Exploring Hue’s Top Food Markets: A Culinary Journey
Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is not only famous for its historical landmarks but also for its vibrant food culture and my favourite way to experience the local culinary scene is by visiting its bustling food markets. These markets offer a treasure trove of fresh ingredients, exotic spices, and mouth-watering street food. I love wandering aimlessly, getting lost in the narrow winding stalls, talking and asking questions with the vendors, me fumbling to find words in their native tongue. I am always quick to tell them I am a chef and somehow this immediately gets me street cred and a shared respect - they know I love food and they are proud to share their local delicacies and knowledge with me. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through the top food markets in Hue, Vietnam where you can immerse yourself in the flavours and aromas of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
No visit to Hue would be complete without exploring Dong Ba Market, the largest and most famous food market in the city. Located on the northern bank of the Perfume River, Dong Ba Market is a vibrant hub of activity. The market boasts a wide variety of fresh produce, including colourful fruits and vegetables, aromatic herbs, and live seafood.
One of the highlights of Dong Ba Market is its street food section, where you can indulge in local delicacies like banh beo (steamed rice cakes), banh khoai (Hue-style pancakes), and the local signature dish; bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup).
The market also offers a great selection of Hue's speciality products, such as pungent shrimp paste, fermented fish sauce, and sesame candies. Be warned though, walking through these sections in the market with a hangover will test you; a truly formidable scent. Don’t forget to explore the clothing and handicraft sections, which offer all sorts of rip-off, counterfeit clothing labels, if that’s your thing.
Located in the heart of Hue, An Cuu Market is another must-visit spot for food lovers. This bustling market offers a diverse array of products, from fresh seafood and meats to vegetables and fruits. The market is especially famous for its abundance of herbs and spices, allowing you to add an authentic touch to your home-cooked Vietnamese meals.
An Cuu Market is also known for its delicious street food offerings, including banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwiches) and nem lui (grilled pork skewers). If you're looking to sample some local sweets, don't miss the chance to try the che (Vietnamese sweet soup) varieties available here. The market's vibrant atmosphere and friendly vendors create an exciting environment for exploring the flavours of Hue.
Located near the Imperial Citadel, Ben Ngu Market is a popular food market frequented by locals and tourists alike. This market offers a wide selection of fresh seafood, vegetables, and local specialities, making it another top choice for a few hours of sensory indulgence. It has a large fresh meat section where you can buy every part of the animal or pick up a live duck or chicken, should you need one. Its numerous food stalls serve up their riff on local favourites with dishes like bun thit nuong (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles) and banh mi xiu mai (meatball sandwich). The market is also famous for its range of traditional Vietnamese cakes and desserts, such as banh it (sticky rice dumplings).
