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Best Local Food in Da Nang You Must Try

Da Nang is a lively city in central Vietnam, and if you’re a foodie, you’re in for a treat. This place is packed with mouthwatering Central Vietnamese dishes, all served with a side of local tradition and ocean-fresh ingredients. In this guide, we’re diving into the best Vietnamese food in Da Nang – perfect for anyone who loves exploring a culture one bite at a time.

1. Mi Quang (Quang Nam Style Noodle Soup)

tasty quang noodle

Mi Quang is a traditional noodle dish that originated in Quang Nam province, but you’ll find it everywhere in Da Nang. It’s made with flat rice noodles that are dyed yellow using turmeric, giving the dish its signature golden hue. 

Unlike most noodle soups, Mi Quang is all about balance – it comes with just enough broth, enough to coat the noodles, which are often topped with shrimp, pork, chicken, or even frog

It’s served with turmeric oil, crushed peanuts, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lime, creating a layered texture of chewy, crunchy, and tender in every bite.

2. Banh Canh Ruong (Fishcake Noodle Soup)

banh canh ruong da nang
  • Price range: 15,000 – 35,000 VND per bowl
  • Where to eat:

The word “ruong” refers to Vietnam’s rice fields, a nod to this dish’s humble countryside roots.  It’s a comforting bowl of noodle soup, known for its thick, chewy noodles made from tapioca or rice flour and a clear sweet broth.

The broth makes it perfect to enjoy any time of day. In Da Nang, it’s usually served with homemade fishcakes – either fried or steamed – made from local fish like mackerel or barracuda. 

You’ll find it topped with fried spring onions, a sprinkle of pepper and chilli oil. Don’t forget the lime and green chilli on the side, that’s where you can add a little twist.

3. Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (Pork Rice Paper Roll)

banh trang cuon thit heo, da nang's specialties

Pork rice paper rolls are a great example of Da Nang’s cozy, home-style cooking—simple, yet full of flavor.

They’re usually served with two types of rice paper: a soft, delicate inner layer (banh uot), and a slightly chewy outer one. To eat it the local way, layer on some thin slices of boiled pork belly, fresh herbs, cucumber, and green banana, then wrap it all up in the rice paper. The perfect slice of pork has a nice balance of fat and lean meat – tender, but not too greasy

You can then dip the roll into the mam nem dipping sauce. Made from fermented anchovy, it’s bold, salty-sweet, and packed with flavor thanks to garlic and chili. One dip, and everything comes together. 

4. Bun Mam Nem (Fermented Fish Noodle Soup)

bowl of bun mam nem da nang

This fermented fish noodle dish is often considered the heart and soul of Central Vietnamese cuisine. It’s made with cool rice vermicelli noodles, then topped with a mix of boiled pork, crispy roasted pork belly and sometimes fermented pork roll (nem chua). 

The key ingredient is the pungent mam nem – a thick, fermented anchovy sauce blended with garlic, chilli, sugar, and pineapple juice to create a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. It’s usually served with crushed peanuts, pickled papaya, and a generous handful of fresh herbs. 

You should mix them before eating, so each bite is packed with rich, umami flavor and a combination of textures.

5. Che Xoa Xoa Hat Luu (Jelly Dessert With Mock Pomegranate Seeds)

che xoa xoa hat luu da nang

Jelly dessert with mock pomegranate seeds is a popular treat in Da Nang, especially on hot days. 

At the heart of the dish is “xoa xoa” – a soft jelly made from seaweed or agar – paired with chewy, ruby-like mock pomegranate seeds. It’s all served in a glass with sweet coconut milk and a hint of pandan or vanilla essence for a fragrant finish.

With its mix of crunchy, chewy, and silky textures, this dessert is light, refreshing, and the perfect way to cool down after a savory meal.

6. Vietnamese Pancake (Banh Xeo Da Nang)

vietnamese pancake

Why is it called “banh xeo”? The name comes from the sizzling sound the batter makes when it hits the hot pan – “xeo!”. In Da Nang, banh xeo tends to be smaller and crispier compared to the larger, softer version you’ll find in southern Vietnam.

The batter is made from rice flour and turmeric, then pan-fried until golden and crisp. It’s filled with a tasty mix of shrimp, thin slices of pork, bean sprouts, and green onions.

You eat it by wrapping pieces in rice paper with fresh herbs, then dipping them into a rich, savory sauce made from pork liver, peanuts, and fermented soy. Each bite is crunchy, fragrant, and full of flavor.

7. Grilled Meat Roll (Nem Lui)

nem lui da nang

Grilled meat rolls are a street food staple and a local favorite in Da Nang. Minced pork is blended with lemongrass, garlic, and spices, then shaped around bamboo or lemongrass sticks and grilled over charcoal. 

The result is a juicy, flavorful meat with a slightly caramelized crust that’s packed with smoky goodness. To enjoy it the local way, wrap the grilled rolls in rice paper with fresh herbs, pickled veggies, and slices of green banana. Then dip it into a creamy peanut sauce or a bold fermented anchovy dip. Each bite is a perfect harmony of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors.

8. Seafood in Da Nang

seafood in da ang

As a coastal city, Da Nang has a deep connection to the sea, and it shows in its vibrant seafood culture. Fresh catches arrive daily from the East Sea, bringing with them a bounty of flavor. 

Local favorites include grilled scallops, stir-fried clams with lemongrass, steamed squid, and prawns sautéed in rich, garlicky butter. Shellfish like blood cockles and oysters are often prepared simply, letting their natural brininess shine.

At many seafood spots around the city, you can even pick your live seafood right from the tank before it’s cooked to order – fresh doesn’t get fresher than that.

Best Specialties To Buy as Gifts for Visitors In Da Nang

Souvenirs for visitors can be easily found in the best food areas in Da Nang like Han Market or Con Market, as well as specialty stores across the city. Visitors can take this as a chance to discover Da Nang’s night life.

1. Da Nang Beef Sausage (Cha Bo Da Nang)

Beef sausage is a local favorite in Da Nang, made from finely ground beef mixed with garlic, pepper, and fish sauce, then tightly wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until tender. The result is a slightly chewy, aromatic sausage with a mild kick of spice.

It’s often enjoyed with bánh mì or as part of a rice meal, and for an extra punch of flavor, you can dip it in pepper salt, fish sauce, or chili sauce – whichever suits your taste.

Price range: 250,000 – 350,000 VND/kg

2. Tamarind Squid (Muc Rim Me)

Tamarind squid is a bold and flavorful dish that hits all the right notes – sweet, sour, and spicy. It’s made by simmering dried squid in a rich tamarind sauce until it caramelizes into a sticky, tangy glaze. The result is a chewy, intensely flavorful snack that’s perfect with a cold beer or served over a bowl of rice. 

Price range: 100,000 – 180,000 VND/pack

3. My Khe Seaweed (Rong Bien My Khe)

Harvested from the clear waters off My Khe Beach, this seaweed is dried and packed for easy use in soups or as a savory snack. It’s rich in minerals and has a naturally salty, ocean-fresh flavor.

Price range: 30,000 – 60,000 VND/pack

4. Nam O Fish Sauce (Nuoc Mam Nam O)

Handcrafted in the fishing village of Nam O, this traditional fish sauce is prized for its rich amber color and bold, umami-packed flavor. It’s not just a kitchen staple – it’s also a cherished local gift.

Price range: 70,000 – 150,000 VND/bottle

5. Sun-dried Squid (Muc Mot Nang)

“Muc mot nang” means fresh squid that’s been sun-dried for just a single day. This traditional method keeps the squid tender and naturally sweet, making it perfect for grilling and dipping in a spicy sauce.

Price range: 400,000 – 600,000 VND/kg

6. Sesame Dried Cake (Banh Kho Me)

This crunchy traditional snack is made from glutinous rice, sugar, and sesame seeds. Light and subtly sweet, it’s the perfect bite to enjoy with a cup of tea.

Price range: 25,000 – 50,000 VND/box

7. Baked Coconut Cracker (Banh Dua Nuong)

These thin, crispy coconut crackers are baked from a blend of coconut milk, rice flour, and a touch of vanilla. Light, fragrant, and delicately sweet, they make a perfect snack – and a great souvenir to enjoy with brunch or tea.

These thin, crispy coconut crackers are baked from a blend of coconut milk, rice flour, and a touch of vanilla. Light, fragrant, and delicately sweet, they make a perfect snack – and a great souvenir to enjoy with brunch or tea.

Da Nang: Food Lover’s Paradise

Coming to Da Nang, you will be surprised by its rich history and diverse cuisine, promising to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re in the mood for something different from traditional local Da Nang food, head to Cucina Luca – one of the best Italian restaurants in Da Nang, near the My Khe beach, known for its authentic flavours.