Discover Nha Trang’s iconic Bánh Canh noodle soup in 2025! Explore prices, authentic recipes, top spots, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable culinary tours. Book your foodie adventure now!
Capture the savory essence of Nha Trang’s culinary gem (Source: Internet)Nha Trang, located in Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, is a coastal paradise 440 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, drawing over 11.8 million visitors annually in 2025 for its 507 km² bay and vibrant food scene. Bánh Canh, a thick noodle soup featuring chewy tapioca or rice flour noodles in a savory seafood broth, is a Nha Trang specialty, costing $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per bowl. Known for its fresh fish cakes and aromatic herbs, this dish thrives in Nha Trang’s tropical savanna climate (dry season: January–August, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F; rainy season: September–December, 24–28°C or 75.2–82.4°F). Legend Travel Group’s sustainable culinary tours, using eco-friendly transport and local sourcing, offer an authentic taste of this coastal delight. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your Bánh Canh adventure!
Ninh Thuan Province has merged into Khanh Hoa Province, with Nha Trang city reclassified as Nha Trang Ward. For global tourists, “Nha Trang” remains the key term. Use “Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa” in navigation apps for accuracy.
With over 17 years as Southeast Asia’s leading sustainable tourism operator, Legend Travel Group crafts eco-friendly culinary tours in Nha Trang, tailored for food lovers seeking authentic experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like electric taxis and bicycles, guided by English-speaking experts sharing local culinary traditions and sustainability practices. Partnering with vendors prioritizing local seafood, we align with Khanh Hoa’s “Blue Tourism” initiative. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our eco-tours via links throughout this guide for a responsible foodie journey!
Photograph the vibrant allure of Nha Trang’s food scene (Source: Internet)Bánh Canh, meaning “cake soup,” is a Nha Trang staple featuring thick, chewy noodles made from tapioca or rice flour, resembling Japanese udon but with a unique texture. The broth, simmered with sailfish, mackerel, or codfish bones, delivers a sweet, clear flavor, enhanced by toppings like fried or steamed fish cakes (chả cá), jellyfish, and fresh herbs such as cilantro and green onions. Served with tangy fish sauce, chili, and optional shrimp paste, it’s a light yet satisfying dish, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Nha Trang’s sustainable seafood sourcing, supported by local fishermen, ensures freshness while minimizing environmental impact, making Bánh Canh a must-try coastal delicacy.
Noodles: 1 kg fresh Bánh Canh noodles (tapioca/rice flour mix, $2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND at Dam Market) or dried udon as substitute.
Broth: 1.5 kg sailfish or mackerel bones ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND), 1 large onion, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar.
Fish Cakes: 500g sailfish fillet ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND), 1 tsp dill, 1 tsp pepper, 1 tbsp tapioca starch.
Toppings: 100g jellyfish ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND), 50g green onions, 50g cilantro, fried shallots ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Dipping Sauce: 3 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp chili, 1 clove garlic (minced).
Sides: Fresh herbs (basil, mint), lime wedges, chili paste ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND).
Broth: Roast onion at 400°F (200°C) for 15 min. Blanch fish bones for 10 min, rinse, then simmer with 3L water, onion, fish sauce, salt, and sugar for 2 hours. Skim foam for clarity.
Fish Cakes: Blend sailfish fillet with dill, pepper, and tapioca starch. Shape into patties, steam for 10 min, or fry until golden ($0.50 oil cost). Slice thinly.
Noodles: If using fresh Bánh Canh, warm in microwave (1 min) or blanch in boiling water (30 sec) to prevent breaking. Drain.
Assemble: Divide noodles into bowls. Add fish cake slices, jellyfish, and broth. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and fried shallots.
Dipping Sauce: Mix fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chili, and garlic. Serve with herbs and chili paste.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use locally sourced fish from Dam Market; avoid plastic packaging. Compost herb scraps.
Cost: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) for 4 servings at home.
Experience Nha Trang Tours with sustainable dining (Source: Internet)These eco-friendly dining spots, costing $1–$3 per bowl, offer authentic Bánh Canh:
A legendary stall with sailfish broth and chewy fish cakes, best at 7:00 AM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–2:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local seafood; reusable bowls.
Tip: Add extra herbs; included in Legend Travel Group’s Street Food Eco-Tour ($40–$70).
Famous for jellyfish toppings and rich broth, best at 8:00 AM, for $1.50–$2.50 (37,500–62,500 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–3:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Sustainable fish sourcing; minimal waste.
Tip: Try with shrimp paste; included in Legend Travel Group’s Culinary Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A cozy spot with mackerel fish cakes, best at 11:00 AM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–3:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable straws; local ingredients.
Tip: Pair with iced tea; included in Legend Travel Group’s Local Eats Tour ($40–$70).
Known for squid cake variations, best at 10:00 AM, for $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Zero-waste cooking; supports local fishers.
Tip: Order “thập cẩm” for mixed toppings; included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Adventure Tour ($50–$80).
Vibrant market vendors serving fresh Bánh Canh, best at 6:30 AM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local produce; reusable utensils.
Tip: Visit early for freshest broth; included in Legend Travel Group’s Market Food Tour ($40–$70).
Dry Season (January–August, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F): Ideal for morning market visits and outdoor dining. Early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) offer fresh broth; midday (11:00 AM–2:00 PM) suits shaded stalls. Weekdays see fewer crowds (5,000–10,000 daily visitors) than weekends (20,000–30,000).
Rainy Season (September–December, 24–28°C or 75.2–82.4°F): Cozier indoor dining at Quán 23 or Hải Cá; midday avoids showers. Quieter post-Tet (5,000–10,000 daily visitors).
Tip: Visit during Nha Trang Sea Festival (June, biennial) for food events; check AccuWeather for storm alerts (October–November).
Nha Trang Ward is 440 km from Ho Chi Minh City, with Bánh Canh spots 1–3 km from the center:
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): From Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang Ward (40 min), $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND); to Yersin or Van Don Street (5–10 min), $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND). Book via Xanh SM app.
By Hybrid Bus: From Nha Trang center to Yersin or Dam Market (5–10 min), $0.30–$0.80 (7,000–20,000 VND). Use BusMap app.
By Bicycle: Rent in Nha Trang Ward ($2–$5/day or 50,000–125,000 VND), 10–15 min to stalls, emission-free.
By Motorcycle: Rent ($5–$10/day), 5–10 min, $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) fuel. Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Walking: From Tran Phu Beach to Yersin Street, 10–20 min, free and eco-friendly.
By Legend Travel Group Tour: Electric taxi or bicycle to dining spots, $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND)/person, including guide and meal.
From Ho Chi Minh City: Fly to Cam Ranh Airport (45 min, $30–$60 or 750,000–1,500,000 VND), then taxi ($12–$18); or train (7–9 hours, $15–$50), then bus ($0.30–$0.80). Navigation Tip: Save “14 Yersin, Nha Trang” or “Dam Market, 19B Van Don” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Bicycles or buses reduce emissions; avoid littering at stalls.
Safety: Secure valuables; confirm fares. Watch for traffic near markets.
Start your Nha Trang Travel with a flavorful bowl (Source: Internet)Dining Costs:
Bánh Canh Bowl: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Extra Toppings (Jellyfish, Fish Cakes): $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Drinks (Iced Tea, Coconut): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Sides (Herbs, Chili Paste): Free or $0.50 (12,500 VND).
Home Cooking:
Ingredients for 4: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).
Equipment (Pot, Blender): $5–$20 (125,000–500,000 VND) if not owned.
Souvenirs: Fish sauce ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND), dried fish cakes ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND).
Electric Taxi: $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND).
Hybrid Bus: $0.60–$1.60 (14,000–40,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).
Motorcycle Rental: $5–$10/day; fuel $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Walking: Free.
Legend Travel Group Tour: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND)/person.
From Cam Ranh Airport: $24–$36 (600,000–900,000 VND) taxi.
Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Budget: $5–$15 (bus, Bánh Canh, snacks).
Mid-Range: $20–$40 (taxi, multiple bowls, tour).
Luxury: $50–$80 (cooking class, premium tour, extras).
Tip: Budget for Bánh Canh ($1–$3), transport ($0.60–$36), and extras ($2–$15); carry cash for stalls (no cards at most sites).
Timing: Dine 6:00–9:00 AM for freshest broth; January–August for outdoor stalls. Weekdays for fewer crowds (5,000–10,000 vs. 20,000–30,000 on weekends). Avoid Tet for quieter dining.
Booking: No reservations needed for stalls; book Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided experiences. Confirm Bánh Canh availability at markets early.
Sustainability: Choose stalls with local fish; use reusable bottles. Support Dam Market vendors for herbs ($0.50–$1) or fish sauce ($2–$5).
Dining Tips: Customize with chili, lime, and herbs for flavor. Dip fish cakes in fish sauce. Eat slowly to savor broth’s sweetness.
Navigation: Save stall addresses in offline maps; follow Yersin or Van Don Streets. Visit Dam Market early (6:00–8:00 AM) for vibrant stalls.
Safety: Check for fish allergies; secure valuables at markets. Confirm prices before ordering.
Weather: Dry season ideal for street dining; rainy season suits indoor stalls. Bring rain gear ($2–$5) for September–December. Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Say “xin chào” to vendors; respect stall etiquette. Avoid littering at markets or eateries.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry hand sanitizer.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Nha Trang’s Bánh Canh culture:
Nha Trang Street Food Eco-Tour ($40–$70/person, 1 day): Bicycle to Cô Hà, Bánh Canh tasting, Dam Market snacks ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.
Khanh Hoa Culinary Adventure ($120–$180/person, 2 days): Bánh Canh at Bà Thoa, cooking class ($15–$25), homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Vietnam Coastal Food Journey ($300–$450/person, 4 days): Nha Trang Bánh Canh, Hoi An Bánh Mì, eco-transfers. Includes meals, guides. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via links!
Bánh Canh, priced at $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per bowl, is Nha Trang’s iconic noodle soup, blending thick tapioca noodles, seafood broth, and sustainable local fish cakes into a coastal culinary masterpiece. From Yersin Street stalls to home recipes, it captures Khanh Hoa’s flavors. Legend Travel Group’s Nha Trang Tours offer an authentic, responsible taste of Nha Trang’s food scene, ensuring a sustainable Nha Trang Travel experience filled with cultural immersion. Sign up for our newsletter to follow new guides and book your Bánh Canh adventure today! Ready to savor Nha Trang’s iconic Bánh Canh? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable culinary journey!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
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