Central Vietnamese cuisine is particularly diverse. Huế is associated with the culinary traditions of the former imperial capital, while Đà Nẵng, Quảng Nam, and Hội An have their own distinctive dishes.
Central food frequently uses chili, lemongrass, fermented seasonings, and fresh herbs. Huế cuisine is particularly famous for its small, beautifully presented dishes, while Quảng Nam cuisine is often rustic, earthy, and intensely local.
Signature Specialties
- Bún Bò Huế— A fragrant beef and lemongrass noodle soup with thick rice noodles, beef, and traditional toppings, often finished with chili oil.
- Mì Quảng— Broad rice noodles served with a small amount of concentrated broth, meat or seafood, peanuts, herbs, and crispy rice crackers.
- Cao Lầu— Hội An’s distinctive thick rice noodles with slices of pork, fresh herbs, local greens, and crispy noodles.
- Cơm Gà Hội An— Turmeric-tinted rice served with shredded chicken, herbs, onions, and flavorful local sauce.
- Bánh Bèo— Small steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp, scallions, and savory seasonings.
- Bánh Lọc— Translucent tapioca dumplings traditionally filled with shrimp and pork.
- Bánh Khoái— Crispy Huế-style rice pancakes, usually filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts and served with a distinctive dipping sauce.
- Nem Lụi— Grilled seasoned pork skewers, often wrapped in rice paper with herbs and dipped in a rich sauce.
- Bánh Tráng Cuốn Thịt Heo— Slices of pork wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs and vegetables, particularly associated with Đà Nẵng and Quảng Nam.
- Bún Chả Cá Đà Nẵng— Rice noodles served with fish cakes in a clear, savory fish-based broth.
Recommended Restaurants
Madam Thu Restaurant — Huế
Specialty: Bánh Khoái, Nem Lụi, Bún Bò Huế, and traditional Huế dishes. Cooking experiences are also available.
Morning Glory Original — Hội An
Specialty: Cao Lầu, Cơm Gà Hội An, White Rose Dumplings, and other Vietnamese street-food and home-style dishes.
Mì Quảng Bà Mua — Đà Nẵng
Specialty: Mì Quảng with chicken, shrimp, pork, and other variations, together with Bánh Tráng Cuốn Thịt Heo.