More Than a Meal: Experiencing Hue’s True Hospitality

At noon on October 20, while the family of Mr. Trần Hữu Cửu, 50, in Vinh Lộc Commune (formerly Vinh Hiền), Hue City, was holding a funeral for his father-in-law, two foreign cyclists stopped in front of the gate.

“We’re hungry and thirsty. Could you please tell us if there’s any local restaurant nearby?” the man asked in a tired voice.

As an international tour guide with over 10 years of experience, Mr. Cửu immediately understood their situation. They had just completed a nearly 80 km ride, with the last 20 km being steep and winding mountain roads.

He quickly replied, “There’s no restaurant around here, but if you’re really hungry, please come in — I can offer you some instant noodles.”

At first, the host intended to prepare two quick bowls of noodles for them. But as soon as they stepped inside, his wife mentioned that there was still plenty of vegetarian food left from the funeral meal. In Hue, funeral meals are traditionally vegetarian to maintain purity and calmness.

“Would you mind having vegetarian food? It’s all vegetables and tofu,” Mr. Cửu asked. The two guests looked pleasantly surprised, their eyes lighting up. “That’s wonderful. We’re vegetarians.”

(Source: Znews)