Top Things to Eat in Da Nang (Must-Try Local Da Nang Foods and Restaurants)

Travel enthusiasts seeking nature, culture, and beautiful beaches will find everything they desire and more in Danang, Vietnam. This incredible city boasts endless beauty with its sandy white beaches and lush mountains that will undoubtedly take anyone’s breath away. Vietnam is also renowned as a foodie mecca, celebrated as one of the world’s top destinations for its outstanding Vietnamese cuisine such as pho, spring rolls, and Vietnamese Coffee.

If you’re familiar with Vietnam, you may immediately think of vibrant cities like Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) when you think of Vietnam’s most famous Vietnamese dishes. But for some of the best Vietnamese cuisine, foodie pros know to scour Vietnamese restaurants and the Vietnamese street food scene in Da Nang for some of the best Vietnamese cuisine Vietnam has to offer.

Must-Try Vietnamese Food in Da Nang

With its diverse food options and affordable prices, Da Nang is a hidden gem on the central coast. Adventurous diners will find everything from seafood and hand-cut noodle dishes to saucy BBQ in this melting pot of dishes from all over central Vietnam. Get ready to dig in as we explore some of Da Nang’s most famous dishes and the best restaurants.

Mi Quang (Yellow Rice Noodles Dish)

Don’t miss this absolutely delicious quintessential dish hailing from Quảng Nam Province in central Vietnam. This vibrant, flat yellow rice noodle dish is a must-try when visiting Hoi An and the northern neighboring city of Đa Nang. While extremely versatile with ingredients, the most common ones are usually pork belly, whole shrimp, toasted peanuts, sesame rice crackers, fish sauce, and hard-boiled quail eggs. Mi Quang is distinguished by its umami-laden broth, just enough to dampen the noodles. It’s made from pork bones and shrimp.

Bun Cha Ca (Grilled Fish Cake Noodle Soup with Fish Sauce)

Bun Cha Ca is a tasty dish loved by diners across Vietnam but mostly in seaside villages due to easy access to fresh seafood to make this dish’s showstopping fish cake (Cha Ca). The fish cakes are crisp and springy and topped over a bed of tender rice vermicelli  noodles in a delicious clear broth packed with umami flavor

Banh Xeo (Stuffed Rice Pancake)

Banh Xeo is not your typical everyday pancake! Made from humble ingredients like rice flour, water, coconut milk, and turmeric powder, this pancake becomes savory with the addition of meat. But don’t let its simple ingredients fool you; this popular street food is bursting with intense flavor. It’s often stuffed with tasty ingredients like pork, prawns, a medley of pickled vegetables, mung beans, bean sprouts, and herbs like Thai basil and mint, offering a punch of mouth-watering flavor. Banh Xeo also gets its name, Xeo, when the rice batter hits the hot skillet.

Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)

You’d be hard-pressed to find a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich not on the food menu at a Vietnamese restaurant or a street stall, for that matter. This sandwich may be the greatest sandwich ever! While the Banh Mi does have an odd combination of ingredients, it doesn’t go without saying that it works, and once you have a bite, you’ll want it again and again.

There are multiple types of banh mi sandwiches, even a breakfast version, but typically, the main ingredients consist of an airy, crispy French-style baguette bread layered with Vietnamese ham, creamy, savory pate, and a mixture of vegetables, most commonly sliced cucumber, bean sprouts pickled carrot, and daikon.

Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Vietnamese Beef and Pork)

Bun Bo Hue, or Bun Bo, is a Vietnamese rice noodle dish that translates to Huế beef noodle soup and originates from the city of Hue. If you’re an adventurous eater, you’re in luck because Bun Bo Hue can be found in just about any Da Nang restaurant.

This extraordinary dish features spicy notes and is topped with either beef or pork hock, along with unexpected ingredients that might make some unadventurous diners turn up their noses. However, they’d miss out on one of Da Nang’s finest dishes. Aside from beef and pork, Bun Bo Hue also features congealed pork blood curds, which give this sizzling, spicy soup a robust flavor that’s positively addicting.

Ca Phe Trung (Vietnamese Egg Coffee)

No milk, no problem! If you like extra creamy coffee, Vietnamese egg coffee, or Ca Phe Trung, certainly delivers! Rather than using cream and sugar, this creamy Vietnam coffee is made from whipping, egg yolk, and sweetened condensed milk to make a fluffy meringue-like consistency that tops a rich espresso that will have any coffee lover swooning. It is believed that this delicious beverage has its roots from when there was a milk shortage in Vietnam in the late 1940s, and a cafe owner found a way around the dilemma. Now, you can find delicious coffee on any cafe menu or snag it at a food stall while you stroll around Da Nang City.

Ca Phe Muoi (Vietnamese Salt Coffee)

While seemingly strange, salt and coffee make a harmonious blend for the ages that will make coffee lovers rejoice. The simple yet impressive combination of salt and coffee works, as salt neutralizes the bitterness of the coffee while also contributing to the overall flavor of the cozy beverage. This off-brew comes from Hue, Vietnam, and the story behind it, while varied, is believed to come from a simple mistake of a fisherman’s wife who accidentally put salt in her husband’s coffee rather than sugar. Ultimately, her mistake proved to be tasty, and now, this Vietnamese coffee is served everywhere in Da Nang.

Ca Phe Dua (Vietnamese Coconut Coffee)

Vietnamese coffee is renowned as some of the best in the world, with their coconut coffee standing out as a refreshing pick-me-up at any time of day. Each smooth, creamy sip delivers exotic notes of the tropics. Popular and served throughout Southeast Asia, especially in Hanoi and Da Nang, this decadent, rich coffee offers a sweet, coconut flavor that perfectly offsets the bitterness, enhancing coffee’s bold, smooth taste.

Kem Dua Ma Lai (Coconut Ice Cream with Sticky Rice and Peanuts)

Vanilla ice cream is to Western countries what coconut ice cream is to Vietnam. While coconut ice cream is simple and pure, this delicious sweet treat gets a serious glow-up with the addition of sticky rice and crushed peanuts, adding an unusual but delightful texture.

Combining creamy coconut ice cream with the chewiness of sticky rice and the crunch of peanuts creates a unique and satisfying dessert experience. Often enjoyed on hot days, this treat cools you down and provides a taste of Vietnamese culinary tradition.

Kem Bo (Avocado Ice Cream)

Thick, creamy, and with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency, avocado ice cream just makes sense! As you travel through the Hai Chau district, you’ll discover avocados are used in luscious desserts rather than savory dishes and served at popular restaurants and food stalls to cool you down. This refreshing treat from Da Nang combines smashed avocado, coconut ice cream, condensed milk, and heavy cream, creating a dreamy, creamy avocado-vanilla-based dessert. The best Kem Bo is located in [VM1] 

Com Chien (Vietnamese Fried Rice)

Almost every restaurant in the Hai Chau district of Da Nang serves fried rice or Com Chien. While no Com Chien in Vietnam is exactly the same due to its versatility, one thing is distinct about the Vietnam version: the use of fish oil, fish sauce, or oyster sauce as the main seasoning. This differentiates it from other Asian Com Chien dishes, particularly Chinese dishes, which typically use soy sauce for flavor.

Vietnamese Style Grilled Lobster with Garlic

No one can resist lobster, but adding one simple ingredient sets Vietnamese-style grilled lobster truly over the edge. How exactly do they prepare lobster in Da Nang? It’s all about the ingredients. Lobsters are usually grilled with garlic, butter, and green onions then finished with a touch of fish sauce, lime juice, and fresh chili for that signature Vietnam-esque taste and tasty umami flavor that’s to die for. This creates a distinctive and delicious twist on the classic lobster meal that fresh seafood enthusiasts know and love.

Goi Xoai (Green Mango Salad)

Vietnam’s green mango salad, known as Goi Xoai, is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly balances a variety of flavors and textures. The meal features thinly sliced green mango, providing a crisp and slightly tart base. This tartness is beautifully balanced with the sweetness of sugar and the salty depth of fish sauce. A typical dressing for this dish includes lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and sometimes garlic, creating a harmony of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.

Mint, cilantro, and Thai basil add a burst of freshness, while finely chopped chili peppers bring a spicy kick. While roasted peanuts or cashews provide a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.

The dish is often garnished with crispy shallots and sometimes dried shrimp, adding even more texture and umami to the mix. It’s often served with crunchy rice cracker or toasted sesame rice paper, which make the perfect vehicle to enjoy this delicious meal.

Cau Lau (Noodles with Pork)

Cao Lau is a one-of-a-kind luxury dish in Hoi An. It means “high story,” a nod to the dish’s sophisticated origin. It features unique Cao Lầu noodles that cannot be made anywhere else in the world, making it a truly unique food served in Da Nang.

Cao Lau features signature Cao Lầu yellow noodles, slices of barbecue pork, pork crackling, bean sprouts, lettuce, and herbs and is typically eaten with rice crackers. Cau Lau noodles can only be made using water from the nearby Ba Le well. Additionally, the noodles are made with a local rice variety, and the lye solution used in their preparation comes from the ashes of Cajuput trees harvested nearby.

Beef Pho (Beef Rib or Oxtail Pho)

When it comes to Vietnamese food, pho takes the cake. In fact, it’s been dubbed the national dish of Vietnam, and for a good reason. This stunning soup can be found literally on every street corner, served in every restaurant, and throughout the Hai Chau district.

Pho typically features delicate, thin rice noodles or rice sticks that perfectly complement the fragrant, savory, rich broth. Regarding meat, beef rib and oxtail are among the most popular choices and sought-after ingredients. Beef rib adds a hearty, tender texture, while the oxtail adds a gelatinous richness that offers a depth of flavor.

Bun Mam Nem Heo Quay (Rice Vermicelli Noodles with Grilled Pork)

Bun Mam Nem Heo Quay is a popular street food in Da Nang City in the Hai Chau district, known for its vibrant and interesting flavors. This Vietnamese dish hits all the notes: sweet, sour, salty, and umami. It features rice vermicelli noodles (bun) as a soft and slightly chewy base, topped with grilled pork (heo quay), adding a rich texture, crispy skin, and mesmerizing savory flavor.

But what makes this dish a showstopper is the fermented fish sauce drizzled over the noodles and pork. This sauce infuses the dish with a game-changing flavor, offering a bold, pungent taste that is salty and slightly sweet.

Fresh herbs and vegetables take this dish even further in the flavor department. Mixing mint, cilantro, basil, lettuce, and cucumber adds a refreshing contrast. Pickled carrots and daikon provide a tangy crunch, perfectly balancing the flavors.

Spring Rolls with Shrimp and Vegetables

Spring rolls, or Goi Cuon, are a quintessential part of Vietnamese culinary culture. They are often associated with communal dining, symbolizing the importance of sharing and togetherness.

Unlike an egg roll, spring rolls are fresh and light, served on rice paper, highlighting the filling, often composed of shrimp, vegetables, fresh herbs, and rice noodles. Traditional spring rolls are served with a salty dip made of fish sauce, perfect for the delicate rice wrapper. Alternatively, spring rolls can be served with peanut sauce.

Top Restaurants in Da Nang

Mỳ Quảng Bà Mua: The Best Mi Quang In Da Nang

Ba Mua Quang Noodle Shop is the ultimate noodle haven in Vietnam. With over 11 restaurants in Quang Nam and Da Nang City and over 27 years of experience, Ba Mua Quang has become the go-to for Vietnam’s most authentic Mi Quang.

Bún Chả Cá Hờn: Delicious Bun Cha Ca

If you’re craving Bun Cha Ca or grilled fish cake noodles soup brimming with vermicelli, Bun Cha Ca Hon is the place to go in Hai Chau District, Da Nang. Large portions and affordable prices make this iconic fresh seafood meal a big hit with diners.

Bếp Cuốn Da Nanag: The Most Famous Banh Xeo

Bep Cuon Da Nang is a bustling restaurant serving cozy and simple fare, but most famously, their crispy pieces of Banh Xeo, a savory stuffed rice pancake with fresh herbs alongside delectable sweet dipping sauce. With a 4.8 star rating on Google and over 3,700 reviews, Bep Cuon is definitely the place to go if it is your first time trying banh xeo.

Them Hai San: Causal Vietnamese Seafood Favorites

If you’re on the hunt for a Da Nang restaurant that serves up the most delicious fresh seafood dinner, look no further than Them Hai San. This restaurant serves everything from grilled oysters and prawns to lobsters. Be sure to check out house favorites that may be on the menu, such as Bun Mam Nem Heo Quay or steamed clams.

Dao Xang Quan: Tasty Seafood Feast

After a long day in the sun on the white sands of My Khe Beach, make your way to Dao Xang Quan for a seafood feast. Diners love live seafood cooked to perfection, such as massive lobster, mantis-grilled prawns, bamboo clams, and snails.

Nha Hang Bien Viet: Vietnamese Seafood with a Modern Twist

There is certainly no shortage of seafood offerings in Da Nang, with several nearby My Khe Beach. But Nha Hang Bien Viet offers visitors an open, modern design focusing on fresh, high-quality seafood that keeps diners coming back week after week. Here, you’ll find various dishes, including grilled oysters, prawns, lobsters, and much more.

Some of their showstoppers include grilled tiger prawns with garlic butter, steamed king crab, and stir-fried snails with lemongrass and chili.

Miss NHI Restaurant: Best Local Hot Spot for Pho and More

Looking for a one-stop shop for all your Vietnamese cuisine needs? Miss NHI Restaurant in Da Nang fits the bill and has been around since 1991! This quaint local restaurant serves tasty Banh Xeo, Banh Cha, spring rolls, Pho, and so much more.

Bun Thit Nuong Phu Hong: Hidden Gem with Riverside Views

Don’t let the size of this smaller local street vendor fool you! This local gem is one of the best places to eat in Da Nang City. It is near the Han River, making it convenient to enjoy the riverside views and attractions in Da Nang. When visiting Bun Thit Nuong Phu Hong, grab some Banh Xeo, pork rolls, or grilled pork belly fat for a delicious meal.

Nha Hang Hai San Da Nang: Da Nang’s Luxury Seafood Restaurant

Diners are treated to a truly luxurious dining experience at Nha Hang Hai San Da Nang (Brilliant Seafood). Located on Ho Nghinh Street in Da Nang City, this fine dining restaurant serves surf and turf with a focus on Vietnamese culture. Enjoy king crab, Alaska lobster, mantis shrimp, snails, and various delicious soups and roasts with an Asian twist.

Banh Xeo Ba Duong: Local Favorite for the Crispest Banh Xeo

Located off the beaten path, Banh Xeo Ba Duong is one of Vietnam’s hidden gems. If you haven’t guessed it, this local favorite is famous for serving its signature dish, Banh Xeo, or crispy savory pancakes. Delicious shrimp, pork, and beansprouts are stuffed into these delicious pancakes, making each bite positively satisfying

Insider Tips and Tricks

How to order like a local

Imagine walking into a restaurant and not understanding what’s written on the menu. It would be incredibly frustrating. Learning basic Vietnamese phrases can greatly improve your communication with locals and help others know what you want. Basic phrases for ordering dishes with fish sauce, pork chop, or rice noodles can ensure you receive meals with the flavors you prefer. Alternatively, you can avoid certain foods or even discover something new when traveling in Vietnam.

Also, attempting to learn another culture’s language shows respect, ultimately leading to more welcoming experiences with locals when ordering food at restaurants,

Tips for eating at street food stalls

  • Make sure to eat at stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness
    When visiting Da Nang, you’ll want to keep an eye out for food stalls with a high turnover. This indicates that these vendors are popular with the locals, which means their food is tasty and safe. Not to mention, if their food is popular, it also means it hasn’t been sitting out in the heat since it’s being bought up quickly.
  • If you are trying local street food vendors, get there early!
    Typically, street vendors in Da Nang get their ingredients from local markets first thing in the morning. If you want the freshest pick from the day’s menu, opting for a meal first thing in the morning would be your best bet.
  • Only eat from street food stalls with lots of positive Google reviews.
     You wouldn’t eat at a restaurant that has bad reviews at home, so why would you when abroad? You wouldn’t. So, don’t take the chance. Always check to see if anyone has said they have gotten sick. Reviews can also provide insight into the quality and safety of the food stall and which dish is their most popular.
  • Try a variety of dishes to experience the full range of Vietnamese flavors.
    Trying different foods from the menu can be difficult, especially when you’ve discovered a food you love and are certain will be good. But sticking to one meal can mean you’ll miss out on many other possible foods and flavors that make you swoon. Vietnamese food is incredibly diverse, so don’t be nervous about stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something new. You may find a new favorite.
  • Understand the culture
    Get familiar with some cultural norms before visiting Vietnam and the beautiful city of Da Nang. Doing so will help you feel at ease and reduce your discomfort about dining etiquette. For instance, throwing trash on the ground while eating is not rude in Vietnam. Instead, it’s part of the culture, and vendors sweep around the stalls afterward.

What You Should Know About Eating in Da Nang

Da Nang boasts stunning natural attractions and serene, picturesque views from Son Tra Peninsula and Ba Na Hills to My Khe Beach. Above all, Da Nang has a vibrant culinary scene that blends Vietnamese fare from all over the country with a local twist. Many restaurants and street food stalls feature everything from Mi Quang and Banh Xeo to Vietnamese coffee. Da Nang stands tall in the Vietnamese culinary scene, making it a must-visit for any travel and food enthusiast serious about discovering dishes they’ll never stop talking about for years to come.

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