Central of Vietnam Culinary culture

"Colorful, Flavourful and Varied in eating custom"

Central Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its bold, spicy flavors. Compared to the North, this region leans heavily towards seafood-based dishes. And it makes sense—geographically, Central Vietnam has the longest coastline in the country. With such an abundance of seafood, getting fresh ingredients is never a challenge for the locals.

River and ocean dishes here often have a distinct sour and spicy taste. This isn’t just for flavor but also serves a purpose—these strong seasonings help mask the natural fishy scent of seafood, making the dishes more enjoyable.

The plating in here also being an important part of serving, people will focus on the look of the dish,peo and the more colorful the dish is, the better the emotion the people are.

But food in Central Vietnam isn’t just about eating—it’s an experience. Locals embrace different ways of appreciating food, known as Khẩu thực, Nhãn thực, and Tâm thực.

• Khẩu thực is simply tasting and enjoying the flavors.

• Nhãn thực goes a step further—it’s when you can "taste" a dish just by looking at it, imagining its texture and flavors before even taking a bite.

• Tâm thực is the highest level—where eating becomes an art, a moment of deep connection with the dish. Every texture, every ingredient is felt and appreciated, turning a simple meal into something almost sacred.

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Cuisine list for Hue

Bún bò Huế- Huế (Hue beef noodles soup)

Bún bò Huế is a spicy and flavorful beef noodle soup from Hue. The broth is simmered with beef bones, lemongrass, and shrimp paste for a deep umami taste. It is served with tender beef, pork hock, and fresh herbs. The combination of rich broth and chewy rice noodles makes it a must-try dish.

Cơm hến (Hue Clam Rice)

Cơm hến is a humble yet flavorful dish that represents Hue’s street food culture. It consists of steamed rice mixed with baby clams, crispy pork fat, peanuts, and fresh herbs. The dish is typically served with a side of clam broth and a spoonful of shrimp paste for extra depth. The contrast between the crunchy toppings and soft rice makes it a unique culinary experience.

Bánh bèo – Nậm – Lọc (Hue Savory Cakes Trio)

These three rice flour cakes showcase the delicate flavors of Hue cuisine.

• Bánh bèo (left) is a small, steamed rice cake topped with minced shrimp and crispy pork skin.

• Bánh nậm (top) is wrapped in banana leaves, filled with shrimp and pork, and has a soft, smooth texture.

• Bánh lọc (bottom) is a translucent tapioca dumpling stuffed with shrimp and pork, often dipped in fish sauce.
  

  
  

Tôm chua Huế (Hue Fermented Shrimp)

Tôm chua Huế is a traditional fermented shrimp delicacy, widely used in Hue’s cuisine. Fresh shrimp is fermented with galangal, garlic, chili, and sticky rice to develop a tangy and slightly spicy taste. It is commonly served with boiled pork, fresh vegetables, and rice paper. The combination of salty, sour, and spicy flavors makes it a perfect accompaniment to many Hue dishes.

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Cuisine list for Da Nang

Mì Quảng (Quang-style Noodles)

Mì Quảng is a vibrant noodle dish that perfectly represents Central Vietnamese cuisine. It features thick rice noodles, a small amount of rich, turmeric-infused broth, and a variety of toppings like shrimp, pork, and quail eggs. The dish is garnished with peanuts, crispy rice crackers, and fresh herbs for added texture. It is typically served with lime and chili to enhance its bold flavors.

Bánh tráng cuốn thịt heo (Rice Paper Rolls with Pork)

This dish is a light yet flavorful specialty of Da Nang. Thinly sliced boiled pork is wrapped in soft rice paper along with fresh vegetables and herbs. The highlight of the dish is the dipping sauce, a rich and savory fermented anchovy sauce. Every bite delivers a balance of fresh, crunchy, and umami flavors. Gỏi cá Nam Ô (Nam O Fish Salad)

Gỏi cá Nam Ô is a famous raw fish salad from Da Nang’s coastal region. Fresh fish is thinly sliced and marinated in lime juice, then mixed with herbs, roasted sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts. It is served with rice paper and a variety of fresh vegetables. The dish offers a refreshing and slightly tangy taste that seafood lovers adore.

Bê thui Cầu Mống (Grilled Veal Cầu Mống)

Bê thui Cầu Mống is a famous specialty of Quang Nam and Da Nang. The veal is carefully flame-grilled until the skin turns golden and crispy while the meat remains tender. It is thinly sliced and served with rice paper, fresh herbs, and a flavorful dipping sauce made from fermented fish. The smoky aroma and rich flavors make it an unforgettable dish

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Cuisine list for Hoi An

Cao lầu (Hoi An Signature Noodles)

Cao lầu is a unique noodle dish that reflects Hoi An’s rich culinary history. The thick, chewy noodles are made with water from a specific ancient well and lye ash from local trees. It is topped with slices of roasted pork, crispy fried pork skin, and fresh greens. Unlike other Vietnamese noodle dishes, cao lầu is served with just a small amount of broth. Cơm gà Hội An (Hoi An Chicken Rice)

Hoi An Chicken Rice is a fragrant dish that highlights the delicate flavors of the region. The rice is cooked in chicken broth and turmeric, giving it a vibrant yellow color. It is topped with shredded chicken, herbs, and pickled vegetables, served with a side of light chicken soup. The combination of tender chicken and aromatic rice makes it a comforting and delicious meal.

Bánh bao – Bánh vạc

(White Rose Dumplings)

White Rose Dumplings are a specialty of Hoi An, known for their delicate appearance. The dumplings have a thin, translucent rice flour wrapper filled with minced shrimp and pork. They are steamed and topped with crispy shallots, then served with a special dipping sauce. The dish is named "White Rose" because of its elegant, flower-like shape.

Mót Hội An (Hoi An Herbal Tea)

Mót Hội An is a refreshing herbal tea that has become a must-try drink in the ancient town. It is made from lemongrass, lime, and various medicinal herbs, offering a soothing and slightly sweet taste. The drink is often garnished with a lotus petal and served in a simple yet charming way. Perfect for cooling down while exploring the picturesque streets of Hoi An.

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For the people of Central Vietnam, food isn’t just about survival—it’s a way to connect, to experience, and to truly feel every bite. Each dish carries the essence of history, culture, and the unwavering spirit of the land, making every meal not just nourishment, but a journey through time and tradition.