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Cơm Hến

Table of Contents
  1. 1. What is Cơm Hến?
  2. 2. Characteristics of Cơm Hến
  4. 3. Ingredients
  5. 4. How to Enjoy Cơm Hến
  7. 5. Cultural Importance

1. What is Cơm Hến?

Cơm Hến is a unique and flavorful rice dish that comes from Huế, the ancient capital of Vietnam. It is made with baby clams (called hến in Vietnamese), white rice, and a mix of fresh and crispy toppings. This dish is famous for its rich taste, affordable price, and strong connection to the local lifestyle in Huế.

2. Characteristics of Cơm Hến

What makes Cơm Hến special is the perfect balance between different textures and flavors. The dish is a mix of hot and cold elements: warm rice or noodles are topped with cool herbs, crispy pork rinds, peanuts, and tender baby clams. It’s often served with a bowl of hot clam broth on the side and a spoonful of spicy chili sauce. The overall taste is savory, spicy, nutty, and a little sweet and sour.

3. Ingredients

The main ingredient is tiny baby clams, which are collected from the rivers around Huế. These clams are boiled, then stir-fried with onions, garlic, and spices. The rice is usually slightly dry to keep its texture. Other toppings include shredded green papaya, banana flower, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, crispy rice crackers (bánh tráng), fried shallots, and fresh herbs like mint and basil. A special shrimp paste and chili oil also give the dish its strong, bold flavor.

4. How to Enjoy Cơm Hến

Cơm Hến is typically enjoyed by mixing all the ingredients together in one bowl and pouring in a little bit of the hot clam broth. It can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In Huế, it’s often sold by street vendors or in small, family-run restaurants. Locals often enjoy it sitting on low stools at simple food stalls, which adds to the authentic experience.

5. Cultural Importance

Cơm Hến is more than just a tasty dish—it represents the creativity and resourcefulness of Huế’s people. Once a humble, everyday meal of poor villagers on Cồn Hến (Hen Islet), it has become one of the city's iconic dishes. Its mix of simple ingredients and complex flavors reflects the soul of Huế cuisine: modest but deeply meaningful. Tourists often seek it out to get a true taste of central Vietnamese culture.

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