Budget FoodClam DishComfort Food

    Baby Clam Rice

    Cơm Hến

    4.8₫15k - 40kCommonly eaten throughout the day in Hue, with many stalls busiest at breakfast and lunch
    Chirido Lai
    Overview

    Hue's famous budget-friendly clam rice bowl

    Cơm hến is a signature Hue dish made with cold rice topped with tiny baby clams, pork cracklings, fresh herbs, banana flower, bean sprouts, roasted peanuts, fried shallots, chili paste, and a flavorful clam broth served on the side.
    Gallery

    Photos

    What's in it

    • Cooked rice
    • Baby clams
    • Pork cracklings
    • Fresh herbs
    • Banana flower
    • Bean sprouts
    • Roasted peanuts
    • Fried shallots
    • Chili paste
    • Clam broth
    When to eat

    Best moments to enjoy it

    BreakfastLunch

    Commonly eaten throughout the day in Hue, with many stalls busiest at breakfast and lunch

    The story

    Origin & history

    Com Hen is deeply tied to Hue's imperial-era culinary tradition and local river life. It developed as an everyday, affordable dish using baby clams from the Perfume River area and remains one of Hue's most iconic specialties.

    At the stall

    How to order & pay

    Ordering

    Order one bowl and ask for 'ít cay' if you want less chili. Portions are usually small to medium.

    Paying

    Cash is still the safest option at small stalls. Carry small notes like 10,000-50,000 VND.

    Good to know

    Allergens, nutrition & health

    Allergens

    Contains shellfish, peanuts, and pork; may include fish sauce and chili

    Nutrition & benefits

    Provides protein from clams, fiber from herbs and vegetables, and energy from rice; typically lighter and cheaper than meat-heavy meals

    Health notes

    If you have a shellfish allergy, avoid this dish. Start with less chili and fermented seasonings if your stomach is sensitive.

    How to eat it

    Mix the rice with clams, herbs, peanuts, and crispy toppings first, then add a little broth. Adjust with lime, chili, or salt.

    Where to eat it

    Best spots in Hue

    • Cơm Hến Bé Liêm

      4.5

      64 Nguyễn Công Trứ, Thuận Hóa, Huế, Vietnam

      Hours
      06:00 AM - 07:00 PM
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    • Com Hen Han Mac Tu

      4.4

      98 Han Mac Tu Street, Vinh Ninh Ward, Hue City

      Hours
      06:00 AM - 07:00 PM
      View on map

    • Com Hen Hoa Dong

      4.5

      64 Kiet 7, Han Mac Tu Street, Hue City

      Hours
      06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
      View on map
    From the Journal

    Stories about Hue