With the perfect blend of fresh ocean flavors and the distinctive characteristics of Central Vietnamese cuisine, Nha Trang promises to deliver an unforgettable culinary experience. Below is a list of must-try dishes in this coastal city, allowing you to fully explore the richness and appeal of Nha Trang’s food scene.
1. Fresh Seafood
As a coastal city, Nha Trang boasts an abundant and fresh seafood supply. Visitors can indulge in various seafood, such as lobster, crab, mantis shrimp, squid, clams, and more, prepared in different styles like steaming, grilling, stir-frying, or hotpot.
For a premium seafood dining experience, visit the restaurants at Queen Ann Nha Trang. With its breathtaking ocean views, Ocean Queen Restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy a diverse seafood feast, while Pool Bar offers a relaxing atmosphere by the pool with a delicious seafood menu. In addition to fresh seafood, the restaurant menus feature a wide variety of unique dishes, ensuring an exceptional culinary journey in Nha Trang.
2. Fish Noodle Soup
A favorite among locals and tourists, bún cá features a clear, naturally sweet broth made from fish, combined with chewy fish cakes and soft rice noodles, creating an unforgettable flavor. Add a touch of chili sauce, lime, and fresh herbs to enhance the taste even more.
3. Ninh Hoa Grilled Pork Roll
A famous specialty from Khanh Hoa province, Ninh Hoa Grilled Pork Roll is made from finely ground pork, seasoned with special spices, and grilled over charcoal to achieve a fragrant, smoky flavor. The dish is typically served with rice paper, fresh herbs, and a unique dipping sauce, creating a delicious, irresistible taste.
4. Jellyfish Noodle Soup
A unique dish you shouldn't miss in Nha Trang! Fresh, crunchy jellyfish is carefully prepared with a sweet and sour broth, creating a harmonious and refreshing dish. Jellyfish Noodle Soup is typically served with fish cakes, fresh herbs, and crispy roasted peanuts, offering a memorable culinary experience.
5. Seafood Mini Pancake
A popular street food in Nha Trang, the mini pancake is made from rice flour and cooked in small clay molds with toppings such as shrimp or squid. These crispy, flavorful pancakes are best enjoyed with a sweet and sour dipping sauce, making them a delightful treat.
6. White Sardine Salad
Fresh white sardine is cleaned and marinated with lime or vinegar, giving it a firm texture and light sour taste. The fish is mixed with aromatic herbs, crispy fried shallots, roasted peanuts, and a signature sweet-sour dipping sauce. This dish offers a refreshing and well-balanced flavor that will impress you from the first bite.
7. Bird’s Nest
Nha Trang is one of Vietnam’s most famous bird’s nest production areas. This precious delicacy is processed into various nutritious dishes with excellent health benefits. From sweet bird’s nest soup (with rock sugar) that soothes the throat to savory bird’s nest soup packed with nutrients or porridge infused with bird’s nest, seafood, or chicken, these unique dishes are a must-try when visiting Nha Trang.
8. Dien Khanh Steamed Thin Rice Pancake
A specialty of Dien Khanh, these steamed thin rice pancakes are made from thin, soft rice sheets and served with pork sausage, grilled pork, and a flavorful dipping sauce made from fish sauce, garlic, and chili. The perfect combination of ingredients makes this dish unforgettable for visitors.
9. Fish Entrail Noodle Soup
This unique noodle soup features a rich and flavorful broth with various delicious toppings such as fish roe, fish intestines, shredded fish, and fish cakes. A sprinkle of fresh onions and chili enhances the dish, bringing out the distinctive flavors of the sea.
10. Squid Pancake
Nha Trang’s squid pancake is renowned for its crispy golden crust and fresh, juicy squid filling, complemented by crunchy bean sprouts. Served with fresh herbs and a signature sweet-sour dipping sauce, this dish offers a delicious and unforgettable dining experience.
Nha Trang’s cuisine is not just a harmonious fusion of ocean flavors and Central Vietnamese specialties—it’s also a journey into the culture and hospitality of the local people. Through every dish, you’ll experience the warmth, sincerity, and deep passion for food that Nha Trang’s residents have to offer. Queen Ann Nha Trang wishes you a memorable trip with delightful culinary experiences in this beautiful coastal city!