Hanoi: Van Cu, a village nestled along the Bo River in Thua Thien Hue Province’s Huong Toan Commune, has recently been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage site. Situated approximately 10 kilometers northwest of the historic Hue Citadel, Van Cu is renowned for its 400-year-old tradition of rice noodle making, which has been preserved since its inception by the village’s female founder centuries ago.
According to Vietnam News Agency, the villagers of Van Cu continue to produce rice noodles using pure raw materials, eschewing the use of chemical additives or preservatives. The local craft is sustained by 125 households, involving 325 craftsmen and women, who collectively produce between 25 to 28 tonnes of rice noodles each day. These noodles play a pivotal role in traditional cuisine, serving as the main ingredient in dishes such as Hue-style beef noodle soup and noodles with mussels.