During the event, a Certificate of National Intangible Cultural Heritage Recognition for the Traditional Craft of Van Cu Rice Noodle Making was formally presented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to the Huong Tra Town People's Committee.
Van Cu is one of the oldest and most famous rice noodle-making villages in Thua Thien Hue (now Hue City). The craft has been passed down through generations and continues to thrive. The village’s origins and its rice noodle-making tradition are closely linked to the historical development of the Thuận Hóa region, particularly the riverine communities along the Bo River in what is now Huong Tra Town and Quang Dien District.
Today, Van Cu’s rice noodle-making industry remains vibrant, employing a large local workforce and serving as a key source of income for many households. The production is primarily family-based, with all family members, regardless of age, actively participating in the process. Additionally, a significant number of households are involved in supplying raw materials and distributing finished products. The primary labor force consists of middle-aged workers with years of expertise, many of whom have inherited the craft from their ancestors.
Overview of the ceremony
At the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Hong Toan, Vice Chairman of the Huong Toan Commune People's Committee, highlighted the cultural and artistic value of the Van Cu rice noodle craft. He emphasized that this craft is not merely an economic activity but also a symbol of local identity, a legacy of creativity and artistry passed down through generations. Van Cu’s rice noodles reflect traditional customs, beliefs, and social values, contributing to the moral and ethical foundations of the local community.
Demonstration of the stages of making Van Cu noodle at the program
From Van Cu village, noodle is carried everywhere to contribute to making the world-famous dishes of the ancient capital.
The Van Cu rice noodle tradition is a source of great pride for its people, bringing spiritual significance beyond its economic value. The recognition as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage not only preserves a centuries-old tradition but also ensures that future generations continue to honor and sustain this cherished craft of Hue.
The Ba Bun Festival is solemnly held by the people of Van Cu village to express gratitude to the person who passed on the profession to Van Cu village.
Van Cu rice noodles stand out for their unique fragrance, pure starch aroma, and ideal texture—neither mushy nor overly chewy. The noodles are translucent white, smooth, and glossy, a result of meticulous craftsmanship and traditional techniques passed down through generations. The process of making these noodles involves numerous complex steps, requiring skilled artisans with deep expertise and dedication. The craft itself, along with its tools, techniques, and production knowledge, has been developed over hundreds of years, forming an integral part of Hue’s cultural history. Rooted in the riverine communities along the Bo River, the craft has been preserved through generations of artisans and practitioners, embodying the spirit of traditional Vietnamese village life.
The history of Van Cu village is deeply intertwined with the art of rice noodle making, dating back to the early days of settlement and economic development in the region. As a representative craft of central Vietnam’s ancient villages, it has contributed not only to local economic prosperity but also to the preservation of cultural and historical values. The noodle-making tradition reflects the social and spiritual life of the local people, their festivals, rituals, and customs, including the Bà Bún worship ceremony, making Van Cu village a "living museum" of traditional heritage.
Van Cu rice noodles have long been a staple ingredient in many of Hue’s most renowned dishes, playing a crucial role in shaping the city’s diverse and sophisticated cuisine. These noodles are incredibly versatile, forming the base of countless dishes, categorized by different preparation styles such as broth-based (bún nước), dry-mixed (bún khô, bún trộn), and stir-fried (bún xào), as well as by flavor profiles like savory (bún mặn) and vegetarian (bún chay).
Hue’s culinary culture is closely associated with the tradition of serving rice noodle dishes to guests. Inviting friends for breakfast at a renowned local noodle shop or preparing a home meal featuring freshly purchased rice noodles showcases the warmth and hospitality of Hue’s people. Some of the most famous noodle dishes include bún bò (Hue beef noodle soup), bún hến (baby clam noodles), bún mắm nêm (fermented fish sauce noodles), bún nghệ (turmeric noodles), bún cá (fish noodles), bún ốc (snail noodles), bún chả (grilled pork noodles), bún riêu cua (crab paste noodles), bún chay (vegetarian noodles), and bún thịt nướng (grilled meat noodles). Additionally, medicinal stir-fried noodle dishes incorporating ingredients like lemongrass, turmeric, chives, pepper, and starfruit are widely recognized for their health benefits.
Rice noodles have naturally contributed to Hue’s culinary identity, setting it apart from other Vietnamese food cultures such as Hanoi’s phở and Saigon’s hủ tiếu. Recognizing its exceptional cultural and historical significance, on December 10, 2024, the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism officially designated the Traditional Craft of Van Cu Rice Noodle Making as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage under Decision No. 3979/QĐ-BVHTTDL.
To acknowledge contributions in preserving and promoting the Van Cu rice noodle craft, the People’s Committee of Huong Tra Town awarded commendations to individuals and groups who have excelled in safeguarding this national intangible heritage.
As part of the recognition celebrations, from February 18–19, 2025, the Huong Tra Town People’s Committee will organize a series of cultural and sporting events, including an exhibition of local specialty OCOP products, the Bà Bún worship ceremony, the Vietnamese rice noodle culinary heritage festival, the "Journey to the Beloved Hometown" cycling event, and a cultural performance program titled "Proud Heritage of Van Cu Rice Noodle Village". These activities are part of Hue’s Four-Season Festival – Spring Festival and the National Tourism Year 2025.
Some photos at the programs:
Comrade Nong Quoc Thanh, Deputy Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage, representative of the leaders of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (far right) presented flowers to congratulate Huong Tra Town, Hue on having a national intangible cultural heritage.
Representatives of Hue City leaders presented flowers to congratulate Huong Tra Town on receiving the Certificate of Recognition of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Title "Traditional Craft - Van Cu Noodle Making"
Van Cu villagers eagerly attended and witnessed the festival honoring the national heritage of Van Cu Noodle.
Traditional Craft Demonstration - Making Van Cu Noodle on Stage
Huong Toan people eagerly participate in the festival