7 Mouth-Watering Local Delicacies to Try in Nha Trang

When visiting Nha Trang, a beautiful coastal city in Vietnam, it is imperative that you indulge in the city's unique and delectable specialties. The culinary delights of this region will tantalize your taste buds and offer you a truly authentic experience.

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Vermicelli with Jellyfish from Nha Trang

Vermicelli with jellyfish is one of the most delectable dishes you must try when visiting Nha Trang. The jellyfish used in this dish is caught fresh from the very waters of Nha Trang. Unlike the larger variety of jellyfish you may be accustomed to, the ones used in this local specialty are smaller in size, with opaque white bodies and thicker tentacles. These jellyfish are at their tastiest during the early summer months.

Vermicelli with jellyfish is one of the unique specialties of Nha Trang that you should sample when visiting this region.

The broth for this vermicelli dish also sets it apart from others. Instead of being prepared with pork or beef bones, the broth is made from fish and other carefully selected ingredients, with minimal seasoning, resulting in a naturally sweet and refreshing taste that doesn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed.

This dish is typically served with thinly sliced raw onions, a squeeze of lime, and a dash of chili pepper to add a subtle kick.

Ninh Hòa Nem

Another must-try delicacy from Nha Trang is Ninh Hòa Nem, which also makes for a great souvenir to take home.

There are two types of Nem in Ninh Hòa: Nem Chua (fermented pork) and Nem Nuong (grilled pork). Nem Chua is often purchased as a gift for friends and family back home. What sets Nem Chua from Ninh Hòa apart is the unique flavor derived from pork raised in the very soil of Ninh Hòa, located about 34 kilometers from the heart of Nha Trang.

Ninh Hòa Nem, both the fermented and grilled varieties, are mouthwatering treats you shouldn’t miss when in Nha Trang.

Grilled Nem

Grilled Nem is a specialty of Nha Trang that you simply can’t afford to miss. Made from finely ground pork blended with a secret mix of spices and then grilled to perfection, this dish is a flavor explosion. It is served with fresh herbs, tart star fruit, and a side of crispy rice crackers. The star of the show, however, is the rich and savory dipping sauce made from ground peanuts and more of that delicious ground pork, creating a taste sensation that will keep you coming back for more.

Seafood

When in the coastal city of Nha Trang, indulging in the local seafood is a must. The variety is astounding, from various types of shellfish to shrimp, crab, blood cockles, and oysters. For the ultimate experience, head to one of the local fishing villages, such as Vạn Giã, Bích Đầm, or Ninh Thủy, and savor the freshest seafood straight from the source.

Bánh Canh

Nha Trang’s Banh Canh soup also differs significantly from its counterparts elsewhere. The noodles are thinner and chewier, and the broth is thicker and sweeter, infused with the flavors of pork bones, fresh fish, and shrimp. It is commonly served with fish cakes and diced fish, adding to the richness of this local favorite.

Bánh Xèo Mực

No trip to Nha Trang is complete without sampling the local Bánh Xèo Mực. This crispy pancake made from rice flour and stuffed with fresh squid and herbs is a simple yet mouthwatering delight, especially when dipped in the accompanying sweet and sour fish sauce.

Banh Xeo Muc (squid pancakes) and Banh Can (mini savory pancakes) are must-try dishes when exploring the culinary delights of Nha Trang.

Bánh Căn

While in Nha Trang, don’t pass up the opportunity to try Bánh Căn, a type of mini savory pancake made from rice flour. Although it comes with various fillings, the seafood variety is the most popular. The batter is poured into small clay molds that have been heated over a charcoal fire and thinly coated with oil. The pancakes are then served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, garlic, and chili. Some vendors may offer a unique twist by providing a dipping sauce made from stewed mackerel, adding extra brine to the dish, or including meatballs for a heartier bite.

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Frequently asked questions

There are several mouth-watering local dishes to indulge in when visiting Nha Trang. Some of the highlights include ‘Bún Chả Cá’, a flavorful rice vermicelli soup with grilled fish, and ‘Bánh Căn’, a mini savory rice pancake with various toppings. Don’t miss out on the unique ‘Nộm Bò Khô’, a dry beef salad, and the delicious ‘Bánh Xèo’, a savory crispy crepe filled with shrimp and bean sprouts.

You can find these delicious local dishes at various restaurants, street food stalls, and markets throughout Nha Trang. For a convenient option, head to the local night market, where you’ll find a variety of food stalls offering these specialties. Alternatively, ask your hotel or a local for recommendations on specific restaurants known for their authentic cuisine.

‘Bún Chả Cá’ is a signature dish of Nha Trang, and its uniqueness lies in the combination of fresh grilled fish, typically shark or mackerel, with rice vermicelli. The fish is marinated in a special blend of spices and then grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky flavor that blends beautifully with the fresh herbs and noodles.

Yes, there are vegetarian options available for these local dishes. ‘Bánh Căn’ can be made with tofu or vegetable toppings, and ‘Bánh Xèo’ can also be prepared in a vegetarian version with mushrooms, tofu, and bean sprouts. However, it’s always a good idea to specify your dietary preferences to ensure there are no meat or fish-based ingredients used.

The price range for these local delicacies can vary depending on the location and type of establishment. Street food stalls and local markets tend to be more affordable, with dishes ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousand Vietnamese Dong. Restaurants may have slightly higher prices, but you can still expect to find delicious local food at reasonable rates.