Taste of the Coast: Top 10 Must-Try Foods in Nha Trang
- Travel Vietnam Guides
- May 21
- 4 min read
Nha Trang, a jewel on Vietnam's South Central Coast, is not only famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant marine life but also for its distinctive and delicious culinary scene. Heavily influenced by its coastal location, fresh seafood is a staple, but the city also boasts unique regional specialties that will tantalize your taste buds. For any traveler exploring this sunny city, here are ten must-try dishes that promise an authentic and memorable gastronomic experience.
1. Nem Nuong Nha Trang (Nha Trang Grilled Fermented Pork Sausage)
This is arguably Nha Trang's most iconic dish. Nem Nuong consists of savory grilled pork sausages (often fermented) served with crispy fried rice paper, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a special dipping sauce that’s the secret to its fame. The sauce is typically a blend of ground pork, glutinous rice, peanuts, and fish sauce.
Where to Eat: Quán Nem Đặng Văn Quyên (16A Lãn Ông) or Nem nướng Cô Nô (24 Hai Bà Trưng) are highly recommended.
Price: A serving typically costs VND 50,000 - 80,000.
2. Bún Chả Cá (Fish Cake Noodle Soup)
A light yet flavorful noodle soup featuring fresh rice vermicelli, various types of fish cake (some grilled, some steamed), and often jellyfish, all submerged in a clear, sweet, and savory fish broth. It's a comforting dish perfect for any time of day.
Where to Eat: Quán Bún Cá Sứa Nguyên Loan (123 Ngô Gia Tự) or Bún Cá 87 Yersin.
Price: A bowl typically costs VND 30,000 - 60,000.
3. Bánh Căn (Mini Savory Pancakes)
These small, crispy, savory pancakes are a local specialty. Made from rice flour batter, they are cooked in individual clay molds over charcoal, often filled with fresh seafood (shrimp, squid) or pork, and a quail egg. They are served hot with a variety of fresh herbs and a dipping sauce.
Where to Eat: Bánh Căn 15 Tháp Bà, Bánh Căn Cô Tư (51 Tô Hiến Thành).
Price: A plate of 5-10 pieces costs around VND 30,000 - 70,000.
4. Bánh Xèo Hải Sản (Seafood Crispy Pancake)
While Bánh Xèo is popular across Vietnam, Nha Trang’s version often highlights the fresh seafood available. These large, crispy pancakes are typically made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with shrimp, squid, bean sprouts, and sometimes pork. They are served with a variety of fresh herbs and a dipping sauce.
Where to Eat: Many local eateries and street food stalls. Look for places specializing in "Bánh Xèo."
Price: A large Bánh Xèo costs around VND 40,000 - 80,000.
5. Lẩu Hải Sản (Seafood Hotpot)
Given Nha Trang's coastal location, a seafood hotpot is an absolute must. A steaming pot of flavorful broth is brought to your table, along with platters of fresh seafood (shrimp, squid, various fish, clams), vegetables, and noodles to cook yourself. It's a social and satisfying meal.
Where to Eat: Most large seafood restaurants along the beach or city center. Check out Bến Cá Quán (102 Trần Phú) or restaurants on Tháp Bà street.
Price: Prices vary greatly depending on the amount and type of seafood, typically from VND 300,000 to VND 800,000+ for a pot.
6. Gỏi Cá Mai (Mai Fish Salad)
This delicate salad features fresh, thinly sliced Mai fish (a type of anchovy), marinated in lime juice and mixed with toasted rice powder, peanuts, herbs, and a light dressing. It's often wrapped in rice paper with fresh vegetables and dipped in a spicy sauce.
Where to Eat: Seafood restaurants in the city center or local eateries specializing in fresh seafood.
Price: A plate typically costs VND 80,000 - 150,000.
7. Bò Lạc Cảnh (Lac Canh Grilled Beef)
Though not seafood, this grilled beef dish is a Nha Trang institution. Small cubes of beef are marinated with a secret blend of spices and then grilled over charcoal by diners at their own table. The smoky, tender beef is incredibly flavorful.
Where to Eat: Nhà hàng Bò Nướng Lạc Cảnh (44 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm). This restaurant is famous for this dish.
Price: A serving costs around VND 150,000 - 250,000.
8. Bánh Tráng Nướng (Grilled Rice Paper with Toppings)
Often dubbed "Vietnamese pizza," this popular street snack involves a thin rice paper grilled over charcoal, topped with various ingredients like minced pork, shrimp, quail egg, scallion oil, and often a sprinkle of dried shrimp or chili sauce. It's then folded or rolled and served hot and crispy.
Where to Eat: Street food stalls around the night market or local schools.
Price: Very affordable, around VND 10,000 - 20,000 per piece.
9. Súp Cá (Fish Soup)
A lighter alternative to Bún Chả Cá, Súp Cá is a clear, flavorful fish broth with various fish cakes, often served without noodles or with just a few thin rice vermicelli strands. It's a simple, nourishing, and fresh-tasting dish.
Where to Eat: Many local noodle shops that serve Bún Chả Cá will also offer Súp Cá.
Price: Around VND 30,000 - 50,000.
10. Fresh Seafood (Various Types)
Beyond specific dishes, simply enjoying freshly grilled, steamed, or stir-fried seafood is paramount in Nha Trang. From succulent prawns and crabs to various types of fish and shellfish, the options are plentiful and incredibly fresh.
Where to Eat: Numerous restaurants along the beach (e.g., Hải Sản Gió Biển), and especially on Tháp Bà street, offer tanks where you can pick your own live seafood.
Price: Varies widely based on weight and type of seafood, but generally good value for freshness.
Nha Trang’s culinary landscape is as diverse and inviting as its beaches. Don't miss the chance to embark on your own food adventure and discover these fantastic local flavors during your visit!
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