Claypot Rice of Hue- Vietnam

The Simplicity of the Clay Pot

According to historical records, the clay pot for cooking rice first appeared around 3500 BCE in Guangdong, China, before spreading to neighboring regions such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore. Surprisingly, this cooking vessel was traditionally associated with the lower working class.

Despite being inconvenient—you have to tend the fire manually—the clay pot remains, even in this era when humanity has reached Mars, the most beloved way to cook rice for many in Asia. Somehow, mysteriously, rice from a humble earthen pot always carries the most distinct aroma and deepest flavor.

The Uniqueness of Hue’s Clay Pot Rice

In Hue, a family meal is not just about food; it’s a ritual, a way of preserving cultural heritage and regional identity. Every meal in Hue bears the subtle elegance of the former imperial capital—from the way dishes are presented to their complex, layered flavors.

Perhaps shaped by the biting winter chill, Hue cuisine favors bold spice, reflected in the fresh green chilies with a bright yet elegant heat, and the peppercorns grown in Quang Dien, a nearby region, known for their fragrant kick and stimulating warmth.

Hue’s signature braised fish stands apart from its northern and southern counterparts. While the North leans savory and the South leans sweet with umami, Hue’s version is defined by texture. The fish undergoes a two-stage braising process and is never cooked with water—only fish fat and rich fermented shrimp paste (mắm ruốc), giving it a dry, caramelized finish with a smoky, umami-laden aroma.

Even something as simple as a vegetable dipping sauce is complex in Hue. It’s made by mixing hot vegetable broth with mắm ruốc and a touch of fragrant scallion oil. The result? A deeply flavorful sauce that coats every bite of boiled greens beautifully.

Hue’s soups also differ: the sourness comes from starfruit, not vinegar or fermented rice, and the umami does not rely on fish sauce but on fermented shrimp paste in a much more nuanced way.

At Ancient Hue, the traditional Hue family meal is faithfully preserved—with a touch more elegance and finesse to elevate your dining experience.

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