Beyond its heritage attractions, Hue is becoming a choice of culinary destination for many travelers. The distinctive local dishes of the former imperial capital are contributing to the formation of a unique appeal for Hue’s tourism.

Hue has the potential not only to become a prominent culinary destination in Southeast Asia but also to work towards a position among Asia’s leading culinary centers. Therefore, preparing an application dossier to join UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of cuisine would strengthen Hue’s culinary brand name, promote its cultural values more widely, and boost tourism.

On the evening of July 25th, at Thuong Bac Park, the Department of Tourism, in collaboration with partner organizations, staged the "Bun bo Hue - The Legend of Van Cu and Huong Ngu Symphony" performance, a signature event of Hue - Culinary Capital 2026 program. The event was attended by Mr. Tran Huu Thuy Giang, Member of the City Party Committee and Vice Chairman of Hue City People's Committee.

On the late afternoon of July 24, the Department of Tourism, in coordination with relevant units, organized the National Bun bo Hue Festival. This is one of the highlight activities of the Hue - Culinary Capital 2026 program, aimed at honoring traditional values and spreading the Bun bo Hue brand to a wide audience of residents and visitors.

On the evening of July 23, at Thuong Bac Park in Phu Xuan Ward, Hue City, Hue - Culinary Capital 2026 program, themed ‘Bun bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup) Day’, officially opened. The program is led by the Department of Tourism, in coordination with relevant units, as part of Hue Festival 2026 series of events.

On the morning of July 10, Hue Department of Tourism, in collaboration with Acecook Vietnam JSC, held a press conference to announce ‘Hue - Culinary Capital 2026’ program under the theme ‘Hue Beef Noodle (Bun bo Hue) Day’. The event was co-chaired by Vice Chairman of Hue City People's Committee Tran Huu Thuy Giang.

On the evening of June 19, at Tinh Tam Lake, the Department of Tourism hosted “Thuc Thuy Show,” an art and culinary performance that serves as one of the highlights of the 2026 Hue Lotus Festival, taking place from June 19 to 21.

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 morning of May 29, the Department of Tourism announced that Hue Lotus Festival 2026 will take place from June 19 to 21 under the theme “Ngu lien thuc thuy” (Royal Lotus Awakens the Water). Featuring a wide range of cultural, artistic, and culinary activities as part of Hue Festival 2026, the event is expected to become a vibrant summer attraction for both residents and visitors.

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”.

In the coming time, the tourism sector will enhance the promotion of culinary tourism through culinary events and festivals, and create unique culinary tours to promote the advantages of local cuisine and enhance the tourism experience for visitors.