Food & Receipts

The Ultimate Guide to Nha Trang’s Best Local Eateries: 4 Hidden Gems to Try This Summer

Famous for its fresh seafood, Nha Trang also boasts a plethora of hidden food gems known only to locals. Join us as we uncover these culinary delights and embark on a tasty adventure!

Administrator

25 July, 2024

Nha Trang, the beautiful coastal city with its pristine white sandy beaches and emerald green waters, has long been a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international travelers. Famous for its fresh seafood delights, Nha Trang also boasts countless delicious eateries hidden in small alleys, known only to locals.

This summer, if you’re fortunate enough to visit Nha Trang, be sure to check out the following four local favorites to indulge in authentic local specialties, prepared by the locals themselves.

1 Co Lan Fish Noodle Soup

Co Lan Fish Noodle Soup

Restaurant Quality: 4.6/5 (Google Review)

Address: 409 23 Thang 10 Street, Vinh Hiep Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province

Opening Hours: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Price Range: 20,000 – 30,000 VND

Phone Number: N/A

Website: N/A

Facebook: N/A

Delivery: No

Menu: Fish noodle soup with various toppings such as fish chunks, fish eggs, fish intestines, fish cakes, etc.

Signature Dish: Combination fish noodle soup

Pros: Long-established local restaurant with affordable prices and a diverse menu.

Cons: May not be suitable for those allergic to seafood.

Co Lan Fish Noodle Soup is a humble restaurant located on 23/10 Street, which has been in business for over 20 years and is a favorite among both locals and tourists. Their menu offers a wide range of options, from a combination bowl filled with fish chunks, fish eggs, intestines, and cakes to simpler bowls to suit individual preferences.

What sets this place apart is their signature Nha Trang-style fish noodle soup with a thick, clear broth. The broth is simmered from fish bones, resulting in a sweet and delicate flavor enhanced by the aromatic fragrance of jackfruit, creating an irresistible harmony of tastes.

A crucial accompaniment to the fish noodle soup is the sweet and spicy fish sauce dip. Dip a piece of crispy, chewy fish intestine into the sauce and experience an explosion of flavors. The tender, non-fishy fish chunks meld beautifully with the hot broth, resulting in a perfect culinary symphony.

While the portion size may not seem generous, remember to order a side of bread if you want to leave fully satisfied. Locals often enjoy their fish noodle soup with a side of bread, tearing off soft pieces of bread to sop up the delicious broth, creating a unique and memorable dining experience.

2 Nhi Ha Mini Savory Cakes

Nhi Ha Mini Savory Cakes

Restaurant Quality: 4.0/5 (Google Review)

Address: 21 Nhi Ha, Phuoc Hoa, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province

Opening Hours: Early Morning – 12:00 PM

Price Range: 20,000 – 30,000 VND

Phone Number: N/A

Website: N/A

Facebook: N/A

Delivery: No

Menu: Mini savory cakes with chicken eggs, quail eggs, and beef

Signature Dish: Mini savory cakes with chicken eggs

Pros: Delicious mini savory cakes, generous self-serve condiments, and reasonably priced. Friendly and enthusiastic service.

Cons: To be updated

Tucked away on Nhi Ha Street, this unnamed mini savory cake restaurant remains relatively unknown to tourists and is mostly frequented by locals. The elderly couple who own the place has been tirelessly serving this humble dish for many years.

Unlike other mini savory cake restaurants that offer luxurious seafood toppings, Nhi Ha Mini Savory Cakes sticks to the basics with chicken eggs, quail eggs, and beef. According to local Nha Trang residents, they often prefer their mini savory cakes without fillings or with just chicken eggs, as they believe that “it’s already delicious enough, and other fillings can overwhelm the flavors.”

The highlight of this place is the self-serve condiment platter and the special fish sauce dip, enhanced with plenty of scallion oil, shredded green papaya, and ground chili peppers. Dip one of the hot mini savory cakes into the flavorful sauce, and take a bite to experience the perfect blend of tastes and textures. These little cakes are deceivingly filling, and just a few pairs will leave you pleasantly satisfied.

3 Be Tu Steamed Rice Cakes

Be Tu Steamed Rice Cakes

Restaurant Quality: 4.3/5 (Google Review)

Address: 15 Huynh Thuc Khang, Phuoc Tien, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Usually crowded at 7:00 AM)

Price Range: From 28,000 VND

Phone Number: 0773573668

Website: N/A

Facebook: N/A

Delivery: No

Menu: Steamed rice cakes, steamed rice rolls, clear shrimp and pork dumplings, rice vermicelli, steamed pork cakes, steamed glutinous rice cakes, etc.

Signature Dish: Steamed rice cakes

Pros: Diverse menu with delicious central Vietnamese cuisine and a special fish sauce dip.

Cons: To be updated

Huynh Thuc Khang Street in Nha Trang is renowned for its affordable and tasty street food, and among the eateries that line this street, Be Tu Steamed Rice Cakes stands out for its aromatic and flavorful dishes and diverse menu.

Upon entering the restaurant, you’ll be greeted by the intoxicating aroma of various steamed rice cakes beautifully presented on trays. From soft and fluffy steamed rice cakes to chewy steamed rice rolls, clear and delicate shrimp and pork dumplings, and more, each bite is a burst of flavors enhanced by the richness of scallion oil, the salty-sweet shrimp, and the tangy shredded papaya.

What sets this place apart is their specially seasoned fish sauce dip, a closely guarded family recipe, that adds a unique and irresistible dimension to the dishes. As you savor each steamed rice cake, you’ll discover a delicate interplay of flavors that will leave a lasting impression.

In addition to their signature steamed rice cakes, the restaurant also offers a variety of central Vietnamese dishes such as rice vermicelli, steamed pork cakes, and steamed glutinous rice cakes, each with its distinct flavor and contributing to the overall richness of their menu.

4 Nguyen Nga Dried Beef Salad and Tofu Pudding

Nguyen Nga Dried Beef Salad and Tofu Pudding

Restaurant Quality: To be updated

Address: 38 Ha Ra, Van Thanh, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province

Opening Hours: 1:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Price Range: From 15,000 VND

Phone Number: N/A

Website: N/A

Facebook: N/A

Delivery: Yes (Shopee Food)

Menu: Dried beef salad and tofu pudding

Signature Dish: Dried beef salad and tofu pudding

Pros: Delicious dried beef salad with a generous portion, cool tofu pudding.

Cons: Small restaurant space

Tucked away in a small alley on Nguyen Nga Street, this unassuming restaurant may not catch the eye of tourists, but it is a beloved gathering spot for locals to enjoy tasty snacks and good company.

Despite its modest size, the restaurant boasts a unique and memorable dried beef salad that keeps customers coming back for more. The dish is a generous serving of shredded green papaya, flavorful dried beef, fragrant herbs, and roasted peanuts, all tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce that creates a culinary masterpiece.

For those who can’t handle spicy food, fear not, as the restaurant also offers a mild chili sauce to accommodate all taste preferences. And to cool off after the spicy salad, their tofu pudding with creamy coconut milk is the perfect treat.

The perfect pairing of the spicy dried beef salad and the refreshing tofu pudding has earned a “legendary” status among Nha Trang’s street food offerings. If you find yourself in Nha Trang, do pay a visit to Nguyen Nga Dried Beef Salad and Tofu Pudding to experience this unique culinary delight.

Note: These are just a few suggestions to get you started. Nha Trang has many more culinary gems waiting to be discovered. Be sure to ask the locals for more recommendations and explore the city’s hidden food treasures!

This summer, if you’re visiting Nha Trang, don’t miss out on the four fantastic eateries mentioned above. Indulge in authentic local specialties, prepared with care by the locals themselves. You won’t be disappointed!

Frequently asked questions

The provided link offers a comprehensive guide to discovering the culinary delights of Nha Trang, Vietnam. It uncovers four hidden local eateries that offer unique and delicious dining experiences. These hidden gems are scattered across the city, offering a variety of cuisines and atmospheres to suit different tastes and preferences.

The first recommendation is ‘Bún Chả Cá – Mrs. Thanh’, a street food stall renowned for its fish cake noodles. Then there’s ‘Bún Thịt Nướng – Ms. Liên’, known for its grilled pork noodles and cozy atmosphere. ‘Bánh Căn – Ms. Xíu’ is suggested for its miniature rice pancakes, a local specialty. Lastly, ‘Nem Nướng – Ms. Thanh Hai’ is famous for its grilled pork patties and fresh spring rolls.

Each of these eateries offers a unique dining experience that showcases the best of Vietnamese cuisine and local specialties. They are hidden gems loved by locals and offer an authentic taste of Nha Trang’s culinary scene. From the fresh and flavorful dishes to the cozy and inviting atmospheres, these places provide a memorable dining experience that goes beyond the typical tourist traps.

Absolutely! ‘Bún Chả Cá – Mrs. Thanh’ is famous for its fish cake noodles, a traditional Vietnamese dish with a delicate balance of flavors. ‘Bún Thịt Nướng – Ms. Liên’ stands out with its grilled pork noodles, offering a smoky and savory experience. ‘Bánh Căn – Ms. Xíu’ specializes in miniature rice pancakes, a local treat often enjoyed with various toppings. Lastly, ‘Nem Nướng – Ms. Thanh Hai’ excels in grilled pork patties and fresh spring rolls, a perfect combination of savory and refreshing flavors.

Sure! ‘Bún Chả Cá – Mrs. Thanh’ is located in a bustling market area, offering a vibrant and energetic street food experience. ‘Bún Thịt Nướng – Ms. Liên’ is set in a cozy alley, providing a peaceful escape from the city bustle. ‘Bánh Căn – Ms. Xíu’ can be found in a charming residential neighborhood, giving diners a glimpse into local life. ‘Nem Nướng – Ms. Thanh Hai’ enjoys a prime location near the beach, offering a relaxed ambiance and stunning views.