Buzz
1. Da Nang Braised Goby Fish
Da Nang Braised Goby Fish is a deliciously sweet and spicy dish, prepared using traditional methods without any artificial flavors or preservatives. The fish is caught fresh, and the skillful hands of local chefs transform it into a mouth-watering, savory treat.
The flavor of Da Nang Braised Goby Fish embodies the rustic essence of Da Nang, making it a perfect companion to a bowl of rice or as a snack to accompany drinks, making it particularly popular among local men.
Where to buy: Available at markets and stores throughout Da Nang.
Estimated price: 79,000 VND per 300g jar.
2. Dried Deer Meat
Dried Deer Meat is known for its long, intact fibers, and its aromatic blend of five-spice seasoning and other spices. When you take a bite, you'll savor the rich, sweet flavor of the venison, a unique specialty you can only find in Da Nang.
This dish isn't just a local delicacy but also a popular snack among women during weekend breaks. A bite of this spicy, savory dried venison will undoubtedly leave you craving more.
Where to buy: Available at markets and shops in Da Nang.
Estimated price: 600,000 VND per kilogram.
3. Bà Liễu Sesame Rice Cakes
In the outskirts of Cam Le village, just 6 km from Da Nang, sesame rice cakes are made with sugarcane, glutinous rice flour, sesame seeds, and ginger, then roasted to perfection. A bite of these crispy treats reveals the sweetness of sugarcane and the rich, nutty flavor of sesame, a truly unique taste that's considered a culinary gem of Da Nang.
The sesame rice cakes are fragrant, crispy, and rich, embodying the distinct character of Cam Le village and are sure to win the hearts of visitors from afar.
Where to buy: Available at markets and shops in Da Nang.
Estimated price: 42,000 VND per 500g box.
4. Tamarind-Sautéed Squid
Tamarind-Sautéed Squid from Da Nang is a delicious seafood delicacy that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who tries it. With a perfect balance of salty, crispy, and chewy textures, this dish is a favorite among visitors.
The squid used for tamarind-sautéed squid is carefully chosen for its tenderness, making it easy to marinate. It's then coated with sugar, fresh tamarind, chili, and fish sauce, and slowly simmered over a low flame to allow the flavors to fully absorb. Though it sounds simple, perfecting the dish requires skill. Too much heat and the squid becomes overcooked, not enough and it won't absorb the flavors properly. The key is to cook it just right, resulting in a crispy, slightly chewy texture that blends the sweet, sour, and salty flavors.
The unique combination of sweet, sour, and salty flavors makes tamarind-sautéed squid an irresistible dish, perfect with rice and always leaving you wanting more.
Where to buy: Available at markets and shops in Da Nang.
Estimated price: 145,000 VND per 500g box.
5. Dried Marinated Fish
Dried Marinated Fish from Da Nang is a visually striking dish, with a vibrant red color that immediately stimulates your taste buds. The preparation involves slicing the fish into thin strips, seasoning it with a blend of spices, and marinating it with sugar and chili. It's then slowly simmered over low heat until it thickens into a sticky, flavorful treat. To enhance the aroma, sesame seeds are often sprinkled on top.
In the past, visitors to Da Nang typically sought out dried squid as a souvenir. However, Dried Marinated Fish from Da Nang has gained popularity, especially when grilled over hot coals, torn into pieces, and enjoyed as a delicious snack. In recent years, as snacking trends have exploded in urban areas, this unique delicacy has evolved into an even more appetizing treat, making it a perfect gift to take home.
Where to buy: Available at markets and stores in Da Nang.
Estimated price: 145,000 VND per 500g box.
6. Nam Ô Fish Sauce
Similar to the famous Dì Cẩn shrimp paste, Nam Ô Fish Sauce is renowned for its distinctive flavor. Unlike the mass-produced fish sauces on the market, Nam Ô Fish Sauce is handcrafted using only natural ingredients and undergoes a meticulous distillation process to achieve its unique taste.
The production of this exceptional sauce begins with carefully selected ingredients, including the finest sea salt and fresh fish, ensuring that no unwanted flavors influence the outcome. If any mistake is made in the selection of the fish or salt, the entire batch is discarded. The fish sauce ferments for 12 months, resulting in the purest first-class fish sauce that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
Where to buy: Available at markets and stores in Da Nang.
Estimated price: 150,000 VND per liter.
7. Dried Tilapia from Da Nang
After marinating the tilapia with spices for over half an hour to allow the flavors to absorb, the fish is removed and left to dry. If the sun is strong, it will take two days of drying, but if the weather is weak, the drying process could last up to a week. Once dried, the fish is sealed in plastic bags to prevent any exposure to moisture or air, which could affect its fragrance. While the basic technique is similar across the board, each producer has their own secret touch that attracts loyal customers. Though the process is traditional, it requires a lot of patience and precision.
When it's time to enjoy, preparation is simple: just grill it. The dried tilapia releases a fragrant aroma of salty fish sauce, balanced by the gentle sweetness of sugar and the bold heat of pepper. When grilled over hot coals, these flavors combine for a refreshing, mouthwatering experience that you won’t easily find elsewhere. It’s a taste that truly embodies the spirit and warmth of Da Nang's coastal culture.
Where to buy: Available at markets and stores in Da Nang.
Estimated price: 119,000 VND per 250g box.
8. Dried Ray Fish from Da Nang
Visiting Da Nang without trying grilled ray fish would be a missed opportunity. This delicious and affordable delicacy is perfect to enjoy with friends while sipping drinks by the beach.
Aside from grilled ray fish, Da Nang also offers a special dried ray fish, which is incredibly easy to prepare and makes for a fantastic meal at home.
Where to buy: Available at markets and stores in Da Nang.
Estimated price: 160,000 VND per 500g.
9. Stir-fried Baby Crab from Da Nang
Baby crab is a dish that’s a staple for locals in Central Vietnam, especially those living by the coast, but it feels like a luxury to visitors from far away, for whom access to fresh seafood isn’t as easy.
Baby crabs have soft shells, making it possible to eat them whole. These little crabs are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a healthy choice for anyone. They are particularly rich in protein and calcium, which are beneficial for pregnant women and growing children. Since the entire crab is edible, it offers a full range of essential nutrients that help with bone health and promote healthy growth in children.
Where to buy: Available at markets and stores in Da Nang.
Estimated price: 89,000 VND per 250g.
10. Sun-Dried Spanish Mackerel
Among all the fish from the sea, Spanish mackerel is perhaps the most well-known. Not only is it delicious and high in protein, but it is also a staple in the daily meals of most people. Da Nang's coastline offers several types of mackerel, including striped mackerel, spiny mackerel, and blood mackerel, but the striped mackerel is considered the best. When fresh, it has a powdery coating on its skin, which becomes even more noticeable once dried.
Spanish mackerel can be eaten fresh, but the true delicacy is the sun-dried Spanish mackerel. Once dried, the fish takes on a sweet taste and a unique aroma. It can be fried, served with tomato sauce, or simmered with fresh tea leaves and sugarcane.
Preparing sun-dried Spanish mackerel is quite simple. Da Nang fishermen typically use two methods to dry the fish. The first method is to leave the fish whole, clean it with seawater, tie it by the tail, and hang it from the boat's mast until the moisture evaporates. The second method involves cleaning the fish, slicing it into thick rounds of 1 to 1.5 cm, and drying it in the sun. Once the fish firms up and the powdery coating appears, each piece is wrapped in newspaper and stored in the freezer for preservation.
Where to buy: Available at markets and stores in Da Nang.
Estimated price: 290,000 VND per kg.
While northern Vietnam is known for its bold and slightly bitter Thai Nguyen tea, and central Vietnam is famous for its royal Hue herbal teas, the coastal city of Da Nang offers a refreshing and unique tea experience—Da Nang Pineapple Ginseng Tea. This tea has a delicate sweetness and a soothing aroma that makes it a perfect gift for loved ones whenever you visit this charming city.
The standout feature of Da Nang Pineapple Ginseng Tea is its irresistible fragrance that captures your attention right from the first whiff. Unlike typical teas that might keep you up at night, this tea has a calming effect, making it a perfect natural remedy to help you relax and sleep well.
Where to buy: Available at local markets and stores in Da Nang.
Estimated price: 85,000 VND per 500g.
12. Bà Đệ's Tre
13. Mỹ Khê Seaweed
Not only is Mỹ Khê Beach known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but Mỹ Khê Seaweed has also become a must-try specialty when visiting Da Nang. The vibrant green seaweed has a naturally sweet and chewy texture, packed with essential nutrients such as fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. In fact, it contains three times more carotene than carrots, four times more vitamin B2 than eggs, and three times the calcium found in milk.
Seaweed is incredibly versatile in cooking, easily transforming into various dishes like tomato seaweed soup, stir-fried shrimp, stir-fried meat, bone broth, or even refreshing salads, tofu sauces, and desserts like jelly or sweet soups. Additionally, seaweed is often salted to preserve its freshness and make a cooling drink during the hot summer months.
Where to buy: Available at local markets and stores in Da Nang.
Estimated price: 500,000 VND per kilogram.
14. Aunt Cẩn’s Fermented Fish Sauce
Aunt Cẩn’s Fermented Fish Sauce is a name that has become well-known and cherished by the people of Vietnam. With its rich, bold flavor and traditional fermentation recipe, the fish sauce from Aunt Cẩn’s shop at Han Market is a local favorite in Da Nang.
The sauce is distinguished by its savory, spicy, and aromatic scent that makes it irresistible to anyone who encounters it. The quality of Aunt Cẩn’s fish sauce is judged by the fragrance that wafts from the jar; the more fragrant the sauce, the better its flavor.
Where to buy: Han Market, Da Nang
Estimated price:
- Sardine fish sauce: 70,000 VND/kg
- Pickled fish sauce: 80,000 VND/kg
- Fermented shrimp paste: 70,000 VND/kg
