Breathtaking landscapes like the untouched Vinh Hy Bay, the mystical Hang Rai (Rai Cave), or the expansive Nam Cuong sand dunes will undoubtedly captivate you. However, a journey to Ninh Thuan would be incomplete without indulging in the unique dishes, infused with the essence of the sun, the wind, and the distinct Cham culture.
Cham Cultural Imprints and Climate: The Soul of Ninh Thuan's Cuisine
Ninh Thuan's cuisine possesses a very distinct identity, shaped by two primary elements: the harsh natural conditions and the profound influence of Cham culture. This very interplay has given rise to unique dishes that cannot be found anywhere else.
The year-round hot and dry climate, with its blowing wind and sand, seemingly harsh, ironically provides the ideal conditions for the formation of distinctive local produce. This region has become the "capital" of mountain goats and boasts the largest sheep population in the country, grazing freely on the hills, mountains, and semi-deserts. This explains why Ninh Thuan's goat and sheep meat has a superior, naturally sweet, and firm quality.
Furthermore, Cham culture has breathed soul into the local cuisine, evident in numerous dishes and sophisticated preparation methods. The Cham people favor grilling and boiling over stir-frying, a clever adaptation to the hot climate. They also highly value refreshing soups like canh bồi (a type of vegetable soup with fish) and canh rau tập tàng (mixed vegetable soup) to balance body heat.
Spices are also a crucial part of what makes Cham cuisine unique, with the generous use of lemongrass, galangal, chili, and especially fermented fish sauces (mưthin) such as mắm nêm (fermented anchovy sauce) and mắm lòng cá (fermented fish intestine sauce). The renowned bánh căn (savory mini pancakes) also originates from the Cham community, a testament to their skillful utilization of local rice grains. Cham cuisine is not about elaborate artistry but rather emphasizes simplicity and sophistication, evident even in rustic dishes like plain rice porridge or fried eggplant.
Ninh Thuan's Mountain and Hillside Specialties: The Famous Goat, Sheep, and Sand Lizard
When it comes to Ninh Thuan's cuisine, one cannot overlook the famous trio of specialties closely associated with its mountains, hills, and sandy plains: goat meat, sheep meat, and sand lizard. The natural grazing method, allowing goats and sheep to roam freely and feed on wild grasses on the sun-drenched, windy slopes, has created a superior meat quality that is hard to match elsewhere.
Goat and Sheep Meat:
Ninh Thuan proudly holds the title of having the largest sheep population in the country and being the "capital" of mountain goats. The sheep here are primarily raised for meat, feeding entirely on natural grasses, resulting in a distinctive sweet aroma, not as strong as many might think.
From these two precious ingredients, the people of Ninh Thuan have created countless enticing dishes. Goat meat can be prepared in the famous "7-course goat," grilled on skewers, grilled with satay sauce, grilled with fermented bean curd sauce, steamed with perilla leaves, stir-fried, in hot pot, in curry, or as dê tái chanh (rare goat with lime). The grilled goat, marinated with traditional Cham spices like lemongrass and galangal, offers a particularly pungent and aromatic flavor.
Sheep meat is equally diverse, featuring herb-grilled lamb, honey-grilled lamb, tender and sweet grilled lamb ribs, steamed lamb with wild curry leaves, stir-fried lamb, lamb curry, lamb with grape sauce, or phá lấu cừu (a type of offal stew). The richness in preparation methods shows how integral goat and sheep are to the local culinary life.
Suggested Addresses: Lau De Tai Ky (179 21/8 Street), De Nui Ninh Binh (6 Luong The Vinh Street), Lau De Tri Tam (174 Thong Nhat Street), Quan Cuu O Vuong (123 Tran Quang Dieu Street), Dui Cuu Nuong A Loc (40 Pham Ngu Lao Street).
Sand Lizard:
The sand lizard, a small reptile living in arid sandy burrows, is another renowned and unique specialty of Ninh Thuan, often associated with the cuisine of the Cham people. The meat of the sand lizard is considered nutritious, with a sweet, fragrant, and tender taste.
The most popular and beloved way to prepare sand lizard is grilling over charcoal. The lizard is cleaned, marinated with simple seasonings, and then grilled until golden brown and fragrant. Grilled sand lizard is usually served with chili salt, fresh herbs, and unripe banana.
In addition, sand lizard can also be made into a refreshing salad or a flavorful stir-fry with lemongrass and chili. Sand lizard dishes are often eaten with rice paper or vermicelli to enhance their appeal and make them more filling.
Suggested Addresses: Nha Hang Hoa Thien Ly (30 Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street), Quan Bong Giay (Hung Vuong Street), Nha Hang Dong Duong (249 Ngo Gia Tu Street).
The Salty Flavors of the Sea: Jellyfish Vermicelli, Mai Fish Salad, and Fresh Seafood
With its advantage of a long coastline, Ninh Thuan also treats visitors to fresh seafood dishes imbued with the salty taste of the ocean. Freshness is the top factor contributing to the appeal of these dishes.
Jellyfish Vermicelli (Bún Sứa):
This is a simple yet beloved dish that always makes it onto the list of must-try specialties. The main ingredient is fresh, small, translucent white jellyfish that have a crunchy texture without causing any itchiness.
A full bowl of bún sứa usually includes steamed or fried fish cakes, quail eggs, and a rich, sweet, and savory fish-based broth. When eating, you can add a little shrimp paste, satay sauce, and fresh herbs to enrich the flavor. With its affordable price, this is an excellent choice for a quality meal.
Suggested Addresses: Bun Sua Ca Kieu (70 Le Loi Street), Quan Bun Sua 85 Le Loi Street.
Mai Fish Salad (Gỏi Cá Mai):
Gỏi cá mai is a unique culinary highlight, particularly famous in the Ninh Chu and Vinh Hy coastal areas. The dish uses fresh mai fish, a small, translucent fish with sweet, firm, and less fishy meat that doesn't fall apart easily.
The fish is cleaned, deboned, and then quickly "cooked" by marinating in lime juice or vinegar. After that, the fish is mixed with sliced onions, julienned ginger, herbs, and topped with crushed roasted peanuts.
The "soul" of the salad lies in the special dipping sauce, meticulously prepared from high-quality fish sauce, finely ground peanuts, garlic, chili, sugar, and tamarind juice, creating a harmonious blend of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors that awakens all the senses. Gỏi cá mai is often rolled in rice paper with fresh herbs. Experiencing this dish at the seaside eateries or floating restaurants in Vinh Hy will make it even more enjoyable.
Suggested Addresses: Eateries and restaurants along Ninh Chu beach, Vinh Hy Bay area (Nha Be Vinh Hy Quan, Hai San Tuoi Song Phuoc Thuy).
Other Seafood:
In Ninh Thuan, you also have the opportunity to savor countless other fresh seafood varieties. One-sun dried squid (mực một nắng) is a famous specialty, made from the freshest squid dried under just one day of strong sunshine. Grilled over charcoal, it emits a fragrant aroma, with sweet, chewy, and crunchy meat that is perfect with chili sauce.
In addition, various types of snails (cone snails, sweet snails, etc.), lobsters, king crabs, and blue crabs are always available at seaside restaurants. The seafood is caught daily, retaining its natural fresh sweetness, and prepared in various ways such as steaming, grilling, and stir-frying according to diners' preferences.
Suggested Addresses for One-Sun Dried Squid: Nha Hang Hai Au (Binh Son), Vuon Hai San (Yen Ninh).
Suggested Addresses for General Seafood: Quan Pho Oc (Ngo Gia Tu Street), Vuon Hai San (Yen Ninh), Nha Hang Nha Mat, Son Ca, Sao Bien, Ninh Chu Sea (Ninh Chu Area), Nha Be Vinh Hy.
The World of Ninh Thuan's Cakes and Pancakes: Bánh Căn, Bánh Xèo, Bánh Tráng, Bánh Hỏi
Ninh Thuan's cuisine also leaves a strong impression with its rice flour-based cakes and pancakes, which are both rustic and refined, simple yet appealing. These are indispensable dishes in the local street food scene and daily meals.
Bánh Căn & Bánh Xèo:
These are considered an inseparable duo, a specialty that anyone visiting Ninh Thuan must try. Bánh căn, with its origins in Cham culture, together with bánh xèo (crispy savory pancake), creates a unique culinary feature.
Both types of cakes are made from rice flour (glutinous rice flour can be added to bánh căn), but they are cooked in small, charming terracotta molds on a glowing charcoal stove – a characteristic technique of Ninh Thuan. This cooking method makes the crust crispy while keeping the inside soft and chewy. Pork fat is also used instead of cooking oil when making bánh xèo to enhance its crispiness and rich flavor.
The fillings are diverse, ranging from fresh seafood like shrimp and squid to minced meat, quail eggs, and chicken eggs. However, the true highlight that differentiates Ninh Thuan's bánh căn and bánh xèo is the rich variety of accompanying dipping sauces. Instead of just one type of sweet and sour fish sauce like in many other places, here you can enjoy up to 3-4 types: rich mắm nêm, savory and nutty peanut sauce, fragrant braised fish sauce, or a harmonious sweet and sour chili-lime/tomato-chili fish sauce.
The best way to enjoy bánh căn and bánh xèo is when they are piping hot, eaten while blowing on them, wrapped in fresh herbs, bean sprouts, shredded green mango, and dipped generously in your favorite sauce. Locals often enjoy this dish in the morning or cool evenings.
Suggested Addresses: Banh Can Hai (Yen Ninh Street, near the former Thai Binh Duong Resort), Banh Can Ho Ca (80 Tran Quang Dieu Street), Banh Xeo Que Huong (133 Tran Quang Dieu Street), Banh Can Muc 58 Le Loi Street, Banh Can/Xeo Vinh (Binh Son Sea Park).
Bánh Tráng Mắm Ruốc (Grilled Rice Paper with Fermented Shrimp Paste):
This is a famous street snack that captivates many food lovers, especially young people. A moderately thick sesame rice paper is grilled until crispy over a charcoal stove.
What creates its distinctive flavor is the fragrant and rich layer of stir-fried fermented shrimp paste (mắm ruốc) spread evenly on the surface of the rice paper. On top are various enticing toppings such as whisked quail or chicken eggs, chopped scallions, dried shrimp, fermented pork roll (nem chua), and Vietnamese sausage (chả lụa).
When the rice paper is crispy, the strong aroma of mắm ruốc mingled with the scent of scallions and eggs creates an irresistible allure.
Suggested Addresses: Banh Trang Nuong Ngon Ngon (My Huong), Banh Trang Nuong Cay Me (314 Thong Nhat Street), Banh Trang Nuong Co Ha (31 Luong Van Can Street).
Bánh Hỏi Lòng Heo (Fine Rice Vermicelli with Pork Offal):
A familiar dish for breakfast or a light meal for the people of Ninh Thuan, bánh hỏi lòng heo is also a specialty worth trying. The dish consists of meticulously prepared, snow-white, soft, and smooth fine rice vermicelli arranged neatly on a plate.
Accompanying it is fresh pork offal, boiled to perfection to retain its crispiness and ensure hygiene. The bánh hỏi is often drizzled with glistening scallion oil for added appeal.
The dipping sauce is also an important element, usually a well-seasoned mắm nêm, a rich and nutty peanut sauce, or a special tomato sauce. When eating, you wrap a piece of bánh hỏi and a piece of pork offal with fresh herbs and dip it into the flavorful sauce.
Suggested Addresses: Banh Hoi Chuc (16 Nguyen Khuyen Street), Pork Offal Fine Rice Vermicelli stall in Phan Rang Market (Thong Nhat Street).
Bold Flavors of Phan Rang: Renowned Chicken Rice and Unforgettable Fermented Fish Noodle Soup
Phan Rang - Thap Cham city, the heart of Ninh Thuan, proudly possesses two iconic dishes that contribute to defining the local culinary scene: Chicken Rice and Bún mắm nêm. These are flavors that visitors should not miss when setting foot in this land.
Phan Rang Chicken Rice (Cơm Gà Phan Rang):
Phan Rang Chicken Rice is renowned as a must-try delicacy on the Ninh Thuan culinary journey. The difference of this chicken rice lies in two core elements: the quality of the chicken and the way the rice is cooked.
The chicken used must be free-range chicken, raised on the sunny and windy land, so the meat is very firm, the skin is golden, the taste is rich and sweet, and it has a moderate chewiness without being mushy. The rice used for cooking is a fragrant and sticky variety, washed and then cooked with chicken broth and a little turmeric to create a beautiful yellow color and a characteristic rich and fragrant flavor.
When served, a hot, golden plate of rice will be accompanied by a plate of chopped or shredded chicken. An indispensable accompaniment is a bowl of sweet and sour ginger-garlic-chili fish sauce or a pungent chili-lime salt. Some places also serve stir-fried chicken gizzards with loofah or sour chicken soup with lá giang leaves to complete the meal.
A unique feature is that some eateries still maintain the traditional way of selling: customers pay for each piece of chicken they eat. However, it should also be noted that the quality and price can vary between different establishments, and some diners have had negative experiences at a frequently mentioned address, so you may want to consider other options.
Suggested Addresses: Com Ga Duc (11 or 15 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street), Com Ga Khanh Ky (61 Tran Quang Dieu Street or QL1A Ninh Phuoc - note some mixed reviews).
Bún Mắm Nêm (Fermented Fish Noodle Soup):
Although simple, bún mắm nêm is a unique dish that bears the strong imprint of Phan Rang's cuisine. This dish can be "addictive" due to the characteristic flavor of mắm nêm – the dipping sauce considered the soul of the dish.
Phan Rang's mắm nêm is made from fresh anchovies, salted and fermented in earthenware jars for 20 to 60 days until ripe, creating a rich sour and salty flavor with a distinct sweet aftertaste. The quality of the mắm nêm largely determines the success of this vermicelli dish.
A full bowl of bún mắm nêm includes fresh vermicelli, boiled pork (usually pork belly or pig's ear), fried or steamed fish cakes, and sometimes Vietnamese sausage. It is served with fresh herbs such as bean sprouts, lettuce, and aromatic herbs, especially basil leaves and crispy shredded water spinach, along with sliced pickled eggplant and sour shredded green mango.
When eating, diners simply mix all the ingredients with the pre-seasoned mắm nêm to allow the flavors to meld together. The harmony between the saltiness of the fermented sauce, the sweetness of the meat and fish cakes, the sourness of the mango, the spiciness of the chili, and the freshness of the herbs creates an unforgettable symphony of flavors.
Suggested Addresses: Bun Mam Nem Chi Thao (Opposite the Cham Cultural Center), Bun Mam Nem Ho Ca (Opposite Ho Ca Lake), Bun Mam Nem Co Hoa (My Tan Port), Quan Ba Thuan (21/10 Ho Xuan Huong Street), Bun Mam Nem 183 Ngo Gia Tu Street.
Gifts from the Land of Sun and Wind: Grapes, Garlic, and Local Specialties to Bring Home
After your journey of exploring and savoring Ninh Thuan's cuisine, don't forget to bring home some local specialties infused with the flavors of the sun and wind to share with your loved ones. These unique products are not only delicious but also serve as souvenirs of a truly fascinating land.
Ninh Thuan Grapes:
Grapes are considered a "legend," a symbol of Ninh Thuan's agricultural products. The characteristic hot and dry climate is perfectly suited for grapevines to thrive, producing bunches of grapes with a very unique flavor.
Ninh Thuan has two main popular types of grapes: red grapes and green grapes. Red grapes usually have a sweet and slightly sour taste, while green grapes are sweeter, sometimes with a slightly tart skin.
Not just for eating fresh, Ninh Thuan grapes are also processed into many other appealing products. Grape wine with its rich and sweet flavor is a popular gift. Besides that, there is also grape syrup, chewy and fragrant dried grapes, grape jam, and salted dried grapes.
An unmissable and enjoyable experience is visiting the vast grape orchards. Visitors can freely take photos among the laden vines, hand-pick fresh bunches of grapes, and enjoy them right in the orchard or buy them as gifts at good prices.
Suggested Vineyards: Thai An Grape Garden (Ninh Hai), Ba Moi Grape Garden (Ninh Phuoc), An Grape Garden (Vinh Hai), Ngoc Nga Grape Garden.
Other Purchase Locations: My Tuong Market (Nhon Hai), Canh Trang Company (Phan Rang).
Reference Prices: Purple grapes around 50,000 - 60,000 VND/kg, green grapes around 70,000 - 80,000 VND/kg.
Ninh Thuan Garlic (Phan Rang Garlic):
Although not as widely famous as grapes, garlic is a precious specialty, bearing the strong imprint of the arid land of Ninh Thuan. The garlic here, especially the garlic grown in the Nhon Hai area, has very unique characteristics.
Ninh Thuan garlic usually has small but very firm cloves, with a characteristic strong aroma that is not too pungent. What makes Ninh Thuan garlic valuable is its high medicinal properties and organic farming methods, limiting harmful chemicals.
Your Culinary Compass to Ninh Thuan: Where to Find the Most Authentic Flavors
To make your Ninh Thuan food adventure even smoother, here's a curated list of highly-regarded eateries and restaurants, praised by both locals and fellow travelers. These recommendations are based on the signature dishes we've highlighted, guiding you straight to the places where you can savor the most genuine tastes of Ninh Thuan.
Savoring by Dish:
Bánh Căn / Bánh Xèo (Mini Savory Pancakes / Crispy Pancakes):
- Quán Hải: Yen Ninh Street, Khanh Hai (near Ninh Chu beach, opposite Sunrise Hotel).
- Quán Hồ Cá: 80 or 89 Tran Quang Dieu Street, Thanh Son Ward, Phan Rang City.
- Quán Bánh xèo Quê Hương: 133 Tran Quang Dieu Street, Thanh Son Ward, Phan Rang City.
- Quán Bánh căn mực (Squid Bánh Căn): 58 Le Loi Street, Kinh Dinh Ward, Phan Rang City.
- Quán Bánh căn/xèo Vinh: Binh Son Sea Park, 16/4 Street, Phan Rang City.
Thịt Dê / Thịt Cừu (Goat Meat / Sheep Meat):
- Quán Cừu Ô Vương (O Vuong Sheep Restaurant): 123 Tran Quang Dieu Street, Thanh Son Ward, Phan Rang City (with other branches).
- Lẩu dê Trí Tâm (Tri Tam Goat Hot Pot): 174 Thong Nhat Street, Thanh Son Ward, Phan Rang City.
- Đùi cừu nướng A Lộc (A Loc Grilled Lamb Leg): 40 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Phuoc My Ward, Phan Rang City.
- Dê Núi Ninh Bình (Ninh Binh Mountain Goat): 6 Luong The Vinh Street, Phuoc My Ward, Phan Rang City.
- Lẩu Dê Mã Phát (Ma Phat Goat Hot Pot): TM 45-1 Cao Ba Quat Street, Thanh Son Ward, Phan Rang City.
Dông Cát (Sand Lizard):
- Nhà hàng Hoa Thiên Lý (Hoa Thien Ly Restaurant): 19 or 30 Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, Tan Tai Ward, Phan Rang City.
- Quán Bông Giấy (Bougainvillea Restaurant): Hung Vuong Street, My Huong Ward, Phan Rang City.
- Nhà hàng Đông Dương (Indochine Restaurant): 249 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Phan Rang City.
Bún Sứa (Jellyfish Vermicelli):
- Quán Bún sứa Cá Kiều (Ca Kieu Jellyfish Vermicelli): 70 Le Loi Street, Kinh Dinh Ward, Phan Rang City.
- Quán Bún sứa 85 Lê Lợi (85 Le Loi Jellyfish Vermicelli): 85 Le Loi Street, Phan Rang City.
Gỏi Cá Mai (Mai Fish Salad):
- Various eateries and restaurants along Ninh Chu beach and Vinh Hy Bay.
Cơm Gà Phan Rang (Phan Rang Chicken Rice):
- Cơm gà Đức (Duc Chicken Rice): 11 or 15 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, My Huong Ward, Phan Rang City.
- Cơm gà Khánh Kỳ (Khanh Ky Chicken Rice): 61 Tran Quang Dieu Street, Thanh Son Ward, Phan Rang City (or National Highway 1A, Ninh Phuoc).
Bún Mắm Nêm (Fermented Fish Noodle Soup):
- Quán Bà Thuận (Ba Thuan Restaurant): 21/10 Ho Xuan Huong Street, Phan Rang City.
- Quán 183 Ngô Gia Tự (183 Ngo Gia Tu Restaurant): 183 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Phan Rang City.
- Quán Chị Thảo (Chi Thao Restaurant): Opposite the Cham Cultural Center, Phan Rang City.
Bánh Canh Chả Cá (Fish Cake Thick Noodle Soup):
- Quán Bà Bốn (Ba Bon Restaurant): 75 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Phan Rang City.
- Quán Nhường (Nhuong Restaurant): 284 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Tan Tai Ward, Phan Rang City.
- Quán Bà Bảy (Ba Bay Restaurant): Truong Chinh Street, Van Hai Ward (Opposite Truc Lam Zen Monastery).
Hải Sản Tươi Sống (Fresh Seafood):
- Ninh Chu Area: Nha Hang Nha Mat (Saigon-Ninh Chu Resort), Son Ca Restaurant, Sao Bien Restaurant, Ninh Chu Sea Restaurant, Pho Oc Restaurant (343 Ngo Gia Tu Street).
- Vinh Hy Area: Nha Be Vinh Hy Quan (Vinh Hy Floating Restaurant), Hai San Tuoi Song Phuoc Thuy (Phuoc Thuy Fresh Seafood), Quan hai san 85 (85 Seafood Restaurant).
- Phan Rang: Vuon Hai San (242 Yen Ninh Street).
General Eateries & Noteworthy Restaurants:
Beyond specialty spots, Phan Rang also boasts restaurants serving a diverse range of dishes or with unique styles:
- Nhà hàng Chốn Quê (Chon Que Restaurant): Quarter 2, Dai Son Ward, Phan Rang City. Specializes in rustic countryside dishes in a Southern Vietnam garden setting.
- Eat & Meet Restaurant: K1 Area (Opposite Hacom Apartment), Phan Rang City. Serves seafood and European cuisine, with a foreign chef and a modern ambiance.
- Nhà Hàng Phan Rang RES: 434 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Phan Rang City. Specializes in European dishes, especially steak, with a cozy atmosphere.
- HaNi Home Restaurant: 9C Le Loi Street, Phan Rang City. Known for Thai-style seafood, various American beef dishes with different sauces, and nutritious braised dishes.
- Vegetarian Restaurants: For vegetarian options, consider OM Vegetarian (K1 Area), Sala Vegetarian Cuisine (K1 Area), Thien Nhan Vegetarian Restaurant (Ton Dan Street), Doai Vegetarian Restaurant (Suoi Lo O, Vinh Hy).
- King BBQ Buffet: 4th Floor, Vincom Plaza Phan Rang. A familiar Korean BBQ buffet choice.
- Riverside Garden View Restaurants: Check reviews from channels like Mai Hi Phan Rang on TikTok to discover new restaurants with beautiful settings.
A Little Note: Popular eateries often get crowded during peak hours, so it's advisable to go early or call ahead to reserve a table if you're in a large group. Ninh Thuan's culinary scene generally offers affordable and diverse prices, suitable for various budgets. Don't forget to check out more reviews from the travel community on YouTube (like CuongCanCook channel), TikTok, or travel blogs for a well-rounded perspective.
Ninh Thuan Specialty Dishes & Suggested Addresses: A Quick Guide
For your convenience in planning your Ninh Thuan "food tour," here's a summary table of signature dishes and some prominent addresses:
Dish Name
Short Description / Main Ingredients
Suggested Addresses
Bánh Căn / Bánh Xèo
Rice flour pancakes in clay molds, seafood/meat/egg filling, crispy crust, various dipping sauces
Quán Hải (Yen Ninh), Hồ Cá (80 Trần Quang Dieu), Quê Hương (133 Trần Quang Dieu), Vinh (Binh Son Park)
Thịt Dê / Thịt Cừu
Free-range goat/sheep, firm sweet meat, prepared grilled, hot pot, steamed, stir-fried...
Cừu Ô Vương (123 Trần Quang Dieu), Lẩu dê Trí Tâm (174 Thong Nhat), A Lộc (40 Pham Ngu Lao), Dê Núi Ninh Bình (6 Luong The Vinh)
Dông Cát
Sand-dwelling lizard, sweet tender meat, often grilled, salad, stir-fried with lemongrass & chili
Hoa Thiên Lý (19 Hai Thuong Lan Ong), Bông Giấy (Hung Vuong), Đông Dương (249 Ngo Gia Tu)
Bún Sứa
Fresh crunchy jellyfish, fish cake, sweet and light broth
Cá Kiều (70 Le Loi), Quán 85 Le Loi
Gỏi Cá Mai
Fresh mai fish "cooked" in lime/vinegar, mixed with herbs, peanuts, special dipping sauce
Eateries along Ninh Chu beach, Vinh Hy Bay (Floating restaurants, Phuoc Thuy Restaurant)
Cơm Gà Phan Rang
Tender sweet free-range chicken, fragrant fatty rice cooked in chicken broth
Cơm gà Đức (11 Nguyen Thai Hoc), Cơm gà Khánh Kỳ (61 Tran Quang Dieu - note reviews)
Bún Mắm Nêm
Vermicelli mixed with fermented anchovy sauce, boiled pork, fish cake, fresh herbs, shredded mango
Bà Thuận (21/10 Ho Xuan Huong), Quán 183 Ngo Gia Tu, Chị Thảo (Opposite Cham Cultural Center)
Bánh Canh Chả Cá
Rice/tapioca flour thick noodles, chewy fish cake, sweet and light fish broth
Bà Bốn (75 Ngo Gia Tu), Nhường (284 Ngo Gia Tu), Bà Bảy (Truong Chinh)
Bánh Tráng Mắm Ruốc
Grilled sesame rice paper, spread with stir-fried fermented shrimp paste, topped with egg, scallions...
Ngon Ngon (My Huong), Cây Me (314 Thong Nhat), Cô Hà (31 Luong Van Can)
Bánh Hỏi Lòng Heo
Soft fine rice vermicelli, fresh clean boiled pork offal, fermented/peanut/tomato dipping sauce
Quán Chúc (16 Nguyen Khuyen), Phan Rang Market (Thong Nhat)
Hải Sản Tươi Sống
Fresh squid, shrimp, crab, snails... prepared in various ways
Ninh Chu Area (Nha Mat, Son Ca...), Vinh Hy Area (Floating restaurants...), Phan Rang (Vuon Hai San...)
A Gentle Farewell
Ninh Thuan's cuisine is like a unique symphony, where the salty taste of the sea harmonizes with the flavors of the mountains and hills, where the harsh sun and wind create exquisite local produce, and where the ancient Cham culture still leaves a profound mark on every dish. Each dish tells a story, an unforgettable experience.
Set off on your own culinary journey, explore, and fully appreciate the rich gastronomic world of Ninh Thuan. Surely, the distinctive flavors here will make your trip even more meaningful and memorable!
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CREDIT:
Photo: bonmuaphanrang