A story about Nậm & Lọc

This is a story about two friends: Bánh Nậm (rice paste with spiced shrimp and  pork) and Bánh Lọc (cassava paste with spiced shrimp and pork). They are similar,  and they are different.

Bánh Nậm

They are the bánh (dishes made of flour or paste) and the renowned specialities of  Huế – the formal capital of Việt Nam. Many travellers come to Huế and search for Nậm & Lọc (these strangers must have heard a lot about them). The local people who live far from home come back and look for the familiar tastes of Nậm & Lọc.

Nậm (made of rice paste) and Lọc (made of cassava paste) both have shrimp and pork in their ingredients. While well-chopped and spiced mixture of shrimp and pork is topped in Nậm, a whole shrimp with shell and a thin piece of pork are visually seen through the transparent coat of steamed cassava paste.

Nậm loves her outfit made of green banana leaf or dong (a kind of leaf whose scientific name is Phrynium placentarium) and wears it all the time. Lọc is a naughty guy. Sometimes he puts on the same banana leaf outfit as Nậm does, but sometimes he just enjoys being uncovered. Huế people call him Lọc Gói (wrapped Lọc) when he has clothes on and Lọc Trần (topless Lọc) when he goes naked.

Bánh Lọc Trần

Both Nậm and Lọc are fond of being steamed in a big steamer. They feel more beautiful and aromatic after going out of that smoky steamer. But there is time when Lọc decides to stay naked, he prefers bobbing on the boiling water.

Although they both like nước mắm (fish sauce) but the nước mắm for Lọc is more salty as his flex is tougher (it’s just my guess). So be sure to dip Lọc and Nậm in the right nước mắm, or you won’t have a good bite of Huế specialties. One more thing, you should have Bánh Nậm with a spoon and have Bánh Lọc with a fork or chopsticks.

Many people admire the slim and tender Bánh Nậm, the others love chewy and sexy Bánh Lọc. How about you?

Some images about Nam and Loc

Where to eat:

Mụ Đỏ

Add: 7 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm Str.

Tel: +84 54 354 1182

Hàng Me Mẹ

Add: Võ Thị Sáu Str.

Tel: +84 54 384 8402

Adapted from lanhue

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Hue-enter Recruitment 2012

Với nhu cầu của rất nhiều bạn muốn tham gia Hue-enter Group, tụi mình xin thông báo đợt tuyển thành viên rộng rãi lần 1 năm 2012. Rất mong nhiều người đăng kí để cùng với hơn 20 thành viên hiện tại, Hue-enter sẽ thành công trong việc mang l
ại một hình ảnh thật mới và hiện đại của du lịch Huế ^^.

Giới thiệu:
Hue-enter.com là một dự án của các sinh viên trẻ của Huế với sứ mệnh đem lại một hình ảnh năng động, gần gũi hơn của du lịch Huế và con người Huế. Thành viên của group những người trẻ năng động, tự tin và thích khám phá. Hue-enter tạo điều kiện cho các bạn trẻ ứng dụng và thực hành khả năng tiếng Anh của mình qua dịch vụ free tour guide- trở thành một hướng dẫn viên tình nguyện để giới thiệu một cách trực tiếp những giá trị đẹp của Huế cho những người bạn nước ngoài. Bên cạnh đó, thành viên còn có những kinh nghiệm quý giá trong việc vận hành một tổ chức theo phong cách chuyên nghiệp và hiện đại. Từ đó, thành viên có thể mở rộng mối quan hệ của mình, năng động và hiểu biết hơn.

Các team trong Hue-enter:

1. Content: Xây dựng nội dung cho website www.hue-enter.com
2. Marketing: Quảng bá hình ảnh của Hue-enter cho khách nước ngoài và tìm kiếm cơ hội hợp tác trong nước.
3. Tour guide: Tìm hiểu các địa điểm, lên lịch trình và cùng tận hưởng điều đó với những người bạn nước ngoài của Hue-enter trong vai trò hướng dẫn viên.
4. IT: Thiết kế web và các công việc kĩ thuật khác.

Ngoài hoạt động liên quan tới du lịch, Hue-enter còn có các hoạt động để nâng cao khả năng tiếng anh và kĩ năng mềm của thành viên.

Đối tượng và yêu cầu chung:
- Là sinh viên hoặc học sinh
- Có tình yêu với Huế và khao khát cống hiến
- Có khả năng về Tiếng Anh tốt (tuỳ vào từng team mà yêu cầu khác nhau)
- Tự tin, có trách nhiệm và nghiêm túc với công việc
- Có thể giành cho Hue-enter 5 tiếng mỗi tuần

Lợi ích
- Luyện tập tiếng Anh trong môi trường thực tế
- Nâng cao hiểu biết về Huế
- Học tập và vận dụng những kiến thức về Du lịch, Kinh tế, kinh doanh vào thực tế
- Tận hưởng những chuyến đi vui vẻ và có thêm những người bạn thú vị trong nước và nước ngoài
- Nâng cao kĩ năng mềm: kĩ năng làm việc nhóm, giao tiếp, nói trước đám đông...

Quy trình đăng kí:
Hue-enter là tổ chức mới nên ban đầu còn rất khó khăn. Do đó, Hue-enter muốn những con người thật sự nhiệt tình và nghiêm túc để cùng nhau phát triển dự án. Vì thế, quy trình đăng kí gồm 2 bước.

• Bước 1: Điền vào đơn đăng kí tại link: http://bit.ly/hueenter1 trước ngày 2/11/2012. Hue-enter sẽ reply cho bạn sau khi nhận được thông tin, do đó các bạn điền xong form càng sớm thì bên mình càng reply sớm.
• Bước 2: Sau khi xem xét thông tin của bạn, nếu thấy bạn phù hợp với yêu cầu đặt ra thì Hue-enter sẽ liên hệ để có 1 cuộc nói chuyện ngắn (interview) online để tìm hiểu rõ hơn về bạn.

Một lần nữa, nếu bạn vượt qua bước 2, bạn chính thức trở thành thành viên của Hue-enter.

Xin cám ơn và rất mong bạn chia sẻ thông tin này cho những người quan tâm.

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5 must-try food when you visit Hue

Whether your holiday lasts for 1 day or 2 weeks, you simply cannot miss the opportunity to try famous Hue cuisines. Below is a list of must-eat for you when visiting Hue:

Com Hen

Com Hen (rice with mussel) is a very unique cuisine of Hue. Com Hen contains rice, boiled mussel, star fruit, fish sauce, cabbage, onion, pepper, peanut, chili, and a variety of herbs. The specialty is all of these elements are cold. When people eat Com Hen, they add all the above ingredients to a bowl, and slowly add boiled mussel broth with chili sauce into the bowl (the broth is the only hot thing in Com Hen). Com Hen has an extremely spicy flavor as such, so gastronomes remember it just after one time enjoying.

Bun Bo Hue

Bun bo Hue (Hue style beef vermicelli) or more detail, Bun bo gio heo (beef and pig's knuckle vermicelli) is a popular Vietnamese soup vermicelli dish, and one of the most typical foods of Hue, Vietnam. Fine combination of ingredients make the food famous; the broth is prepared by simmering beef and bones for a long period of time, after that a large range of different spices containing lemon grass and chili are added in. Shrimp paste holds no less importance. Hue people usually add thin slices of beef shank, chunks of boiled oxtail, and pig's knuckles or pork into the bowl. It can also contain cubes of maroon brown congealed pig blood, which are good for those suffering from high blood pressure. The specialty is commonly served with a plenty of herbs like sprouts, lime wedges, cilantro sprigs, onions, and sliced banana blossom. Thinly sliced purple cabbage or iceberg lettuces are used in case of lacking in banana blossom. It is highly recommended for tourists to add a few of shrimp paste directly into the soup.

Banh Beo

Banh beo (water fern cake) is a kind of small steamed rice pancake. The name is to refer from the shape of the cake (like a water fern-Beo in Vietnamese). It is white in color, sometimes nearly transparent and usually has a dimple in the center, which is covered with savory recipes including chopped dried or fresh shrimp, scallions, mung bean paste, crispy fried shallots, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and oil.

Banh khoai

Banh khoai (delicious pancake) is so much like Banh xeo (sizzling pancake) since they both are made from rice flour, water, turmeric powder, added slivers of fatty pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and then pan fried. Banh khoai and Banh xeo also are wrapped in mustard leaf, lettuce leaves or rice paper, and stuffed with variety of herb, like mint leaves, basil and served with a sweet and sour mixed sauce. In Hue, Banh khoai is placed open-face instead of being folded in half like Banh xeo. Moreover, Banh khoai always goes with a fermented soy bean sauce, and people consider it a winter food owing to its greasiness and spicy taste of the sauce. Therefore, most Hue citizens only make them when winter coming.

Mam tom chua

The central of Vietnam is reputable for its Mam tom chua (sour shrimp sauce) and Hue is the best place for this unique sauce. Unlike normal shrimp sauce (has brown color and smooth surface), Sour shrimp sauce has orange color while shrimps still keep its original shape. It is quite simple to make this sauce. First, shrimps are clean by salt water (do not use normal water to avoid bad smells) and “cook” by strong rice wine. The shrimps will turn red. After that, carefully mix the shrimps with sticky rice, sliced lesser galangal, garlic and chili. Slowly put all the mixture into a jar covered by guava leaves. Just need to wait for 5-7 days and we have the mouthwatering sour shrimp sauce of our own making. This is the best sauce for boiled pork with vermicelli.

Adapted  from cholontourist.

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Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup aka Hue Style Beef Noodles)

One of Twelve Vietnamese dishes listed on Asian Records

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Although the translated name for Bún Bò Huế is Spicy Beef Noodle Soup, it is not to be confused with Phở the other “beef noodle soup”. Phở is from the northern region and the flavors are much more settled, bún bò huế on the other hand, is hot and spicy with essence of lemongrass and shrimp paste. Noodles for phở are flat, while noodles for bún bò huế are fat and round (there are many types of noodles with unique names, but in English there is only the term “noodle” which all must be grouped under…sad)

Bún bò Huế is a popular Vietnamese soup containing rice vermicelli (bún) and beef (bò).Huế is a city in central Vietnam associated with the cooking style of the former royal court The dish is mildly spicy and the predominant flavor is that of lemon grass.Compared to phở or bún riêu, the noodles are thicker and more cylindrical.

Bun bo originated in Hue, a former capital of Vietnam. The term bún bò Huế is used more by people from northern or southern Vietnam. In central Vietnam, it is known simply as bún bò. The broth is prepared by simmering beef bones and beef shank with lemongrass and then seasoned with fermented shrimp sauce and sugar for taste. Very spicy chilli oil is added later during the cooking process.

Bun bo usually includes thin slices of marinated and boiled beef shank, chunks of oxtail, and pig's knuckles . It can also include cubes of congealed pig blood, which has a color between dark brown and maroon, and a texture resembling firm tofu.

Bun bo is commonly served with lime wedges, cilantro sprigs, diced green onions, raw sliced onions, chili sauce, thinly sliced banana blossom, red cabbage, mint, basil, perrilla, persicaria odorata or Vietnamese coriander (rau ram), saw tooth herb and sometimes mung bean sprouts. Thinly sliced purple cabbage is acceptable substitute when banana blossoms are not available. Purple cabbage most resembles banana blossom in texture, though not in taste. Fish sauce and shrimp sauce is added to the soup according to taste.

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5 stars hotels in Hue

1. Imperial Hue Hotel

The Imperial hotel in Hue is a masterpiece on high-rise building architecture and an embodiment of Nguyen Dynasty’s architecture with the exposure of cubes, colorful patterns and restored antique materials, making the hotel the most luxurious in Vietnam style. SEE MORE

2. Ana Mandara Hue Resort & Spa

Ana Mandara Hue Resort and Spa which is the first project is managed by the Indochina Collection Hotel. The hotel is located in Thuan An town with an area of 2.8 hectares, with 400m long private beach of Thuan An bach - Ana Mandara Resort include: - Private swimming pool Villa (Pool Villa) - Sea View Villa (Beach Villa) - The double room (duplex) - The luxury rooms (Deluxe). SEE MORE

3. Pilgrimage Village Hue

Pilgrimage Village is ideally located in the quiet countryside in rustic village setting surrounding by lush tranquil gardens, yet near to famous historical landmarks. The resort embodies the subtle connection of traditional stylish and modern art concept. SEE MORE

4. La Residence Hotel & Spa

Celebrate the charms of art deco’s golden age. A member of the MGallery collection of memorable hotels by Accor, La Résidence Hue Hôtel & Spa is an enchanting boutique hotel on the banks of the fabled Perfume River overlooking the former Imperial Citadel – once home to Emperors and now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. SEE MORE

5. Vedana Lagoon Resort and Spa

Vedanā lagoon resort & spa is nestled on the shore of a peaceful and serene lagoon, with stunning views across one of the largest lagoons in southeast asia. it lies between two cities which are well-known as world heritage sites: hue and hoi an. the resort embodies the subtle connection of modern art concept and high-end lifestyle. vedanā lagoon resort & spa is the first over water villas in vietnam. SEE MORE

6. Best Western Premier Indochine Palace

The BEST WESTERN PREMIER Indochine Palace is surrounded by lush green gardens that make it an outstanding landmark in Hue, setting new standards of excellence that is difficult to match by any hotel in Vietnam. SEE MORE

7. Banyan Tree Hotels & Resort

Luxury resort living, naturally - opening 1st of November

Dramatic landscapes and sensational East Sea vistas greet you every day at Banyan Tree Lang Co. Located in Vietnam’s new playground for the sophisticated vacationer; this stunning all-pool villa resort is poised to be its most exclusive attraction. With the gentle waves of the East Sea lapping at your feet and the magnificent Truong Son (Annamite) Mountain Range in the background, Banyan Tree Lang Co is truly a multi-dimensional tropical beach retreat.

8. Angsana Lăng Cô Resort

The concept is modeled on well known Laguna Phuket, Banyan Tree's flagship integrated resort. SEE MORE

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Best Western Premier Indochine Palace

Official website: http://www.bwp-indochinepalace.com/view/Index.aspx

The BEST WESTERN PREMIER Indochine Palace is surrounded by lush green gardens that make it an outstanding landmark in Hue, setting new standards of excellence that is difficult to match by any hotel in Vietnam.

This world class hotel is designed to appeal to the affluent, up-market leisure and business travellers; and offers excellent facilities for Mice events (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions).

It‘s luxuriously appointed rooms are spacious and start from 35sqm, highlighted by its 42-inch plasma television and new a generation open bathroom concept. The cosmetics and toiletries carry the exclusive Indochine Palace fragrance.

The graphics on every item in the room, from specially designed matchboxes to the In-room Dining menu, reflect the attention to detail Indochine Palace has given the hotel. Most of them are good keepsakes that are worth remembering the Indochine Palace by. Should any of these items catch your fancy and you wish to keep them, please contact the Gift shop at L’Arcade for assistance.

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Angsana Lăng Cô Resort (5 stars)

Official website: http://www.angsanaproperties.com/en/

Luxury resort operator Banyan Tree is unveiling its first investment holiday homes in Vietnam on October 22-23 at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong.

The showcase unveils luxury apartments now being developed as part of Laguna Lăng Cô - Banyan Tree's first ‘integrated resort complex' in Vietnam, occupying an idyllic 280-hectare beachfront estate just north of Danang.

The resort complex is incorporating a championship golf course designed by golf great Sir Nick Faldo, luxury properties, award-winning spas, convention facilities, waterpark, and ‘town centre' of retail and recreational outlets.

The concept is modeled on well known Laguna Phuket, Banyan Tree's flagship integrated resort.

Now replicated in Central Vietnam, Laguna Lăng Cô is near picture-postcard Lăng Cô Bay, once the favoured holiday destination of Vietnamese royalty, renowned for its endless stretches of white sand beach, lush mountainous hinterland and rural charm.

Just 55km north of Da Nang International Airport, it is within two hours drive of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the former Imperial city of Hue, the ancient Silk Road seaport of Hoi An and legendary Cham temple ruins of My Son.

Laguna Lăng Cô combines eight resorts including the Banyan Tree and Laguna brands along with a new ‘contemporary, family oriented' concept of holiday homes for sale, branded Angsana Properties, which are now being showcased in Hong Kong.

Angsana Properties Lăng Cô is an exclusive collection of luxury beachfront apartments available for purchase as both holiday homes and for investment, which can be leased back for rental when not occupied by the owner.

Owners are being offered a 6% fixed return for six years - or alternatively opt for a share of room revenue.

Buyers are also entitled to membership of the Angsana Properties Owners Club, to exchange stays at other Angsana Properties being developed around the world, including Phuket and Bintan.

The apartments are designed in an ‘east-meets-west' style by Architrave Design & Planning, the celebrated, award-winning design arm of the Banyan Tree Group, "combining contemporary chic with Vietnamese aesthetics that stretch back centuries".

A highlight of the new development is a championship golf course designed by Sir Nick Faldo, who said: "We have a unique opportunity to incorporate diverse and dramatic nature, from sand dunes and rice-paddies to rock formations and a stunning coastline into the golf course layout."

Laguna Resorts & Hotels Managing Director Michael Ayling said: "The entire development is a convergence of components that together, in a single location, comprise a fully integrated resort. This is the formula has proved so successful at our flagship development, Laguna Phuket."

Banyan Tree's Executive Chairman Ho Kwon Ping added: "We have always believed that Vietnam holds the greatest potential of replicating the success of our flagship Laguna Phuket destination resort within Asia.

We're convinced this integrated concept in Central Vietnam, with its stunning location and unique blend of history, creates an irresistible destination and investment opportunity."

The Hong Kong showcase is open from 11am-7pm on Saturday October 22 and Sunday October 23 at the 2/F Victoria Room of the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong.

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