Best Restaurants in Da Lat 2026: Banh Mi, Hotpot and Highland Food

Da Lat’s food scene is a mix of highland produce specialties, French-influenced techniques, and innovative Vietnamese cooking. The cool climate produces ingredients not found elsewhere in Vietnam.

Banh Mi Hotpot (Lau Banh Mi)

A Da Lat invention. Sliced baguette dipped in a beef and tomato fondue broth, similar to a French fondue but with Vietnamese spicing. Originated in Da Lat because of the French baguette tradition and the cool evenings that make fondue-style eating appealing.

Available at small restaurants near the central market. ₫50,000–80,000 ($2–3.20) per portion.

Avocado dishes

Da Lat grows avocados (one of the few places in Vietnam where the climate permits). Avocado milk shake (sinh to bo) and avocado ice cream are local specialties. The avocado smoothie — blended avocado with condensed milk and ice — is rich and substantial. ₫25,000–40,000 ($1–1.60).

Highland barbecue (Banh Trang Nuong Da Lat)

Rice paper grilled over charcoal with egg, spring onion, and dried shrimp — similar to the Da Nang version but Da Lat claims the dish as their own in a slightly different form. Evening street food. ₫15,000–30,000 ($0.60–1.20).

Banh Mi Da Lat

Da Lat’s banh mi uses a lighter, crispier baguette than the southern versions — attributed to the French colonial bakery tradition. The local style is simple: pate, butter, pickles, and fresh herbs. No egg version is common. ₫20,000–40,000 ($0.80–1.60).

Strawberries and local produce

Da Lat strawberries — smaller and more flavourful than supermarket equivalents — are sold at the market and from roadside stalls throughout the area. Artichoke tea (Atiso tea) is a Da Lat specialty drink. Fresh raspberry jam and preserved strawberries are popular market purchases.

Lam Vien Restaurant

The city’s most recommended restaurant for set-menu highland cuisine. Dishes incorporate local produce (artichoke soup, grilled highland venison, forest mushroom dishes). ₫150,000–350,000 ($6–14) per person.

Long Hoa Restaurant

A long-established local favourite. Vietnamese food with highland ingredients. Simple, unpretentious, and consistently good. ₫80,000–180,000 ($3.20–7.20) per person.

Night market (Cho Da Lat Night Market)

The area below the main market building operates as a street food night market from 17:00. Grilled corn (with salt and lime butter), banh trang nuong, strawberry drinks, fresh fruit, and various street snacks. ₫10,000–40,000 ($0.40–1.60) per item.