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Hue, Vietnam - Part III |
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The Citadel
The construction of the Citadel of Hue was begun in 1804 by Nguyen Emperor Gia Long and is surrounded by a 10 kilometer long moat. Inside the Citadel lays the Imperial Enclosure, a citadel-within-a-citadel, used by the Emperors for official functions and also as their private residences. Unfortunately, much of the Citadel was destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive including The Forbidden Purple City, the private residence of the Emperors. Today, the Citadel is a quiet, contemplative place in which to escape the noise and traffic of Hue. |
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The Ngo Mon Gate, the principle entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. The Emperor would address his officials and the people from the top of this gate. |
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A huge drum used for official ceremonies housed in the Ngo Mon Gate. |
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Detail of a dragon near the entrance to the citadel. The dragon is a symbol of power and nobility in Vietnam. |
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A guardian within the Imperial Enclosure. |
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Beautiful entrance gate to one of the best restored palaces within the Citadel. |
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Close-up of the entrance gate pictured on the left. |
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A view overlooking the Royal Library. |
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A beautifully restored gate within the Citadel. |
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Wooden doors leading to the Hall of Mandarins. |
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Hue Imperial Cuisine
When Tu Duc was king of the Nguyen Dynasty between 1848 to 1883, a new imperial cuisine was developed to cater to his extremely demanding palate. It is said that he ordered his imperial chefs to never serve him the same menu twice within a one year period. These demands resulted in a uniquely creative and varied array of dishes currently referred to as Hue Imperial Cuisine. These recipes have been passed down through generations of families and can be experienced today at restaurants throughout the city. We visited a fine establishment called Tinh Gia Vien Restaurant to immerse ourselves in this historical cuisine. Below are some examples of modern day Hue Imperial Cuisine. |
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The rock garden setting of the Tinh Gia Vien Restaurant provides a serene atmosphere to go along with the excellent food. |
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Karen on the patio of the Tinh Gia Vien Restaurant. |
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The "Danse du Phenix", a tender pork roll that melts in the mouth. |
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Karen peeking over lightly fried and skewered wontons. The base is a lantern made out of pineapple. |
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Vegetable spring rolls, one of Vietnam's signature dishes. |
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Giant tiger prawns with a light salt, pepper and lime dipping sauce. |
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Spicy papaya salad in the form of a dragon. |
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Fried noodles with fresh fish and vegetables in the shape of fried noodles with fresh fish and vegetables. |
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And for dessert, sweet lychee fruit in pineapple. Notice the exquisite detail in the dragon's head made of carrot.
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Fried rice in the shape of a turtle. There is a saying in Vietnam that no meal is complete without rice so even in an 11 course meal, you still need your rice dish. |
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Related Articles: |
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Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), Vietnam |
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Chams of Central Vietnam |
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Back to Hue Introduction |
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