GUIDE TO NHA TRANG’S UNFORGETTABLE STREET FOOD EXPERIENCE

Nha Trang is famous for its fresh, flavorful, and diverse street food. The city’s vibrant markets and coastal charm make it a haven for food lovers. Walking through the streets, you quickly discover that every corner holds a delicious surprise. From mini pancakes to seafood, each dish tells a story about local culture and tradition. Here are some must-try dishes that make food in Nha Trang a memorable experience.

1. Mini Pancakes (Bánh căn)

Mini pancakes are small, savoury pancakes made from a rice flour batter. They are cooked in special moulds until golden and crispy on the outside, yet soft on the inside. They come in two types: white pancakes and egg pancakes. Typically they’re served with toppings such as shrimp, pork, and squid. 

When eating mini pancakes in Nha Trang, a full serving includes shredded mango, various fresh herbs, and dipping sauces like sweet and sour fish sauce, fermented shrimp paste (Mam nem), or a fish broth soup with minced pork. This reflects the simplicity and creativity of Vietnamese food.

2. Vietnamese Pancakes (Bánh xèo)

Vietnamese pancakes are crispy, savoury treats made from rice flour and turmeric, with some recipes adding “beer” to make them fluffier and crispier.

Vietnamese pancakes filled with shrimp, squid, and sometimes bean sprouts are served with an array of fresh greens such as lettuce, assorted herbs (including fish mint and basil), Vietnamese perilla, cucumber slices, and finely shredded mango. 

The dish is enjoyed by wrapping a portion of the pancake in rice paper along with these fresh vegetables, then dipping it into sweet-and-sour fish sauce.

3. Grilled Pork Roll (Nem nướng Ninh Hòa)

For grilled pork rolls, the focus is on using premium pork thighs with skin. The meat is thoroughly cleaned, minced, and then seasoned with garlic, pepper, fish sauce, and sugar following a secret recipe. 

After marination, the meat is rolled into finger-sized pieces, skewered on bamboo, and grilled over hot charcoal. The dipping sauce blends glutinous rice, soybean, tomato, lean pork, minced pork liver, sugar, garlic, and chilli.

The dish comes with fresh vegetables like lettuce, herbs, cucumber, banana flower, carrot, starfruit, pineapple, and green mango. Diners wrap a grilled roll in rice paper with herbs, rice paper, and rice noodles, then dip it in sauce.

4. Jellyfish Noodle Soup Nha Trang (Bún cá sứa)

Nha Trang’s Jellyfish Noodle Soup is a light and refreshing dish, featuring crunchy jellyfish and aromatic fish cakes in a delicate, clear broth.

The jellyfish, caught fresh from the sea, is carefully cleaned, de-mucilaged, and soaked in salt or lime water; only small, opaque white, thick specimens are chosen for their ideal texture. 

Fish cakes, made from mackerel or tuna, are deboned, mashed, shaped into smooth balls, and steamed to retain their authentic flavour.

5. Fish Noodle Soup Nha Trang (Bánh canh chả cá)

Fish Noodle Soup is a familiar dish throughout Vietnam. The soup is prepared with small, soft tapioca noodles and fish cakes made primarily from flag fish or mackerel. 

These ingredients are simmered for hours along with bones and a variety of fresh sea fish, resulting in a clear, lightly sweet broth that captures the essence of the ocean. 

The dish is topped with scallions, a few slices of chilli, and a sprinkle of pepper for a mild spicy kick. The soft noodles and flavorful fish cakes come together to create a warm, delicious.

6. Chicken Rice Nha Trang (Cơm gà)

Chicken rice Nha Trang is a comforting dish that perfectly captures local flavours. 

The chicken is boiled until just cooked to retain its natural tenderness and sweetness, then either shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces. 

The rice is first lightly fried in chicken fat, which not only adds a rich flavour but also gives the rice a beautiful golden colour when it is cooked with chicken broth. 

The accompanying dipping sauce is a balanced mixture of fish sauce, garlic, and chilli, with optional additions of lime or sugar to adjust the tanginess and sweetness.

Top Spots to Discover Nha Trang’s Best Street Food

1. Dam Market

• Address: Phan Boi Chau Street, centrally located and about 3.5km from FUSE Hostel
• Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 6:30 PM
• Signature: A traditional market offering a rich array of seafood and local produce.

Dam Market is one of Nha Trang’s oldest and most popular markets. It offers an immersive experience of local life, with rows of stalls featuring a diverse selection of fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables. The market is particularly renowned for its early morning seafood displays and a variety of ready-to-eat street food. Here, you can enjoy dishes like spicy seafood soups and crisp spring rolls.

2. To Hien Thanh Street

• Address: To Hien Thanh Street, just 1.7km from FUSE Hostel
• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

To Hien Thanh Street is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts looking for a blend of street food. The street’s charm lies in its diverse food offerings. Backpackes will find an array of delicacies including inventive seafood dishes and freshly prepared salads that showcase local ingredients. The relaxed, urban vibe of To Hien Thanh Street makes it ideal for an evening stroll while enjoying a vibrant culinary adventure.

Final thoughts

For backpackers staying at FUSE Nha Trang Hostels, everything you need is right at your doorstep. FUSE is perfectly located in the heart of Nha Trang, within easy walking distance of all the best street food spots.

FUSE also offers a range of guided tours that let you experience the local food scene and explore the city’s hidden gems. Whether you’re joining the FUSE Cruise or the FUSE Nha Trang Explorer and Ba Ho Waterfall tour. With FUSE as your base, every meal and every tour becomes a chance to connect with local life. Book your stay and tours today to dive into the heart of Nha Trang!