Top 7 Dishes to Eat in Nha Trang in 2025 (Local Guide)

Must-Try Local Dishes in Nha Trang (2025 Guide)

Famous for its scenic coastline and thriving fishing culture, Nha Trang is not just a beach destination—it’s a culinary treasure of Vietnam. In 2025, the city's vibrant food scene continues to draw in foodies from around the world. Combining ultra-fresh seafood, traditional recipes, Thai-influenced stir-fried dishes, and flavorful street food, here are the must-try local dishes when visiting Nha Trang.

1. Bun Cha Ca – Grilled Fish Noodle Soup

This signature Nha Trang dish features rice vermicelli (rice noodles), grilled fish fillets marinated with lemongrass, fresh ginger, and onion, topped with chopped scallions and cilantro. Served in a savory, slightly salty broth with peanuts, lime juice, and a touch of sriracha or chili sauce. A tablespoon or two of fish-sauce and a teaspoon of rice vinegar gives it a bright finish.

2. Nem Nuong – Grilled Pork Skewers

These minced and grilled pork skewers are served with crispy rice paper, sliced cucumber, shredded carrot, pickled cabbage, and fresh herbs. The dipping sauce is often a rich blend of hoisin-sauce, peanut sauce, soy-sauce, and lime juice. Rolled up summer rolls or fresh spring rolls style, this dish is crunchy, sweet-and-sour, and deeply satisfying.

3. Banh Can – Mini Vietnamese Pancakes

These bite-sized pancakes are made in boiling-hot clay molds and filled with shrimp, tofu, or quail eggs. Often garnished with scallions, chopped shallots, and served with chili dipping sauce or hoisin-based dip. Perfect as weeknight appetizers or light bites.

4. Hai San Nha Trang – Fresh Seafood

From steamed clams and mussels to stir-fried squid, fried rice prawns, or BBQ fish, the seafood scene in Nha Trang is unbeatable. Try grilled scallops with sesame-oil, soy-sauce, and garlic. Dishes are tossed in woks with ginger, bok-choy, broccoli, or mushroom over high-heat. A tablespoon of miso or a set-aside marinade with fresh herbs adds umami depth.

5. Bo Nuong La Lot – Beef in Betel Leaves

Thinly sliced beef or steak, marinated with lemongrass, garlic, soy-sauce, and green onions, is wrapped in betel leaves and grilled. Served with rice noodle salad bowls, veggies, and hoisin-based sauce. Often cooked over medium or high heat or in a skillet. Brisket and leftover cuts are also common variations.

6. Che Nha Trang – Vietnamese Sweet Desserts

A colorful medley of coconut milk, boiled beans, tapioca pearls, and chopped or grated fruits like banana or mango. Often served in small bowls, topped with shaved ice and sesame syrup. Sometimes sweetened with a tablespoon of rice vinegar or complemented with peeled lychee or longan.

7. Banh Xeo – Crispy Vietnamese Crepe

A giant turmeric-infused crepe filled with stir-fried shrimp, pork, mushrooms, and bean sprouts. Served with lettuce, mint, sliced cucumber, pickled carrots, and cabbage. Wrap spring-roll style and dip into sweet-and-sour or peanut sauce. A gluten free option for many travelers. Udon or rice noodle soup are also commonly paired side dishes.

Bonus Mentions

• Vietnamese Pho (especially chicken noodle soup or beef noodle soup with brisket and garnishes)

• Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle stew from nearby Hue, often served in Saigon-style eateries)

• Banh Mi (French-inspired Vietnamese sandwich with chopped pork or fried tofu)

FAQ – Food in Nha Trang (2025)

What is the most iconic dish in Nha Trang?
Bun Cha Ca (grilled fish noodle soup with rice vermicelli) is widely considered the city’s signature dish.

Is it possible to eat well in Nha Trang on a budget?
Absolutely! Street food like pho, egg rolls, fried rice, and chow-style stir-fry bowls are delicious and affordable.

Where to find the best seafood in Nha Trang?
Visit the night markets or BBQ stalls near the harbor where cooks prepare seafood with dipping sauces and wok-tossed veggies.

What Vietnamese desserts should I try?
Che is the go-to: a sweet mix of tapioca, coconut milk, lime juice, carrots, sesame, and fruit. Often served cold in bowls.

Are there vegetarian options available?
Yes! Many Vietnamese dishes use tofu, mushrooms, shallots, bok-choy, and finely chopped veggies. Options include fried tofu with soy-sauce, miso udon, and curry rice bowls.

Conclusion

Exploring the cuisine of Nha Trang in 2025 is a full sensory adventure into Vietnamese cooking. From fish-sauce-laced soups and spicy stews to weeknight stir-fry meals, bun bo noodle soups, and deep fried spring rolls, every dish tells a flavorful story. Whether you're enjoying leftovers in a skillet or savoring a Saigon-style chicken noodle pho at a Vietnamese restaurant—this coastal city is a feast waiting to happen.

"Behind every dish lies a story. Welcome to Nha Trang—where the sea and tradition meet on your plate."