Hue beef noodle soup designated national intangible heritage
Hue authorities consider the designation of bun bo Hue a milestone in safeguarding and elevating the dish's cultural heritage.
THE HANOI TIMES — The traditional knowledge behind bun bo Hue (Hue beef noodles) has officially been declared a national intangible cultural heritage by Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
A bowl of Hue beef noodle made by O Xuan restaurant in Hanoi. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
“Our goal is to incorporate this heritage into our overarching vision of becoming a UNESCO Creative City in gastronomy,” said Phan Thanh Hai, Director of the Hue Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
Bun bo Hue is more than just a popular dish; it embodies generations of culinary wisdom and is linked to spiritual practices, community life, and traditional craft villages like Van Cu and O Sa.
The dish reflects the Hue people's soul, lifestyle, and culinary identity.
From iconic eateries like Me Keo and Ba Tuyet to humble street vendors, bun bo Hue is a daily staple across the city.
Its depth of flavor and cultural significance have earned it international acclaim. Late American chef Anthony Bourdain once called it “the greatest soup in the world” on CNN in 2014.
Bun bo Hue embodies deep community identity, intergenerational knowledge, cultural diversity, and a strong local commitment to preservation.
Because of these qualities, it deserves recognition as a national intangible heritage of Vietnam.
Popular restaurants in Hanoi that serve bun bo Hue include O Xuan, Net Hue, and Mon Hue.
