Hue cuisine has been famous for its distinctive gastronomy with many delicious, affordably-priced, and diverse dishes. Both locals and visitors to Da Nang usually like coming to their favorite hang-out spots around the city to enjoy an amazing range of ‘must-try’ delicious nosh food whose origin is from Hue. Notable amongst them are ‘banh beo’ (Vietnamese bloating fern-shaped cake), and ‘banh ep’ (pressed cake).

Delicious small bowls of ‘banh beo’

Having artistic souls, cooks in Hue also shaped the cake like an artwork. They also brainstormed on how to serve it in a way that adds a more artistic feel. In particular, each ‘banh beo’ is cooked and served in a small bowl that fits its shape.

Small like a water fern, a set of small bowls of white cakes with an orange top is served to fill an empty stomach. Using a spoon to take the cake out of the bowl, you can enjoy the soft but still slightly chewy taste of the steamed rice flour from the first bite.

‘Banh beo’ is more delicious when it served with spicy and sweet fish sauce, along with ‘nem chua’ (fermented pork roll), and ‘cha bo’ (grilled beef patty).

Interestingly, the topping of dried shrimp and crispy pieces of bread provide a strong crispy taste mixed with a little fish sauce and fresh herbal vegetables, and is in healthy harmony.

In Da Nang, a tray of 10 - 15 small bowls of ‘banh beo’ is often priced at only 10,000-20,000 VND.

Each ‘banh beo’ is cooked and served in a small bowl that fits its shape.

Such eateries as those at 13A Thanh Tinh, Hoa Minh Ward, Lien Chieu District) and 55B Nguyen Chi Thanh, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District are highly recommended to enjoy this irreplaceable specialty of Hue locals.

‘Banh ep’ features the layer of shrimp and pork

‘Banh ep’ is another specialty of Hue. This simple yet delicious dish is made by pressing flour in a special greased mold, pretty similar to how you make waffle.

‘Banh ep’ is one of the favourite delicacies to many nosh lovers.

The batter will be added to the center of the mold only, and then it gradually spreads to the edges when the lid is shut. Then all the toppings will be garnished per your order: shrimp, pork, egg or sausage.

Place the ‘banh ep’ on a dish, then add some ‘dua chua’ (fermented mixed pickles), vegetables, then make a roll. Finish with a dip into the spicy fish sauce.

A piece of rustic ‘banh ep’ is reminiscent of the street food in Hue.

The amazing mixture of the various flavours really gives a pleasant texture and a smooth aftertaste!

Eateries at 310 Hai Phong, Tan Chinh Ward, Thanh Khe District and at 18 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District are the most favourite venues for those who love this dish. 

Mouthwatering ‘banh ep’ highlight a wonderful mixture of shrimp, meat and spring onions.

The price of this delicacy is also quite cheap, only from 12,000 VND per portion.