisfy guests who enjoy stronger tastes.
Suggestions
- Try the dishes from light to bold: Start with the Seafood Spring Rolls or Pomelo Salad, move on to Banh Loc, and finish with the A Luoi Pork Neck to fully appreciate the progression of flavors.
- Share dishes for the best experience: Portions are moderate and beautifully presented; groups of 2–3 people may enjoy ordering a small combination or selecting 3–4 dishes to explore the kitchen’s range.
- Ideal for a relaxed dinner: The lighting and presentation look especially appealing in the evening, making it a great time for both dining and photography.
- Ask the staff about dipping sauces: Some dishes are served with two types of dipping sauce; choosing the right one can highlight the flavors more effectively.
Leaving Vi Hue Restaurant, we felt relaxed, as if we had just stepped out of a peaceful corner of the ancient capital. The quiet space, thoughtfully prepared dishes, and gentle service made the experience memorable, something more than just an ordinary meal. If you’re looking for a place to experience Hue in a subtle and unhurried way, Vi Hue is a stop well worth making.
Nearby Restaurants to Check
If you’re staying more than one night in Hue City, you can check out these nearby restaurants for different tastes.