Nha Trang street food is an essential part of the Vietnam travel experience, especially in this coastal city. Renowned for its delightful and budget-friendly street food, strolling along the vibrant streets of Nha Trang while indulging in delicious dishes like seafood soups, banh mi sandwiches, and fresh spring rolls will be a memorable experience for tourists. The Nha Trang street food scene is a culinary adventure not to be missed.
1. Best street foods in Nha Trang that you should not miss
Nha Trang is a coastal paradise known for its stunning beaches, but its culinary treasures are equally enticing. Explore the best street foods in Nha Trang with these suggestions:
1.1. Seafood in Nha Trang
Nha Trang street food is renowned for its fresh and diverse seafood offerings. Visitors can savor a variety of shrimp, squid, and even sea urchins prepared in multiple delightful ways.
For those with limited time, famous restaurants along the beach and riverside present an excellent opportunity to relish these marine delicacies. Alternatively, seafood enthusiasts can opt for package tours, exploring islands such as Diep Son and Binh Hung, engaging in fishing, and relishing their catch cooked on the spot. Nha Trang seafood prices vary, accommodating all budgets.
Recommended destinations include Hai san Thanh Suong 2 (9A Tran Phu Street) and Hai san 5 Hung (206/34 Hai Thang Tu Street), offering some of the best seafood in Nha Trang.
1.2. Nha Trang fish noodle soup
As a renowned dish in Nha Trang's vibrant street food scene, fish noodle soup (bun ca) blends delicate Vietnamese noodles with a flavorful fish-based broth. Expertly prepared, the fish is minced into small pieces, enriching the dish as a delightful noodle topping. Complementing the soft noodles, the aromatic broth, adorned with fresh herbs and finely sliced onions, delivers an exquisite taste sensation. It is a must-try among the famous foods in Nha Trang.
A bowl of Nha Trang fish noodle soup typically costs between 25,000 to 50,000 ViND. Some recommended spots to try include Bun Ca Nguyen Loan and Bun ca Nam Beo.
1.3. Vietnamese pancake with squid
Vietnamese pancakes with squid are a delectable treat in the vicinity of Thap Ba Ponagar. These pancakes feature large, hand-sized portions stuffed with whole squid, shrimp, pork, or quail eggs. The ingredients are crisped to perfection in hot oil and served with fresh greens and spicy fish sauce. The unique twist of using whole squid creates a delightful, fragrant, and slightly sweet taste. These pancakes range from 5,000 to 10,000 VND.
For a taste of this local food in Nha Trang, explore the area around Thap Ba Street.
1.4. Nha Trang jellyfish noodles - Among the iconic street foods in Nha Trang
Nha Trang jellyfish noodles, a must-eat in Nha Trang, delight with the distinctive flavors of the sea. This dish features fresh, non-stinging jellyfish caught from distant islands. The broth is made from freshwater fish, ensuring a bone-free, tasty base. It's often accompanied by fish cakes made from various fish types. Prices for this dish range from 20,000 to 40,000 VND.
When craving this Nha Trang street food, visit Ngo Gia Tu Street, Han Thuyen Street, or the Yersin - Ba Trieu crossroad in Nha Trang City.
1.5. Ninh Hoa grilled pork rolls
Nha Trang's famous grilled pork roll dish, nem nuong Ninh Hoa, is a local delight and consistently ranks among the top recommendations in Nha Trang street food reviews. These rolls, resembling Vietnamese spring rolls, contain a special mix of thigh meat and pork skin seasoned with garlic, pepper, fish sauce, and sugar. Tourists can enjoy them wrapped in rice paper with fresh greens and dipped in a sweet, savory sauce.
Prices range from 25,000 to 55,000 VND per serving. You can find these at Nem nuong Dang Van Quyen, Nem nuong Di Nuong, Nem nuong Va Thanh An, Nem nuong Nha Trang, and Nem nuong Ba Sau.
1.6. Squid hotpot
When coming to Nha Trang, tourists should consider having a delightful dinner with squid hotpot (lau muc). This dish features a light, slightly sweet broth with ingredients like pineapple and tomatoes, and a mild spicy kick from chili. Freshly cut squid and other delicious items are then added. Diners can customize their hotpot with fish or shrimp.
Prices for this delicacy range from 150,000 to 200,000 VND for each pot of squid hotpot. A top-recommended place to try it is Lau muc Dai Lanh on To Huu Street.
1.7. Sea urchin porridge
Sea urchin porridge, known as "cháo nhum" in Vietnamese, boasts a unique flavor distinct from any other type of porridge and is known as one of the best foods in Nha Trang. Best enjoyed during the evening, it is the freshest sea urchins that infuse this porridge with a delightful aroma and rich taste. The sea urchins are meticulously prepared, their vibrant yellow flesh extracted and seasoned, then sautéed with scallions and added to a pot of hot porridge. When served, it is garnished with aromatic herbs, spring onions, and a touch of fish sauce.
Locals take great pride in this dish for its sweet and invigorating taste, which is not only delicious but also aids digestion. A bowl of sea urchin porridge, with its creamy white rice and vibrant sea urchin hues, can be found in seafood restaurants throughout Nha Trang along Thap Ba Street, Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, and Hai Thang Tu Street, typically priced at around 40,000 to 50,000 VND.
1.8. Nha Trang raw fish salad
Nha Trang raw fish salad, known as "goi ca mai", is a meticulous culinary delight. The freshness of the fish is paramount, with each bone carefully removed and patted dry. Variations in preparation include the use of sour ingredients like me, lime, or tamarind for flavor. The secret lies in the dipping sauce, often made from fish bones for a subtle sweetness.
This Nha Trang street food gem can be found in various seafood restaurants and eateries across Nha Trang, such as those on Ngo Si Lien Street, Thap Ba Street, and Hai Thang Tu Street, each offering its own unique flavors. Prices range from 50,000 to 300,000 VND at budget-friendly spots and can go up to 700,000 to 1,600,000 VND in upscale restaurants.
1.9. Dien Khanh steamed rice pancake
Dien Khanh steamed rice pancakes, known locally as "banh uot Dien Khanh", have become a renowned Nha Trang street food among travelers. The rice flour batter is expertly mixed with water and heated into warm, fluffy pancakes on clay ovens. Unlike traditional rice pancakes served with meat or other fillings, Dien Khanh steamed rice pancakes are topped with minced pork, dried shrimp, and mung beans, enhancing their flavors.
Diners often accompany these pancakes with a special fish sauce made from mackerel or tuna. These delectable pancakes are budget-friendly, priced between 15,000 and 20,000 VND. To savor this local treat, visitors to Nha Trang can explore the Dien Khanh steamed rice pancake stalls along National Route 1A.
1.10. Beef jerky papaya salad with iced tofu pudding
Beef jerky papaya salad paired with iced tofu pudding is a popular choice in Nha Trang, particularly among students. This Vietnamese salad consists of shredded green papaya, seasoned dried beef liver, spicy sauce, fresh herbs, and vinegar, often served with prawn crackers. After enjoying the flavors of beef jerky papaya salad, visitors can explore the unique taste of a glass of iced tofu pudding with creamy coconut milk, a local dessert often served as a palate cleanser.
Travelers looking to savor this unique combination can find it at various beef jerky papaya salad stalls throughout the city. A portion of beef jerky papaya salad typically costs between 15,000 and 30,000 VND, and a serving of iced tofu pudding is priced at 10,000 VND.
1.11. Mango roll-ups: A highly-suggested option for what to eat in Nha Trang
Mango roll-ups, locally known as "bánh tráng xoài," are a unique and widely-loved treat in the coastal city of Nha Trang. Crafted from ripe, locally-sourced Cam Ranh mangoes, this snack boasts a tangy-sweet flavor and a naturally fruity aroma. These delightful rolls cost approximately 70,000 to 100,000 VND per kilogram and have a shelf life of over seven months. You can find them at various food shops in Nha Trang or at rest stops around the city.
1.12. Smashing rice paper
Smashing rice paper, or “Banh dap”, is another beloved Nha Trang street food. It pairs soft steamed rice cakes with crispy grilled rice paper and is served with a variety of toppings like grilled meats, sausages, and shredded young mango. The dish's unique flavors come from the dipping sauce, which can be shrimp paste or mixed shrimp paste sauce.
You can find delicious smashing rice paper in several places in Nha Trang, such as “Banh cuon, banh uot” diner on 16 Hong Linh Street, "Banh dap" on 69 Huynh Thuc Khang Street, or "Banh cuon Binh Minh" at 29 Le Dai Hanh Street. The price for a serving of smashing rice paper typically ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 VND, with variations based on the toppings you choose.
2. Famous places to explore Nha Trang street foods
For food enthusiasts who want to have an unforgettable gastronomic journey, try discovering the culinary wonders of Nha Trang at these top Nha Trang restaurants and street food gems. "Where to eat in Nha Trang" will be your last worry with this list of delectable Nha Trang street foods:
- Nguyen Tat Thanh Street: Nguyen Tat Thanh Street is renowned for its seafood delicacies. This culinary haven impresses many tourists with its fresh and diverse seafood, all offered at reasonable prices. Whether it's succulent lobsters or delicious grouper, the skilled chefs here create fantastic dishes for seafood enthusiasts.
- Dam Market: Dam Market is not just a shopping hub but also a famous street food market in Nha Trang. Travelers love exploring diverse street foods here, notably fresh seafood dishes. This foodie's paradise is known for its food safety-certified vendors, ensuring hygiene. For the best experience, visit around noon or in the late afternoon, when the market offers a rich variety of seafood dishes. It is wise to ask about prices before ordering to manage expenses effectively and avoid any rip-offs.
- To Hien Thanh Street: To Hien Thanh Street is a bustling food haven offering a wide variety of dishes. From hotpots and savory pancakes to coffee and smoothies, this street has it all. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty meal or just a snack, this vibrant street will not disappoint.
- Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street is a paradise for barbecue enthusiasts. While “Bo nuong Lac Canh” is famous here, numerous other spots offer fantastic grilled dishes, from chicken and beef to seafood. This culinary avenue is perfect for gathering and enjoying grilled delights, especially on cool evenings. There is nothing quite like sitting by the grill, savoring the aromatic grilled dishes, and sipping a drink.
- Thap Ba Street: Thap Ba Street is a seafood haven, with a particular focus on shellfish. For seafood enthusiasts, this culinary street is a must-visit, featuring numerous high-quality and delicious shellfish restaurants that prepare these delights in various ways.
- Phan Boi Chau Street: Phan Boi Chau Street is famous in Nha Trang for its unique culinary offerings, particularly its shredded fish fillet noodle soup (bun ca dam) and fish cake thick noodle soup (banh canh cha ca). The flavorful broth, the tang of tomatoes, the freshness of raw vegetables, and the richness of fermented shrimp sauce (mam ruoc) combine to make this dish a true delight.
While exploring Nha Trang street food, do not forget to explore the city’s attractions like VinWonders Nha Trang, Hon Chong Promontory, Diep Son Island, Hon Mieu Island, National Oceanographic Museum, Long Son Pagoda, Ponagar Cham Towers, Nha Trang Cathedral, etc.
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Nha Trang is a paradise for street food enthusiasts. The vibrant and bustling streets are lined with a rich tapestry of street food stalls, offering a diverse range of delectable dishes. From succulent seafood and refreshing fruit salads to savory grilled meats and fragrant noodle soups, the Nha Trang street food scene has something to satisfy every palate. Do not miss the chance to savor the authentic street food of Nha Trang, a delightful culinary journey that encapsulates the essence of this coastal gem.
