In Hue, beef noodle soup, or bun bo Hue, isn't just a familiar dish; it's a cultural experience that draws many visitors. The folk knowledge of Hue beef noodle soup was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism at the end of June.

Hue beef noodle soup. Photo: Tuan Anh

Below are 6 authentic Hue beef noodle soup shops, recommended by local tour guide Hoang Anh and VnExpress reporters. The list is based on criteria such as being open for over 30 years, receiving high customer ratings, and being located near the city center.

Me Keo Beef Noodle Soup

Address: 94 Bach Dang, Hue City

Opening hours: 6 a.m. - 8 a.m.

Among hundreds of eateries across the city, Me Keo, open for nearly 70 years, attracts both locals and tourists. The shop is praised for its authentic Hue flavor, with a broth fragrant with lemongrass and a special shrimp paste seasoning. The chili adds a spicy kick and vibrant color to the bowl when combined with spring onions. A full bowl of beef noodle soup includes crab cakes, beef, pork knuckle, and blood pudding for 50,000 VND.

The restaurant is crowded as soon as it opens, so be prepared to wait for a seat.

Mu Roi Beef Noodle Soup

Address: 48 Nguyen Chi Dieu, Hue City

Opening hours: 6 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Located next to the Hue Imperial Citadel, Mu Roi is famous for its broth simmered with beef and pork bones for hours over a wood fire. The owner said they considered switching to an electric stove for convenience but ultimately stuck with the traditional method to preserve the smoky flavor. Ingredients are sourced directly from the slaughterhouse to ensure freshness and a naturally sweet broth.

Mu Roi beef noodle soup. Photo: Anh Tuyet

Hoang Anh recommends trying the crab cake beef noodle soup. The crab is shelled, cleaned, and the meat and roe are mixed with pork and annatto seeds before being pounded into a paste. The crab cakes are added to the broth about 10 minutes before serving to maintain their freshness and flavor. Each bowl starts at 35,000 VND.

Canh Van Beef Noodle Soup

Address: 206 Trinh Cong Son, Hue City

Opening hours: 6 a.m. - 8 a.m.

Located in the Dong Ba - Gia Hoi area, known for its many delicious beef noodle soup shops, Canh Van serves a full bowl with crab cakes, pork knuckle, and beef, accompanied by a side of steamed rice.

Beef noodle soup with steamed rice. Photo: Nguyen Phong

Hoang Anh explains that this tradition stems from the fact that noodle soup doesn't keep you full for long, so people often add rice for a more satisfying meal. Each serving comes with a bowl of rice, and you can ask for more free of charge. The restaurant is usually crowded from early morning, especially during peak hours, so be prepared for a wait.

Prices start at around 20,000 VND per serving.

Hanh Beef Noodle Soup

Address: 69 Dang Van Ngu, Hue City

Opening hours: 6 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Located near An Cuu Market, Hanh has been a local favorite for 30 years thanks to its beef bone broth, fragrant with lemongrass and shrimp paste. One of the highlights is the generous portion of crab cakes, along with carefully selected beef and pork knuckle, all used within the day for optimal freshness. Hanh Beef Noodle Soup also receives many positive reviews on Google, with customers praising the reasonable prices, generous toppings, spacious setting, and quick service. Prices start at around 35,000 VND.

O Nhon Beef Noodle Soup

Address: 177 Phan Dinh Phung, Hue City

Opening hours: 6 a.m. - 8 a.m.

Located in a small alley next to An Dinh Palace, O Nhon has been open for over 30 years and is a familiar breakfast spot for locals. The hearty bowl of noodles comes with beef, crab cakes, blood pudding, fresh herbs, and a sweet and savory broth with the characteristic lemongrass aroma and spiciness of Hue beef noodle soup. The price of around 35,000 VND is considered reasonable by many customers, given the quality of the food and central location in the tourist city. However, due to its small size, the restaurant is often full during peak hours.

Ba Nga Beef Noodle Soup

Address: 62 Nguyen Chi Dieu, Hue City

Opening hours: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Hoang Anh notes that Ba Nga has satisfied local diners for over 30 years with its rich Hue beef noodle soup. It features a spicy broth fragrant with lemongrass, tender beef, and chewy noodles.

Unlike many beef noodle soup shops in Hue that only open in the morning, Ba Nga opens in the evening, making it an ideal choice for visitors seeking a late-night bowl. The menu includes beef noodle soup and pork knuckle noodle soup, starting at 30,000 VND per bowl. The clientele is mostly local, drawn by the authentic Hue flavors, clean ingredients, and the restaurant's signature spicy pickled chilies. Many appreciate the carefully selected meat and pork knuckle, which have maintained their quality over the years.

Tuan Anh