The temperate climate in Dalat offers a plethora of specialties and delicious fruits that are unique to this cool climate and loved by all. Let’s explore these specialties together!
1. Introduction to Dalat Tourism
Dalat is a city located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, in Lam Dong province. It is known as the “City of Thousand Flowers” and is a famous tourist destination in Vietnam.
With its pleasant climate, Dalat offers a variety of attractive tourist spots such as Xuan Huong Lake, Pongour Falls, Dream Hill, Valley of Love, and Bao Dai Palace. In addition, Dalat is also famous for its renowned fruit and vegetable farms, tea plantations, and coffee estates.
As a flower production hub, visitors can explore flower gardens and admire the most beautiful blooms. For those who want to indulge in local cuisine, Dalat offers unique dishes such as bánh căn (rice pancakes), grilled rice paper, sour soup, and various dishes made from fresh produce.
With its diverse attractions and activities, Dalat is an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing and exploratory vacation.
Introduction to Dalat Tourism
2. Top 15 Dalat Specialties to Try
Specialties to Try in Dalat
(Including addresses and URLs for detailed instructions on how to make and cook these specialties, if available)
Grilled Rice Paper (Bánh Tráng Nướng)
Grilled Rice Paper
Grilled rice paper is a popular street food in Dalat, often referred to as the “Vietnamese pizza.” On chilly days, it’s hard to resist the crispy grilled rice paper topped with eggs, scallions, pork cracklings, and shrimp.
Price range: 10,000 – 30,000 VND (approx. $0.42 – $1.26)
Address: Dì Đinh Grilled Rice Paper, 26 Hoang Dieu, Ward 5, Dalat
For more information:
Nem Nuong Ba Hung (Mrs. Hung’s Grilled Pork Patties)
Nem Nuong Ba Hung
Nem Nuong Ba Hung is a must-visit destination when you want to try nem nuong (grilled pork patties) in Dalat. The unique texture of the patties, combined with a savory dipping sauce and fresh herbs, creates an irresistible flavor.
Price range: 35,000 – 50,000 VND (approx. $1.47 – $2.10)
Address: 52 Hoang Van Thu, Ward 5, Dalat
Snail Meatballs (Ốc Bươu Nhồi Thịt)
Snail Meatballs
Snail meatballs are a favorite snack for both locals and tourists. The dish is made by stuffing snail shells with minced pork, seasoning it just right, and steaming it with lemongrass, resulting in a mouthwatering aroma. It is typically served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Price range: 35,000 – 50,000 VND (approx. $1.47 – $2.10)
Address: Dalat Night Market, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street
For more options:
Banh Mi Xiu Mai (Banh Mi with Xiu Mai)
Banh Mi Xiu Mai
Banh mi xiu mai, or bread with xiu mai, is a popular dish in Dalat. The xiu mai is made from minced lean pork with just the right amount of chewiness and is cooked in a broth made from simmered pork bones, resulting in a sweet and clear broth. This dish is considered a must-try for any visitor to Dalat.
Price range: 35,000 – 50,000 VND (approx. $1.47 – $2.10)
Address: Co Suong Restaurant, 14 Anh Sang, Ward 1
For more options:
Soy Milk (Sữa Đậu Nành)
Soy Milk
On chilly days, there’s nothing like holding a warm cup of soy milk, infused with the fragrant aroma of beans and spreading warmth to your fingertips. Pair it with a sweet pastry, and you have the perfect snack.
Price range: 25,000 – 50,000 VND (approx. $1.05 – $2.10)
Address: Hoa Sua Cafe, 64 Tang Bat Ho, Ward 1, Dalat
Gà Lá É Hot Pot (Chicken Hot Pot with É Leaves)
Gà Lá É Hot Pot
Although it did not originate in Dalat, gà lá é hot pot is a must-try dish when visiting the city. The addition of é leaves to the hot pot gives the broth a slightly sour and refreshing taste, similar to lemongrass.
Price range: 25,000 – 200,000 VND (approx. $1.05 – $8.41)
Address: Tao Ngộ Restaurant, 27 Le Dai Hanh, Ward 3, Dalat
For more options:
Beef Hot Pot (Lẩu Bò)
Beef Hot Pot
Beef hot pot is a familiar dish to many diners. However, the beef hot pot in Dalat has a unique twist. The broth is cooked with atiso (artichoke) and other special ingredients, resulting in a sweeter and more refreshing taste.
Price range: 25,000 – 200,000 VND (approx. $1.05 – $8.41)
Address: 1 Hoang Dieu, Ward 5, Dalat
For more options:
Banh Can (Rice Pancakes)
Banh Can
Banh can is a dish you must try when visiting Dalat. The main ingredient is sticky rice flour, and it is served with various toppings such as quail eggs, chicken eggs, bean sprouts, beef, shrimp, squid, xiu mai, and ba tê.
Price range: 25,000 – 100,000 VND (approx. $1.05 – $4.20)
Address: Banh Can Nha Chung, 13 Nha Chung, Ward 3, Dalat
For more options:
Dalat Specialties to Buy as Gifts
Strawberries (Dâu tây)
Dalat’s cool climate is ideal for growing strawberries, resulting in high yields and the most delicious, plump berries. Strawberries are loved by everyone, so they are an excellent choice to consider when buying gifts for your family and friends.
Strawberries
However, fresh strawberries are perishable, so you may want to opt for dried strawberries, strawberry jam, or strawberry juice as alternatives.
Price range:
– At the farm: 100,000 – 300,000 VND/kg (approx. $4.20 – $12.61)
– At the market: 80,000 – 120,000 VND/kg (approx. $3.36 – $5.04)
Addresses:
– Nguyen Tu Luc, Langbiang, Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, Thanh Mau, and Mai Anh Dao Streets
– Japanese Strawberry Farm, 162 Thanh Mau, Ward 7, Dalat
Roses (Hồng)
Roses are another beloved specialty in Dalat, second only to strawberries. The rose season lasts from September to November. The cool climate of Dalat is perfect for growing roses. In addition to fresh roses, you can also find dried roses, which are available year-round.
Dried roses have a crispy, sweet, and non-greasy taste.
Roses
Price range:
– Fresh roses: 35,000 – 50,000 VND/kg (approx. $1.47 – $2.10)
– Dried roses: 140,000 – 180,000 VND/pack (approx. $5.88 – $7.56)
Addresses:
– Dalat Market
– Rose syrup production facility, Khe Sanh, Dalat
Avocados (Bơ)
Dalat’s cool climate is perfect for growing a variety of delicious fruits, including avocados. The avocado season in Dalat lasts from May to early August. Avocados from Dalat have a bumpy, shiny skin and a firm texture.
The green-skinned avocados with yellow speckles have a high percentage of buttery flesh and a nutty, fragrant flavor.
Avocados
Price range: 70,000 – 80,000 VND/kg (approx. $2.94 – $3.36)
Addresses: Dalat Market or local fruit stalls
Artichoke (Atiso)
Artichoke is known for its health benefits, including its ability to reduce fever, detoxify the body, and improve overall health and skin condition. Due to Dalat’s cool climate, artichoke is widely grown in the region. Therefore, artichoke products are an excellent choice for souvenirs from Dalat.