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What kind of food is served during the dragon boat Hue dinner cruise?

You won’t go hungry on a dragon boat dinner cruise in Huế — that’s for sure. The food is one of the quiet highlights. It’s not flashy or overly fancy, but it hits the spot. Think traditional Vietnamese home-style dishes, but plated a little more thoughtfully because, well, you’re floating on the Perfume River with live ca Huế music playing in the background.

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Here’s what was on my table when I did the cruise last October

Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls) – light, with shrimp and herbs wrapped in rice paper. Served with a hoisin-peanut dipping sauce.
Nem rán (fried spring rolls) – golden, crispy outside, piping hot inside.
Chè Huế – a sweet dessert soup that’s got layers (sometimes mung beans, jelly, lotus seeds). I wasn’t expecting to like it, but it grew on me.
Cơm trắng và thịt kho (white rice & braised pork belly) – the kind your Vietnamese friend’s grandma would make. The meat is soft and full of flavor, cooked with fish sauce and caramelized sugar.
Cá kho tộ (claypot braised fish) – rich, salty, slightly sweet. Paired perfectly with steamed rice.
Bánh bèo or bánh nậm – depending on the day. These are the little central Vietnam steamed rice cakes topped with dried shrimp and scallion oil. Super local, super comforting.
Soup – light and herby, usually a chicken or crab variation with bamboo or mushrooms.
Seasonal fruit – just a few slices of watermelon, pineapple or mango to finish it all off.

Some cruises — especially the higher-end ones — throw in grilled shrimp, grilled squid, or a small seafood hotpot too. The portion size isn’t massive, but it’s enough. It’s not a buffet. You’re served at your seat, which actually makes the meal feel more intimate.

Drinks aren’t always included in the ticket (mine wasn’t). I paid 300,000 VND for a cold bottle of water and 40,000 VND for a beer. Pretty standard.

It’s not about luxury. It’s comfort food in a dreamy setting — slow-paced, low-lit, with the sound of the river lapping gently against the boat. That’s the mood. And honestly, after a day exploring the Citadel or climbing the Thien Mu Pagoda steps, sitting down to that kind of meal feels exactly right.