Danang, Vietnam’s third-largest city, is a vibrant coastal destination in the country’s central region. Known for its stunning beaches and iconic landmarks like the Golden Hand Bridge in Bana Hills, Danang is a must-visit for travelers exploring Vietnam. Just a short 30-minute drive from the ancient town of Hoi An, this city offers a rich blend of culture, scenery, and—most importantly—delicious food.
While many food lovers are familiar with Danang’s signature dish, Mì Quảng, I discovered a world of lesser-known culinary gems waiting to be explored in the local market and on the streetside.
Discovering Local Flavors at Cho Con Market
Markets are often the best places to experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and Danang’s Cho Con Market was no exception. This lively market offered everything from clothing to fresh produce, but the food court truly stole the show. Unlike restaurants catering to tourist, the prices here were budget-friendly, making it an excellent spot for food lovers looking for genuine local flavors.
One intriguing dish I stumbled upon was a rich and hearty beef rice porridge called “Cháo Bò”. At first glance, I mistook it for a potato curry, but the yellow chunks were actually the fat layer of brisket. The dish featured slow-simmered rice in a flavorful beef stock, accompanied by a variety of meats such as raw tenderloin, brisket, tendons, and beef sausage. One highlight was the giant beef ball, made from minced beef, which added an extra layer of texture and depth to the meal. Imagine Phở noodle soup but in porridge form—comforting, rich, and absolutely delicious!
Another standout dish was ‘Nem Lụi’ or grilled pork skewer with lemongrass, which could be enjoyed in two ways: as a wrap or in a vermicelli noodle bowl. The selection of grilled pork options was impressive, including fermented pork, pork wrapped in grape leaves, pork belly, and crispy banh xeo (Vietnamese crepes). The wrap version is often the preferred local way to eat this dish. I love how this dish is presented as a giant colorful platter of fresh lettuce, a variety of herbs, cucumber slices, pickled daikon, and carrots, along with dry rice paper. You can understand now why they say Vietnamese food is one of the healthiest with all the green and herbs. The secret to a great wrap was layering all the ingredients before rolling it up and dipping it into a thick, savory soy-based sauce. The combination of flavors and textures made this dish one of my favorites of the trip.
Sweet Treats
No food adventure is complete without dessert, and Cho Con Market did not disappoint. Among the many vendors selling “chè” (Vietnamese sweet soups and puddings), I was drawn to a giant bowl of bright red tapioca pearls and gelatin. This dessert is called Xoa Xoa Hạt Lụu because the tapioca pearls look like pomegranate seeds. It’s served in a glass with white gelatin, black grass jelly, mung bean paste, and tapioca pearls, all topped with creamy coconut milk. Stirring the ingredients together and letting the ice melt created a refreshingly cool and balanced dessert—not too sweet, but just right.
Danang's Street Eats
In the evening, I set out to try some popular street eats in central Danang. Of course, a must-try in any city of Vietnam is local bánh mì. A popular shop in town called ‘Bánh Mì Gà Cô Chi’ is known for its Bánh Mi Gà, a chicken floss baguette sandwich. This vendor had been perfecting their craft for over 33 years, and their reputation spoke for itself. The sandwich was simple yet flavorful, featuring chicken floss, homemade mayo, chili sauce, pickled green papaya, and cucumber slices. The secret to its success? Their homemade mayo, which was incredibly light and creamy, and their house-made chili sauce, adding the perfect kick.
The second local specialty is Bún Chả Cá, a fish cake vermicelli noodle soup. Unlike the version I had tried in Nha Trang, this one had a completely different flavor profile. The broth was made from a medley of vegetables, including cabbage, tomatoes, squash, pineapple, and bamboo shoots, all simmered with crab balls and fish cakes. The result was a light yet incredibly flavorful soup reminiscent of Bún Riêu, with fresh, seafood-forward toppings that left a lasting impression. It was so delicious that it quickly became one of my favorite Vietnamese noodle soups.
Danang is a foodie paradise
After exploring Danang’s diverse food scene, I gained a newfound appreciation for its local specialties. From hearty beef porridge and flavorful grilled pork wraps to refreshing sweet treats and unforgettable noodle soups, this city is a paradise for food lovers. And this is just scratching the surface—there’s still so much more to try, which is the perfect excuse for me to come back again!
If you’re planning a trip to Danang, Vietnam, make sure to explore these hidden culinary gems. You won’t be disappointed!
How to find places mentioned:
Cho Con Market https://goo.gl/maps/duhtewui5grq8xei7
Look for the stalls with these names:
1/ Cháo chả bò – Beef Sausage Porridge
2/ Nem Lụi – Grilled Pork Skewers
3/ Chè Xoa Xoa Hạt Lụu – Vietnamese soupy dessert with tapioca pearls and gelatin
Hai Chau District
4/ Bánh Mi Gà – Banh Mi Chicken Floss https://goo.gl/maps/c588ggBZbzNa1H6w9
5/ Bún Chả Cá – Vermicelli Noodle Soup with Fish Cake https://goo.gl/maps/SCpiDy7ZaH6cA2Hq7
