The First-timer's Guide To Sampling Nha Trang Delicacies

1. Banh Căn (rice flour mini pancakes)

A feast on Nha Trang's specialties should always start with some pairs of "banh can". This type of rice flour mini pancake is round and typically filled with egg, onion, shrimp, and fresh squid. The pancakes are baked in a special terracotta mold, allowing them to cook evenly under high heat.

Photo: @tuantrach

"Banh can" is often enjoyed with shredded green mango, raw vegetables, and pork meatballs, all dipped in a spicy fish sauce featuring garlic, chili, and lime.

Where to eat:

• 19 Le Thanh Ton Street, Nha Trang City
• 48 Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Nha Trang City
• 151 Hoang Van Thụ Street, Nha Trang City

2. Grilled Fish Noodle Soup Nha Trang

Locally referred to as "bun ca", this unique rice noodle soup featuring grilled fish tantalizes the taste buds of every visitor. Many stalls offering this dish can be found along the main streets of Nha Trang. A bowl of "bun ca" is prepared using a medley of fresh ingredients such as soft rice noodles, a light sweet broth made from fish heads, tomatoes, onions, and pineapples, topped with crispy grilled fish. It's often accompanied by bean sprouts, assorted vegetables, and a savory fish sauce for added flavor.

Photo: @vietgal.cooking

Where to eat:

• Bun Ca Co Ba: 123 Yersin Street, Nha Trang City
• 170 Bach Dang Street, Nha Trang City
• 5A Phan Chu Trinh, Nha Trang City

3. Ninh Hoa Grilled Pork Roll

The Ninh Hoa grilled pork roll, originating from Ninh Hoa Town, is a beloved local specialty. This dish consists of lean pork and pork skin grilled over charcoal, seasoned with a blend of spices such as sugar, garlic, pepper, and salt, resulting in a rich and sweet flavor.

Photo: @julie.recipe

A typical serving of Ninh Hoa grilled pork rolls includes grilled meat, lettuce, fresh herbs, sliced cucumber, star fruit, and mango, all wrapped in rice paper and enjoyed with dipping sauce.

Where to eat:

• 16A Lan Ong Street & 2-4 Phan Boi Chau Street, Nha Trang City
• 29-31 Le Loi Street, Nha Trang City
• 59 Le Thanh Phuong Street, Nha Trang City

4. Nha Trang Squid Pancake

"Banh xeo muc" or squid pancake is a tempting delicacy for tourists thanks to its scrumptious flavor. Similar to traditional crispy pancakes, the squid pancake is folded in half and typically filled with shrimp and green bean sprouts. However, its standout feature is the inclusion of fresh squid.

Photo: @sityofangel0

Enjoying a piece of squid pancake with fresh vegetables and a sour and spicy fish sauce creates a uniquely delightful experience.

Where to eat:

• 85 To Hien Thanh Street, Nha Trang City
• 6 Thap Ba Street, Nha Trang City
• 18 Le Quy Don Street, Nha Trang City

5. Jellyfish Noodle

Nha Trang's jellyfish noodle is a must-try dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the sea. Ideal for cooling down during the sweltering summer months, the jellyfish used in this dish is typically thick and about the size of a thumbnail. To create a light and naturally sweet broth, chefs incorporate mackerel and barracuda.

Photo: @giamcanmytrang

A hot bowl of jellyfish noodles includes jellyfish, fish balls, and spring onions infusing a delightful flavor into the broth.

Where to eat:

• 24 Han Thuyen Street, Nha Trang City
• 123 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Nha Trang City
• 8 Cu Chi Street, Nha Trang City