Top 10 Delicious Dishes in Nha Trang

Besides seafood and jellyfish noodles, you can also find Pho, a classic dish in Nha Trang. Pho is not just found in Hanoi, Hue, or Da Nang; it's a beloved dish in Nha Trang as well. Whether it's beef or chicken pho, it is served with a flavorful broth, bean sprouts, lime, fresh herbs like basil and mint, and a touch of onions to complete the taste. For those who enjoy spicy food, you can add some chili paste to kick it up a notch. Pho is usually enjoyed best in the morning, and a bowl typically costs between 20,000 to 30,000 VND at any local eatery.

A fascinating dish commonly enjoyed in the morning is the 'Beef Hot Plate,' also known as steak and eggs. The beef steak is cut into bite-sized pieces and marinated with a blend of spices to enhance its flavor. It is served sizzling on a hot plate, accompanied by a slice of pâté, an egg, and, of course, chili sauce. Typically, it's paired with crispy baguette sticks, fresh greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a dash of vinegar. The beef is dipped in a mixture of lime, salt, and chili sauce before being enjoyed with the warm egg yolk, pâté, and crispy bread. This dish offers a balanced nutritional profile, including protein from the beef, fat from the fried egg, carbohydrates from the bread, and vitamins from the fresh vegetables.

Mini rice cakes, known locally as 'Bánh căn,' are made from crispy rice flour batter, topped with quail eggs, fresh or dried meat, and seafood. These tiny cakes are cooked in small pans over charcoal and are typically served in pairs due to their small size. When eating, dip them into a sauce made from fish sauce, lime, chili, and garlic. Some places will also offer fresh herbs, pork meatballs, and a few slices of green mango as side dishes. The unique dipping sauce adds an extra layer of flavor to the mini rice cakes. In Nha Trang, bánh căn has become an essential local dish that you shouldn't miss when visiting this beautiful city.

Known for its crepe-like texture, 'Bánh xèo' is a savory pancake made with rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric. It's a popular dish among tourists visiting Nha Trang. The pancake is filled with a variety of ingredients, such as shrimp, onions, pork, bean sprouts, and mushrooms, and is traditionally eaten with fresh lettuce, herbs, and fermented peanut sauce. 'Bánh xèo' is perfect for a light meal or as an appetizer. The famous squid version of this dish is found near Thap Ba, where it's mostly served from the afternoon into the evening. However, in Nha Trang, it is also common to enjoy this dish in the morning, unlike in Saigon where it's typically a late-night snack.

If we talk about jellyfish noodles, we can't forget 'Bánh canh chả cá,' a beloved local specialty in Nha Trang. Unlike the usual fish cake noodles you've tried, Nha Trang's version features fried fish cakes rather than boiled ones. Made from freshly caught fish, these fish cakes offer an irresistible taste of freshness. This dish is so popular that you can easily find it on the streets of Nha Trang. To enjoy it the authentic way like the locals, visit the fish cake noodle stalls along the sidewalks. Many places also serve delicious fish roe and fish intestines, which are surprisingly flavorful and not as bitter or fishy as you might expect, but they sell out quickly, so make sure to go early.

One of the most delicious and easily found dishes in Nha Trang is 'Mai Fish Salad' or 'Gỏi cá mai.' The mai fish is a small, transparent fish that has no blood, giving it a unique freshness that sets it apart from other fish salads. This fish is exclusively used for making salad and not for any other dish. A perfect Mai Fish Salad balances the sweetness of the fish, the light sourness from lime, and the spiciness from chili. The accompanying dipping sauce, usually made from the bones of the mai fish, is carefully crafted to enhance the flavors of the salad.

Thanks to its rich seafood resources, Nha Trang's dishes made with seafood have a unique and irresistible flavor, and Nha Trang Fish Noodles is one of the best examples. The distinct taste of 'Bún Cá Nha Trang' comes from the delicious broth made from a mix of cobia fish, mackerel, tomatoes, pineapple, and onions. When served, you can enhance the flavor by adding shrimp paste and fresh herbs, creating a perfect balance that's light on the stomach but packed with flavor. For many first-time visitors to Nha Trang, the sight of a generous bowl filled with crispy fried fish, whole shrimp, and chewy fish cakes, all floating in a tangy and flavorful broth, is unforgettable. At just around 30,000 VND, this dish is more than enough to keep you full until well past noon, with the fish often outweighing the noodles themselves.

When visiting Nha Trang, you absolutely must try the seafood, as this coastal city is not only stunningly beautiful but also abundant in a wide variety of fresh seafood. You will find many types of shrimp, sea urchins, squid, crabs, jellyfish, and shellfish in all shapes and sizes, all caught by local fishermen. It’s a fascinating sight to watch the fishing boats return after a long day at sea, filled with freshly caught seafood. The price of the seafood is usually based on its weight, and you can choose between fresh or frozen options. You can cook the seafood in many different ways, such as steaming, grilling, frying, or even making hot pot, and each method tastes delicious. Some popular dishes in Nha Trang include deep-fried squid stuffed with pork and served with tomato sauce, tamarind shrimp, and grilled red snapper. You can enjoy these seafood delights at restaurants, street food stalls, or even buy them fresh to cook at home.

Grilled Nem is a well-known dish in Nha Trang that you simply cannot miss. Pork is marinated with a blend of spices, then grilled and served with sweet and spicy fish sauce, green papaya, and fresh herbs. You can enjoy this delightful dish at many eateries and restaurants in Nha Trang. Listed as one of the best local specialties, it would be a shame to leave without trying it. Regular customers of some restaurants are served with grilled nem over charcoal, rice paper wraps, lettuce, fresh herbs, chilies, rice, and garlic. While you can adjust the seasoning to your taste, it’s recommended to eat this dish with your hands, not with utensils, as it adds to the fun experience of enjoying it.

With a coastline stretching over 6 km, it’s no surprise that Jellyfish Vermicelli is one of the most beloved dishes in Nha Trang. This dish features vermicelli, jellyfish, and fish fillets, typically from the mackerel, served in a savory broth made from freshwater fish, and garnished with slices of fish cake. You can also customize it by adding crab, shrimp, or pork, depending on your preferences. Popular spots to enjoy this dish are along Bach Dang Street or near the Nha Trang market. Interestingly, this dish is not only delicious but also beneficial for those with stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, or digestive issues.