Home Tips The Hungry Traveler’s Guide to Phan Rang: Three Must-Try Delicacies to Satisfy...

Tips

The Hungry Traveler’s Guide to Phan Rang: Three Must-Try Delicacies to Satisfy Your Cravings

17 September, 2024

As the sun sets, the gentle breeze of Phan Rang carries a hint of the sea’s salty air. As you wander the quaint streets, your stomach begins to rumble, and there’s only one thing that will satisfy your craving: a culinary adventure into the local specialties. Join us as we uncover three must-try dishes in Phan Rang that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

1Ngô Gia Tự Rice Noodle Soup

No visit to Phan Rang is complete without indulging in a bowl of this humble yet iconic dish. Rice noodle soup has become an integral part of the local culture and a favorite among visitors.

A typical bowl of Phan Rang-style rice noodle soup boasts thick, soft, and delicate rice noodles swimming in a sweet and savory broth infused with the essence of the sea. It’s topped with slices of fresh fish cake, tender fish dumplings, and a generous sprinkling of herbs, scallions, and black pepper to elevate the flavors. To truly unlock the magic of this dish, don’t forget to add a dash of spicy chili fish sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime.

What sets the rice noodle soup of Ngô Gia Tự apart is the handcrafted rice noodles made from rice flour, resulting in a chewy and springy texture. As you take your first bite, you’ll relish the perfect marriage of the rice noodles’ subtle sweetness and the rich broth, creating an explosion of flavors that will delight your senses.

For the ultimate rice noodle soup experience, head to Nhường Restaurant, conveniently located at the intersection of Ngô Gia Tự and Tô Hiệu streets. Here, you’ll be treated to a bowl of rice noodle soup that embodies the very essence of Phan Rang.

Ngô Gia Tự Rice Noodle Soup

Address: 284 Ngô Gia Tự, Tấn Tài, Phan Rang – Tháp Chàm, Ninh Thuận Province

2Lê Lợi Vermicelli with Jellyfish

Lê Lợi Vermicelli with Jellyfish is a simple yet flavorful dish that has become synonymous with the region’s culinary heritage. Each bowl is a harmonious blend of the finest ingredients: pristine white vermicelli, crisp jellyfish, golden quail eggs, and silky tofu, all bathed in a sweet and savory broth that captures the essence of the sea. To enhance the flavors, it’s often accompanied by fresh banana blossom, herbs, and a spicy shrimp paste known as mắm ruốc.

The secret to the unique flavor of Lê Lợi Vermicelli lies in the time-honored family recipe for the broth. With over a decade of experience, the restaurant has earned a reputation among discerning diners. Open from 4 pm to 10 pm, the restaurant is always bustling, especially on weekends. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor a bowl of this heartwarming dish when you’re in the area.

Lê Lợi Vermicelli with Jellyfish

Address: 70 Lê Lợi, Kinh Dinh, Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm, Ninh Thuận Province

3Phước Khánh Rice Vermicelli

Rice vermicelli, a humble yet refined dish, has earned its place as a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. Across regions, rice vermicelli takes on different forms and pairings, resulting in unique flavor profiles.

In An Nhất, Vũng Tàu, you’ll find rice vermicelli skewered with grilled beef, while in Sóc Trăng, it’s served with grilled shrimp. But when in Ninh Thuận, specifically in Phước Khánh, you must try the rice vermicelli with pork offal.

This dish is a visual and culinary delight, featuring plates of pristine white rice vermicelli, thinly sliced boiled pork offal, fragrant fish cakes, and fresh herbs. It all comes together with a flavorful dipping sauce that ties the flavors into a memorable symphony.

Tucked away in a small alley off National Highway 1A, Phước Khánh Rice Vermicelli restaurant is a hidden gem among food connoisseurs seeking traditional rice vermicelli. Open only in the afternoons, the restaurant is always bustling with patrons eager to indulge in this classic dish.

Phước Khánh Rice Vermicelli

Address: Phước Thuận, Ninh Phước, Ninh Thuận

With their distinct flavors and irresistible appeal, these three dishes are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. When in Phan Rang, don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in these culinary delights!

Frequently asked questions

When visiting Phan Rang, there are several delicious local specialties to indulge in. First is the unique and flavorful ‘Banh Can’, a small, crispy rice pancake cooked in clay pots and served with a sweet and sour fish sauce. Then, there’s ‘Nem Nuong’, a grilled pork sausage with a delicate balance of sweet and salty flavors, often wrapped in lettuce with herbs. Lastly, ‘Bun Cha Ca’ is a must-try; it’s a hearty rice noodle soup with a rich, savory broth and grilled fish cakes, topped with herbs and shallots.

Banh Can is a signature dish of Phan Rang and is quite unlike any other Vietnamese pancake. It’s made with a special type of rice flour, giving it a crispy yet airy texture. The pancakes are cooked in small clay pots, infusing them with a distinct aroma. They are then dipped in a flavorful fish sauce, creating an explosion of sweet and sour tastes in your mouth.

Nem Nuong is a grilled pork sausage exclusive to Ninh Thuan and Phan Rang. It’s made with a blend of lean pork and pork fat, carefully seasoned with a secret mix of spices, giving it a sweet and salty taste. Nem Nuong is typically served with rice paper, lettuce, and herbs, allowing you to create your own fresh spring rolls. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a truly special dish.

Bun Cha Ca is a filling and comforting dish, especially for those who love fish. The rice noodles are topped with grilled fish cakes, which are made from a mixture of fresh fish and various spices, giving them a juicy texture and a savory flavor. The dish is then served with a rich broth made from simmering fish bones and aromatics, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

While these dishes are typically made with meat or fish, you can find vegetarian-friendly versions of Banh Can and Bun Cha Ca in some restaurants. Vegetarian Banh Can might be made with mushrooms or tofu instead of fish sauce, and Bun Cha Ca can be made with vegetarian fish cakes, which are usually made from soy protein and vegetables.