Located in the central region of Vietnam, Hue has been home to a large population of Vietnamese Buddhists for centuries. Buddhism penetrates and shapes almost every aspect of Hue people’s life, even when it comes to cooking. Since many Buddhists consume meat with moderation, vegetarian cooking and dining thrive in Hue. While vegetarian restaurants can be found throughout the city, the two establishments recommended here outshine the rest in quality and taste.
Lien Hoa
3 Le Quy Don
Hue, Vietnam
Tel: (054) 816884
Average cost for a meal with a drink: $2-$4
Well situated on one of Hue’s major streets, Lien Hoa has conquered the hearts and taste buds of vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. In the bustling kitchen area, one will always find a number of cooks and assistants occupied with preparing tofu, peeling mushrooms, frying eggplants, steaming rice, etc. The dishes, accompanied by small bowls of chili paste and fermented bean curds, are packed with well-balanced, simple yet delicious, flavors and spices. Make sure to try the eggplants sauté with chopped fresh garlic and coated with a mildly sweet sauce. Guests who can withstand Vietnam’s tropical climate should venture to order Lien Hoa’s famous hotpot, a soup that, unlike the rest of the menu, is cooked right at the table. For devout omnivores, there is always mi can. Dubbed as “meat for vegetarians,” mi can is a soy-based food that offers a chewy texture comparable to meat. The house dessert, luc tau xa, also deserves recognition. Its unique combination of lotus seeds, tapioca pearls, mung beans, and grated lemon rinds gives off a remarkable fragrance and an equally impressive taste.
Bo De
17 Le Loi
Hue, Vietnam
Tel: (84-54) 83 84 85 / 83 22 20
Average cost for a meal with a drink : $4-$6
Bo De’s spacious outdoors seating area makes it a lovely evening treat. Colorful lanterns suspense above artfully prepared tables as diners sip cool melon drinks by candle lights. Given its sophisticated ambience, Bo De offers surprisingly affordable dining choices. A must-try from the menu is banh lot, small dumpling-like bites made from tapioca flour and stuffed with minced vegetables before being wrapped in banana leaves and cooked by steam. Banh lot is usually served with a dipping sauce and can be eaten by hands or with chopsticks. Unwrap and discard the banana leaves before enjoying the banh lot inside. Another Hue vegetarian specialty is fig salad, made with paper thin slices of young figs and a generous portion of sesame seeds tossed together in a delicate dressing. The fried mushrooms may be a tempting choice but they are not worth the calories as the batter tends to be soggy and chewy rather than crunchy.
A few important things to remember
Large groups should always make reservation as these restaurants get extremely crowded at peak lunch and dinner time. When dining in Hue, don’t forget to ask for a pitcher of iced tea from the waiters as Hue’s cooking is famous of its tongue-scalding spiciness. Never be shy about requesting refills.
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