Besides the heritage complex and beautiful landscapes, Hue is also famous as the culinary capital of Vietnam. Each dish here, from simple street food to elaborate royal cuisine, carries its own flavor, reflecting the cultural story and soul of the ancient capital.
To help you explore the city’s cuisine with ease, Hue Flavor presents outstanding restaurants and eateries in Hue City Center, grouped by style and offering a wide range of options to experience the authentic flavors of this land.
1. Best Traditional Hue Cuisine Restaurants
To fully explore Hue cuisine, you should start with restaurants specializing in traditional dishes. This is where famous local specialties such as Hue beef noodle soup, mussel rice, banh beo, banh nam, and banh khoai converge with authentic tastes and sophisticated cooking methods. Some typical suggestions:
1.1. Madam Thu Restaurant – Taste of Hue
Located in the tourist area on bustling Vo Thi Sau Walking Street, Madam Thu Restaurant is a favorite destination for international tourists. It stands out with a diverse menu of local dishes, enjoyed in a friendly, cozy space. This restaurant currently has two locations on the same street, with 45 Vo Thi Sau being the original.
- Features: Diverse menu, specializing in traditional dishes with local flavors.
- Price: Mid-range, from 50,000 to 150,000 VND/dish.
- Address: 45 Vo Thi Sau, Hue City, and 04 Vo Thi Sau, Hue City (Madam Thu 2).
1.2. Nam Chau Hoi Quan Restaurant
Located in a shady garden on the road along the Perfume River heading to Thien Mu Pagoda, Nam Chau Hoi Quan offers a truly poetic local culinary experience. The restaurant impresses with its airy space, especially with a large hall for wedding parties or gatherings. The set menus feature traditional Hue dishes rich in local flavors, and elaborate royal-style dishes can also be prepared upon request. For international guests, one thing to note is that the restaurant staff may have limited English communication skills.
- Features: Local dishes and royal-style dishes; ancient, airy house space with a large parking lot.
- Price: Usually ordered by set menu for groups, from 200,000 VND/set.
- Address: 111 Kim Long, Hue City.
1.3. Huong Banh Beo Restaurant
This is a must-visit for those who want to explore Hue’s “dumpling world.” With authentic traditional character, the banh beo, banh nam, and banh loc here are a perfect choice for a satisfying afternoon meal. The highlight is the very fresh shrimp used in the dumplings. You can see whole shrimp in the transparent and chewy banh loc, and the sweetness of the fresh shrimp will leave a lasting impression.
- Features: Specializing in traditional Hue dumplings.
- Price: Affordable, from 25,000 – 40,000 VND/plate.
- Address: 31 Alley 177 Phan Dinh Phung, Hue City.
1.4. Royal Park Restaurant
If you want to try being a king or queen for a while, Royal Park Restaurant will give you that experience. This place not only serves food but also recreates the atmosphere of ancient royal banquets, where you can wear dynasty costumes and enjoy traditional music performances—creating a feast for both taste and hearing.
- Features: Experience royal cuisine combined with art.
- Price: Mid-rang, from 250,000 VND/set menu.
- Address: 101/24 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Hue City.
1.5. Y Thao Restaurant
With a spacious open setting and ancient houses where dining tables are neatly arranged, Y Thao Restaurant serves dishes selected from the royal menu. The interesting point is to serve set menus, featuring many elaborately prepared dishes that allow you to not only taste but also “eat with your eyes.”
- Features: Royal dishes by set menu.
- Price: Mid-rang, from 280,000 VND/set.
- Address: 03 Thach Han, Hue City.
Tips: Whether it’s familiar everyday dishes or a unique royal culinary experience, we have selected the best restaurants in Hue specializing in this theme for you to begin your journey of discovering the cuisine of the ancient capital. Most of the above restaurants can serve walk-in guests, but note that Nam Chau Hoi Quan is often booked in advance for Vietnamese groups, while Royal Park Restaurant is often reserved by international package tours arranged by travel agencies.
2. Garden & Fine Dining Restaurants
Besides traditional venues, Hue is also famous for its system of ancient garden houses and luxurious fine dining restaurants. This is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy dinner in an elegant space, associated with ancient house architecture or sophisticated European style.
2.1. Tha Om Garden Restaurant
Hidden in an ancient garden house down a small alley on Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street, Tha Om Restaurant offers diners a quiet space imbued with the poetic charm of Hue. It is an ideal place to enjoy the exquisite dishes of the ancient capital—perfect for a private and romantic dinner for couples on a date or to rekindle love.
- Features: Traditional Hue cuisine, quiet garden house space.
- Price: High-range, from 1,000,000 VND/guest (usually a minimum of 2 guests per booking).
- Address: 12 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen, Hue City.
2.2. Ancient Hue Garden Restaurant
Built in the style of an ancient house with many shiny wooden pillars and straight door frames, Ancient Hue Restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it recreates the peaceful atmosphere of the residences of high-ranking officials during the Nguyen Dynasty. Here you can enjoy authentic Hue dishes, rich in flavor and elaborately presented, while immersing yourself in the ancient setting by the small canal of Kim Long.
Note: This restaurant is located far from Hue city center and is not within walking distance. In addition to the restaurant, there are also ancient-style villas available for overnight stays, allowing you to enjoy the quiet ambiance of the old “royal” area.
- Features: Ancient house complex, traditional Hue cuisine, blend of royal and rustic.
- Price: 150,000 – 1,290,000 VND/dish; set menus from 890,000 VND (Vietnamese food) to 1,100,000 VND (mixed menu).
- Address: 47/104 Kim Long, Hue City; 104/47 Kim Long, Hue City, Vietnam.
2.3. Le Parfum Restaurant – Azerai La Residence Hotel
Located proudly on the banks of the Perfume River, Le Parfum is the top choice for those seeking luxury and romance. The restaurant stands out with its European fine dining style blended with Vietnamese cuisine, along with 5-star international service. Situated inside the Azerai La Residence Hotel complex, it benefits from strict management—though this is also a drawback, as it does not attract many outside guests.
- Features: Fine dining style, Perfume River view, romantic setting.
- Price: From 140,000 VND/dish.
- Address: 5 Le Loi, Vinh Ninh Ward, Hue City.
2.4. Les Jardins de La Carambole
This is one of the most famous restaurants in Hue, featuring French-style architecture and located within the Imperial City on a small, quiet street. Les Jardins de La Carambole offers a diverse menu, serving French dishes alongside Vietnamese cuisine and Hue specialties. The restaurant space exudes ancient charm, combining luxurious architecture with warmth and intimacy. The signature yellow walls and the small but green garden create a relaxing atmosphere for diners.
Note: For large groups traveling by vehicles with 24 seats or more, buses cannot enter the restaurant area directly. You should stop outside the Imperial Citadel and continue by taxi or on foot.
- Features: French–Vietnamese cuisine, French-style ancient house setting.
- Price: From 89,000 VND/dish.
- Address: 32 Dang Tran Con, Hue City.
Tips: If you want a delicious and beautiful meal in an elegant space, the garden restaurants and fine dining options in Hue introduced above are indispensable choices for special occasions—such as birthdays, anniversaries, or memorable dinners with loved ones. Although all of the restaurants above are suitable for a slow dinner, if you need lunch, we recommend visiting Ancient Hue Garden Restaurant or Les Jardins de La Carambole Restaurant.
3. Vegetarian Restaurants
As the center of Buddhism in Vietnam, Hue has favorable conditions for the strong development of vegetarian cuisine. Its restaurants here not only serve Buddhists but also meet the increasing dietary needs of many people, thanks to the peaceful and slow lifestyle that creates a very unique culinary style.
3.1. Sala Vegtarian Restaurant
A famous vegetarian restaurant with hot dishes prepared from fresh ingredients such as vegetables, tubers, and tofu. Sala is an ideal destination for those who love light meals. The restaurant has a spacious space and is located next to the famous Quoc Hoc School. However, on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month (Buddhist vegetarian days), this destination is often very crowded, making the space a bit hot and causing delays in ordering.
- Features: Many hot vegetarian dishes, especially the braised jackfruit dish with a strong local taste; reasonable prices.
- Price: 40,000 – 200,000 VND/dish.
- Address: 04 Phan Boi Chau, Hue City.
3.2. Lien Hoa Vegetarian Restaurant
Lien Hoa, one of the oldest vegetarian restaurants in Hue, attracts diners with its diverse menu, offering a range of plant-based dishes, from popular rice and vermicelli to mixed salads and vegetarian hot pot. The flavors here still carry the typical characteristics of local cuisine. One thing to note, however, is that the dishes at Lien Hoa tend to contain more oil than those at Sala. The restaurant’s location in the city center, on a major road, also makes it very crowded during peak lunch and dinner hours.
- Features: Traditional vegetarian menu, affordable prices, many dishes to choose from.
- Price: From only 20,000 VND/dish.
- Address: 3 Le Quy Don, Hue City.
Tips: Eating vegetarian food in Hue is an indispensable part of the culinary journey in the Ancient Capital, with a wide variety of delicious dishes and bold culinary artistry. In addition to the two famous vegetarian restaurants, there are many small eateries scattered throughout the city, especially bustling on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month, when the demand for vegetarian food increases. On these days, the number of customers at vegetarian restaurants is very large, and the dishes often run out early. It should also be noted that these two large restaurants are usually closed on the 2nd and 16th of the lunar month, so plan your schedule accordingly.
4. Western & Fusion Restaurants
In addition to traditional cuisine, many international visitors to Hue also want to change things up with European dishes or refined combinations of Vietnamese and Western flavors.
4.1. Little Italy Hue Restaurant
Little Italy is a cozy, long-standing Italian dining spot that offers a different experience from traditional restaurants in Hue. The restaurant is designed with a distinctive bamboo arch and rustic wooden furniture, creating an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere. Classic Italian dishes such as pizza, pasta, and salads are served, making it a good choice for families with children or anyone looking for an alternative to Hue’s traditional cuisine.
- Features: Pizza, pasta, Italian salads, friendly atmosphere.
- Price: Pizza from 139,000 VND/piece, salads from 124,000 VND/plate.
- Address: 10 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hue City.
4.2. La Carambole Bistro Restaurant
La Carambole is a French-Vietnamese restaurant designed in a romantic European bistro style, blended with classical artistic touches. Warm red and yellow tones, paintings, accordions, and bamboo lanterns create a nostalgic and poetic atmosphere. The restaurant serves sophisticated fusion dishes, skillfully combining Western flavors with the delicate presentation of Vietnamese cuisine, turning each plate into a small work of art. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a unique dining experience and a romantic evening in the heart of the Ancient Capital.
Bistro La Carambole is the “sister” restaurant of Le Jardin de la Carambole. While Le Jardin offers a quieter setting inside the citadel, Bistro La Carambole enjoys a prime central location on Vo Thi Sau Street, a lively walking street on weekends. Both share the same classic French aesthetic, but Bistro La Carambole feels younger and more vibrant with its bustling surroundings.
- Features: Classic French-inspired decor, artistic ambiance, refined European-Vietnamese fusion cuisine.
- Price: Set menu from 275,000 VND/set, salads from 145,000 VND/plate, potato dishes from 65,000 VND/dish.
- Address: 32 Dang Tran Con, Hue City.
Tips: The European restaurants in this section are great for those who want to take a break from traditional dishes and sample international flavors in Hue. However, in my personal opinion, international cuisine here is generally at a “good enough” level, not quite reaching the level of refinement you might expect—especially for diners who have enjoyed European dishes in major culinary centers or in their home countries. Still, the East–West combinations offered in many places provide interesting and worthwhile experiences, helping broaden your perspective on the diversity of Hue’s culinary culture.
5. Group-Friendly Restaurants
If you are traveling with a large group of 8 or more, Hue City has many restaurants that can accommodate you with spacious seating, quick service, and a cheerful atmosphere.
5.1. Perfume River Floating Restaurant
Located on the Perfume River, this restaurant stands out with its unique lotus-shaped architecture and offers romantic views of Truong Tien Bridge and the city. It is well-suited for large groups of 10–35 people and for parties. With two separate VIP rooms, guests can comfortably sing and chat. While the food is not exceptional, the spacious setting and beautiful night views are big pluses.
- Features: Unique floating restaurant, lotus-shaped design, Perfume River views, ideal for large group parties.
- Price: Set menu from 200,000 VND/portion.
- Address: 3/2 Park, Le Loi, Hue City (on the Perfume River bank, near Trang Tien Bridge).
5.2. DMZ Hue Restaurant & Bar
DMZ Bar & Restaurant is an ideal spot for energetic groups of friends. The venue stands out with its rugged style, themed around American soldiers. Inside, you’ll see a helicopter hanging from the ceiling, a map of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and nostalgic black-and-white photos of military activities. The lively space is perfect for relaxing, laughing, and enjoying time together. With billiards and live music, it’s well-suited for gatherings and entertainment.
- Features: Rugged, soldier-themed space, lively atmosphere, great for large groups.
- Price: From 79,000 VND/dish.
- Address: 60 Le Loi, Hue City.
Tips: For large groups, it’s best to book a table in advance so the restaurant can prepare accordingly. With a reservation, you can often choose a dining area that fits your group’s preferences.
6. Signature Hue Dishes to Try
Whether you come to Hue for its majestic palaces or poetic landscapes, your trip will not be complete without tasting its signature dishes. Found everywhere from street stalls to upscale restaurants, Hue cuisine offers a deeper experience of the ancient capital—one that combines both rich flavors and beautiful sights.
Hue Beef Noodle Soup (Bún bò Huế): Considered the culinary symbol of Hue, this dish is known for its spicy, flavorful broth made from beef bones and pig’s feet. It is served with medium-sized noodles—not too thick, not too thin—alongside sliced beef, crab cakes, and fresh herbs.
Baby Clam Rice (Cơm hến): A rustic dish that embodies the essence of local cuisine. Com hen is a unique mix of cold rice, stir-fried clams, crispy pork rinds, fresh herbs, and a touch of fermented shrimp paste, creating a spicy, savory, and rich flavor. While it’s beloved by many Vietnamese, international visitors should be aware of its strong shrimp paste aroma.
Bánh bèo, bánh nậm, bánh lọc: This trio of iconic Hue cakes is often served together. Made from rice flour and tapioca starch, they have a light, delicate flavor. Bánh bèo is steamed in small cups and topped with dried shrimp, offering sweetness from the shrimp and a hint of the sea; bánh nậm is soft and smooth, wrapped in dong leaves with a fragrant aroma; bánh lọc is translucent with shrimp and pork filling, wrapped in banana leaves, both chewy and slightly crunchy from the shrimp shell.
Hue Pancake (Bánh khoái): Similar to Central Vietnam’s bánh xèo, but with a thicker, crispier shell. Its filling includes shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and a special sesame-peanut dipping sauce.
Grilled Fermented Pork (Nem lụi): A popular dish of minced pork seasoned and wrapped around fresh lemongrass stalks, grilled over charcoal. To eat, roll the skewers with rice paper and herbs, then dip them in the rich broth or sweet-and-sour sauce.
Hue Sweet Soups (Chè Huế): Hue is also famous for its wide variety of sweet soups. Each shop may serve different types, but the standouts include chewy tapioca sweet soup with roasted pork (a surprisingly sweet-and-savory mix), refreshing lotus seed sweet soup, and creamy mung bean sweet soup.
➡️ See this article to explore more Hue local foods!
7. Experience Local Eateries & Street Food Culture
Hue cuisine is not only found in luxurious restaurants or royal banquets, but also vividly thrives in countless local and sidewalk eateries. Sitting on a small plastic chair and enjoying a hot bowl of noodles in an alley, you can truly feel the slow, intimate, and authentic life of the people of Hue.
This is the “street food culture” that anyone visiting Hue should try at least once.
- Bun Bo Hue Mu Rot: One of the famous bun bo spots, loved by many locals. The rich broth, quality beef, and pork leg create an unforgettable flavor. If you are an international visitor and don’t mind the local service and low seating, try this place for breakfast.
- Banh Canh Ca Loc Thuy: Located on the new, spacious Vo Chi Cong Street, this is the place to try snakehead fish dishes with either tapioca flour or rice flour noodles. The broth carries the sweetness of fish, the taste of shrimp paste, and the light aroma of green onions.
- Banh Khoai Hong Mai: If you want to enjoy authentic banh khoai, visit Hong Mai—one of Hue’s long-standing eateries serving this specialty in a simple style. The cake has a crispy crust, packed with shrimp and meat, and is served with dipping sauce.
- Banh Beo – Banh Nam – Banh Loc Ba Do: Ba Do has long been a familiar destination for Vietnamese tourists. The Hue cakes here are meticulously prepared with delicate flavors, making them the perfect afternoon snack.
Another choice: Hue has many more fascinating culinary spots. If you don’t have much time to explore on your own, consider joining the Hue Flavor culinary tour for a deeper experience of the city’s diverse food culture.
8. Tips for Tourists to Better Enjoy Hue Cuisine
To make your journey of exploring Hue cuisine more fulfilling, keep in mind the following tips:
- Book a table in advance for luxury restaurants: Fine dining spots or restaurants with special settings such as Ancient Hue Restaurant or Les Jardins de La Carambole are often fully booked, especially in the evening or on weekends. Calling ahead to reserve a table will give you peace of mind and secure the best seating.
- Enjoy Bun Bo Hue in the morning: Morning is the best time to taste authentic Hue beef noodle soup. The broth is richest and the ingredients are freshest at this time, offering the truest culinary experience of the ancient capital.
- Prepare cash: Most local eateries and street stalls in Hue accept cash or domestic bank transfers. International visitors without a Vietnamese bank account should prepare some cash for faster and more convenient payment.
- Casual dining style: Be relaxed when enjoying street food or eating at local restaurants in Hue. There are no strict rules—you can freely slurp your beef noodle soup to fully savor its unique flavor.
- Learn how to use chopsticks: Most local restaurants and small eateries only provide chopsticks. Learning to use them will give you a more authentic experience. If you need a fork, just ask—the owner will gladly provide one if available.
- Try both high-end and local eateries: Hue cuisine is rich and diverse. To truly appreciate its essence, try both high-end restaurants with elaborate royal dishes and rustic sidewalk stalls serving traditional cakes. This is the best way to gain a complete view of this unique culinary culture.
Hue cuisine can add depth to your Vietnam trip through authentic local experiences. The city offers everything from rustic dishes at sidewalk stalls to sophisticated dining in elegant restaurants with elaborately prepared royal cuisine. This diversity makes it both intimate and luxurious, catering to many different dining styles.
If you have the chance to visit Hue, spend at least half day to immerse yourself in the rich culinary world of the ancient capital. The flavors of each dish will surely give you a multi-dimensional sense of why Hue is considered the “Culinary Capital of Vietnam.”