Uncover A Not To Be Missed Local Lunch Stop In Hue, Vietnam

In most of the itineraries in Hue that we design include lunch at a garden house that is beautifully located on the bank of Perfume River. But what makes this place special that all of our clients are happy when talking about it? Luckily, I had a chance to visit the house with EV's sale team members on our inspection trip to the South and Center of Vietnam. These trips are taken every year to check and have updates about the hotels, restaurants, and activities in tours to ensure that the services and experiences that we provide to our clients are unique and faultless.

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Among many beautiful local houses that EV’s clients have visited in their trips to Vietnam, there is an authentic garden house nestled in the quiet countryside of Hue.

On a hot summer day, we were strolling on a narrow path to a charming gateway which is decorated by flowering vines and green color of plants. Just one step through the door, we were in a world of nature and peace. There is a calm river on our left and grapefruit trees shading a large area of the garden, cooling us down from the heat of a tropical summer. It feels like if you keep silence, you will hear the birds chirping, the leaves rustling, and the sound of the wind whispering through the trees. “A truly serene getaway,” I said to myself.

To get into the garden, you will have to step through a vintage gateway which is decorated by flowering vines and green color of plants.

The setting feels very much like the "countryside" but is close to Hue. It overlooks the tranquil Perfume River.

Many grapefruit trees provide shade to a large area of the garden, cooling us down from the heat of a tropical summer day

There is a garden of herbs next to the river. It provides another source of produce and information about cooking Vietnamese - Hue style. 

The garden has many places for you to rest while waiting for lunch. There is a hammock tied on trunks of two trees, two low chairs overlooking the river, sofas, and bar chairs where you can have a cold drink. Everything is neat and clean. The landlady, Ms. Phuong, has the appearance of a gentle, charming woman with bright smiles. I love the way she decorated her house and kitchen with orange flowers from her garden, the way she talked to her little son with a soft voice and unmistakable Hue’s accent, and the way she moved around her kitchen preparing our lunch with her attentive manner. 

There is a hammock tied on trunks of two trees where you can rest while waiting for your lunch

The landlady, Ms. Phuong, has the appearance of a gentle, charming woman with bright smiles. She likes to decorate her house with wildflowers ...

... that you can easily find everywhere in her garden.

Her kitchen is very clean. Phuong is also well-known for her cooking class in Hue

Our table was set in the garden, under the shade of green. We couldn’t ask for more about the food. Both of its delicious flavor and thoughtful presentation lead to a more enjoyable meal. The dishes were all local food. The drink was iced green tea with a jasmine flower on top, giving it a fresh, pleasant, sweet fragrance. My lunch was more than delectable. I didn’t just have lunch. I savored it. I was happy with it. And I would remember it for a very long time as well as the picture of Phuong and her son when they saw me off. Her 4-year-old boy reminded me of my son when he was at the same age: very close to his mother and pretty shy when seeing new people. Whatever it is, spending time in this garden house pleased me in every sense of the word: physically and emotionally. I guess that feeling happens to every guest of the house.

Our table was set in the garden, under the shade of grapefruit trees

The food was delicious and lovely presented 

Phuong's cooking classes is one of the most well-known in Hue. She will take you to the market to buy ingredients. She knows everybody so she can explain to you everything you need to know at the market.

Phuong and her 4-year-old son saw me off from their lovely gateway. Her 4-year-old boy reminded me of my son when he was at the same age: Very close to his mother and pretty shy when seeing new people. 

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