Culinary journey: Discover the top 10 must-try foods in Da Nang

Let's begin a culinary journey in Da Nang, where the vibrant cityscape makes a treasure trove of gastronomic delights. Our exploration centers on the top 10 must-try foods in Da Nang to unveil a palate-pleasing journey through the city's diverse and flavorful cuisine. From street-side stalls to hidden gems, these gastronomic wonders promise an unparalleled experience.

A FEW FEATURES OF DA NANG’S CUISINE

Da Nang, a coastal gem of Vietnam, is a gastronomic haven that tantalizes the taste buds with its rich and diverse culinary tapestry. The city's cuisine is a harmonious blend of flavors. It showcases a perfect marriage of traditional Vietnamese techniques and unique regional influences.

One cannot begin to describe the culinary landscape of Da Nang without highlighting the explosion of flavors that dance on the palate. The local cuisine is characterized by its bold and savory notes.

It is often accompanied by a symphony of fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and the subtle sweetness of local ingredients. Each dish is a testament to the meticulous artistry of the city's chefs, who skillfully balance flavors to create a unique culinary experience.

Da Nang cuisine is always an endless paradise not only for locals, but also for tourists who visit this place

When mentioning Da Nang cuisine, we must mention Quang noodles, Bun Cha Ca, Bun Mam Thit Heo, Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo, Banh Trang Dap, and more. Many visitors to Da Nang evaluate "Da Nang as a culinary paradise" with unique dishes and unforgettable delicious flavors.

In addition, Da Nang is located on the Central Coast, so the rich and fresh seafood dishes are also a plus point to attract tourists. You can go along Hoang Sa Street to choose for yourself a popular Da Nang restaurant to enjoy seafood. Some outstanding seafood dishes such as Crab with Tamarind Sauce, Steamed Chipotle, and Grilled Octopus,... 

Beyond the restaurants, vibrant seafood markets provide an opportunity for you to handpick and take home the freshest catches.

Exploring Da Nang's cuisine, visitors will fully feel the unique features of the Central region. All create a special attraction for domestic and foreign tourists. Let's find out the top 10 must-try foods in Da Nang here to give your upcoming exploration more new experiences!

TOP 10 MUST-TRY FOODS IN DA NANG FOR YOUR UPCOMING TRIP

Let's start a tantalizing culinary journey during your upcoming trip to the sea city, where we have meticulously curated the top 10 must-try foods in Da Nang. This vibrant coastal city is a haven for food enthusiasts that offers a diverse array of flavors that promise to delight your taste buds.

Mi Quang (Quang Noodles)

When mentioning the top 10 must-try foods in Da Nang, Quang noodles will be the top dish mentioned first. Mi Quang is the pride of the Da Nang people.

No one knows when this rustic dish existed. But the taste of Quang noodles is now not limited to Da Nang but has spread to all regions.

Da Nang's Quang noodle specialty leaves an impression on visitors not only because of its sweet, greasy flavor. But also by decorating the finished product with the harmonious and beautiful colors of the ingredients.

Quang noodles are sophisticated from the noodles to the broth and side dishes. Quang noodles must be made from delicious rice with the bran intact, and soaked. Then it is ground by hand to retain the integrity of the nutrients in the rice. 

Da Nang Quang noodles are characterized by quite little broth, so this broth is often cooked thickly and slightly salty

The topping of a bowl of Quang noodles is usually beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, frog,... marinated with rich spices. To perfect the flavor of Quang Da Nang noodles, the broth is the quintessential part. 

The broth is simmered from pork bones, pork belly, chicken breast, fresh shrimp, turmeric powder, cashew oil… with a few other spices for a richer flavor. Moreover, when serving Quang noodles to diners, it is customary to drizzle only enough broth to coat the surface, rather than submerging them entirely.

Take a moment when your steaming bowl of noodles arrives at the table and allow the flavorful broth to permeate each strand of noodle. Remember to add a generous sprinkle of peanuts, and a dollop of chili sauce, and break off a piece of crispy rice paper. This way, your bowl of noodles will be infused with a rich and satisfying blend of flavors.

• Reference address:

• Mi Quang 1A - 1A Hai Phong Street, Hai Chau, Da Nang.

• Mi Quang Ech Bep Trang - 177 Ho Nghinh, Son Tra District, Da Nang.

• Mi Quang Thuy - 122 Hoang Dieu, Hai Chau 2 Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.

Goi ca Nam O (Nam O fish salad)

Originating from the coastal village of Nam O near Da Nang, the Nam O fish salad stands out as a beloved specialty of the city. It also has become one of the dishes in the top 10 must-try foods in Da Nang.

At the core of this delectable dish is the use of fresh and flavorful fish. They often use thinly sliced or shredded fish, such as mackerel or anchovies.

The fish slices undergo a delightful marination process, soaking in a delightful mixture of spices, herbs, and zesty lime juice. Additional elements like sliced onions, green onions, roasted peanuts, and occasionally shredded green papaya or carrots contribute to the overall texture and taste.

Nam O fish salad is made from fresh fish meat and must be prepared during the day to have a sweet and fragrant taste, not fishy

The dressing for Nam O fish salad takes center stage. It includes a well-balanced blend of fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, chili, sugar, and sometimes vinegar. This dressing achieves a delicate harmony of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, perfectly complementing the seafood and herbal components.

Traditionally served with rice crackers or rice paper wrappers, Nam O fish salad invites you to create your invigorating rolls. Simply encase a portion of the salad in a rice paper sheet, adding fresh herbs and lettuce, and dip it into the sauce for a burst of mouthwatering flavors.

• Reference address:

• Goi Ca Nam O Ba Hien - 1315 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang.

• Goi Ca Ba My - 1029 Nguyen Luong Bang, Lien Chieu District, Da Nang.

• Goi Ca Nam O 972 - 972 Nguyen Luong Bang, Lien Chieu District, Da Nang.

Variety of vermicelli

Da Nang has an enticing world of vermicelli, where a diverse array of this beloved noodle takes center stage in the city's culinary scene. From aromatic broths to flavorful toppings, Da Nang offers a tantalizing variety of vermicelli dishes that cater to every palate. 

Bun Cha Ca

Don't miss out on the culinary masterpiece that is Bun Cha Ca when you explore the top 10 must-try foods in Da Nang. This dish is a delightful fusion of sea flavors, rice noodles, and a savory broth.

In a bowl of Bun Cha Ca Da Nang, the soup's foundation is meticulously crafted. This process involves simmering fish bones with aromatic elements like lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric, all infused with a hint of fish sauce. This careful process results in an aromatic and richly flavorful broth.

The spotlight of Bun Cha Ca is on the fish cakes. These delightful cakes are expertly prepared from minced fish, a variety of seasonings, and occasionally tapioca starch for the perfect texture. They are then skillfully deep-fried to achieve a golden crispiness. This adds a delightful crunch to the overall experience.

Bun Cha Ca can be said to be the perfect example of a rich, absorbent, naturally sweet and fragrant bowl of vermicelli

The soup is then paired with substantial rice noodles, known for their soft yet chewy texture. The fish cakes gracefully join the broth, accompanied by an assortment of toppings.

Fresh herbs like basil, coriander, and mint, along with crisp bean sprouts and finely shredded lettuce, enhance the flavor. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, try to sprinkle sliced green onions and crispy shallots on top.

You can find Bun Cha Ca in both local restaurants and seafood-focused street food stalls. It's a unique opportunity to relish the delightful flavors of this seafood noodle soup in the heart of central Vietnamese cuisine.

• Reference address:

• Bun Cha Ca Nguyen Chi Thanh - 109 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.

• Bun Cha Ca Ba Lu - 319 Hung Vuong, Vinh Trung Ward, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang.

• Bun Cha Ca Ba Phien - 63 Le Hong Phong, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.

Bun Mam Nem

Originating as a humble dish among the locals of Da Nang, Bun Mam Nem has rapidly transformed into a renowned specialty of the coastal city, securing its place among the top 10 must-try foods in Da Nang. Its distinct and flavorful profile has captured the hearts of diners both near and far.

The way to make Bun Mam Nem is quite elaborate. The varied components of this dish include vermicelli, boiled or roasted pork, beef patties, pork, sour rolls, pig ears, and nose,...

In the array of raw vegetables, you'll find grated papaya, bean sprouts, lettuce, and boiled young jackfruit. The vegetable basket is completed with the essential additions of laksa leaves, basil, and fried onions, providing a cooling balance to the heat of the seasoning sauce.

Bun Mam Nem makes many diners fall in love thanks to its special and strange flavor

Blend the seasoning sauce into a smooth juice, adding chopped herbs, crushed garlic, ground chili, sugar, MSG, and a touch of lemon juice. This completes the preparation of the savory fish sauce, ensuring it possesses an irresistible blend of saltiness, spiciness, and fragrance for a delicious dining experience.

When served, a bowl of Bun Mam Nem includes vermicelli below, with toppings on top. When eating, diners use chopsticks to mix well so the fish sauce absorbs into the ingredients.

Indulging in a single bite, the distinctive flavors of Central Vietnamese cuisine: salty, sweet, sour, and spicy will unfold in the mouth. This captivates diners and invites them to savor the love affair with every taste.

• Reference address:

• Bun Mam Ba Thuyen - K424/03 Le Duan, Chinh Gian, Thanh Khe, Da Nang.

• Bun Mam Ba Ty - 413 Nui Thanh, Hai Chau, Da Nang.

• Bun Mam Ba Dong - 145 Huynh Thuc Khang, Hai Chau, Da Nang.

Bun Ca Ngu

Bun Ca Ngu stands out as a cherished local dish in the Central region that embodies the region's authentic flavors. For many travelers exploring the coastal beauty of Da Nang, savoring this specialty becomes an essential part of their culinary experience.

The heart of Bun Ca Ngu lies in the use of fresh tuna carefully prepared to eliminate any fishy taste. The fish undergoes a marination process with basic spices, enhancing its natural flavors.

Creating the broth for Bun Ca Ngu is a straightforward process. Onions and garlic are fried until fragrant, combined with pineapple and tomatoes, followed by the addition of water. Seasoning is then adjusted to taste, and the fish is simmered until the flavors harmonize.

Bun Ca Ngu has the typical flavor of the sea in each piece of fresh fish mixed with silky white noodles

The dish is elegantly presented with vermicelli, fish, and flavorful broth. However, the highlight is undoubtedly the accompanying dipping sauce. This delightful garlic chili lemon fish sauce, adds a spicy kick to the overall deliciousness.

To complement the dish, raw vegetables such as lettuce, shredded cabbage, and herbs are served, along with an extra dash of chili for those who crave an extra spicy punch. 

With its rich taste and cultural significance, Bun Ca Ngu rightfully claims its spot among the top 10 must-try foods in Da Nang. It represents a culinary treasure that leaves a lasting impression on every diner fortunate enough to experience its unique charm.

• Reference address:

• Bun Ca Ngu Ba Lu - 319 Hung Vuong, Vinh Trung, Thanh Khe, Da Nang.

• Bun Ca Ngu Ba Hoa - 27 Le Hong Phong, Phuoc Ninh, Hai Chau, Da Nang.

• Bun Ca Ong Ta - 113A Nguyen Chi Thanh, Hai Chau, Da Nang.

Banh Canh

Banh Canh, a beloved dish in Da Nang, stands as a testament to the city's rich culinary heritage. This flavorful noodle soup is known for its thick, chewy noodles made from tapioca or a mixture of rice and tapioca flour. 

The heart of Banh Canh lies in its savory and aromatic broth. Typically made from a combination of pork bones, seafood, and various spices. The balance of flavors in the broth is crucial, combining sweetness from bones and seafood to create a harmonious base.

The noodle soup is often adorned with a variety of proteins, such as succulent shrimp, tender pork slices, and sometimes flavorful fish cakes. Fresh herbs and greens, including cilantro, green onions, and perilla leaves, add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.

Banh Canh - a simple yet cherished dish in Da Nang, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike

Accompanying condiments like lime wedges, chili, and fish sauce are served on the side. This allows diners to customize the flavors according to their preferences. The interplay of textures, from the chewy noodles to the tender proteins, creates a delightful culinary experience with each spoonful.

Whether enjoyed at a local eatery or a street-side stall, Banh Canh promises a satisfying and comforting meal. It's a dish that embodies the warmth and richness of cuisine making it belongs to the top 10 must-try foods in Da Nang.

• Reference address:

• Banh Canh Ba Thu - 78 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.

• Banh Canh Duong Ray - K77A/09 Le Do, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang.

• Banh Canh Ruong - 20 Ha Thi Than, An Hai Trung, Son Tra, Da Nang.

Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo

Delight your taste buds with Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo, commonly known as rice paper rolls with grilled pork, a beloved dish among the top 10 must-try foods in Da Nang. This classic specialty presents thin rice paper sheets generously filled with succulent boiled pork, paired with an array of fresh herbs and vegetables.

A serving of Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo consists of four essential components. There are soft rice paper rolls, tender boiled pork belly, a selection of crisp vegetables, and a flavorful dipping sauce.

The rice paper rolls, known for their soft and pliable texture, carry a rich essence that enhances the overall experience. Diners can choose between boiled or steamed pork, both offering a delightful blend of sweetness and savory richness.

Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo stands as a delectable testament to Da Nang's rich culinary heritage

The accompanying vegetables offer a variety of options. These can include fresh greens like lettuce and perilla, alongside root vegetables such as green bananas, mango, cucumber, and more.

Completing the ensemble, the dipping sauce is a flavorful concoction crafted from cherished family recipes. This sauce boasts a robust flavor profile, enticing aroma, and the ability to tantalize the taste buds of culinary enthusiasts. 

Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo stands as a delectable testament to Da Nang's rich culinary heritage and is a must-try on your culinary journey through the city.

• Reference address:

  • Banh Trang Quan Mau - 35 Do Thuc Tinh, Cam Le, Da Nang.

  • Banh Trang Tran - 4 Le Duan Street, Hai Chau, Da Nang.

Cao Lau

Vietnam's cuisine is famous for its richness and each region has its own unique delicacies. If you have come to the beautiful city of Da Nang, you cannot help but enjoy the famous delicious Cao Lau. As well as we recommend this dish to your list of the top 10 must-try foods in Da Nang.

Cao Lau Da Nang features pale yellow noodles crafted from a blend of rice flour and wood ash, distinguishing it from the similar Quang noodles. Despite the confusion, Cao Lau stands out with smaller and shorter noodles.

Similar to Quang noodles, Cao Lau typically includes shrimp, pork, fresh vegetables, and minimal broth. However, what sets Cao Lau apart is its broth, characterized by a richer flavor that leaves a lasting impression on diners.

Cao Lau, a traditional dish, is a distinctive feature of Da Nang's culinary heritage

In a bowl of Cao Lau, you will encounter a delightful amalgamation of ingredients. This includes a medley of shrimp, succulent pork, and char siu, complemented by an assortment of fresh greens. 

However, what truly elevates Cao Lau to a gastronomic masterpiece is its broth. Carefully crafted from simmered pork bones, the broth bestows upon the dish a depth of flavor that is rich, nuanced, and utterly delectable.

The noodles themselves offer a satisfying chewiness, creating a textural symphony in each bite. Besides, a harmonious blend of sour, spicy, subtly bitter, and sweet notes between the ingredients makes you fall in love. 

• Reference address:

• Cao Lau Pho Hoi: 163 Phan Dang Luu, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.

• Cao Lau Hoai Pho: 255 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.

• Cao Lau Nhung: K92 Huynh Thuc Khang, Nam Duong, Hai Chau, Da Nang.

Banh Can

Banh Can in Da Nang boasts a unique and special flavor that sets it apart from other places. This dish is a traditional favorite among the locals and a sought-after specialty for many tourists visiting Da Nang.

Unlike Banh Can in Da Lat or other regions, the version in Da Nang is deep-fried giving it a delightful crispy texture. What makes it even more appealing is the addition of turmeric powder to the rice flour, resulting in a charming yellow color.

In the past, the main filling for Banh Can was quail egg to give the cake a golden hue. Nowadays, to cater to diverse preferences, sellers include various fillings such as shrimp, seafood, and beef. The seafood used is typically fresh shrimp and squid caught on the same day to ensure a sweet and fragrant taste.

Banh can in Da Nang is one of the traditional cakes, associated with the childhood of every local person

To savor authentic Da Nang's Banh Can, it's a must to enjoy it with sweet and sour fish sauce, enhanced with garlic, chili, sugar, and lemon juice. Additionally, you will be served a plate of fresh raw vegetables and pickles made from shredded carrots or papaya.

Upon serving, the chef skillfully arranges the bottom layer with herbs, followed by pickles, and then surrounds them with the delectable Banh Can. The harmonious combination of the cake's yellow color, the green vegetables, and the orange carrots creates an irresistibly attractive presentation on the plate. 

This culinary delight secures its place among the top 10 must-try foods in Da Nang to offer tourists a unique and flavorful experience for all who indulge in it.

• Reference address:

• Banh Can Thuy - 154 Huynh Thuc Vang Street, Nam Duong Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.

• Banh Can Loan - 274 Hai Phong Street, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang.

• Banh Can Nguyen Hoang - 255 Nguyen Hoang Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.

Seafood

Da Nang, nestled along Vietnam's central coast, is a must-visit culinary destination, particularly for seafood enthusiasts. The city's vibrant and diverse seafood offerings constitute the top 10 must-try foods in Da Nang.

Thanks to its location near the sea, seafood dishes have fresh flavors and special appeal. There's nothing better than enjoying fresh seafood at a cheap price while also admiring the cool sea view.

Dishes not to be overlooked include steamed clams infused with lemongrass and accompanied by a delightful blend of salt, pepper, lemon, and chili. The robust spiciness derived from the pepper and chili, the freshness of the clams, and a subtle lemongrass fragrance combine to create a harmonious and flavorful experience.

Seafood in Da Nang has fresh flavors, special appeal and cheap prices

Many restaurants in this city are very talented in preparing snails in many different styles to satisfy the tastes of diverse diners. We must mention attractive snail dishes such as stir-fried, cooked, boiled, or grilled. When enjoying snails, it is often accompanied by fresh green papaya and fragrant rice paper.

In addition, oyster porridge provides a perfect combination of fresh oysters and soft, smooth white porridge. When enjoying, you will feel the great flavor and freshness of oysters. This porridge dish will be a heartwarming dish and worth trying for those who are passionate about the taste of the sea.

And many other seafood dishes are waiting for you to enjoy in Da Nang. What are you waiting for? Come to the city now!

• Reference address:

• Lao Dai Seafood Restaurant - 1 Vo Van Kiet, An Hai Bac, Son Tra, Da Nang.

• Be Bien Seafood - 202 Vo Nguyen Giap, Bac My An Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District Da Nang.

• Thoi Co Seafood - 354/1 Vo Nguyen Giap, Bac My An Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang.

Be Thui Cau Mong (Cau Mong Dilled Veal Balls)

Whenever you have the opportunity to come to Da Nang or plan to conquer the top 10 must-try foods in Da Nang, do not miss Be Thui Cau Mong. Cau Mong is a village famous for its long-standing traditional veal dish. The braised veal here is famous for its deliciousness and has a flavor that is hard to match anywhere else.

The veal used to make this dish must be raised in the plains and fed on grass. Then people use charcoal fire to burn the veal. Must be grilled evenly so that the meat inside is cooked, soft, and sweet, and the skin is golden and crispy on the outside.

Be Thui Cau Mong is one of the specialties in Da Nang that you must definitely try once when you visit here

The veal is often eaten with rice paper rolls or rice paper. Rice paper rolls are small, chewy, and taken from bakeries in Dien Ban.

The dipping sauce is mixed with the right kind of premium fish sauce from fresh scads and anchovies caught from the Central Coast. Fish sauce is added with garlic, chili, roasted sesame, lemon, and ginger... So it has an irresistible delicious flavor.

Raw vegetables served include 3 main types: sour banana, sour star fruit, and bean sprouts. There are also basil, cilantro, cinnamon, and baby bok choy.

• Reference address:

• Be Thui 100 - 100 Dien Bien Phu Street, Chinh Gian Ward, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang. 

• Be Thui Cau Mong Muoi - 138 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang.

Kem Bo (Avocado Ice cream)

Da Nang’s Avocado Ice Cream is one of the famous snacks in the most livable city in Vietnam. This is not only a refreshing summer snack but also loved by tourists because of its delicious and cool taste.

Avocado ice cream in Da Nang distinguishes itself from its Da Lat counterpart through a unique blend of ingredients. The traditional cream boasts a velvety layer of butter paired with a rich coconut cream layer. It is further enhanced by an array of toppings, including shredded coconut and dried coconut to add an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Exploring the Avocado Ice cream scene in Da Nang extends beyond the traditional avocado flavor. Here, you can find several delightful variations, each offering a distinct twist to the classic treat. 

Avocado Ice Cream is one of the famous snacks in the most livable city in Vietnam

You can indulge in options like condensed milk butter ice cream, coconut butter ice cream, durian butter ice cream, banana butter ice cream, and yogurt butter ice cream. The diverse array of flavors caters to individual preferences to ensure that everyone discovers their favorite ice cream concoction.

Avocado Ice Cream is renowned for its top 10 must-try foods in Da Nang to become a delightful journey of exploration. The city's culinary creativity shines through a spectrum of enticing choices for diners. 

• Reference address: 

• Kem Bo Thien Thanh - 73 Pham The Hien, Hai Chau, Da Nang.

• Kem Bo Co Van - Bac My An market, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang.

Exploring the culinary delights of Da Nang is a journey filled with diverse flavors and gastronomic wonders. The top 10 must-try foods in Da Nang offer a rich tapestry of tastes that showcase the uniqueness of Central Vietnamese cuisine. 

Whether you're savoring the briny freshness of seafood, indulging in flavorful noodle soups, or ice cream creations, Da Nang's culinary scene promises an unforgettable experience. So, let's head to this city to create a memory that lingers long after your visit.

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