Central Vietnam has always been a beloved and popular destination for many travelers. But do you know about the region’s famous specialties? Let’s discover the top 15 Central Vietnam specialties that you must try and buy as souvenirs!
1 Introduction to Central Vietnam Tourism
Central Vietnam, also known as Central Vietnam, is the region located between the North and the South, featuring a terrain of hills and small plains. Central Vietnam is divided into three smaller regions: North Central, Central Coast, and the Central Highlands, with Da Nang as its central city.
The climate of Central Vietnam can be divided into two main climatic regions: North Central with cold and rainy winters, quite different from the dry and cold weather in the North, and the South Central Coast with milder winters due to the Bach Ma mountain range as a barrier.
However, both regions share the common feature of extremely hot and sunny summers and cold winters. In addition, Central Vietnam also experiences a long rainy, stormy, and flooded season.
It is undeniable that Central Vietnam is always an attractive destination for near and far travelers. This is a crossover region between mountains and seas, gathering sunshine, wind, and attractive terrain forms. These unique characteristics create the allure and distinctive beauty of Vietnam that captivates tourists.
Introduction to Central Vietnam Tourism
2 Top 15 Central Vietnam Specialties to Try
Specialties to Try When Visiting Central Vietnam
Nha Trang Fish Noodle Soup
A very appealing Central Vietnam specialty. Nha Trang fish noodle soup is made from cowfish or cage fish, with the bones removed and the flesh ground to make the broth. The appeal of this dish lies in the blend of sweet and savory flavors of the sea, combined with soft and thin rice noodles, creating a unique taste.
Specialty Price: Approximately 35,000 VND / bowl.
Reference address for specialty sales: Ba Ba Fish Noodle Soup – 105 Hoang Hoa Tham, Loc Tho, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
Nha Trang Fish Noodle Soup
Da Nang Pork Roll with Rice Paper
When traveling to Central Vietnam, you must try this dish. The charm of this dish lies in the use of pork shoulder or buttock, including both meat and fat, creating a balanced taste. Simply roll the pork with rice paper and herbs and dip it in a bowl of savory fish sauce for an irresistible treat.
Specialty Price: Approximately 35,000 – 50,000 VND / serving.
Reference address for specialty sales: Tran Da Nang Cuisine – No. 4 Le Duan Street, Hai Chau, Da Nang
Da Nang Pork Roll with Rice Paper
Cao Lau – Quang Nam
One of the most alluring Quang Nam dishes for tourists is Cao Lau. The famous Cao Lau noodles are known for their chewy and crispy texture, achieved through a complex preparation process. Cao Lau noodles are served with thinly sliced pork and broth, then accompanied by bitter herbs to create a memorable flavor.
Specialty Price: Approximately 15,000 – 50,000 VND / bowl.
Reference address for specialty sales: Cao Lau Ba Chi – 01 Tran Phu, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam
Cao Lau
Quang Noodle
Quang Noodle is a well-known dish with a captivating and appealing flavor. However, to truly experience the authentic taste of Quang Noodle, you need to go to Quang Nam – Da Nang. Quang Noodle is served with shrimp, pork, and a flavorful broth, accompanied by fresh herbs and rice crackers to create a perfect harmony of flavors.
Specialty Price: Approximately 25,000 VND / bowl.
Reference address for specialty sales: Bich Da Nang Noodle – 1 Dang Dung, Hoa Khanh Bac, Lien Chieu, Da Nang.
Quang Noodle
Vung Ang Jumping Squid – Ha Tinh
When visiting Ha Tinh, you must try Vung Ang Jumping Squid, a species of squid with a sparkling appearance like stars. This dish gets its name because the squid jumps and makes a fun tapping sound when caught and brought to shore. This type of squid has a fragrant, crispy, and sweet taste and is typically dipped in fish sauce for a delicious experience.
Specialty Price: Approximately 600,000 – 700,000 VND / kg.
Reference address for specialty sales: Tuan Thanh Floating Restaurant – 131, Ky Anh, Ha Tinh.
Vung Ang Jumping Squid
Hue Wet Cake
Hue Wet Cake is an extremely famous Central Vietnam specialty. This dish is usually served hot with a little scallion oil and shrimp. It is then accompanied by grilled or roasted pork, creating a memorable taste. Hue Wet Cake is dipped in a sauce made from fermented soybeans, garlic, sugar, and chili for a unique flavor when traveling in Central Vietnam.
Specialty Price: Approximately 15,000 – 25,000 VND / serving.
Reference address for specialty sales: Ba Suu Restaurant – Loc Son, Phu Loc, Thua Thien Hue.
Hue Wet Cake
Hue Beef Noodle Soup
Hue Beef Noodle Soup is a dish that is too familiar to many people. But the Hue version of this dish will enchant any traveler. The broth is made from flavorful bone marrow, accompanied by a little salty shrimp paste, along with a soft slice of pork sausage and a crunchy piece of Hue sausage. This dish is definitely a must-try when visiting Hue!
Specialty Price: Approximately 35,000 VND / bowl.
Reference address for specialty sales: Mu Roi Beef Noodle Soup – 1-48 Nguyen Chi Dieu, Phu Hau, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue
Hue Beef Noodle Soup
Nghe An Eel Porridge
Eel is one of the famous specialties of Nghe An. Nghe An Eel Porridge is a delicious dish that you must not miss when visiting this province. The best eel porridge is made with freshwater eels, ensuring firm and sweet meat. When eating, the porridge is accompanied by scallions and chili peppers to enhance its aromatic appeal.
Specialty Price: Approximately 15,000 VND / bowl
Reference address for specialty sales: Hong Son Eel Restaurant – 154 Mai Hac De, Ha Huy Tap, Vinh City, Nghe An
Nghe An Eel Porridge
Thanh Hoa Rolled Cake
Thanh Hoa Rolled Cake is a famous Central Vietnam specialty, just as well-known as the region’s sour fermented pork sausage. This rolled cake has a thin and sticky texture but surprisingly chewy. Inside the cake is a filling of minced pork, shrimp, and wood ear mushrooms, seasoned to perfection. Enjoying the rolled cake with fried onions and dipping sauce will leave you with an unforgettable taste experience.
Specialty Price: Approximately 35,000 – 45,000 VND / serving.
Reference address for specialty sales: Ba Lanh Rolled Cake Restaurant – 252 Tong Duy Tan, Lam Son Ward, Thanh Hoa City, Thanh Hoa.
Thanh Hoa Rolled Cake
Central Vietnam Specialties to Buy as Souvenirs
Thanh Hoa Sour Fermented Pork Sausage
Sour fermented pork sausage is a famous specialty of Thanh Hoa. This delicacy is often bought by tourists as gifts for their loved ones when visiting this place.
The sour fermented pork sausage has a crunchy texture from the pork skin, combined with the sourness of fermented rice and the spiciness of chili peppers. In addition, the sausage is wrapped in layers of star fruit leaves, creating a unique and memorable flavor. You can dip the sausage in chili sauce and enjoy it with a cold beer for a perfect taste experience.
Specialty Price: Approximately 25,000 – 60,000 VND / 10 sausages.
Reference address for specialty sales: Anh Dan Thanh Hoa Sour Fermented Pork Sausage – SN 510 Van Tien Dung, Tao Xuan Ward, Thanh Hoa City.
Thanh Hoa Sour Fermented Pork Sausage
Cu Do Candy – Ha Tinh
If you are a tourist in Ha Tinh, bring home some Cu Do candy as a gift for your family. This famous Central Vietnam specialty consists of multiple layers of rice paper, malt, sesame, and molasses. Cu Do candy has a fragrant aroma from sesame, a crunchy texture from the rice paper, and a chewy texture from the molasses layer, creating a unique and captivating flavor.
Specialty Price: Approximately 50,000 – 60,000 VND / 450g.
Reference address for specialty sales: Phong Nga Cu Do Candy – 37 Quan Gac, Thach Dai, Thach Ha, Ha Tinh.
Cu Do Candy
Nha Trang Bird’s Nest
Specialty Price: Approximately 800,000 VND / 100g.
Reference address for specialty sales: Hoang Phi Bird’s Nest – 27A Le Loi, Xuong Huan, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
