48 Hours Eating Like a Local in Tuy Hoa

26 May, 2025

Thien Hoang, a local expert of Tuy Hoa, shares his insights on the city’s culinary delights. He suggests that delicious eateries are scattered across the city, and offers the following recommendations for a two-day foodie itinerary.

Day 1

Mornings in Tuy Hoa are slow and relaxed, with a seaside vibe. Thien suggests an early morning jog or a dip in the sea to immerse yourself in the local pace. If time permits, take a drive across Hung Vuong Bridge to Xom Ro beach, known for its calm waves and charming fishing village with small houses and moored boats.

Morning

Start your day with com ga (chicken rice), a popular breakfast choice in Phu Yen. Try com ga Tuyet Nhung, a well-known brand that originated in Tuy Hoa. A generous plate of shredded chicken rice costs only 25,000-30,000 VND, served with a sweet and sour fish sauce that’s fragrant with garlic and spicy green chili peppers. The rice grains are fluffy and cooked with garlic, giving it a unique Phu Yen twist.

After breakfast, you can either stop by a roadside café for a cup of Vietnamese black iced coffee or head to Tuy Hoa beach to lounge on a chair, sip a cold coconut, and listen to the waves.

Noon

If you’re still full from breakfast, try he bánh canh (rice noodle soup) with water parsnip, a rustic dish costing 25,000-30,000 VND per bowl. Ngo Quyen he bánh canh stall, located next to Tuy Hoa market, is a familiar spot for locals. It’s one of the first places to sell this dish in Phu Yen, bustling until late at night.

Tuy Hoa-style he bánh canh. Photo: Tu Nguyen

A bowl of this “easy-to-digest” delicacy consists of chewy rice noodles, fresh seasonal fish cakes, fish balls, quail eggs, and a generous amount of green water parsnip. The water parsnip adds a fragrant, slightly pungent note that balances the fishy taste. The broth, made from fish bones, is sweet and clear, lacking the greasy texture typical of pork bone broths. It’s so delicious that you’ll find yourself slurping up every last drop.

In the early afternoon, pay a visit to Che Duy Tan, a nostalgic spot for many Phu Yen locals. This place offers a variety of traditional Vietnamese desserts like sam bo luong, che chuoi (banana pudding), mit dac (jackfruit and sticky rice pudding), and che bap (corn pudding), each priced at 5,000 VND per cup. You can also indulge in a creamy flan for just 6,000 VND for a plate of two. While Thien favors the che chuoi with sweet corn, the mit dac is an ideal choice for a refreshing summer treat.

Che Duy Tan, a nostalgic spot for many Phu Yen locals. Photo: Thien Hoang

Evening

For dinner, don’t miss out on banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancakes), a specialty of Phu Yen. These small, crisp pancakes, priced at 8,000-12,000 VND each, are made without turmeric, resulting in a white crust. Banh xeo is ubiquitous in Tuy Hoa, and the quality ranges from good to excellent, so you’re spoilt for choice. Thien suggests trying either Co Khanh’s stall in front of Nguyen Binh Khiem school or banh xeo Dai Nam.

The fillings typically include shrimp, squid, pork, or eggs, and they’re served with fresh herbs and thick rice paper. You can dip them in either a sweet and sour fish sauce or a murky fish sauce, depending on your preference. Take a bite, and you’ll be greeted by a delightful crunch from the pancake, followed by the sweetness of the shrimp and the freshness of the herbs. It’s hard to stop at just one!

Day 2

Morning

To fuel up for a day of exploration, head to Bun Ca Dat Phu, a go-to spot for both locals and tourists. They offer a variety of dishes like bun ca sua (jellyfish noodle soup), bun cha ca (fish cake noodle soup), mi Quang (Quang-style noodles), and banh trang cuon (rice paper rolls), priced at 40,000-60,000 VND each. The spacious and airy ambiance, coupled with flavorful dishes, especially the fresh fish cakes, make this place a must-visit.

Noon

When in Tuy Hoa, indulge in banh cuon nem nuong (rice rolls with grilled pork sausage), a specialty of Phu Yen. There are two types: one served with nem nuong from Ninh Hoa or Nha Trang, and the other with nem nuong in Tuy Hoa style. The Ninh Hoa version is skewered and grilled over charcoal, while the Tuy Hoa style is grilled in large slabs and cut into smaller pieces when served.

Banh cuon nem nuong Tuy Hoa. Photo: Tu Nguyen

Thien’s go-to spot is Banh Cuon Quan Cu on Tran Binh Trong street, or a street-side stall next to a large supermarket at the intersection of Thanh Thai and Duy Tan streets. Each roll costs around 12,000-15,000 VND, and three to four rolls are typically enough for one person.

Evening

Before dinner, take a stroll along the beach and treat yourself to “xo loi,” a local delicacy sold from pushcarts. “Xo loi” is the colloquial term for three grilled dishes on skewers: bo cuon la lot (beef wrapped in wild betel leaf), ram (deep-fried fish cake), and grilled pork. In the late afternoon, these pushcarts are always smoky, as “xo loi” is a favorite snack for locals.

“Xo loi” skewers sold along Tuy Hoa beach. Photo: Thuong Nguyen

Each skewer costs 4,000-6,000 VND, and ordering 10-15 skewers is enough for two people to snack on. Dip them in a combination of sweet and sour fish sauce and chili sauce, or wrap them in fresh herbs, cucumber, and green mango to cut through the richness.

For dinner, experience a unique “drinking session on the sandy beach” in Xom Ro. Many seaside households sell fresh seafood like grilled squid, steamed shrimp, and grilled scallops with spring onions. Sitting on the sand, savoring the seafood, and listening to the crashing waves create an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Tuy Hoa.

During your two-day culinary journey in Tuy Hoa, you can also visit popular attractions like Nghinh Phong Square, Nhạn Tower, Ho Ho Lake, and Long Thủy beach, all conveniently located within the city center.

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