Da Nang, located in the central part of Vietnam, is known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and most importantly, its delicious cuisine. The city offers a wide variety of local dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Here are 10 signature dishes that you must try when visiting Da Nang.
Mi Quang (Quang-style Noodles)
Mi Quang is a specialty of Quang Nam Province, but it has become a popular dish in Da Nang as well. The dish features thick rice noodles that are cooked to perfection and then topped with a variety of ingredients.
These can include shrimp, pork, herbs like mint and basil, peanuts, and sometimes even quail eggs. The noodles are served with a flavorful broth made from pork bones and various spices, giving it a rich and fragrant taste.
Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake)
Banh Xeo is a crispy pancake made from rice flour and turmeric powder, giving it a vibrant yellow color. The pancake is typically filled with a combination of shrimp, thinly sliced pork, bean sprouts, and green onions. It is then folded in half and served with fresh lettuce leaves and herbs.
To enjoy it, you wrap a piece of the pancake in a lettuce leaf, along with some herbs, and dip it into a fish sauce-based dipping sauce.
Bun Cha Ca (Fish Cake Noodles)
Bun Cha Ca is a popular dish among seafood lovers. It consists of rice noodles served in a light and aromatic fish broth. The highlight of this dish is the fish cakes, which are made from minced fish mixed with spices and shaped into small patties.
These fish cakes are then boiled and added to the noodles, along with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and sometimes even fried shallots for added crunch.
Banh Canh Cha Ca (Fish Cake Thick Noodles)
Banh Canh Cha Ca is a comforting soup dish that features thick rice noodles in a flavorful broth. The noodles are typically made from tapioca flour and have a chewy texture. The dish is then topped with fish cakes, fresh herbs like cilantro and sawtooth herb, fried shallots, and chili sauce.
The combination of textures and flavors makes it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (Rice Paper Rolls with Grilled Pork)
These fresh spring rolls are a light and healthy option. They are made by wrapping grilled pork, fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, lettuce, and rice vermicelli in a sheet of moistened rice paper. The rolls are served with a peanut dipping sauce that adds a tangy and slightly sweet element to the dish.
Banh Beo (Steamed Rice Cakes)
Banh Beo are small, steamed rice cakes that are topped with a variety of ingredients. The most common toppings include dried shrimp, scallions, and crispy fried shallots. To eat them, you use a small spoon to scoop up each rice cake and top it with a bit of the toppings. A sweet and sour fish sauce is usually served alongside to drizzle over the cakes, adding a burst of flavor.
Goi Cuon Tom Thit (Fresh Spring Rolls with Shrimp and Pork)
Goi Cuon is a refreshing and healthy dish that consists of translucent rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork, lettuce, herbs, and vermicelli noodles. The rolls are typically served with a peanut dipping sauce that complements the fresh flavors of the ingredients.
Cao Lau
Cao Lau is a unique dish that can only be found in Hoi An and Da Nang. It features thick rice noodles that have been cooked in water from an ancient well in Hoi An, giving them a distinct texture and flavor. The noodles are tossed with slices of pork, bean sprouts, and crispy rice crackers. The dish is then topped with fresh herbs and served with a small amount of broth on the side.
Nem Lui (Grilled Pork Skewers)
Nem Lui is a popular street food in Da Nang that features seasoned pork skewers grilled over hot coals. The grilled meat is typically served with a plate of rice paper, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. To enjoy it, you wrap a piece of the grilled pork in a sheet of rice paper, along with some herbs, and dip it into the sauce.
Banh Trang Dap (Cracked Rice Paper)
Banh Trang Dap is a unique snack that involves toasting thin rice paper until it becomes crispy and then topping it with a mixture of ground pork, dried shrimp, and scallions. The result is a crunchy and flavorful dish that is perfect for snacking on.
These 10 signature dishes represent the diverse and flavorful cuisine of Da Nang. From the savory Mi Quang to the refreshing Goi Cuon, each dish offers a unique culinary experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. So, make sure to indulge in these delectable treats when you visit this vibrant city in Vietnam.