This article is your ultimate pocket guide, leading you to explore every single mouthwatering Ninh Thuan specialty. From those piping hot, incredibly fragrant street eats you just have to devour on the spot, to those unique souvenirs that make the perfect gifts for your loved ones.
We've also included a list of authentic and delicious eateries, guaranteeing your trip will be a "fully fed" and memorable one. Get ready for your taste buds to explode with the unforgettable flavors of this sunny, windy region!
Calling All Foodies! Check Out These Must-Eat Ninh Thuan Specialties Right Here, Right Now!
Step foot in Ninh Thuan, and you're guaranteed to be captivated by the piping hot dishes, the strong scent of the sea, and the super down-to-earth vibe of the local cuisine. You absolutely must sit right there at the quán (local eatery), inhale the aroma, and dig in as soon as your food arrives to fully experience the "essence" of Ninh Thuan's culinary scene!
Bánh Căn & Bánh Xèo Phan Rang – A Crispy Duo That Will Make You Obsessed
Mention Phan Rang street food, and you've got to immediately shout out the dynamic duo: bánh căn and bánh xèo! These two "babies" are rustic dishes that have been around forever, becoming an indispensable part of Ninh Thuan's culinary identity.
The image of those tanned, strong local ladies skillfully pouring batter over glowing charcoal stoves is so familiar. Some say these simple bánh căn have roots in the Cham people, adding another layer of uniqueness to the local cuisine.
The secret to the popularity of Ninh Thuan's bánh căn and bánh xèo lies in the perfectly mixed rice flour batter – not too thick, not too thin. What's special is that the pancakes are cooked in charming little terracotta molds, reportedly made from the famous Bau Truc clay, helping them cook evenly and become wonderfully crispy without needing a lot of oil, especially the bánh căn.
The fillings offer a wide array of choices, from super fresh seafood like shrimp and squid to fatty pork belly or simple chicken and quail eggs. Bánh căn are small and delicate, while bánh xèo are a bit "bigger" in size.
Take a bite, and you'll immediately feel the crispy crust melting in your mouth, a perfect contrast to the soft, flavorful interior. But the real "money shot," the thing that truly brands Ninh Thuan's bánh căn and bánh xèo, is the incredible lineup of dipping sauces.
It's not just one type of sweet and sour fish sauce like other places, oh no! Here, you get to try up to four fantastic dipping sauces: the rich and nutty peanut sauce, the savory and oceanic anchovy fermented fish sauce (mắm nêm), the harmoniously sweet and sour tomato-chili fish sauce, and the fragrant braised fish sauce (usually made with mackerel or anchovies), which is subtly seasoned but incredibly aromatic.
Try dipping your pancake in each different sauce to fully appreciate the sophistication and variety of this dish. You're guaranteed to get hooked!
Quick Tags: Phan Rang bánh căn, Ninh Thuan bánh xèo, top-notch bánh căn dipping sauces.
Phan Rang Chicken Rice – Top-Notch Free-Range Chicken, Tempting Golden Rice
Unassuming yet incredibly "lethal," Phan Rang Chicken Rice is a Ninh Thuan specialty you absolutely have to try. What sets this "legendary" chicken rice apart is its meticulously selected ingredients.
The chicken must be free-range, roaming on sandy soil, resulting in super firm meat and golden skin. When boiled, it's both chewy and sweet, never mushy.
The rice is also carefully "cared for." Fragrant sticky rice is washed clean and cooked in rich chicken broth, with a touch of chicken fat and turmeric for a beautiful golden color and distinctive aroma.
The cooked rice is fluffy, golden yellow, and fully infused with the natural sweetness of the chicken broth. A plate of Phan Rang Chicken Rice typically features the glistening golden rice, chopped or shredded chicken, served with pickled vegetables and Vietnamese coriander.
And of course, the "divine" dipping sauce, made according to a secret recipe, is indispensable. It's usually a sweet and sour fish sauce with minced garlic and chili, plus a hint of ginger and lime for an extra burst of flavor, or a simple yet incredibly "appetizing" chili-lime salt.
The combination of fragrant sticky rice, chewy sweet chicken, and the flavorful dipping sauce creates an "unforgettable" experience.
Quick Tags: Incredibly delicious Phan Rang chicken rice, must-visit Ninh Thuan chicken rice quán (eatery).
Ninh Thuan Jellyfish Vermicelli – Refreshing Ocean Flavor, Extraordinarily Crunchy Jellyfish
Amidst the characteristic sun and wind of Ninh Thuan, indulging in a bowl of cool, ocean-flavored jellyfish vermicelli is the perfect way to cool down and recharge. This dish is simple and familiar to locals but incredibly appealing to tourists.
The star ingredient of this renowned dish is the small, finger-sized, translucent white jellyfish caught from the Ninh Thuan sea. This type of jellyfish doesn't cause any itching and is meticulously prepared: cleaned of mucus, soaked in alum or crushed guava leaves, rinsed multiple times, and then soaked in salt water for crispness and safety.
A "full topping" bowl of jellyfish vermicelli includes fresh vermicelli, crunchy jellyfish, steamed or golden-fried fish cakes made from fresh sea fish, a few quail eggs, sometimes fried tofu, all submerged in a flavorful broth. The broth is usually simmered from sea fish like lizardfish or mackerel, resulting in a naturally sweet, clear, and completely non-fishy taste.
The bowl is also topped with fragrant fried shallots, crispy roasted peanuts, and finely chopped green onions. When eating, remember to add shredded fresh vegetables (banana blossom, bean sprouts, shredded water spinach), a touch of the characteristic shrimp paste (mắm ruốc), and spicy satay sauce to elevate the flavor.
Everything blends together to create a fresh, refreshing dish with the highlight being the crunchy jellyfish melting in your mouth – a unique and hard-to-find taste experience. The price is also super affordable, so missing out would be a real shame.
Quick Tags: Refreshing Phan Rang jellyfish vermicelli, surprisingly cheap delicious Ninh Thuan dish.
Phan Rang Fish Cake Thick Noodle Soup – Rich Hometown Flavor That Evokes Nostalgia
Also a "star" from the sea, Phan Rang Fish Cake Thick Noodle Soup (bánh canh chả cá) has become an indispensable culinary symbol of Ninh Thuan. The first distinguishing feature of this noodle soup is the noodles themselves.
Depending on the quán, the noodles can be made from rice flour or tapioca flour, but generally, they are large, translucent white, soft yet chewy, quite different from the vermicelli or other types of thick noodles elsewhere.
The broth is the second "soul," simmered carefully from pork bones and fresh sea fish like tuna or mackerel. It has a natural, light sweetness that is rich without needing many fancy seasonings.
And of course, the star of the show is the fish cake! Phan Rang fish cakes are famous for being made 100% from fresh sea fish (mackerel, lizardfish, barracuda...), minced, seasoned just right, and then steamed or golden-fried. The fish cake is chewy, fragrant, and has a distinctive sea flavor.
A hot bowl of Phan Rang Fish Cake Thick Noodle Soup usually contains soft noodles, a few slices of golden-fried fish cake, chewy steamed fish cake, sometimes a few pieces of fresh fish, all submerged in the sweet and light broth, topped with chopped scallions and fragrant ground pepper. For an explosion of flavor, squeeze in some lime and add a bit of spicy chili fish sauce.
This is a familiar breakfast or dinner dish that will warm your stomach after a day of exploring Ninh Thuan.
Quick Tags: Delicious Phan Rang fish cake thick noodle soup, must-try Ninh Thuan noodle soup quán.
Ninh Thuan Sand Lizard – Unique "Land Dragon" Specialty from the Hot Sandy Region
Ninh Thuan not only has the sea but also vast sand dunes, and that's the "home" of a small creature that is the main ingredient for a famous Ninh Thuan specialty – the sand lizard (dông cát). Sand lizards, also known as sand skinks, are super agile reptiles that live in self-dug burrows on the coastal sand dunes.
This creature has long been a part of the local cuisine, especially associated with the Cham culture. The existence of sand lizards is a testament to the adaptability to Ninh Thuan's hot and dry, harsh climate.
Locals prepare sand lizard meat in a dozen delicious ways, showcasing their creativity and top-notch culinary skills. The most prominent is the "7-course Sand Lizard," including: sand lizard salad, grilled sand lizard, stir-fried sand lizard with lemongrass and chili, steamed sand lizard, sand lizard cooked with pickled papaya, sand lizard porridge, and sand lizard sausage.
Among these, the two "best sellers" most loved by tourists are grilled sand lizard and sand lizard salad. Grilled sand lizard is usually marinated with chili salt or other spices and then grilled over charcoal until the skin is golden and crispy, and the meat is cooked through.
Sand lizard salad is more sophisticated, a combination of minced and stir-fried sand lizard meat mixed with herbs, shredded green mango or ambarella, roasted peanuts, served with grilled rice paper and sweet and sour tamarind fish sauce.
Sand lizard meat is white like chicken but has a very unique taste: light sweetness, fragrant, nutty, and the bones are super soft, almost like cartilage. Food connoisseurs say the best parts are the liver and eggs, which are distinctively rich and fatty.
Enjoying dishes made from sand lizard is a unique and "one-of-a-kind" culinary experience!
Quick Tags: Unique Ninh Thuan sand lizard, must-try 7-course sand lizard, delicious Phan Rang sand lizard quán.
Ninh Thuan Goat and Sheep Meat – Chilling with the Flavors of the Prairie Amidst the Sunny, Windy Land
Thanks to its hot, arid climate and characteristic hilly, semi-desert terrain, Ninh Thuan has become the largest "capital" of goats and sheep in the country. The mountain goats and sheep here graze naturally, freely roaming and eating grasses and herbs on the hills and grasslands.
This very living environment and "healthy" diet have created the excellent quality of Ninh Thuan's goat and sheep meat: firm, lean, richly sweet, and distinctively fragrant, without any unpleasant gamey smell like elsewhere.
With such high-quality ingredients, the people of Ninh Thuan have created countless delicious dishes from goat and sheep meat, captivating many food lovers. For goat meat, the most famous is the renowned "7-course Goat": grilled goat (satay, fermented bean curd), steamed goat (perilla), stir-fried goat (lemongrass and chili, rolled), rare goat with lime, goat stewed with Chinese herbs, and goat hot pot.
The goat meat is richly marinated, especially with lemongrass and galangal, creating an incredibly fragrant aroma. Sheep meat is equally impressive with diverse dishes such as: grilled lamb (whole leg, ribs, plain grilled, herb-grilled, honey-grilled), lamb curry, stir-fried lamb, lamb stewed in wine, lamb hot pot...
Tender and sweet young lamb meat, combined with spices, creates nutritious and unique dishes. What could be better than chilling and enjoying goat and sheep meat amidst the open space of Ninh Thuan!
Quick Tags: Incredibly delicious Ninh Thuan sheep meat, authentic Ninh Thuan goat hot pot, delicious Phan Rang goat quán.
Bánh Hỏi Lòng Heo – A Rustic Dish That's Surprisingly "Addictive"
Bánh hỏi lòng heo (fine rice vermicelli with pork offal) is a familiar and super popular breakfast dish for the people of Ninh Thuan, especially in Phan Rang and surrounding areas like Ninh Hai and Ninh Phuoc. This dish, though rustic, is quite meticulously prepared.
Bánh hỏi is made from high-quality rice flour, going through many stages to produce tiny, delicate vermicelli strands, steamed and then coated with glistening scallion oil, creating soft, smooth, and lightly fragrant cakes.
The accompanying pork offal must be fresh young offal, cleaned thoroughly and boiled just until cooked to retain its crispness and natural sweetness. A plate of bánh hỏi lòng heo usually includes fresh green vegetables (lettuce, herbs, bean sprouts, cucumber) and thin rice paper for wrapping.
However, the "trump card" that creates the uniqueness and appeal of this dish is the dipping sauce. Instead of just the usual sweet and sour fish sauce, the people of Ninh Thuan have a whole collection of distinctive dipping sauces: mắm nêm (made from anchovies, with a rich salty flavor), peanut sauce (rich and fragrant), or tomato sauce (lightly sweet and sour).
Each type of dipping sauce brings a unique flavor, enhancing the sweetness of the pork offal and the softness of the bánh hỏi. When eating, just wrap a piece of bánh hỏi, a few slices of pork offal, and some fresh vegetables in rice paper, dip it generously in your favorite sauce, and you've got it just right.
Quick Tags: Delicious Phan Rang bánh hỏi lòng heo, must-try Ninh Hai specialty.
Phan Rang Fermented Fish Noodle Soup – An Irresistible Richness from the "Divine" Fermented Sauce
If bánh hỏi lòng heo is captivating with the subtlety of its dipping sauce, then bún mắm nêm conquers diners with the rich, characteristic flavor of its "soul" ingredient – the fermented fish sauce. Bún mắm nêm is a simple dish but highly addictive, a Phan Rang specialty that anyone visiting Ninh Thuan should try.
The main ingredient, nothing else, is mắm nêm – a type of fermented fish sauce made from fresh anchovies salted and fermented in earthenware jars for 20 to 60 days until fully ripened, releasing its distinctive strong aroma. The mắm nêm is then mixed with sugar, garlic, chili, and chopped pineapple into a thick dipping sauce with a harmonious blend of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
A "full topping" bowl of Phan Rang bún mắm nêm usually includes fresh vermicelli, boiled pork (usually pork belly or crispy pig's ear), fried or steamed fish cakes, sometimes fermented pork roll (nem chua), a few slices of crispy pickled eggplant, shredded green mango, and fresh herbs like bean sprouts, lettuce, especially basil leaves and shredded water spinach. When eating, just mix everything together to fully absorb the mắm nêm and enjoy.
The rich flavor of the mắm nêm blends with the sweetness of the meat and fish cakes, the sourness of the mango, the crispness of the pickled eggplant, and the freshness of the herbs, creating an extremely special and stimulating symphony of flavors.
Quick Tags: Delicious Phan Rang bún mắm nêm, addictive Phan Rang specialty.
Ninh Chu Mai Fish Salad – A Fresh and Delicious Dance from the Sea
The Ninh Chu coastal area not only boasts white sand and clear water but is also the "hometown" of the renowned fresh gỏi cá mai (mai fish salad), a unique highlight in Ninh Thuan's cuisine. Mai fish are small, flat, and translucent like anchovies but less fishy, with firm meat, making them perfect for salad.
To make this salad, freshly caught mai fish must be selected. The fish are cleaned, the heads and tails removed, and the bones skillfully extracted to get the clear fillets.
The fish fillets are then quickly "cooked" by briefly soaking them in fresh lime juice or vinegar until the flesh turns opaque white, then they are drained thoroughly. This process "cooks" the fish while retaining its natural sweetness and freshness.
The "cooked" fish fillets are mixed well with shredded herbs like onions, young ginger, Vietnamese coriander, mint, along with fragrant roasted crushed peanuts, and a bit of spicy chili. Sometimes, thinly sliced sour star fruit or unripe banana is added to enhance the flavor.
The accompanying dipping sauce is usually a sweet and sour fish sauce with garlic and chili or a rich and nutty peanut sauce. When eating, use crispy grilled sesame rice crackers to scoop the salad or roll the salad with thin rice paper and fresh herbs.
The fresh sweetness of the lime-cured mai fish blends perfectly with the sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors of the dipping sauce, the nuttiness of the peanuts, and the aroma of the herbs, creating a wonderful appetizer that awakens all the senses.
Quick Tags: Super fresh Ninh Thuan gỏi cá mai, top-notch Ninh Chu seafood.
Bánh Tráng Mắm Ruốc – Ninh Thuan's Super Hot Version of "Vietnamese Pizza"
Saigon has bánh tráng trộn (mixed rice paper salad), Da Lat has grilled rice paper with egg, and Ninh Thuan proudly has bánh tráng mắm ruốc (grilled rice paper with fermented shrimp paste) – a "legendary" street snack, jokingly dubbed "Phan Rang Pizza." This is a must-try when wandering through the night food streets of Phan Rang.
The main ingredient is moderately thick sesame rice paper, grilled over glowing charcoal. The "soul" of this dish is the mắm ruốc sauce, made according to a unique Phan Rang recipe.
The mắm ruốc is stir-fried with cooking oil, shallots, sugar, chili..., creating a thick, attractive reddish-brown mixture with a rich salty-sweet taste and a distinctive strong aroma that is unmistakable.
When grilling, the vendor spreads a thin layer of scallion oil or cooking oil on the rice paper, followed by the flavorful mắm ruốc. Then, depending on your choice, a variety of toppings will be added: whisked quail/chicken eggs, dried shrimp, chopped scallions, fermented pork roll (nem chua), Vietnamese sausage (chả lụa), even cheese or butter.
Finally, a drizzle of spicy chili sauce is added, and the toppings are spread evenly before grilling until the rice paper is golden and crispy, and the toppings meld together fragrantly. Holding the hot, crispy rice paper, taking a bite and feeling the saltiness of the mắm ruốc, the richness of the scallion oil and egg, the sweetness of the shrimp and meat, the spiciness of the chili sauce... all blending together to create an indescribably addictive flavor.
Quick Tags: Incredibly delicious Phan Rang grilled rice paper, must-try Ninh Thuan snack.
Ếch Òn – A "Ugly But Delicious" Specialty Taking Social Media by Storm
In the unique culinary world of Ninh Thuan, there's a creature that looks a bit "unattractive" but is currently a super hot specialty – the ếch òn. This frog (scientific name Glyphoglossus molossus) is tiny, with rough, grayish-black skin, a yellowish belly, and often has a slimy layer.
They mainly appear during the rainy season (around May and June), living in loose sandy soil at the foot of the mountains. Previously, ếch òn was mainly a familiar dish for locals, especially the Cham people, and quite cheap.
However, in recent years, thanks to food review videos on TikTok, ếch òn has suddenly become incredibly popular, with many people curiously seeking to try it, and the price has also skyrocketed. This shows that Ninh Thuan's cuisine always has new things to discover, even in the simplest of dishes.
Through the skillful hands of chefs, especially the Cham people, ếch òn is prepared into many delicious dishes such as boiled with tamarind fish sauce, cooked in sour soup with young tamarind leaves, and made into salad. But the hottest dish is probably grilled ếch òn.
The frogs are cleaned, sometimes sun-dried briefly to firm up the meat, then marinated with spices and grilled over charcoal until golden brown and fragrant. The meat of ếch òn is praised for being very sweet, fragrant, with soft bones like cartilage, high in protein and nutritious.
When eating, it is usually dipped in sweet and sour tamarind fish sauce or green chili salt, served with wild vegetables like curry leaves, creating a rich, wild, and unforgettable flavor.
Quick Tags: Unique Ninh Thuan ếch òn, hot delicious Ninh Thuan dish.
Ninh Thuan Specialty Gifts: Bringing the Flavors of the Sunny Land Home to Your Loved Ones
Leaving Ninh Thuan, besides the beautiful memories and satisfyingly delicious food, you can also bring back super meaningful specialty gifts, packed with the unique flavors of this sunny, windy land to share with your friends and family.
Ninh Thuan Grapes – A "Precious Pearl" Amidst the Arid Land
Speaking of Ninh Thuan specialties as gifts, one cannot forget Grapes – the fruit that has become a symbol of this land. The amazing thing is that amidst the harsh sun and dry climate, grapevines thrive incredibly well, yielding bunches of plump, incredibly sweet fruit.
Grapes are widely grown in the districts of Ninh Phuoc, Ninh Hai, Ninh Son, and Phan Rang - Thap Cham City. The high trellises forming lush green canopies are not only highly productive but also a top-notch "virtual living" background, attracting tourists to visit and experience.
Currently, Ninh Thuan has 3 main types of grapes that are "making waves":
- Red Grapes: The traditional, most common type, with round fruit, thin skin, and a balanced sweet and slightly sour taste. Price ranges from 35,000 – 50,000 VND/kg.
- Green Grapes (NH01-48): Seedless or with few seeds, elongated fruit, beautiful greenish-yellow skin, thick, crisp, and intensely sweet flesh. Price ranges from 60,000 – 80,000 VND/kg.
- Pink Grapes (NH01-152): A new variety with heart-shaped fruit, lovely purplish-pink color, light sweet and fragrant taste. This premium variety usually costs from 120,000 – 150,000 VND/kg.
Besides enjoying fresh grapes right in the vineyard – a super fun experience – you can also buy grape products as gifts such as: Ninh Thuan Grape Wine (famous for its delicious aroma and health benefits, even exported!), Grape Syrup (concentrated grape juice, delicious for mixing drinks or cooking), and Dried Grapes.
Reputable places to buy grapes and grape products:
- At the vineyard: Many vineyards in Thai An (Vinh Hai) and Ninh Phuoc are open for visitors to take photos and pick grapes themselves.
- Local markets: Phan Rang Market, My Tuong Market (Ninh Hai).
- Shops and companies: Canh Trang Company (Van Hai, PRTC), An Grape Garden (Vinh Hai).
Quick Tags: Where to buy Ninh Thuan grapes, Ninh Thuan vineyard check-in, Phan Rang grape wine as a gift.
Phan Rang Garlic – Fragrant "White Gold," Good for Health
Besides grapes, garlic is also a famous agricultural product of Ninh Thuan, often called Phan Rang garlic. This type of garlic doesn't have large cloves, sometimes only one clove (called single-clove garlic or pearl garlic), but it is intensely fragrant and spicy, quite different from garlic elsewhere.
The value of Phan Rang garlic lies not only in its flavor but also in its high medicinal properties and cultivation method. Garlic here is often grown organically, limiting harmful chemicals and preserving the essence of the land and sky.
As a result, Ninh Thuan garlic is considered a precious spice, making dishes more delicious and also beneficial for health, such as boosting immunity, aiding digestion, and having good antibacterial properties. Phan Rang garlic is a practical and meaningful gift for those who care about their health.
Where to buy Phan Rang garlic:
- Local markets: Phan Rang Market, My Tuong Market (Nhon Hai commune, Ninh Hai district).
- Specialty shops: Along the main roads in Phan Rang - Thap Cham.
Reference Price: Around 50,000 VND/kg.
Quick Tags: Ninh Thuan single-clove garlic, quality Phan Rang garlic.
Ninh Thuan Wind Apples – Crispy, Naturally Sweet, and Refreshing Local Gift
Along with grapes, green apples are also a characteristic fruit, thriving under the sun and wind of Ninh Thuan. Ninh Thuan apples, also known as wind apples, are usually smaller than imported apples, but one bite will captivate you with their shiny green skin, crispy texture, and incredibly refreshing, juicy sweetness.
This fruit is not only delicious but also rich in vitamins and minerals good for health. Ninh Thuan wind apples are a great choice to cool down on hot days or as a simple yet meaningful local gift.
Where to buy Ninh Thuan wind apples:
- At the orchard: Some orchards are open for visitors to tour and buy apples on the spot, for example, Song Dinh Apple Orchard.
- Local markets: Phan Rang Market and other small markets.
- Agricultural product stores, supermarkets: Clean fruit stores, local agricultural product stores like Nong San Dung Ha, Huyen Nho, or supermarkets like Bach Hoa Xanh.
- Ninh Thuan E-commerce platforms: You can buy online through the province's specialty sales channels.
Reference Price: Around 50,000 – 60,000 VND/kg.
Quick Tags: Crispy sweet Phan Rang green apples, where to buy Ninh Thuan wind apples.
Phan Rang One-Sun Dried Squid – The Quintessence of the Sea, Packed with Top-Notch Deliciousness
As a coastal region, Ninh Thuan has no shortage of fresh seafood, and one-sun dried squid (mực một nắng) is one of the hottest Ninh Thuan specialties to buy as a gift. What makes the Phan Rang one-sun dried squid brand special is its unique processing method and the quality of the fresh squid.
Freshly caught arrow squid or cuttlefish are selected, cleaned, and then dried under the characteristic intense sun of Ninh Thuan for exactly one day. This one-day drying process helps the outer skin dry and firm up, making it easy to preserve, while the meat inside retains its fresh, chewy, naturally sweet texture, unlike regular dried squid which can be hard and dry.
Phan Rang one-sun dried squid has a rich sweet taste of fresh seafood, with thick, chewy, and incredibly appealing meat. This dish is "top-notch" when grilled over charcoal or grilled with satay sauce, emitting a fragrant aroma, and tearing off pieces to dip in chili sauce is simply "amazing."
In addition, one-sun dried squid can also be fried with fish sauce, stir-fried sweet and sour, or steamed with ginger – all incredibly delicious. This is definitely a meaningful seafood gift, packed with the rich flavor of Ninh Thuan.
Reputable places to buy one-sun dried squid:
- Phan Rang Market: The dried goods section.
- Dried seafood and specialty shops: Along Yen Ninh Street, Ngo Gia Tu Street, or shops specializing in Ninh Thuan specialties. Some places offer convenient vacuum-sealed packaging.
- Reputable online shops: Many seafood stores in Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces also sell Phan Rang one-sun dried squid.
The price of one-sun dried squid is usually quite high, depending on the size and type of squid, ranging from 500,000 to over 1 million VND/kg. Quick Tags: High-quality Ninh Thuan one-sun dried squid, Ninh Thuan dried specialty as a gift.
Ninh Thuan Gum Tragacanth – Refreshing, Detoxifying Drink for "Healthy & Balance"
Another unique gift from the arid land of Ninh Thuan is gum tragacanth (mủ trôm) – a natural tree sap with many "magical" benefits for health and beauty. The gum tragacanth tree (scientific name Sterculia foetida) thrives in hot, dry regions like Ninh Thuan, and locals have long known how to extract this valuable sap.
Raw gum tragacanth, after extraction, is cleaned and dried, appearing as small white or pale yellow lumps or granules. When soaked in water, it swells into a clear, soft, jelly-like mass.
The biggest plus of gum tragacanth is its highly effective ability to cool down and detoxify the body, especially a "lifesaver" on hot summer days. In addition, gum tragacanth also helps aid digestion, promote bowel regularity, beautify the skin, reduce stress, and improve sleep.
The most common way to use it is to make a refreshing drink. After soaking until swollen, mix the gum tragacanth with rock sugar water, add basil seeds (chia seeds), a few slices of lime or kumquat, and you can also mix in other fruits to create a cool, nutritious drink.
Dried gum tragacanth, carefully packaged, is a unique health gift from the nature of Ninh Thuan.
Reputable places to buy gum tragacanth:
- Companies and establishments specializing in gum tragacanth: Ninh Thuan Gum Tragacanth Company (01 Tran Dai Nghia Street, My Dong Ward, PRTC), Canh Trang Trading and Service Co., Ltd. (KP6, Van Hai Ward, PRTC - with OCOP certification), Thao Trang Green Agricultural Products Business Household.
- Ninh Thuan specialty shops.
- Buy online: Many shops and e-commerce platforms sell Ninh Thuan gum tragacanth.
Gum tragacanth comes in many forms (small granules, large granules, strips...) with varying qualities and prices. Quick Tags: Refreshing Phan Rang gum tragacanth, amazing benefits of gum tragacanth.
Phan Rang Fermented Pork Roll – A Rustic Yet "High-Quality" Local Gift
Fermented pork roll (nem chua) is available in many places, but Phan Rang fermented pork roll has a very distinct flavor, becoming an indispensable Ninh Thuan specialty, and buying it as a gift is absolutely the right choice. The secret lies in the careful selection of ingredients and the traditional family nem-making technique.
The nem is mainly made from fresh lean pork thigh, minced or pounded by hand, mixed with thinly sliced pig skin for a crunchy texture. This mixture is seasoned just right with sugar, salt, peppercorns, sliced garlic, fresh chili, and the indispensable roasted rice powder (thính gạo) to create binding and aroma.
The nem is then carefully wrapped in layers of chùm ruột leaves or young guava leaves inside (creating a slightly tart and characteristic aroma), covered with many layers of fresh banana leaves on the outside, and allowed to ferment naturally for about 3-5 days.
Ripe Phan Rang nem chua has an eye-catching fresh pink color, a mild sour taste from the fermentation process, blended with the sweetness of the meat, the spiciness of pepper and chili, and the aroma of garlic and the wrapping leaves. Nem is best eaten directly, or lightly grilled over charcoal to enhance the aroma and slightly char the outer layer is also "amazing."
People often eat nem chua with fresh garlic cloves, bird's eye chilies, or wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs. This is a rustic gift but full of affection, carrying the characteristic flavor of Phan Rang.
Reputable places to buy Phan Rang nem chua:
- Nem Cha Hien: No. 2 Tran Binh Trong Street, Kinh Dinh Ward, PRTC City (Near Phan Rang Market).
- Nem Chua Cha Gio Khanhfood: 388 21 Thang 8 Street, Phuoc My Ward, PRTC City.
- Nem cha Dinh Y: 773 21 Thang 8 Street, Bao An Ward, PRTC City.
- Phan Rang Market: Many stalls sell nem chua.
There are also many other reputable establishments listed in the reference sources. Quick Tags: Incredibly delicious Ninh Thuan nem chua, high-quality Phan Rang specialty as a gift.
Other Dried Seafood – The Salty Taste of the Sea, Packed to Bring Home
Besides the "legendary" one-sun dried squid, Ninh Thuan also has many other types of dried seafood worth buying as gifts, such as dried anchovies, dried mackerel, dried shrimp... These items are made from fresh, delicious seafood, naturally dried under the sun and wind of Ninh Thuan, retaining the rich sweet taste of the sea, delicious in any dish or perfect as a gift.
You can find them at Phan Rang Market or dried specialty shops in the city.
Ninh Thuan Food Map: Top "Must-Try" Eateries for the Exploration-Loving Team!
To make it easy for you to find and conquer all the Ninh Thuan specialties, here's a list of famous eateries and restaurants highly rated by locals and tourists alike. This list is compiled from various reputable sources, helping you confidently plan your "food tour" in this sunny, windy land!
The Paradise of Crispy "Scorching Hot" Bánh Căn and Bánh Xèo
- Quán Bánh xèo Quê Hương: 133 Tran Quang Dieu Street, Thanh Son Ward, PRTC City (Famous for bánh xèo, crowded but fast service).
- Quán Bánh căn & Bánh xèo Hồ Cá: 89 Tran Quang Dieu Street, Thanh Son Ward, PRTC City (Near Ho Ca Lake, many excellent dipping sauces).
- Quán Bánh căn Bông: 19A Ho Xuan Huong Street, PRTC City (Long-standing eatery, "cheap as chips").
- Quán Bánh căn mực Lê Lợi: 58 Le Loi Street, Kinh Dinh Ward, PRTC City (Specializes in super fresh squid bánh căn).
- Quán Bánh căn, Bánh xèo Quang Trung: No. 16 or 22 Quang Trung Street, Kinh Dinh Ward, PRTC City (Many options).
- Quán Bánh căn, Bánh xèo đường Yên Ninh: Near the former Thai Binh Duong Resort/Sunrise Hotel, My Dong/Van Hai Ward (Many delicious eateries along the coastal road).
Top-Notch Authentic Phan Rang Chicken Rice Addresses
- Cơm gà Đức: 11 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, PRTC City (Famous, consistent quality).
- Cơm gà Chú Ngộ: 62 Che Lan Vien Street, K1 Area, My Binh Ward, PRTC City (Spacious, good prices, loved by locals).
- Cơm gà Khánh Kỳ: 61 Tran Quang Dieu Street, Thanh Son Ward, PRTC City (Another popular choice).
- Cơm gà Ngọc: 05 Tran Binh Trong Street, Kinh Dinh Ward, PRTC City (Near Phan Rang Market).
Enjoying Delicious and Famous Fish Cake Thick Noodle Soup and Jellyfish Vermicelli Near and Far
- Bánh canh Nhường: 284 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Tan Tai Ward, PRTC City (Super popular eatery, always packed).
- Bánh canh Bà Bốn: 75 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Tan Tai Ward, PRTC City (Long-standing eatery, traditional flavor).
- Bánh canh Mai Lý: 104 Nguyen Thi Dinh Street, Tan Tai Ward, PRTC City (Another reliable address).
- Bún sứa Cá Kiều / Quán 70 Lê Lợi: 70 Le Loi Street, Kinh Dinh Ward, PRTC City (Specializes in jellyfish vermicelli, affordable prices).
Conquering the Unique "One-of-a-Kind" Flavors of Sand Lizard and Sheep/Goat Meat
- Quán Ăn Bông Giấy: 17-19 Hung Vuong Street, My Huong Ward, PRTC City (Famous for Sand Lizard, chill garden space).
- Nhà hàng Hoa Thiên Lý: 19 or 30 Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, Tan Tai Ward, PRTC City (Ninh Thuan specialties, has grilled Frog, Sand Lizard).
- Đùi cừu nướng A Lộc: 40 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Phuoc My Ward, PRTC City (Specializes in grilled lamb).
- Quán Cừu Ô Vương: 123 Tran Quang Dieu Street, Thanh Son Ward, PRTC City (Specializes in sheep dishes).
- Nhà hàng lẩu dê Tài Ký: 179 21 Thang 8 Street, Phuoc My Ward, PRTC City (Specializes in goat hot pot and goat dishes).
- Lẩu dê Trí Tâm: 174 Thong Nhat Street, Thanh Son Ward, PRTC City (Specializes in goat hot pot and goat dishes).
- Quán Phố Nướng / Tiếng Xưa: 16/4 Street, My Binh Ward, PRTC City (Sells Sand Lizard).
- Quán ăn sân vườn Phong Ký: 424 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Tan Tai Ward, PRTC City (Airy garden, has Sand Lizard dishes).
Finding the Rustic Flavors: Addictive Fermented Fish Noodle Soup & Fine Rice Vermicelli with Pork Offal
- Bún mắm nêm Chị Thảo: 45 To Hieu Street (Opposite the Cham Cultural Center), Tan Tai Ward, PRTC City (Super famous, rich flavor).
- Bún mắm nêm Hồ Cá: Opposite Ho Ca Lake / 16/4 Park, 16/4 Street, PRTC City (Traditional flavor, small but crowded eatery).
- Bún mắm nêm Bà Thuận: 21 alley 10 Ho Xuan Huong Street, PRTC City (Has delicious crispy roasted pork as a side).
- Bánh hỏi lòng heo Cây Đa: Cay Da Night Market, Du Khanh, Khanh Hai Town, Ninh Hai District (Famous in the Ninh Hai area).
- Bánh hỏi Lòng Heo Chợ Phan Rang: Phan Rang Market food area, Thong Nhat Street, PRTC City (Convenient to eat while visiting the market).
- Bánh hỏi lòng heo Phước Khánh: Phuoc Khanh Hamlet, Phuoc Thuan Commune, Ninh Phuoc District (In an alley off National Highway 1A, distinctive flavor).
- Bánh hỏi Nga: 16 Pham Hong Thai Street (or nearby), My Huong Ward, PRTC City (Sells in the evening).
The Paradise of Super Fresh Seafood
- Nhà hàng Hải Âu: Binh Son Beach / Yen Ninh Street, My Binh Ward, PRTC City (Excellent sea view, fresh seafood).
- Vườn Hải Sản: 242 Yen Ninh Street, Khanh Hai Town, Ninh Hai District (Spacious garden, many types of seafood).
- Quán Phố Ốc: 343 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Tan Tai Ward, PRTC City (Specializes in snails and affordable seafood).
- Nhà bè Vĩnh Hy: Vinh Hy Hamlet, Vinh Hai Commune, Ninh Hai District (Eat super fresh seafood on a floating raft, very chill).
Ninh Thuan Specialty & "Must-Go" Delicious Eateries: The Ultimate Checklist!
- Bánh Căn / Bánh Xèo Crispy rice pancakes, with a savory seafood or meat filling, perfectly complemented by a quartet of "divine" dipping sauces. Discover this delight at Quán Quê Hương (133 Tran Quang Dieu) or Quán Hồ Cá (89 Tran Quang Dieu). PRTC City
- Cơm Gà Phan Rang Indulge in sweet, chewy free-range chicken paired with fragrant golden rice, simmered in rich chicken broth. Uncover this local treasure at Cơm gà Chú Ngộ (62 Che Lan Vien, K1) or Cơm gà Đức (11 Nguyen Thai Hoc). PRTC City
- Bún Sứa Experience the delightful crunch of jellyfish in a light, refreshing broth, accented with fish cake, fresh herbs, and a "top-notch" shrimp paste. Find this unique bowl at Quán 70 Le Loi (Kinh Dinh Ward). PRTC City
- Bánh Canh Chả Cá Savor soft, chewy noodles swimming in a sweet, light broth, featuring fresh fish cake bursting with rich sea flavor. Your quest leads to Bánh canh Nhường (284 Ngo Gia Tu) or Bánh canh Bà Bốn (75 Ngo Gia Tu). PRTC City
- Dông Cát Taste the sweet, fragrant meat of the sand lizard, uniquely prepared in seven different ways including grilled, in salads, and stir-fried. This exotic experience awaits at Quán Bông Giấy (17-19 Hung Vuong) or Nhà hàng Hoa Thiên Lý (19 Hai Thuong Lan Ong). PRTC City
- Thịt Cừu / Dê Enjoy naturally sweet and firm lamb or goat meat, expertly prepared in diverse styles like grilled, hot pot, or steamed. Seek out this carnivorous delight at Đùi cừu nướng A Lộc (40 Pham Ngu Lao) or Lẩu dê Tài Ký (179 21 Thang 8). PRTC City
- Bánh Hỏi Lòng Heo Delicate, soft fine rice vermicelli crowned with crispy pork offal, served alongside fresh herbs and an "epic" mắm nêm or peanut dipping sauce. Your hidden gem is Quán Chợ Phan Rang (Thong Nhat Street) or Quán Cây Đa (Khanh Hai Town). PRTC City / Ninh Hai
- Bún Mắm Nêm Dive into a bowl of rich, "addictive" mắm nêm (fermented fish sauce), served with vermicelli, boiled pork, fish cake, fresh herbs, tangy pickled eggplant, and shredded mango. This flavorful journey starts at Bún mắm nêm Chị Thảo (45 To Hieu) or Bún mắm nêm Hồ Cá (Opposite 16/4 Park). PRTC City
- Gỏi Cá Mai Relish fresh mai fish expertly cured in lime juice, then tossed with aromatic herbs and crunchy peanuts, all brought together by a "stimulating" sweet and sour dipping sauce. Unearth this coastal specialty at Restaurants along Ninh Chu Beach or in Vinh Hy. Ninh Hai
- Hải Sản Tươi Sống (Fresh Seafood) Indulge in incredibly fresh shrimp, crab, squid, and snails, all prepared in an "awesomely" delicious manner. The ocean's bounty awaits at Nhà hàng Hải Âu (Binh Son Beach) or Vườn Hải Sản (242 Yen Ninh, Khanh Hai). PRTC City / Ninh Hai
- Nho Tươi / Sản phẩm nho (Fresh Grapes / Grape Products) Taste the sweet, refreshing burst of red, green, and pink grapes, or bring home fragrant grape wine and grape syrup as delightful gifts. Find these vineyard treasures at Vineyards (Thai An, Ninh Phuoc), Phan Rang Market, or various Specialty shops. Multiple Locations
- Tỏi Phan Rang (Phan Rang Garlic) Experience the fragrant and intensely spicy kick of single-clove garlic, renowned for its health benefits. Procure this potent ingredient at Phan Rang Market or My Tuong Market (Ninh Hai). PRTC City / Ninh Hai
- Táo Gió (Wind Apples) Crunch into these small, crispy, and sweet green apples, a truly "healthy" and refreshing treat. Discover them at local Apple orchards, Local markets, or Agricultural product stores. Multiple Locations
- Mực Một Nắng (Sun-Dried Squid) Savor fresh squid that has been dried under a single sun, resulting in a chewy, sweet, and crispy texture – absolutely "top-notch." Get your hands on this delicacy at Phan Rang Market or Dried seafood shops. PRTC City
- Mủ Trôm (Sterculia Foetida Sap) Discover this natural tree sap, known for its cooling, detoxifying, and skin-beautifying properties. Find this wellness product at Specialized companies/establishments (Cty Cánh Trắng, Cty Mủ Trôm Ninh Thuận) or various Shops. PRTC City
- Nem Chua Phan Rang Delight in fresh pork fermented naturally, achieving a perfectly balanced sweet and sour taste that makes for a "perfect" gift. Your source for this local favorite is Nem Chả Hiền (2 Tran Binh Trong) or Nem Chua Khánhfood (388 21 Thang 8 Street). PRTC City
Conclusion: Ninh Thuan – A "Blazing" Food Tour with the Sun and Wind!
Ninh Thuan's cuisine is truly a vibrant symphony of colors and flavors! A place where the harsh sun and wind inspire unique dishes that are so delicious you'll "forget the way home."
From the crispy delight of hot bánh căn and bánh xèo, the rich flavors of chicken rice and fish cake thick noodle soup, to the refreshing taste of jellyfish vermicelli and mai fish salad, or the wildness of sand lizard, sheep, and goat meat... Each dish tells a fascinating story about the land and its people. The variety of dipping sauces, the freshness of the ingredients, and the imprint of Cham Pa culture have created a truly "one-of-a-kind" culinary scene.
Not only will the local dishes keep you rooted here, but Ninh Thuan also has a treasure trove of excellent specialty products like grapes, garlic, apples, one-sun dried squid, and gum tragacanth... for you to bring back as gifts, sharing the flavors of this sunny, windy land with everyone.
Exploring Ninh Thuan's specialties will surely be a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience, awakening all your senses and leaving a lingering sweet aftertaste. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and go! Ninh Thuan's culinary paradise is waiting for you to "conquer"!