Greetings from Huế, Vietnam —the Origin of Mẹ’s Way Chili Sauce

(Below pictures are licensed and provided by Shutterstock and iStock)

Flavor is deeply rooted in a sense of place. In order to fully experience the culinary arts born in a specific location, it is important to get a full picture of the culture that created the cuisine. Huế, Vietnam is no exception. The food attributed to the region, layered with fresh produce, complex textures, tang and spice, is a sentiment to the vibrant history and culture of the region.

Steeped in historical significance, Huế rests in central Vietnam and is regarded as the spiritual and intellectual heart of the country.

Huế is home to the Imperial City where the Nguyễn Dynasty ruled from 1802-1945. The Complex of Huế Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The vast citadel faces the Hương River (or Perfume River) and its walls and moats span miles. The structures encompass the Forbidden Purple City, the innermost section of the grounds that were restricted to the Imperial family.

The region boasts ornate palaces, temples, and tombs that allude to times of war and peace where artistry and craftsmanship were deeply valued. Several of the tombs around the city provide tranquil stops for tourists and locals alike. When arriving at Huế, one should visit 32 most famous attractions in the area.

32 Huế’s Places Worth Visiting

1. The Imperial City

2. Tomb Of Gia Long

3. Tomb Of Minh Mạng

4. Tomb of Thiệu Trị

5. Tomb Of Tự Đức

6. Tomb Of Đồng Khánh

7. Tomb Of Khải Định

8. Thái Hòa Palace

9. Diên Thọ Palace

10. Cần Chánh Palace

11. Truong Sang Palace

12. An Định Palace

13. Meridian Gate

14. Chương Đức Gate

15. Nine Dynastic Urns

16. Thái Bình Pavilion

17. Hiền Lâm Pavilion

18. Thiên Mụ Pagoda

19. Từ Hiếu Pagoda

20. Từ Đàm Pagoda

21. Hòn Chén Temple

22. Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities

23. Duyet Thi Duong House, Royal Theater

24. Bạch Mã National Park

25. Thủy Tiên Lake

26. Đầm Chuồn

27. Perfume River

28. Trường Tiền Bridge

28. Thanh Toàn Bridge (Or Japanese Bridge)

30. Vọng Cảnh Hill

31. Nam Giao Esplanade

32. Đông Ba Market

The Tomb of Gia Long just south of the city is known for its architectural beauty,

while the vast Tomb of Minh Mạng, closer to the heart of the city, includes 40 structures including one for the emperor’s clothes.

The Tomb of Tự Đức honors its namesake, who had the longest reign of any monarch in the Nguyễn Dynasty, with grounds and buildings that were so ornate and costly that an uprising was started in protest of the toll it took on the people.