Da Nang food specialties: Top 7 dishes you must try

The Da Nang food specialties have long been a source of pride for local residents and an unforgettable experience for travelers. More than just dishes, each specialty embodies the city’s hospitality and cultural essence.

Mi Quang

Mi Quang has become a symbol of Da Nang cuisine, loved for its rich, distinctive flavor. The dish features thick, slightly yellow noodles made with turmeric, served with a shallow layer of savory broth simmered from pork bones, shrimp, or chicken. The aroma of garlic and shallots blends with the mild creaminess of the soup.

Toppings such as shrimp, quail eggs, pork, or chicken are combined with roasted peanuts, scallions, and crispy rice crackers to create a perfect harmony of soft, crunchy, and nutty textures. Diners usually mix the noodles with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime, and chili for a balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors — a signature taste found only in Da Nang.

Banh Xeo

Da Nang’s Banh Xeo offers an unforgettable crispy delight with its golden, crunchy shell and savory fillings of shrimp and pork. Fresh off the pan, each pancake releases a tempting aroma, ready to be wrapped in rice paper with herbs, cucumber, and green mango, then dipped into a sweet-sour fish sauce or rich peanut sauce.

The harmony of textures, crispy, tender, and fragrant, showcases the refined culinary craftsmanship of Da Nang locals.

Goi Ca Nam O - Nam O Fish Salad

Nam O Fish Salad is a coastal delicacy that reflects Da Nang’s maritime soul. Made from freshly caught fish such as herring or sardines, the fish is cleaned, thinly sliced, and mixed with galangal, lemongrass, garlic, chili, and lime to remove the fishy odor while enhancing the tangy-spicy flavor. There are two versions, dry and wet, depending on personal preference.

When eaten, the fresh fish slices are wrapped with wild herbs, green banana, and cucumber in rice paper, then dipped in a rich anchovy sauce. The blend of sweet fish, spicy herbs, and savory sauce creates a rustic yet elegant culinary experience.

Bun Cha Ca

While Hanoi is known for grilled pork noodles and Hue for beef noodles, Da Nang takes pride in its bun cha ca, simple yet deeply flavorful. The clear broth, simmered from fresh fish bones, has a naturally sweet taste. Combined with the orange of pumpkin, the red of tomato, and the green of scallions, it forms a vibrant, inviting bowl.

The chewy, fragrant fish cakes, fried or steamed just right, paired with soft rice noodles and a hint of chili deliver a perfect balance of freshness and spice. A steaming bowl of Bun Cha Ca in the morning is the perfect way to awaken your senses and start the day full of energy.

Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo - Rice Paper Rolls with Pork

This humble yet iconic dish reflects Da Nang’s culinary identity. It features thinly sliced boiled pork belly with alternating layers of lean and fat, rolled in rice paper and thin rice noodles along with fresh herbs, cucumber, and green banana.

The highlight of this dish lies in the dipping sauce, mam nem, a Central Vietnamese fermented anchovy sauce, blended skillfully with garlic, chili, sugar, and lime to create a bold, aromatic flavor that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

Bun Mam Nem

Bun Mam Nem captures the bold and distinctive spirit of Central Vietnamese cuisine. It consists of rice vermicelli, boiled or roasted pork, fermented beef roll, Da Nang-style beef sausage, shredded green papaya, and fresh herbs, all tossed together with savory fermented anchovy sauce.

The strong aroma of the sauce blends with the richness of the meat, the crunch of vegetables, and the nuttiness of roasted peanuts, creating a powerful explosion of flavors in every bite.

Nem Lui

Nem Lui is a popular street food loved for its smoky aroma and fun way of eating. Ground pork is seasoned, molded around lemongrass sticks or bamboo skewers, then grilled over charcoal until golden brown and fragrant.

Diners wrap the grilled pork in rice paper with herbs, starfruit, and green banana, then dip it into a rich peanut sauce. With its smoky flavor and unique presentation, Nem Lui represents the warmth and creativity of Da Nang’s street food culture.

With their rich flavors and authentic character, Da Nang food specialties leave an unforgettable impression on every visitor. Take the time to enjoy these seven signature dishes to truly savor the culinary soul of Vietnam’s most livable city.

>> Explore our Dine & Drinks category for the best spots and special offers.