1. Pho

2. Bánh Căn
Bánh Căn from Nha Trang is a favorite dish for many visitors. This snack resembles the southern Vietnamese bánh khọt. The main ingredient is rice, which is soaked until soft, then ground into a batter and cooked in small, charming clay molds.
The fillings are diverse and plentiful, including options like meat, mushrooms, eggs, squid, and shrimp. Each variation offers a unique taste experience. The dipping sauce is vibrant red from chili, with a slightly thick texture and a perfect balance of sour, sweet, and spicy flavors. Bánh căn is often served with fresh herbs such as mustard greens, lettuce, Vietnamese mint, basil, and shredded green mango.

3. Bún Bò
Nha Trang Bún Bò is known for its thick noodles, perfectly complemented by a rich, flavorful broth that captures the essence of the coastal city. The broth is fragrant with shrimp paste and topped with a golden layer of chili oil, delivering a spicy kick that’s sure to impress. To make the dish even more distinctive, it’s often served with extra ingredients like boiled pig’s blood, pork knuckle slices, or even a piece of rich pig’s trotter, adding a deliciously fatty texture to the dish.

4. Grilled Beef at Lạc Cảnh
Grilled Beef at Lạc Cảnh is a must-try when visiting Nha Trang. The restaurant, owned by a Chinese family from Hainan, has been around since the 1950s. While they serve other delicious dishes like crispy fried chicken, grilled shrimp on sugarcane, and rice served in hand, their grilled beef is the star of the menu.
The secret lies in the marinade—a closely guarded family recipe known only to a few members. The beef is marinated in honey and a blend of over 10 different spices, making it a one-of-a-kind experience. If you're in Nha Trang, make sure to stop by and enjoy this special dish.

5. Jellyfish Noodle Soup from Nha Trang
Jellyfish Noodle Soup from Nha Trang is another dish that contributes to the pride of Nha Trang’s culinary heritage. The soup is made with small, finger-sized jellyfish that are caught by local fishermen from remote islands. The jellyfish, which have a slightly cloudy white color and firm texture, are paired with a rich, flavorful broth. The broth is uniquely delicious, made from fresh fish such as anchovies, and often enhanced with fish cakes made from mackerel, barracuda, or jack mackerel, giving it a sweet and chewy taste.

6. Fish Cake Noodles
Fish Cake Noodles is another beloved dish from Nha Trang, prepared simply with a clear broth, fish cakes, and small noodles. The fish cakes here are especially delicious, made from fresh fish, ensuring a firm and springy texture. Commonly used fish include mackerel, jacks, and snapper, which are made into two variations: fried and steamed fish cakes.

7. Beef Stew Bánh Mì
Nha Trang is home to numerous eateries that specialize in beef stew bánh mì. A pot of beef stew usually has a rich, glossy reddish-brown color and is simmered to perfection, with an irresistible aroma. Diners sit together, enjoying the hot, steaming stew while chatting. To enhance the flavor, add some salt, pepper, a squeeze of lime, and a touch of chili. The broth has a complex five-spice aroma, and with a dash of lime, the balance of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet is just perfect. Dunking pieces of crusty bánh mì into the stew will surely fill you up without even realizing it.

8. Seafood
No visit to Nha Trang is complete without savoring the seafood, which is truly a highlight of the city. Thanks to its natural abundance, Nha Trang’s seafood is exceptionally fresh and diverse, and many believe it’s far superior to that found in other regions. Beyond the classic Vietnamese steamed or grilled seafood, visitors can enjoy unique dishes crafted from special recipes. Under the expert hands of top chefs, you’ll be treated to seafood that rivals the finest gourmet dishes from the sea.

9. Bánh Canh
Bánh canh is another beloved dish in this beautiful coastal city. What makes this dish so enticing is the rich, deep flavor of the broth, made from the freshest local fish. The fish cakes are finely ground from fresh fish, making them firm yet tender. Additionally, Nha Trang’s bánh canh can be served with fish fillets. The true taste of the sea comes alive when you enjoy a bowl of fish cake bánh canh with marinated tuna or mackerel, topped with a bit of spicy chili fish sauce. Only then can you fully appreciate the essence of Nha Trang’s coastal cuisine.

10. Grilled Nem
A truly unique dish that every visitor to Nha Trang should try is the grilled nem. Originating from Ninh Hòa, it has now become a beloved specialty of Nha Trang, and it’s a dish that everyone is eager to taste. The preparation of grilled nem is quite elaborate, consisting of minced meat skewers, crispy fried rice paper, and a variety of fresh herbs. The side herbs alone include dozens of different types, combining flavors such as spicy, sour, and bitter – with ingredients like Vietnamese mint, lettuce, basil, cucumber, star fruit, or green mango.
