VietNamNet Bridge – The former imperial city of Hue’s music, handicrafts, cuisine and tourism will be on display during a programme taking place on December 13-16 at the Ha Noi Opera House.

Local favourite: Com hen (rice served with little clams) which is one among significant dishes of Hue cuisine, will be served in Ha Noi. — Photo nguoiduatin.vn

The event will highlight culture and promote tourism in the city in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue, said Nguyen Dung, vice chairman of the provincial People’s Committee.

“The Hue Culture and Tourism Days in Ha Noi aim to honour the uniqueness of Hue culture and introduce the city’s tourism potential,” said Dung.

“It’s a chance to present Hue’s image and products to Hanoians as well as international tourists.”

Highlights of Hue cuisine will be introduced including bun bo Hue (a fragrant beef soup, with fresh rice vermicelli noodles), cha gio (spring rolls), com hen (rice served with little clams), and various kinds of Hue cakes and che Hue (sweet puddings).

The food will be cooked by leading chefs and served at 12 traditional wooden houses brought from Hue to Ha Noi with aim to bring customers a feeling of dishes in Hue. The culinary booths will be open all day to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner for eaters.

During the four-day event, handicrafts like lanterns, kites, flutes and specialities of Hue including mam tom chua (fermented sour shrimp paste), me xung (sweet candy made of malt, sesame and peanuts) will be introduced.

Hue folk songs and lyrical melodies will be performed at a special concert entitled "Winter in Hue" on December 14-16.

"While nha nhac (royal court music) recognised in 2003 by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity has been performed and introduced widely at home and abroad, folk music of Hue hasn’t received its due attention," said Nguyen Viet Duc, director of Hue Music Academy.

“That’s why we choose folk music and lyrical songs written by famous composers Trinh Cong Son, Nguyen Van Thuong and Tran Hoan from 1950s to present to Ha Noi’s audience,” he said.

The tickets of Winter in Hue concert is ranged from VND1-3 million (US$45-135).

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has decided to organise a series of programmes introducing culture and arts of localities nationwide at the Ha Noi Opera House. The Hue Culture and Tourism Days event is the first among them.

Central city beauty: Singer Anh Tho will perform songs of Hue during the concert Winter in Hue. — Photo nguoiduatin.vn

VNS