Com Hen is a beloved specialty from Hue, central Vietnam, featuring a unique combination of baby clams, fluffy rice, and an array of fresh herbs and aromatics. This humble yet flavorful dish perfectly represents the resourceful and creative nature of Vietnamese cuisine.

The dish originated in Hue, where baby clams were abundant in the Perfume River. Local families would gather these tiny clams and transform them into this nourishing meal that eventually became a regional delicacy. What started as a modest dish among river communities has evolved into one of Hue's most iconic culinary offerings.

The preparation involves carefully cleaning and cooking baby clams until tender, then combining them with aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, chili, and Vietnamese coriander. The clam mixture is served over warm rice and garnished with crispy pork rinds, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and thinly sliced banana flower. A special broth made from the clam cooking liquid is served alongside.

While the traditional recipe remains popular, modern variations might include additional seafood like shrimp or mussels. Some versions are served with rice noodles (Bun Hen) instead of rice, and the level of spiciness can be adjusted to taste. Vegetarian adaptations replace clams with mushrooms while maintaining the dish's signature flavors.

In Hue, Com Hen is enjoyed throughout the day, from breakfast to late-night supper. It's commonly sold by street vendors and small family restaurants, where each establishment might have its own secret ratio of ingredients and special garnishes. The dish is typically served at room temperature, making it particularly refreshing during hot summer days.

From a nutritional perspective, Com Hen offers a good balance of proteins from the clams, carbohydrates from the rice, and vitamins from fresh herbs. The clams are an excellent source of iron and vitamin B12, while the herbs provide essential antioxidants. However, those with shellfish allergies should avoid this dish, and the high sodium content from fish sauce and preserved ingredients should be considered by those watching their salt intake.