If you saw giant freshwater prawns nearly as thick as an adult’s wrist, three of which may weigh a kilogram on average, few of you would guess they were wild-caught from the Bo River. Their firm, succulent flesh, naturally sweet flavor, and rich, golden roe make them truly exceptional. It would come as no surprise if this remarkable prawn earned its place among the signature delicacies of the ancient imperial capital one day.

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.

More than just a place serving authentic dishes from the Ancient Capital, Hue Thuong restaurant in the heart of Osaka, Japan, has become a familiar gathering place for Hue natives living far from home. Through every delicately prepared dish, the restaurant preserves and shares the cultural values and culinary essence of Hue.

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.

Taking “made in Hue” salted coffee flavor far and wide is the aspiration of Pham Ngoc Anh Phuong (born in 1995), Co-founder of Alufa Technology and Trading Co., Ltd., through his investment in researching instant salted coffee product.

On the Lantern Festival (the Full Moon of the First Lunar Month) more than 15 years ago, the most “pure Hue native” friend I know, architect Nguyen Trong Huan, and I put on thin raincoats and walked together through the light, drifting drizzle to search for Hue’s culinary specialties. Having lived in this city for many years, Huan still longed for the flavors he once tasted.

From pristine tea leaves rich in aroma at the foot of Bach Ma Mountain, combined with modern technology and advanced techniques, HUESTEA fresh tea extract has carefully distilled the essence of local tea to create a distinctive product that preserves the rustic flavor of Hue.

On the evening of February 6, at the area in front of the Imperial Academy, Ham Nghi Square, and along 23 Thang 8 (August 23) Street in Phu Xuan Ward, Phu Xuan Ward People’s Committee held the opening ceremony of the “Phu Xuan Tet - Colors and Flavors of the Ancient Capital” program, attracting a large number of residents and visitors.

Growing up from the fields, steeped in rustic flavors of the countryside - “salty fermented vegetables, sour white eggplant”, yet it was not until my late forties that I first heard of mut ca phao (white eggplant preserves) from Hue. The humble eggplant, so familiar on simple family meals, appears here in an entirely unfamiliar form - a delicately beautiful preserves for the Lunar New Year.

In this weekend’s edition, Hue Today Weekly would like to present a collection of photos taken by Anh Le, a photographer, designed to stir the senses of readers near and far with dishes rich in Hue flavors.