Hue Beef Noodle Soup: A Flavorful Taste of Vietnam’s Imperial Cuisine

Hue beef noodle soup, known locally as Bún Bò Huế, is one of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes – bold, spicy, aromatic, and deeply tied to the culinary heritage of Hue, the former imperial capital. This beloved noodle soup is more than a meal – it’s a cultural experience, a perfect balance of spicy, salty, sweet, and umami flavors that locals and visitors can’t forget.

At Hue Food Tour, you can not only taste this dish from authentic street vendors but also learn how to cook Hue beef noodle soup yourself on our guided cooking experiences.

⭐ What Makes Hue Beef Noodle Soup Special?

Bún Bò Huế originates from Hue, a city famous for royal cuisine and bold flavors. Unlike the more delicate northern pho, Hue beef noodle soup features a rich, spicy broth made by simmering beef bones with lemongrass, fermented shrimp paste, chili oil, and annatto seeds for vibrant color.

A typical bowl includes:

• Thin slices of boiled beef shank
• Tender pork leg
• Cubes of congealed pig’s blood
• Occasionally, oxtail or Vietnamese crab rolls

It’s served with a fresh side of banana blossom, bean sprouts, lime wedges, mint, basil, and chili sauce – perfect for customizing the taste to your preference.

🍜 How to Cook Hue Beef Noodle Soup (Bún Bò Huế)

Want to recreate this dish at home? Here’s a simplified version of the Hue beef noodle soup recipe:

Ingredients

• Beef bones (for broth)
• Lemongrass stalks
• Beef shank and pork leg
• Fermented shrimp paste
• Annatto oil (for color)
• Onions, garlic, and ginger
• Fish sauce, salt, sugar
• Congealed pig blood (optional)
• Vermicelli noodles (bún)
• Fresh herbs and vegetables

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the broth:
   Boil beef bones to remove impurities, then simmer for 2–3 hours with crushed lemongrass and onions. Skim the foam occasionally for a clear broth.
2. Flavor the broth:
   Add fish sauce, shrimp paste (filtered to remove sediment), sugar, and a sautéed mixture of annatto oil and minced lemongrass.
3. Cook the meats:
   • Simmer pork leg until tender, then slice.
   • Boil beef shank with ginger for flavor, cool, and slice thinly.
   • Boil pig’s blood (if using) and cut into cubes.
   • Optional: Add crab or pork meatballs.
4. Assemble the bowl:
   In a large white ceramic bowl, place cooked vermicelli noodles. Top with beef, pork leg, pig’s blood, and herbs. Ladle over hot broth and serve immediately.

🌿 Herbs and Spices in Hue Cuisine

Hue cuisine uses a variety of Vietnamese herbs to elevate its dishes. Some key herbs used in Hue beef noodle soup and other dishes include:

• Vietnamese balm: A blend of lemongrass, mint, and Thai basil flavor
• Banana blossom: Thinly sliced for crunch and aroma
• Perilla leaves, cilantro, Thai basil: Essential garnishes
• These herbs don’t just enhance flavor—they also provide health benefits and are integral to Vietnam’s folk medicine traditions.

📍Where to Try the Best Hue Beef Noodle Soup

When in Hue, don’t miss out on trying this legendary dish at a local eatery or street stall. It’s best enjoyed in the city it was born, cooked by locals who’ve mastered it over generations. Many say the flavor of Bún Bò Huế leaves an unforgettable impression.

Even if you’ve traveled and tasted foods around the world, the deep, spicy broth of Hue beef noodle soup is a memory that stays with you.

👨‍🍳 Join a Hue Food Tour to Cook & Eat Like a Local

Want to dive deeper into Hue’s culinary world?

Join our Hue Street Food Tour or Hue Cooking Class with Hue Food Tour. Our tours are top-rated on TripAdvisor, Viator, Cruise Critic, and more.

You’ll get to:

• Learn how to cook authentic Hue beef noodle soup
• Taste over 10 traditional Hue dishes
• Visit hidden food spots with local guides
• Understand the culture behind every recipe

We guarantee an authentic local experience that will create unforgettable memories for you and your family.