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.

With many dishes featuring distinctive local flavors, Hue leaves a lasting impression on international visitors. The city’s cuisine is an integral part of its appeal, giving travelers from around the world even more reasons to remember Hue long after their visit.

Hue Today Weekly Issue No. 92 is a 12-page publication featuring a wide range of engaging sections. The front page highlights an article by Nhat Minh, titled ‘Hue Cuisine Aims for a Global Brand’.

Beyond visiting heritage sites, enjoying local cuisine and exploring traditional crafts, residents and visitors to Hue now have more interactive and creative ways to experience the city. From getting acquainted with the handpan and making wagashi by hand to painting and crafting, … small-scale workshops are adding new ‘colors’ to the life experiences in the Ancient Capital.

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.

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