This guide covers the dishes that define Da Nang, where to find them, and how to order without confusion. It focuses on the city center and the beach neighborhoods, with prices in VND and USD. Most of the places listed are street stalls or small family restaurants. That is where the food is best.
The dishes that define Da Nang
Mi quang
Mi quang is the dish most associated with Da Nang, even though it originated in Quang Nam province to the south. The noodles are wide, flat, and yellow, tinted with turmeric. They are served with a small amount of broth, just enough to coat the noodles, not enough to swim in. The toppings vary: pork, shrimp, chicken, quail eggs, or a mix. Crushed peanuts, toasted sesame rice paper, and fresh herbs go on top. A wedge of lime and a slice of chili come on the side.
The broth is the key. It is made from pork or chicken bones, seasoned with fish sauce and sometimes a little coconut water for sweetness. The best bowls have a deep, savory flavor that lingers. Most stalls serve it with a basket of raw herbs: mint, basil, shredded banana flower, and lettuce. Tear them up and mix them in.
Where to eat mi quang in Da Nang:
- Mi Quang Ba Mua (95 Nguyen Chi Thanh): A long-running stall that serves a reliable bowl with pork, shrimp, and quail egg. Around 40,000 VND ($1.60).
- Mi Quang Ba Vi (7 Ha Huy Tap): Popular with locals for its rich broth and generous portions. Expect a wait at lunch.
- Mi Quang Ech (35 Ha Huy Tap): Frog mi quang, a specialty version. The frog is fried until crispy and tossed in the broth. 50,000 VND ($2).
Banh xeo and banh khot
Banh xeo is a crispy crepe made from rice flour and coconut milk, fried in a hot pan with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. It is eaten by tearing off a piece, wrapping it in rice paper with herbs, and dipping it in nuoc cham. The Da Nang version is smaller and crispier than the ones in the south.
Banh khot is the miniature version. Each one is the size of a large coin, cooked in a special pan with divots. The base is crispy, the top is soft, and each piece gets a whole shrimp. They are served with a bowl of fish sauce dipping liquid, pickled carrots, and green mango.
Where to eat them:
- Banh Xeo Ba Duong (K280/23 Hoang Dieu): A family operation that has been frying banh xeo for decades. The batter is thin and shatteringly crisp. 30,000 to 50,000 VND ($1.20 to $2) per person.
- Banh Khot Co Mung (Lô 12, Hoang Sa): A beachside spot that serves banh khot hot off the pan. The view of My Khe Beach is a bonus. 60,000 VND ($2.40) for a plate of 10.
Bun cha ca
Da Nang is a fishing city. Bun cha ca, fish cake noodle soup, is the breakfast of choice for many locals. The broth is clear and light, made from fish bones. The fish cakes are dense and slightly chewy, made from fresh fish paste. The noodles are round and thin, similar to vermicelli. It is served with fresh herbs, sliced chili, and a side of fermented shrimp paste if you want it.
Where to eat:
- Bun Cha Ca 109 (109 Nguyen Chi Thanh): A clean, busy shop that serves a solid bowl with two types of fish cake. 35,000 VND ($1.40).
- Bun Cha Ca Ba Lien (46/2 Nguyen Chi Thanh): A tiny alley shop that packs in the regulars. The broth is noticeably sweeter here, from the fish bones and a touch of pineapple.
Banh canh
Banh canh is a thick noodle soup made from tapioca flour. The noodles are chewy and slippery, and the broth is starchy and rich. In Da Nang, the most common version is banh canh cha ca, with fish cakes, or banh canh cua, with crab. The crab version is the splurge, usually 60,000 to 80,000 VND ($2.40 to $3.20) per bowl.
Where to eat:
- Banh Canh Cua 89 (89 Nguyen Chi Thanh): A no-frills shop that serves a bowl loaded with crab meat, pork, and quail eggs. The broth is thick and satisfying.
- Banh Canh Cha Ca Thanh Van (94 Nguyen Tri Phuong): A local favorite for the fish cake version. Simple, cheap, and filling.
Com ga
Hoi An gets the credit for com ga, but Da Nang does it well too. The chicken is boiled or poached, then shredded over turmeric rice. The rice is cooked with chicken fat and turmeric, giving it a yellow color and a rich flavor. It comes with a small bowl of chicken broth, pickled papaya, and a dipping sauce made from salt, pepper, and lime.
Where to eat:
- Com Ga A Hai (47/5 Nguyen Chi Thanh): A small shop that serves a proper plate of com ga with all the sides. 40,000 VND ($1.60).
Seafood
Da Nang's seafood is the reason many locals never cook at home. The city has a long coastline, and the fishing fleet brings in the catch every morning. The best way to eat it is at one of the seafood restaurants along the beach, or at the night market stalls. Grilled squid, steamed clams with lemongrass, and salt-baked fish are common orders. Prices vary wildly depending on what you order. A meal for two with a few dishes and drinks runs 400,000 to 800,000 VND ($16 to $32).
Where to eat:
- Be Man Seafood (Lo 9, Duong Dinh Nghe): A well-known spot on the beach road. The menu is in Vietnamese, so point at what looks good or ask for the day's catch.
- Hai San Nam Danh (Lo 12, Duong Dinh Nghe): A more local option, slightly cheaper than Be Man, with a focus on grilled items.
Where to eat by neighborhood
My Khe Beach area
The beach neighborhood is where most tourists stay. The food here is a mix of seafood restaurants, cafes, and a few local stalls. The streets closest to the beach, especially Duong Dinh Nghe and Vo Van Kiet, are packed with restaurants. Many of them cater to tourists, with English menus and inflated prices. Walk a block inland and the prices drop sharply.
For a quick meal, try the banh khot at Banh Khot Co Mung (Lô 12, Hoang Sa) or the seafood at Be Man. For something lighter, the smoothie stalls along the beach sell fresh fruit blended with ice and condensed milk for 30,000 VND ($1.20).
Downtown and the Han River
The area around the Han River is where the city's food scene is most concentrated. The streets between the river and the train station, especially Nguyen Chi Thanh, Ha Huy Tap, and Hoang Dieu, are lined with stalls and small restaurants. This is where to find the mi quang, banh canh, and bun cha ca mentioned above. It is also where the night market is, though the food there is more for tourists than locals.
Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra is the mountainous peninsula northeast of the city center. It is mostly forest, with a few villages and beaches. The food options are limited, but the seafood is fresh and the setting is quiet. Man Thai fishing village on the eastern side has a few family-run restaurants that serve what the boats caught that morning. There is no menu. Ask what is available and agree on a price before ordering.
Street food and markets
Con Market
Con Market is the largest market in Da Nang, located on the west bank of the Han River. The food court in the center is a good place to try multiple dishes in one visit. Mi quang, banh xeo, bun cha ca, and che (sweet dessert soup) are all available. The stalls are small and the turnover is high, so the food is fresh. Prices are fair, around 30,000 to 50,000 VND ($1.20 to $2) per dish.
The market is busiest in the morning. Go before 10 a.m. to avoid the crowds and get the best selection. The stalls close by early afternoon.
Han Market
Han Market is on the east bank of the Han River, closer to the tourist area. It is smaller than Con Market and more expensive, but it is convenient. The food court upstairs has a few good stalls, especially for banh xeo and mi quang. Expect to pay a little more here, around 50,000 VND ($2) per dish.
Night markets
Da Nang has two main night markets: one on the east bank of the Han River near the Dragon Bridge, and one on the beach side near My Khe. Both are aimed at tourists. The food is passable but not exceptional. The seafood is the best bet, especially the grilled items. The night markets are better for wandering and snacking than for a serious meal.
Drinks and dessert
Ca phe sua da
Vietnamese iced coffee is everywhere in Da Nang. The standard version is strong Robusta coffee brewed through a metal filter, mixed with condensed milk, and poured over ice. It is sweet and strong. A glass at a local cafe costs 25,000 to 40,000 VND ($1 to $1.60). The tourist cafes near the beach charge double.
For a proper local experience, find a cafe with low plastic stools on the sidewalk. The coffee will be good and the price will be right. For a more modern take, the specialty coffee shops in the downtown area serve pour-over and cold brew, but they cost more.
Sinh to
Sinh to is a fruit smoothie, blended with ice and often sweetened with condensed milk. Da Nang has fruit stalls everywhere. Avocado, mango, and passionfruit are the most common. A large glass costs 25,000 to 40,000 VND ($1 to $1.60). The stalls on the beach side of the city are the most convenient, but the ones downtown are cheaper.
Che
Che is a sweet dessert soup, served cold or warm depending on the type. In Da Nang, the most common versions are che thap cam (mixed) and che troi nuoc (glutinous rice balls in ginger syrup). The stalls at Con Market have a good selection. A bowl costs 20,000 to 30,000 VND ($0.80 to $1.20).
Bia hoi
Bia hoi is fresh beer, brewed daily and served without preservatives. It is cheap, around 8,000 to 12,000 VND ($0.30 to $0.50) per glass, and it is best drunk on a plastic stool while watching the city go by. The bia hoi spots in Da Nang are concentrated around the Han River and in the alleys off Bach Dang Street. The beer is lighter than bottled beer, with a lower alcohol content. It is a good way to cool down after a day of eating.
Where to eat for specific diets
Vegetarian and vegan
Da Nang has a growing vegetarian scene, driven by the Buddhist tradition of eating vegetarian on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month. Many restaurants serve vegetarian versions of local dishes, including mi quang and banh xeo. Look for the sign "quan chay" (vegetarian restaurant). Some reliable options:
- Quan Chay Tam Bao (42 Phan Chau Trinh): A Buddhist vegetarian restaurant with a buffet. All-you-can-eat for 80,000 VND ($3.20).
- Quan Chay Nhu Lai (50 Le Duan): A small restaurant that serves vegetarian versions of central Vietnamese classics.
Halal
Halal food is limited in Da Nang, but it exists. The Muslim population is small, mostly students and a few expats. There are a handful of halal restaurants near the university and in the downtown area. Halal Food Da Nang (132 Nguyen Chi Thanh) serves Vietnamese-style halal dishes, including pho and com tam. For more options, check the Halal food in Vietnam guide.
Gluten-free
Vietnamese food is naturally gluten-free in many cases, since rice flour is the base for most noodles and pancakes. The main risks are soy sauce (which contains wheat) and fish sauce (which is gluten-free but sometimes mixed with soy). For a detailed guide, read the gluten-free in Vietnam article.
Budget breakdown
Da Nang is cheap to eat in, especially compared to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Here is what a day of eating costs:
| Meal | Street stall | Mid-range restaurant |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast (pho, bun cha ca) | 30,000 to 40,000 VND ($1.20 to $1.60) | 60,000 to 80,000 VND ($2.40 to $3.20) |
| Lunch (mi quang, com ga) | 35,000 to 50,000 VND ($1.40 to $2) | 70,000 to 100,000 VND ($2.80 to $4) |
| Dinner (seafood, hotpot) | 100,000 to 150,000 VND ($4 to $6) | 200,000 to 400,000 VND ($8 to $16) |
| Snacks and drinks | 20,000 to 40,000 VND ($0.80 to $1.60) | 50,000 to 80,000 VND ($2 to $3.20) |
A full day of eating at street stalls costs around 200,000 to 300,000 VND ($8 to $12) per person. That includes three meals and a few drinks. For more details on the city's costs, see the Da Nang travel guide.
Practical tips for eating in Da Nang
Timing
Breakfast in Da Nang runs from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Most noodle stalls close by 10 a.m. Lunch starts around 11 a.m. and runs to 1 p.m. Dinner starts early, around 5 p.m., and most street stalls close by 9 p.m. The night markets stay open later, but the food is more tourist-oriented.
Ordering
Most street stalls do not have English menus. Point at what other people are eating, or say the name of the dish and hold up one finger. The staff will understand. If you want less chili, say "khong cay" (not spicy). If you want it without cilantro, say "khong rau thom."
Payment
Cash is king at street stalls. Most do not accept cards. The larger restaurants take cards, but it is safer to carry cash. ATMs are everywhere. For more on money, see the exchanging money in Vietnam guide.
Hygiene
Street food in Da Nang is generally safe, but take precautions. Eat at stalls that are busy, since high turnover means fresh ingredients. Drink bottled or filtered water. Avoid ice unless it is made from filtered water, which most commercial ice in Vietnam is. For a deeper look, read the street food safety guide.
Weather and seating
Da Nang is hot for most of the year. Many street stalls have no air conditioning, just fans and plastic stools. The heat is part of the experience, but it can be intense. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the worst of it. The heat and hydration guide has practical advice for coping.
Nearby food destinations
Hoi An
Hoi An is 30 minutes south of Da Nang by car or motorbike. The food there is different, built around cao lau, white rose dumplings, and banh mi. The old town is touristy, but the food is good. For a full breakdown, see the Hoi An travel guide.
Hue
Hue is 2 hours north of Da Nang. The imperial city has its own cuisine, including bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and banh khoai (a crispy pancake similar to banh xeo). Hue's food is more refined and more complex than Da Nang's. For more on the city, see the Hue travel guide.
Da Lat
Da Lat is in the Central Highlands, about 5 hours from Da Nang by road. The food there is different again, with a focus on fresh produce, coffee, and hot pot. The cooler climate changes what grows and what people eat. See the Da Lat food scene guide for details.
FAQ
Q: What is the most famous dish in Da Nang? Mi quang is the dish most associated with the city. It is a turmeric noodle soup with pork, shrimp, and a small amount of broth, topped with peanuts and herbs.
Q: How much does a meal cost in Da Nang? A bowl of noodles at a street stall costs 30,000 to 50,000 VND ($1.20 to $2). A seafood dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant costs 400,000 to 800,000 VND ($16 to $32).
Q: Is street food safe to eat in Da Nang? Yes, if you eat at busy stalls with high turnover. Avoid raw vegetables that look like they have been sitting out, and drink bottled or filtered water.
Q: What is the difference between banh xeo and banh khot? Banh xeo is a large crispy crepe filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. Banh khot is the same batter cooked in small round molds, topped with a single shrimp. Both are eaten with herbs and fish sauce.
Q: Where can I find vegetarian food in Da Nang? Look for restaurants with the sign "quan chay." These are Buddhist vegetarian restaurants. Quan Chay Tam Bao on Phan Chau Trinh has a buffet for 80,000 VND ($3.20).
Q: What is the best time of day to eat at the markets? Go in the morning, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. The food is freshest and the selection is best. Most market stalls close by early afternoon.
Q: Do restaurants in Da Nang accept credit cards? Street stalls and small restaurants are cash only. Larger restaurants and hotels accept cards, but it is safer to carry cash. ATMs are widely available.