Tiếng Việt
Bringing Huế Home
The Most Meaningful Souvenirs from Vietnam’s Imperial City
Huế – the poetic land of purple áo dài, the dreamy Perfume River, and ancient imperial tombs – is not only charming for its gentle beauty but also captivating thanks to its rich culinary culture and traditional crafts. If you’re planning a trip to the former imperial capital and wondering, “What should I buy in Huế as a gift?”, then this blog is for you.
Below is a curated list of iconic Huế souvenirs that are beautiful, unique, and deeply imbued with local culture. Don’t worry – none of these items overlap with the high-end fashion and handcrafted products from Maries – Lepironia Grass of Huế, which I’ll reveal in a special section at the end!
1. Mè Xửng – Huế’s Beloved Sweet Treat
No list of Huế specialties is complete without mè xửng, a chewy, nutty candy made from malt syrup, roasted sesame, and peanuts. It’s sweet but not overwhelming – a delightful gift that’s easy to pack and easy to love. You can find quality mè xửng at local brands like Thiên Hương, Nam Thuận, or Song Hỷ.
📍 Address: 20 and 182 Chi Lăng, Huế City
📞 Phone: 0234 3511246 – 0234 3522040
2. Imperial Tea – A Taste of Tranquility
If you’re looking for a refined, calming gift, Huế imperial tea is a perfect choice. Blended from dozens of herbal ingredients like jasmine, chrysanthemum, licorice, and budded tea leaves, this tea is not only aromatic but also aids digestion, promotes relaxation, and cools the body.
A trusted name is Đức Phượng Imperial Tea, a long-established brand favored by locals and tourists alike. Ideal as a classy gift for colleagues, bosses, or those who enjoy mindful living.
📍 Address: 24 Nguyễn Huệ, Vĩnh Ninh Ward, Huế City
📞 Hotline: 0234.394.94.94
3. Huế Cajeput Oil – Nature’s Gentle Remedy
Huế’s cajeput oil is famous across Vietnam, especially for families with young children. This natural remedy helps ward off colds, relieve wind chill, and repel mosquitoes – all while being safe for both adults and kids.
Choose reputable brands like Kim Vui, Hoa Nén, or Phú Lộc to ensure quality. It’s a practical and meaningful gift that’s easy to store and take home.
📍 Address: 123 Lê Ngô Cát, Thủy Xuân Ward, Huế City
📞 Hotline: 0965.65.33.99 / 0982.568.776
4. Huế Cakes – Culinary Gems in Petite Packages
Huế’s famous cakes like bánh lọc, bánh nậm, bánh ít lá gai, and bánh in are both charming in appearance and rich in flavor. Among them, bánh in is the most travel-friendly, thanks to its longer shelf life and artistic packaging featuring lotus flowers or phoenixes.
Head to Đông Ba Market, where you’ll find dozens of local vendors offering fresh and affordable traditional cakes in a vibrant, unmistakably Huế atmosphere.
5. Huế Fermented Sauces – Flavors That Stir Memories
No Huế culinary experience is complete without talking about mắm – the region’s signature fermented sauces. Crafted with care and patience, each jar of mắm carries the legacy of generations of Huế home cooks. From fermented fish (mắm cá rò), shrimp paste (mắm tôm chua), anchovy sauce (mắm ruốc), to pickled veggies (mắm dưa), the flavor is bold, deep, and nostalgic.
The most iconic might be mắm ruốc, used in dishes like bún bò Huế or as a dipping sauce for boiled meats and vegetables. Authentic versions are made in traditional fishing villages like Thuận An or Phú Thuận (Phú Vang District).
You can buy neatly packed jars at Đông Ba Market or local specialty stores. Don’t let the strong smell scare you – “strong scent, long memory” is part of the charm!
You can buy neatly packed jars at Đông Ba Market or local specialty stores. Don’t let the strong smell scare you – “strong scent, long memory” is part of the charm!
6. Maries – The Soul of Huế in Every Handcrafted Design
In the tranquil rhythm of Huế life, there’s a place where simplicity meets elegance – Maries – Lepironia Grass of Huế. If you’re searching for a gift that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also culturally rich, sustainable, and meaningful, this is a must-visit destination.
A Unique Shopping Experience at Maries Showroom
Located at 54A Chu Văn An, Huế, the Maries showroom offers a serene space to explore fashion accessories made from Lepironia grass – a resilient, eco-friendly plant native to Vietnam.
At Maries, you can:
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Try on and feel the handcrafted bags, hats, and accessories made with care from natural Lepironia grass.
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Discover exclusive designs that blend traditional Huế motifs with modern fashion sensibilities.
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Receive thoughtful guidance from knowledgeable staff who share the stories behind each piece.
More than a shop, it’s a gallery where craftsmanship is celebrated and sustainability is honored.
🌿 Product consultation: m.me/mariescobangxuhue
📍 Showroom: 54A Chu Văn An, Huế City
📞 Hotline/Zalo: 0935 115 215
>> Read more: Maries Showroom in Hue – Touching Natural Beauty
Factory Tour – When Each Handwoven Bag Tells a Story
One of the most special experiences at Maries is the Factory Tour – a chance to witness firsthand how each product is made from scratch.
🕗 From 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, you can:
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Watch artisans at work, from sun-drying the grass to the intricate weaving and final detailing.
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Meet skilled craftswomen who quietly preserve Huế’s traditional heritage through every handmade item.
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Embrace the slow-living, eco-conscious philosophy behind each creation.
A Gift Full of Huế’s Spirit
Some gifts bring back not just memories, but feelings – of a sunlit alley, the scent of dry grass, or the gentle clatter of weaving tools. The bags and hats from Maries – Lepironia Grass of Huế are exactly that: elegantly crafted, meaningful, and brimming with Huế’s gentle soul.
If you’re someone who appreciates subtle beauty and wishes to take home something truly distinct yet familiar, let a handmade Lepironia product accompany your Huế memories.
Huế may not be as bustling as Saigon or as fast-paced as Hanoi, but in its stillness lies its timeless charm. Every gift from Huế is like a piece of its spirit – infused with flavor, grace, and memory.
Wishing you a beautiful journey in Huế. And don’t forget to bring back a little “scent of Huế” for your loved ones!