The centuries-old craft of making Van Cu rice vermicelli in Hue has been officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. To celebrate this recognition and promote the local specialty, artisans from Van Cu Village recently demonstrated the traditional process of making rice vermicelli by hand. The event, held in Huong Thuy Township, also featured a reenactment of how women once walked through the village selling freshly made vermicelli.
According to village elders, the craft has been passed down for over 500 years, dating back to the 16th century. Van Cu rice vermicelli is highly regarded for its distinctive taste and time-honored production methods. Unlike modern mass production, the process involves meticulous steps that require skill, experience, and dedication.
One of the unique aspects of Van Cu vermicelli is that no additives or preservatives are used. Instead, artisans rely solely on raw salt to clean and disinfect the rice, ensuring a natural and pure product.
However, this also means the vermicelli can only be stored for 24 hours, emphasizing its freshness and commitment to traditional methods.
Local authorities see the heritage recognition as an opportunity to attract more visitors to the village and further preserve this craft. By highlighting Van Cu’s rich culinary history, they hope to sustain its legacy while introducing more people to the authentic flavors of Hue.
