Hue, Vietnam, has recently been recognized by Tatler Asia as one of Asia's most underrated culinary destinations. As a leading online platform celebrating the best of Asia, Tatler Asia notes that when it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, most foreign visitors think only of pho and banh mi, as these dishes dominate the culinary scene in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

However, Tatler Asia emphasizes that Hue is a uniquely impressive destination, offering a rich culinary heritage marked by imperial cuisine and local specialties like bun bo Hue, banh beo, and com hen.

A royal feast in the heart of Vietnam

Bun bo Hue, a popular breakfast choice among locals, features a flavorful broth made from pork and beef bones, simmered with distinctive spices like lemongrass, fermented shrimp paste, and a hint of lime juice. The dish's bold, hearty flavor sets it apart from other noodle soups in Vietnam.

Another renowned specialty from Hue is banh beo. This delicate dish is made from finely milled rice flour, soaked to achieve a sticky consistency, and mixed with a touch of fat before being poured into small dishes and steamed. The result is a thin, translucent, petal-like cake topped with a variety of ingredients and served with a dipping sauce.

Tatler Asia suggests that diners can enhance the flavor by adding crispy fried shallots or toasted peanuts to the dish.

Com hen, another beloved dish in Hue, is celebrated for its irresistible taste. Made with baby clams, the dish is served with cold rice, fried pork skins, herbs, bean sprouts, and a flavorful broth poured over the mixture. This rustic and fragrant dish is a favorite among both locals and visitors.

Besides Hue, the list of the top eight underrated food cities in Asia compiled by Tatler Asia also includes Fukuoka (Japan), Ipoh (Malaysia), Iloilo (Philippines), Gwangju (South Korea), Hualien (Taiwan, China), Surabaya (Indonesia), and Luang Prabang (Laos).

Do An