"Quan Nha Haha" Episode 1 reveals must-try Hue delicacies

Episode 1 of "Quan Nha Haha" officially kicked off the journey as Jun Pham, Bui Cong Nam, Rhymastic, Ngoc Thanh Tam, and Duy Khanh ventured back to Hue to explore the culinary heritage of the Ancient Capital. Taking charge of Aunt Be and Uncle Phuoc's family-run eatery for the first time, the cast learned to craft quintessential Hue specialties while soaking in the rustic daily rhythm of local life.

From banh canh Nam Pho (thick noodle soup) and jackfruit soup with piper lolot leaves to stir-fried fig with rice paper crackers and claypot braised goby fish, these rustic delicacies paired with a string of hilarious antics delivered an intimate debut steeped in Central Vietnamese flavor.

Nam Pho thick noodle soup opens the culinary journey through Hue

"Quan Nha Haha" officially aired Episode 1, launching its first leg in Hue. Photo: Provided by the producer

The Nam Pho thick noodle soup (banh canh Nam Pho). Photo: Screenshot

The first culinary welcome greeting the cast was banh canh Nam Pho, a renowned specialty of Hue. The dish stood out with its distinct preparation, featuring chewy, tender noodles, a rich, velvety broth, and a shrimp-pork topping that brought a characteristic savory-sweet flavor. This rustic breakfast offered the cast a chance to experience the heartfelt warmth and hospitality of the host family before diving into service.

Each cast member brought a thoughtful gift to prepare for the opening day. Duy Khanh presented the hosts with personalized aprons embroidered with the members' names, while Jun Pham wished good fortune through a delicate wind chime. Ngoc Thanh Tam brought along a charming pink kitchen utensil set, geared up and ready to jump into the new kitchen workspace for the journey ahead.

Jun Pham showcases his culinary flair with rich Ancient Capital specialties

The cast alongside Aunt Be (far right). Photo: Provided by the producer

On the first day running the eatery, Jun Pham stepped up as head chef, teaming up with Aunt Be to prepare the dining menu. Under the host's guidance, the singer set to work crafting rustic classics such as jackfruit soup with piper lolot leaves, stir-fried fig with crispy rice paper, and claypot braised goby fish.

Each dish featured in Episode 1 of "Quan Nha Haha" brought its own distinct appeal. The jackfruit soup evoked cozy home-cooked meals through the aromatic fragrance of lolot leaves paired with the earthy sweetness of tender jackfruit. Stir-fried fig showcased the rustic charm of figs—a staple ingredient in Central Vietnamese cooking, seasoned to perfection and served with crunchy rice crackers. Meanwhile, the claypot braised goby fish stood out for its traditional slow-braise technique, yielding savory, deeply infused fish that paired effortlessly with steaming hot rice.

Photo: Screenshot

Jun Pham's culinary finesse quickly brought rhythm to the kitchen. However, the dining area turned into the ground zero for a parade of hilarious mishaps. Duy Khanh was tasked with greeting guests and relaying orders to the kitchen, but memorizing the names of the dishes proved to be quite a stretch for him. The artist even resorted to carrying the entire chalkboard menu straight to the guests' tables just to walk them through it.

Ngoc Thanh Tam diligently handles dishwashing duties. Photo: Provided by the producer

Meanwhile, Ngoc Thanh Tam remained dedicated to her familiar dishwashing post, keeping the kitchen impeccably tidy and organized. Rhymastic held true to his understated style, quietly and tirelessly lending a hand wherever extra help was needed.

A warm, home-cooked meal in the heart of Hue in Episode 1 of "Quan Nha Haha"

Photo: Provided by the producer

After a bustling workday, the cast gathered around the dinner table with Aunt Be, Uncle Phuoc, and Xuan An, Uncle Phuoc's son. The dinner featured fragrant banh uot thit nuong (steamed rice rolls with grilled pork), offering the comforting flavor of local home cooking. Savory slices of marinated grilled pork served alongside tender steamed sheets, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce created a harmonious pairing tailored for a family gathering.

The intimate atmosphere quickly turned into an engaging cultural exchange as Uncle Phuoc eagerly taught the cast local dialect words, such as "doi" meaning to throw, or "xuoc ki cuoi" for sweeping the yard, sparking delight across the room. Jun Pham shared his joy in staying longer, seizing the opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the local people and regional traditions. To him, the genuine warmth of the host family was precisely what made this journey truly special.

Minh Hang and Quoc Thien were the two guest stars featured in the first leg of "Quan Nha Haha." Photo: Provided by the producer

Heading into the second day, daily operations settled into a smooth routine as each cast member grew more comfortable with their assigned duties. Just as the group was prepping ingredients for a fresh service day, Minh Hang and Quoc Thien made an unexpected entrance, catching the cast completely off guard with excitement.

Episode 1 of "Quan Nha Haha" offers an inviting glimpse for audiences eager to discover the culinary delights of Hue. The ongoing journey through the Ancient Capital promises even more signature delicacies, fresh discoveries, and witty banter as the core cast and guest stars dive headfirst into the lively rhythm of the eatery.

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