Nha Trang Local Food Guide: Coastal Flavors & Sustainable Culinary Tours

A Coastal Culinary Haven with Sustainable Practices

Nha Trang, located in Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, is a coastal gem 440 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, attracting millions of visitors annually for its 507 km² bay and vibrant food scene. Renowned for seafood like squid, Huynh De crabs, and spiny lobsters, alongside local specialties such as Bánh Canh and Bánh Xoài, Nha Trang offers dishes costing $1–$40 (25,000–1,000,000 VND). Its 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) supports fresh, sustainable seafood and produce. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly culinary tours, using low-impact transport and local sourcing, ensure a responsible taste of Nha Trang’s flavors. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your foodie adventure!

Administrative Note

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, perfect for food enthusiasts seeking authentic experiences. Our tours use electric taxis and bicycles, guided by English-speaking experts sharing local culinary traditions and sustainability insights. Partnering with vendors prioritizing responsibly sourced seafood and produce, 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 dining journey

Nha Trang’s cuisine reflects its coastal bounty, with fresh seafood from its 252.6 km² bay and islands like Binh Ba, paired with local staples like rice noodles and Cam Lâm mangoes. Sustainable practices, such as regulated fishing and biodegradable utensils at eateries, preserve the region’s marine ecosystem. From street stalls on Yersin Street to beachside restaurants along Tran Phu, dishes like Bún Chả Cá (fish noodle soup) and grilled Huynh De crabs offer affordable, flavorful experiences. Nha Trang’s hospitable locals enhance the dining scene, making it a culinary paradise just a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City.

These eco-friendly dishes, costing $1–$40, highlight Nha Trang’s coastal cuisine:

1. Bún Chả Cá at Cô Hà (14 Yersin Street, Loc Tho)

Savor fish noodle soup with sailfish broth, best at 7:00 AM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), a breakfast staple.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–2:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Locally sourced fish; reusable bowls.

• Tip: Add chili fish sauce; included in Legend Travel Group’s Street Food Eco-Tour ($40–$70).

2. Huynh De Crabs at Ben Cang Seafood (24 Ngo Quyen Street, Loc Tho)

Enjoy rare, sweet boiled crabs, best at 6:00 PM, for $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND)/kg, a royal delicacy.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–11:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Sustainable sourcing; biodegradable utensils.

• Tip: Dip in lemon-pepper; included in Legend Travel Group’s Seafood Eco-Tour ($60–$90).

3. Bánh Xoài at Dam Market (19B Van Don Street, Phuoc Tien)

Relish sweet-tart mango cake, best at 9:00 AM, for $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND)/kg, a perfect souvenir.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Cam Lâm mangoes; biodegradable wrapping.

• Tip: Buy fresh at stalls; included in Legend Travel Group’s Market Food Tour ($40–$70).

4. Grilled One-Sun-Dried Squid at Gió Biển Restaurant (Pham Van Dong Street)

Taste chewy squid grilled over charcoal, best at 6:00 PM, for $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND), with chili sauce.

• Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Locally caught squid; eco-friendly plates.

• Tip: Pair with beer; included in Legend Travel Group’s Coastal Dining Tour ($50–$80).

5. Bánh Canh at Quán 23 (23 Yersin Street, Loc Tho)

Try thick noodle soup with fish cakes, best at 8:00 AM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), a hearty snack.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–3:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Local ingredients; minimal waste.

• Tip: Add green onions; included in Legend Travel Group’s Local Eats Tour ($40–$70).

6. Nem Nướng Ninh Hòa at Quán Đặng Văn Quyên (16A Lan Ong Street)

Savor grilled pork rolls with herbs, best at 5:00 PM, for $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND), a Ninh Hoa specialty.

• Hours: Daily, 3:00 PM–9:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Local pork; reusable serveware.

• Tip: Roll in rice paper; included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Adventure Tour ($40–$70).

Bánh Xoài Recipe: Nha Trang’s Sweet-Tart Delight

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

• Mangoes: 2 kg ripe Cam Lâm mangoes ($2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND at Dam Market), peeled and pureed.

• Sugar: 500g ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND).

• Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp ($0.20 or 5,000 VND).

• Equipment: Non-stick tray, oven or drying rack ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND if not owned).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Source mangoes locally; use reusable trays.

Instructions

1. Puree Mangoes: Blend mangoes until smooth. Mix with sugar and lemon juice in a pot.

2. Cook Mixture: Simmer on low heat for 30–40 min, stirring until thickened.

3. Dry: Spread thinly on a non-stick tray. Dry in oven at 140°F (60°C) for 6–8 hours or under sunlight for 1–2 days until pliable.

4. Cut and Store: Slice into strips, wrap in biodegradable paper ($0.50 or 12,500 VND). Store in airtight containers.

• Cost: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) for 1 kg.

• Tip: Dry in dry season for best results; pair with tea.

• Dry Season (January–August, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F): Ideal for morning market visits and beachside dining with clear skies (10–50 mm/month rainfall). Early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) offer fresh seafood; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) suit crab feasts. 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 Ben Cang or Gió Biển; midday (11:00 AM–2:00 PM) 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 dining spots 1–80 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 Tran Phu Street (5–10 min), $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND); to Ninh Hoa (45 min), $15–$20 (375,000–500,000 VND). Book via Xanh SM app (hotline: 1900 2088).

• 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 ($2–$5/day or 50,000–125,000 VND), 10–15 min to city eateries, emission-free.

• By Motorcycle: Rent ($5–$10/day), 5–45 min, $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND) fuel. Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).

• By Legend Travel Group Tour: Electric taxi or bicycle to dining spots, $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 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–$20); 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 electric taxis reduce emissions; avoid littering at stalls.

• Safety: Secure valuables; confirm fares. Watch for traffic near markets.

Dining Costs

• Bún Chả Cá: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND)/bowl.

• Huynh De Crabs: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND)/kg.

• Bánh Xoài: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND)/kg.

• Grilled One-Sun-Dried Squid: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).

• Bánh Canh: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND)/bowl.

• Nem Nướng Ninh Hòa: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).

• Drinks (Iced Tea, Coconut): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).

• Souvenirs (Fish Sauce, Dried Squid): $2–$30 (50,000–750,000 VND).

Transportation Costs (Round-Trip from Nha Trang Ward)

• Electric Taxi (City): $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND).

• Electric Taxi (Ninh Hoa): $30–$40 (750,000–1,000,000 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–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

• Legend Travel Group Tour: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 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).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $5–$15 (bus, Bánh Canh, snacks).

• Mid-Range: $20–$50 (taxi, squid, tour).

• Luxury: $80–$120 (crab feast, premium tour, extras).
  Tip: Budget for meals ($1–$40), transport ($0.60–$40), and extras ($2–$30); carry cash for stalls (no cards at most sites).

• Timing: Dine 6:00–9:00 AM for fresh noodles; January–August for outdoor dining. Weekdays for fewer crowds (5,000–10,000 vs. 20,000–30,000 on weekends). Avoid Tet for quieter stalls.

• Booking: No reservations needed for street stalls; book Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided dining. Confirm availability at Dam Market early.

• Sustainability: Choose vendors with local ingredients; use reusable bottles ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Support markets for souvenirs ($2–$30).

• Dining Tips: Customize dishes with chili and herbs; check seafood freshness (firm flesh, no odor). Pair squid with beer for authenticity.

• Navigation: Save dining addresses in offline maps; follow Yersin or Tran Phu. Visit Dam Market early (6:00–8:00 AM) for vibrant stalls.

• Safety: Confirm allergies (seafood, pork); secure valuables at markets. Verify prices before ordering.

• Weather: Dry season ideal for outdoor stalls; rainy season suits indoor restaurants. 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 local cuisine:

• Nha Trang Street Food Eco-Tour ($40–$70/person, 1 day): Bicycle to Cô Hà for Bún Chả Cá ($1–$2), Dam Market for Bánh Xoài ($5–$10). Includes guide, transport.

• Ninh Hoa Culinary Adventure ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Electric taxi to Quán Đặng Văn Quyên for Nem Nướng ($2–$4), local market visit. Includes guide, lunch.

• Khanh Hoa Coastal Food Journey ($120–$180/person, 2 days): Huynh De Crabs at Ben Cang ($20–$40), Binh Ba lobster, homestay ($15–$30/night). Includes meals, guide. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via links!

Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province, is a culinary paradise, offering sustainable seafood like Huynh De crabs ($20–$40) and local delights like Bánh Xoài ($5–$10). From bustling markets to beachside eateries, its cuisine reflects coastal abundance. Legend Travel Group’s Nha Trang Tours ensure a responsible, unforgettable foodie journey through Nha Trang’s vibrant flavors, blending eco-friendly practices with Nha Trang Travel immersion. Sign up for our newsletter to follow new guides and book your culinary adventure today!
Ready to savor Nha Trang’s coastal cuisine? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable foodie adventure!

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.

By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group