From aromatic broths to grilled delights, Nha Trang’s food is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Let’s dive into the diverse food scene of this coastal gem with 5 must-try Nha Trang dishes that will take your taste buds on a journey.
1. Bun Ca (Fish Noodle Soup)
Bun Ca is a beloved dish that showcases the abundant seafood of this region. The broth is simmered with fish bones, tomatoes, and pineapple, creating a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Bun Ca is served in a bowl with rice noodles in a flavorful broth and topped with fish cakes, tuna or mackerel fillets, and fresh herbs for garnish. Fish cakes are made from fish puree mixed with spices such as dill and pepper before being steamed or fried (or steamed and then fried) until golden brown. Their chewiness adds texture to the dish and is a highlight of Bun Ca Nha Trang. This fish noodle soup is ideal for breakfast or lunch, given its light yet filling profile.
Tips:
- Go for Bun Cha Ca if you’re keen on fish cakes or Bun Ca if you prefer only fish fillet.
- Apart from the typical rice noodles (Bun), you can opt for Banh Canh Cha Ca, which is served with thick, round noodles.
Where to try:
- Bun Cha Ca Hanh Nhien (32c Le Dai Hanh): 35,000 VND – 55,000 VND ($1.4 – $2.2)
- Nguyen Loan (123 Ngo Gia Tu): 45,000 VND
2. Bun Sua (Jellyfish Noodle Soup)
Another traditional seafood noodle dish, but this time with a twist. Bun Sua is essentially an extension of Bun Ca, the fish noodle soup mentioned earlier. With a light yet flavorful broth as its base, the jellyfish adds an interesting crunch to contrast with the softness of the noodles. Diners can order Bun Sua or Bun Ca Sua, which includes both fish and jellyfish. Don’t forget to add some fresh chili and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of flavor. Bun Sua is a great choice for those looking for something unique and unexpectedly delicious.
Tip: Besides Bun Sua, the crunchy jellyfish is also used in many other regional dishes like Goi Sua (jellyfish salad).
Where to try:
- Nguyen Loan (123 Ngo Gia Tu): 45,000 VND
- Co Ba (105 Hoang Hoa Tham): 48,000 VND
3. Banh Can (Mini Pancakes)
Banh Can are small, savory rice flour pancakes that are a favorite all-day snack in Nha Trang. Cooked in small clay molds over a charcoal fire, they develop a crispy exterior and a soft, slightly fluffy interior. The toppings come in a great variety, including quail eggs, shrimp, minced pork or beef, and baby squid.
The star of the Banh Can dish is the tangy dipping sauce, perfected with finely chopped green onions, fresh chili, and fried shallots. For a heartier meal, you can pair Banh Can with Xiu Mai, which consists of minced pork mixed with spices like red onion and pepper, combined with breadcrumbs. Another popular side dish is Cha Bo, steamed beef sausages wrapped in banana leaves. Breakfast and dinner are the perfect times to enjoy this bite-sized delight.
Tip: When in doubt, look for “thap cam” or “day du” – both mean “a bit of everything”, allowing you to sample a variety of Banh Can fillings.
Where to try:
- Banh Xeo 134 (134 Tran Quy Cap): 30,000 VND – 50,000 VND
- Banh Can Ut Nam (19 Ngo Den): 25,000 VND – 60,000 VND
4. Xoi Ca (Caramelized Fish Sticky Rice)
Xoi Ca is a true staple of Nha Trang City, rarely found anywhere else. It’s a simple yet comforting and savory dish, bringing together the fragrance of the land and the taste of the sea. The sticky rice is steamed with a bit of coconut milk for extra richness.
The unbeatable hero of this dish is the caramelized fish, most likely mackerel or anchovy, that’s been seasoned and cooked to perfection: it’s sweet, salty, and spicy; all the flavors are there. The fish is slow-braised until the bones are soft and can be chewed easily. Xoi Ca is also topped with pickled carrots and fried shallots, creating a balanced overall flavor. This dish is quite filling, making it best suited for breakfast or lunch.
Tip: Xoi Ca is commonly a takeaway dish. You can either sit down at a café and order it through food delivery apps or buy a box (or two) to take with you to a café or the beach.
Where to try:
- Quan Xoi Sau Khai (1 Phat Hoc): 30,000 VND
- Xoi Ca Com (9 Ngo Si Lien): 20,000 VND
5. Nem Nuong (Grilled Pork Platter)
Nem Nuong is the most well-known Nha Trang specialty that you won’t want to miss. These are pork sausages skewered on wooden sticks, or ideally on lemongrass stems, and chargrilled, giving them a distinctive smoky and aromatic fragrance. A portion of Nem Nuong is served on a tray with crispy fried rice paper rolls, fresh vegetables, shredded green mango, cucumber, and chives.
When eating, grab a sheet of rice paper, place all the ingredients on it, then roll it tightly and dip the roll in the sweet, purée-like dipping sauce. It’s amazing how all the separate ingredients come together in a rich and delightful flavor and texture. If you’re down for a hands-on dining experience, Nem Nuong is what to look for.
Tips:
- Nem Nuong is a meat-based dish, but the dipping sauce is made from puréed shrimp. So if you’re allergic to seafood, ask for another type of dipping sauce.
- Nem Nuong can also be served in a bowl with rice noodles. In case you don’t want to touch the food with your bare hands, opt for Bun Nem Nuong.
Where to try:
- Nem Nuong Dang Van Quyen (16A Lan Ong): 52,000 VND
- Nem Nuong Ninh Hoa – To Huu (80 To Huu): 39,000 VND
The five dishes listed above will offer visitors a dynamic and genuine taste of Nha Trang, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty bowl of soup, a wrap-and-roll treat, or takeout snacks. If you find yourself in the city, make sure to try these iconic flavors.
Note: Restaurant recommendations are only suggestions based on the authors’ experiences; prices may vary.
