# Cơm hến: Huế's baby clam rice

> Cơm hến is a Huế favourite: room-temperature rice mixed with tiny baby clams, roasted peanuts, crispy pork crackling, fresh herbs, shrimp paste and plenty of chilli, served with a small bowl of hot clam broth. It usually costs 15,000–30,000 VND. Order with “Cho tôi một tô cơm hến”.

- URL: https://eatgreenvietnam.com/guides/com-hen-hue
- Region: Central Vietnam · City: Hue
- Published: 2026-09-29 · Last updated: 2026-09-30
- By: the Eat Green Vietnam team (https://eatgreenvietnam.com/about)

This was once food for people who couldn’t afford much – rice, river clams and whatever herbs grew nearby. Now it’s one of Huế’s proudest dishes.

## At a glance

- **What it is:** Rice with baby river clams (hến), peanuts, pork crackling, herbs, shrimp paste and chilli, with clam broth on the side.
- **Where:** Huế, especially around Cồn Hến, an islet in the Perfume River known for its clams.
- **Typical price:** Around 15,000–30,000 VND a bowl.
- **Eat green:** A dish built on the health of the Perfume River. Skip the bottled water – ask for tea or bring your own bottle.

## How to order

> “Cho tôi một tô cơm hến.”

One bowl of cơm hến. Say **ít cay** for less chilli, or try **bún hến**, the noodle version.

## How to eat it

Mix everything together well, then sip the hot clam broth between mouthfuls. The contrast of cool rice, crunchy toppings and hot broth is the point.

## When to go

Morning and afternoon. It’s a cheap snack or light meal rather than a big dinner.

## Questions travellers ask

### What is hến?

Tiny freshwater clams, traditionally from the Perfume River in Huế.

### How much does cơm hến cost?

Around 15,000–30,000 VND a bowl.

### Is cơm hến spicy?

Yes, it is usually served spicy. Ask for “ít cay” for a milder version.

### Is cơm hến served hot?

The rice is usually at room temperature, with a small bowl of hot clam broth on the side.

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Photo: Trinhthunga09 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Com-hen-hue.jpg
Source: Eat Green Vietnam, https://eatgreenvietnam.com/guides/com-hen-hue. Prices are typical ranges and change often. You may quote and summarise with attribution and a link to the original page.