Day 9: Lac Thien Hue: A Family-Friendly Food Experience

Julie

2024-11-26

Day 9: Lac Thien Hue: A Family-Friendly Food Experience

Discover Lac Thien, a hidden gem in Hue, Vietnam, offering authentic Vietnamese cuisine and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

Discovering Lac Thien

Located in the heart of Hue at 6 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Phú Hòa, Lac Thien offers a warm, authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine. Julie found this spot on TripAdvisor, and it seemed popular with travelers for its traditional dishes, affordable prices, and unique charm.

The prices here are incredibly budget-friendly, ranging from 30,000 to 40,000 VND (approximately 1,500 to 2,000 KRW). We opted to stay on the ground floor as navigating the stairs with Sweetie was a bit tricky, but the upstairs ambiance looked cozier for those traveling without kids.

What We Ordered

Banh Khoai (25,000 VND / ~1,250 KRW)

This dish reminded us of Korean pancakes but with a Vietnamese twist. A crispy batter is fried in hot oil and stuffed with mung bean sprouts, pork, shrimp, and other fresh ingredients. The texture was delightfully crunchy, and Sweetie loved nibbling on the crispy edges.

Spring Rolls (35,000 VND / ~1,750 KRW)

The spring rolls were an absolute hit. Wrapped tightly with pork and fresh herbs, they were flavorful yet light. Sweetie seemed fascinated by the presentation and took small bites, which kept her entertained while Julie and I enjoyed our meal.

Banh Nam (30,000 VND / ~1,500 KRW)

This soft, delicate dish is made of steamed rice flour and pork, all wrapped in banana leaves. Sweetie devoured most of it, leaving us only a couple of bites! It was a perfect dish for kids due to its mild flavor and tender texture.

Special Moments with the Owner

One of the highlights of Lac Thien isn’t just the food—it’s the owner. He communicates through gestures and smiles, radiating warmth and friendliness.

We noticed him crafting bottle openers at the counter, a sight that intrigued many diners. After some time, he came over with a handmade bottle opener for our table, complete with the date of our visit engraved on it: April 11, 2017.

This small gesture left us deeply touched. It was clear that he genuinely enjoys creating special moments for his guests. His attention to detail and generosity made Lac Thien feel less like a restaurant and more like being invited into someone’s home.

Tips for Families Visiting Lac Thien

Arrive Early: The restaurant can get busy, especially with travelers. Arriving early ensures you have a comfortable seat and get to meet the owner.
Kid-Friendly Dishes: The Banh Nam is a perfect option for little ones due to its soft texture and mild flavor. Spring rolls can also be cut into smaller pieces for easy handling.
Staying on the Ground Floor: If you’re traveling with children, the first floor is more accessible and avoids the hassle of carrying strollers or little ones upstairs.
Bring Wipes: The menu is written with marker directly on the table. While it’s part of the restaurant’s charm, kids might want to play with it, so keep wipes handy for quick cleanups.

Reflections on Hue’s Food Scene

Hue may not be the easiest city to navigate for food, but gems like Lac Thien make the effort worthwhile. From its authentic flavors to the warmth of its owner, this place embodies the spirit of travel—finding connections through food and small acts of kindness.

Lac Thien is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. As we left with full stomachs and a one-of-a-kind keepsake in hand, Julie and I felt grateful to have shared such a unique moment with Sweetie.

Hue taught us that sometimes, the most unassuming spots hold the greatest treasures. If you’re ever in the city, make sure to stop by Lac Thien. It’s a meal—and a memory—you won’t forget.