The central coastal city of Da Nang boasts a wealth of traditional Vietnamese dishes for you to try on your travels. Da Nang food is not only a mixture of both North and South but proudly shines with its own heart and identity. The best food in Da Nang hits you with a whirlwind of flavors that leave you wondering how you have not tried this before?
In this little article we’re going to look at the unmissable food you should be trying during your Da Nang travels. From delicacies available in restaurants and street food, we’ll cover it all. At the end we’ll show you the best Vietnamese restaurant in Da Nang.
Mi Quang
One of the most well known Da Nang food’s has to be Mi Quang. Originating from the central Quang Nam region of Vietnam. The name technically stands for just the noodle, the same way Pho is really just the name of the noodles used in Pho. Mi Quang is a flat rice noodle that is made from rice flour. Most people have used the same recipe for centuries with any variation not creating the Mi Quang that people know and love.
Traditionally you get different options when going to a Mi Quang shop. With the choice of pork, shrimp, boneless fish and chicken all on offer as toppings. Meat broth is used and mixed with turmeric which gives Mi Quang that signature orangey hue. This is not a soupy noodle dish but more dry with only a small amount of broth being used. The flavorful broth then coats all of your noodles.
Bánh tráng (crispy grilled rice paper) is served on the side to give you a nice crunch. Local herbs also accompany your dish. If your not too adventurous with your herbs avoid this looking leaf as it mostly tastes like fish, but worth a try :). Seasoning in Vietnam mostly consists of different types of fish sauces as well as flavored salts. Mi Quang is one of the dishes where you’ll have Nuoc Man (fish sauce) on the table to season to your taste.
Banh Xao
Another Da Nang staple is the Banh Xao, second in popularity only to the Mi Quang. The banh Xao resembles a big taco or a savory pancake, the actual direct translation is ‘sizzling cake’. Instead of corn and flour rice flour is used with turmeric to make that signature yellow glow. You can find these on street food stalls, in restaurants and basically everywhere on your Da Nang trip.
These crunchy vessels are then stuffed with traditionally pork, shrimp, spring onions and bean sprouts. You can now find lots of different styles of Banh Xao in Da Nang with many local shops twisting their recipes to make their Banh Xao their own.
The next stage is the rolling, oh you thought you were just dipping? No no no. You’ll grab a rice paper (banh trang) although a different type to the one used in Mi Quang. This one you roll with (similar to spring roll rice paper). You’d cut off a quarter of the Banh Xao, open it up and fill it with local herbs, then all you have to do is roll. Last but not least stage is to dip to your hearts content. You’ll be offered either a thick peanut sauce or Nuoc Mam (fish sauce) dipping sauce, both are delicious so time to get dunking!
Bun Cha Ca
Bun Cha Ca is an everyday staple in Vietnamese life. Particularly popular within central regions this fish cake soupy noodles packs a whole bunch of flavor that leaves you wanting more. The direct translation for this dish is ‘Fish Cake Noodles’ with the emphasis being on the fish cake.
The fish cakes themselves are typically made from mackerel, catfish, or tilapia. These are heavily seasoned with local herbs and then grinded into a paste to create the smooth texture of the fishcake that somewhat resembles the texture of sausage found within central regions.
The light soupy broth part of the dish is made with fish bones as well as other herbs and spices, sometimes also served with tomato and pineapple. The broth serves as the sidekick to the ‘Cha Ca’ which is the star of the show.
Sharp pickled vegetables, normally onion and carrots are served on the side to add as you wish, this helps provide a nice sour cut through to the fish broth.
Banh Canh
Banh Canh is a local staple that you’ll see sold on most roads in Da Nang City. The tapioca flour, thick rice noodles offer a similar texture to Japanese Udon with a bit of bite and an al dente level of cooking.
This is another noodle soup dish but unlike Bun Cha Ca this broth is fairly rich and flavourful, normally being cooked from pork or chicken bones. Extra variations can be found as well that incorporate fish, shrimp or crab into their broths.
Whilst the noodles are the star of the show the fish itself shines through too. Throughout Da Nang people will cook fish in different ways, some steaming or grilling their fish whilst some use dried fish which provides a nice bite and almost jerky like texture.
Banh Beo
Banh Beo is a central Vietnamese dish that originated in Hue (2 hours north of Da Nang). The direct translation is ‘water cakes’, sounds yummy right. It’s essentially a steamed bun made from rice flour and water with a touch of tapioca powder. Unlike a fluffy bun texture that you might imagine, the texture of banh bao instead has a firm and almost translucent consistency.
Normally the batter is steamed in small bowls to solidify the sticky mixture and then topped with ground shrimp and fried shallot. Sometimes crispy pork fat can be added to the topping line up as well. Conventionally you have two options when ordering Banh Beo, either wet or dry. Dry is a dry mixture of the toppings above where as wet is a flavourful soupy shrimp mixture. Think of it like a mini pizza when you’re eating it, you’ll struggle to get it down in one bite but slicing it up into portions helps for easy consumption.
There is no shortage of great Vietnamese foods in Da Nang food, we’ve in all honesty only just scratched the surface of what is available in this amazing little coastal city. Whilst you’re here you’ll have endless options available to you, sometimes it’s best to head of the beaten track and discover new foods, new places and new experiences.
You might have noticed that we didn’t mention a lot of seafood dishes, we’ve got a whole new article in the works purely dedicated to seafood, coming soon!
Now let’s jump into the best that Da Nang has to offer with a list of the Best Restaurants In Da Nang.
Best Restaurants In Da Nang
Vietnom Local Eatery
Vietnom takes inspiration from the whole of Vietnam to create great tasting Vietnamese cuisine. On the bottom floor of a two story building it serves up Vietnamese delicacies with a twist, adding its own touch of flair. Reviving traditions is something that Vietnom pushes on with some long forgotten dishes and ingredients finding its way to the menu, being brought back to life. The homely space is set just off a busy street surrounded by trees and plants, making it a great spot for a quiet dinner, lunch or breakfast.Enjoy Vietnamese dishes with a twist such as Banh Xao Tacos, Banh Cuon Lasagna, Stir Fried Beef Mi Quang and so much more! A fully stocked juice bar is also on site to give you a good health kick. Mostly employing a hearing and speaking impaired workforce service is always great and very personal.
- Address: 97 Mai Thuc Lan, My An, Da Nang
- Opening hours: 07:30 – 22:00
Price range: 25,000 – 150,000 VND
Bun Cha Ca 109
You’ll be lucky to find this place not busy. This is known by both locals and tourists to be the staple for Bun Cha Ca in Da Nang. The shop serves up many different versions of the Da Nang specialty. You won’t find anything fancy about this place but the food is what shines through. Big chunky Cha Ca (fishcake) is made fresh on site and is famous throughout Da Nang.
- Address: 109 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Hai Chau district, Da Nang
- Opening hours: 06:30 – 22:00
Price range: 25,000 – 150,000 VND
Bikini Bottom Express
Throwing in a bit of a curveball, one for when you’re craving a taste of home. Bikini Bottom Express has been a local staple in the expat community for the last 5 years. Serving up western comforts like all day breakfast, Smash Burgers and Poutine. Based in both Hoi An and Da Nang they’re the hallmark of western food in Da Nang.
- Address: 109 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Hai Chau district, Da Nang
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 23:00
- Price range: 25,000 – 220,000 VND
Missteak Da Nang
Missteak is a minimal steakhouse concept set on the second story of an old building on Mai Thuc Lan street. They focus on great quality produce and use tallow instead of oils for all of their cooking. Whilst they have limited options the ones they do have are great. Cocktails here are also strong and they boast a great size wine cellar.
- Address: 99 Mai Thuc Lan, My An, Da Nang
- Opening hours: 07:30 – 22:00
- Price range: 25,000 – 150,000 VND
Mô Ri
This is one that you won’t find on any travel blog lists but one that should be given as much attention. Tucked away down a back alley you’ll find Mô Ri, a small little back garden restaurant selling some of the best Bánh bèo Da Nang has to offer. You’ll sit on tiny little stools and wait for your little bowls of goodness to arrive. The couple that run this store are amazing as well and super welcoming!
- Address: 408/3 Trung Nu Vuong, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
- Opening hours: 06:00 – 21:00
- Price range: 27,000 – 52,000 VND
Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng
One that will always make it to the list! Boasting over 6,000 reviews on Google there is normally only one stop for tourists in Da Nang when it comes to Banh Xeo. For nearly 30 years they have been serving up super crispy and tasty Banh Xeo for people from all over the world. You’ll be able to see the chefs working away to make your lunch or dinner with a somewhat open kitchen and always lively atmosphere.
- Address: 280/23 Hoàng Diệu, Bình Hiên, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000
- Opening hours: 09:30 – 21:30
Price range: 6,000 – 80,000 VND
Hải sản Mộc quán Đà Nẵng
Although Seafood hasn’t made it to our above list (yet) this would be number 1. Normally with seafood restaurants the rule is don’t go to the ones on the beach because you’ll be overcharged. Head a bit further inland though and you’ll find some hidden gems. Moc Seafood is one of those gems. Normally rammed to the brim with tourists this place that was fairly quiet 2 years ago now has come alive. It’s worth booking this one as otherwise it can be a long wait!
- Address: 26 Tô Hiến Thành, Phước Mỹ, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng 550000
- Opening hours: 10:30 – 23:30
Price range: 50,000 – 1,200,000 VND
Mi Quang 1A
When it comes to Mi Quang these guys know what they’re doing. They take a slightly different approach to usual with minced prawns being served in their Mi Quang broth. They serve prawn crackers on the side and their meat topping is thinly sliced but flavourful. One of the most popular Mi Quang spots in Da Nang most certainly doesn’t disappoint!
- Address: 1 Hải Phòng, Thạch Thang, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000
- Opening hours: 06:00 – 21:00
- Price range: 30,000 – 60,000
Si Dining
Chef Alessio Rasam has sculpted an amazing place with Si Dining. Set in Nam Viet A away from the hustle and bustle they serve up Vietnamese Italian fusion cuisine. All of the plates that we’ve tried have been amazing, well thought out and memorable. Service here is always really strong with attentive wait staff. Great for a date night!
- Address: 1 Giang Châu 2 Phường Khuê Mỹ, Quận Ngũ Hành Sơn Da Nang City, 550000
- Opening hours: 17:00 – 21:30
- Price range: 50,000 – 1,200,000 VND
We hope you’ve enjoyed this crash course on the type of food that is available in Da Nang and also the best places to find it. We’ll be keeping this list updated and we look forward to adding both more dishes and more restaurants soon.