Con Hen (Hen islet) situated at the downstream of the poetic Perfume River where is well known for the special mussel which made many delicious specialties: mussel rice, mussel noodle soup. Han Mac Tu poet sometime referred this lovely village in his poem.

 

In the modernization Con Hen still keep its rustic life which brings the peaceful meditative feeling whenever you visit. Con Hen is a village of Huong Luu commune, Vi Da ward, about few km from Hue centre. In Dich Ly – a book of traditional architecture, this land was named “Ta Thanh Long” (the dragon occupied the land on the right) but people used to the name of Hen islet. The Perfume River flows by Con Hen with pure water and a bit of alluvial and alum earth. Through many generations people still enjoy making Com Hen (mussel rice) to enrich Hue cuisine.

 

Com Hen (mussel rice) have been a very popular specialty not only the locals but also visitor once travel to Hue. This dish is not too difficult to cook but you have to do it conscientiously. The mussel is collected, washed and boiled until the shell opens. Thereafter, the shells are thrown away, the meat is made clean and the boiled water is filtered through a piece of clean cloth. Mussel rice is served in a bowl with, mussel boiled soup. They are eaten with cooled steamed rice accompanied by with various aromatic vegetables, minced banana flowers, thick soy sauce mixed with chilli, fish sauce, pounded sesame and garlic. 

 

You could enjoy Com Hen everywhere, at a restaurant or in a vendor shop on street. If you visit Hue and miss this specialty that mean you have not yet come to Hue.