Da Nang Food Guide 2026: What to Eat in Vietnam's Beach City

Da Nang’s food sits in the middle of the central Vietnamese spectrum — less ceremonial than Hue’s royal-influenced cuisine, more substantial than Hoi An’s lighter dishes. Several dishes are specific to Da Nang and central Vietnam.

Mi Quang (turmeric noodle dish)

The signature dish of the region. Yellow rice noodles stained with turmeric served with a very small amount of intensely flavoured broth — this is fundamentally different from pho’s full bowl approach. The flavour is concentrated rather than diluted. Standard toppings: shrimp, pork belly, quail eggs, peanuts, sesame crackers, fresh herbs, banana blossom, and chilli.

Eaten for breakfast and lunch. Available almost everywhere in the city. ₫30,000–55,000 ($1.20–2.20).

Banh Xeo (sizzling rice pancake)

An enormous crispy pancake made from turmeric-yellow rice flour batter fried in a hot iron pan. Filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Eaten by breaking pieces off, wrapping in rice paper with lettuce and herbs, and dipping in peanut sauce.

The Da Nang version is larger and crispier than the versions found further south. ₫35,000–60,000 ($1.40–2.40) per pancake (usually big enough to share).

Banh Trang Nuong (grilled rice paper)

Street food specific to Da Nang. Rice paper grilled over charcoal, topped with egg, dried shrimp, spring onion, and various sauces. The result is a crispy disc — sometimes called “Vietnamese pizza” informally. Sold at evening street food stalls. ₫20,000–35,000 ($0.80–1.40).

Com Ga Da Nang (Da Nang chicken rice)

The Da Nang version of chicken rice — different from the Hoi An cao lau or Saigon com tam. Poached chicken shredded over broken rice (com tam style) with a turmeric-dyed rice and a clear chicken broth on the side. The chicken is typically seasoned with turmeric and lemongrass before poaching.

₫35,000–60,000 ($1.40–2.40).

Bun Cha Ca (fish cake noodle soup)

Da Nang’s fish cake (cha ca) is made from fresh whitefish pounded with spices and fried into cakes. Served in a light broth over rice vermicelli with tomato, dill, and pineapple — the pineapple addition is a central Vietnam characteristic.

₫30,000–50,000 ($1.20–2).

Nam O Fish Sauce

Nam O village west of the city is the traditional production area for Da Nang’s fish sauce. The fish sauce produced here is intensely flavoured. Available to buy at Nam O village market or specialty food shops in the city.

Seafood

Da Nang’s coastal position means fresh seafood is consistently available. The My Khe beachfront restaurants serve the freshest catch. Whole grilled fish (ca thu — wahoo tuna, ca thu is specifically valued here), fresh crab, and clams are the best choices. Market prices at Cho Con (the main fish market): significantly cheaper than beach restaurants, same quality.

Banh Mi Da Nang

The local banh mi has more fresh herbs and fish sauce than the Saigon version. Less pate-forward, more herbal. Available from street carts throughout the city from 06:00. ₫20,000–35,000 ($0.80–1.40).