Overview
Hue isn't just known for its bold savory dishes — it's also considered the capital of che (Vietnamese sweet dessert soups) in Vietnam. Legend has it that the royal cuisine of old Hue featured dozens of different types of che, created by imperial chefs to serve emperors and their courts, and many of these recipes are still preserved and prepared today.
What makes Hue's che truly remarkable is its astonishing variety — from lotus seed che stuffed inside longan fruit, to sweet-and-savory tapioca dumplings filled with roasted pork, mung bean che, taro che, corn che, and pomegranate seed che, each with its own unique flavor and preparation method.
Unlike southern Vietnamese che, which is often rich and heavily sweetened with coconut milk, Hue's che tends to have a lighter, more delicate sweetness, focusing on preserving the natural flavor of the main ingredient — lotus, beans, taro, or corn — reflecting the refined, subtle palate of Hue cuisine.
Notably, lotus seed che stuffed in longan is considered one of the most exquisite royal desserts, requiring great skill to carefully remove the longan seed and stuff the lotus seed (with its bitter core removed) inside, then simmer it in fragrant sugar water scented with pomelo blossom, creating a dessert as beautiful as it is delicious.
Where to Eat, Prices & Tips
Che is available year-round and everywhere in Hue, from long-established, well-known dessert shops on the main streets to street carts that wander through the old quarter each evening, making it easy to enjoy anytime you like.
In terms of price, each cup or bowl of che is quite affordable, typically ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 VND depending on the type and the shop, with some more elaborate royal-style che offering multiple types blended in one cup priced slightly higher.
Many famous che shops in Hue also offer a mixed che option, letting customers choose several different types in a single cup, allowing you to sample multiple flavors in one order rather than having to buy each type separately.
If you're visiting Hue on a hot day, che makes a perfect refreshing treat, while on cooler days, some shops also serve warm varieties like mung bean or taro che, fitting nicely with the weather.
Pro Tips & Memorable Experiences
A handy tip for first-timers trying Hue che is to order a mixed che cup so you can sample several varieties at once, making it easier to find your favorite flavor to order again on future visits.
If you get the chance, be sure to try the lotus seed che stuffed in longan at least once — it's considered the pinnacle of Hue's royal dessert-making art, letting you appreciate the meticulous skill behind every delicate piece.
In the evening, strolling through the pedestrian street or the food streets near the Perfume River while sipping a cool cup of che and watching the city's nighttime rhythm is a favorite experience among visitors to Hue.
If you love this dessert, you can also buy some dried che ingredients, like lotus seed or mung bean che mixes, to bring home as gifts — while it won't fully capture the fresh, made-to-order flavor, it's still a meaningful culinary souvenir for family and friends.
Handy tips
- ✔Order a mixed cup to sample several varieties.
- ✔Try lotus-seed-in-longan — the pinnacle of royal che.
- ✔Enjoy che while strolling the Perfume River at night.
