On the morning of September 1, the 2026 Khe Tre Highland Market (third edition) under the theme ‘Spirit of Great Forest - Colors of Independence’ officially kicked off at the Co Tu Ethnic Traditional Cultural Village in Thuong Lo Village, Khe Tre Commune. The event offers visitors a space to experience the unique culture, cuisine, and specialties of the highlands during the National Day holiday (September 2).

Hue is a heritage city, but Hue’s cultural strength does not lie solely in its citadel, palaces, royal tombs, or historic architecture. Behind these tangible forms of heritage lies a vibrant world of music, festivals, beliefs, traditional crafts, cuisine, clothing, and folk knowledge. This is the ‘soul’ that gives Hue its distinctive identity.

Among about 3,000 dishes documented nationwide, over 1,700 are believed to be prepared in Hue styles, bearing the distinctive hallmarks of the former imperial capital’s cuisine. This rich culinary heritage is one of the key reasons that Hue has chosen gastronomy as the focus of its application to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

Beyond a celebration of Hue Beef Noodle, the iconic dish of the Ancient Capital, the Hue - Culinary Capital 2026 program has become a vibrant showcase of culinary excellence from across Vietnam. From Hue’s traditional flavors to regional specialties from every corner of the country, each food stall and every dish tells a story of Vietnam’s rich cultural identity, taking visitors on a journey that awakens all their senses.

In the context of the rapidly growing experiential tourism trend, cuisine is no longer viewed as a supplementary service but has become an important competitive edge for the tourism industry.

After graduating with a law degree and working in Hanoi for some time, Ho Thuong Liu (born in 1993) decided to return to A Luoi 1 Commune to start his own business. Drawing on the A Lin Stream that was part of his childhood, he developed a community-based tourism model centered on stilt houses, local cuisine, and the cultural traditions of the Bru - Van Kieu people. From a once-pristine and lesser-known destination, A Lin Stream has gradually attracted visitors, contributing to the livelihoods of local residents in the highlands.

Not overly elaborate yet remarkably refined, the harmonious and refreshing flavors of Hue's cuisine have a unique charm for many visitors when summer comes.

The culture and way of life in the highlands possess a unique charm. This appeal comes not only from the distinct customs, cuisine, and lifestyle, but also from the unique stories of the mountains and forests preserved by ethnic minority communities, as well as their cultural identities passed down through generations.

As part of the 1st Festival of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Ethnic Groups in Mountainous Areas, on the morning of May 30, the Highland Culinary Festival and Traditional Cooking Contest officially launched at A Luoi 2 Commune Market.

On the afternoon of April 10th, Hue Tourism College (under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), in coordination with Cholimex Food Joint Stock Company, organized the 7th season of the “Searching for Hue Culinary Ambassadors” contest under the theme of “Preserving and Promoting the Essence of Hue Cuisine”.

There are 40 stalls selling typical dishes located in front of the main gate of the market. The shops have signs, menus, pictures, and price listings in Vietnamese and English to help diners conveniently choose the dish.

In harmony with the festive atmosphere of 2024, Hue City People's Committee organizes Hue Traditional Cuisine Week 2024 at Thuong Bac Park from April 27 to May 1