Savor Da Lat’s Banh Mi Xiu Mai: A Must-Try Meatball Soup Breakfast

In the cool, misty highlands of Lam Dong, Da Lat’s culinary scene shines with its unique take on Banh Mi Xiu Mai—a beloved Vietnamese breakfast of savory pork meatballs in a rich tomato broth, paired with crusty baguette. This dish, blending Chinese-inspired xiu mai with French-influenced bread, is a testament to Da Lat’s cultural fusion, offering a warm, hearty start to your day. Unlike versions elsewhere in Vietnam, Da Lat’s Banh Mi Xiu Mai stands out for its fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and the region’s crisp climate, which enhances every bite. With Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, you can explore the best stalls and immerse yourself in Da Lat’s vibrant food culture through our curated culinary tours.

Legend Travel Group is your trusted partner for authentic travel experiences in Vietnam. As a dedicated tour operator, we craft food-focused adventures that connect you with Da Lat’s culinary heritage. Our English-speaking guides, deep local knowledge, and partnerships with top vendors ensure you taste the finest Banh Mi Xiu Mai while enjoying seamless logistics. Our tours are designed to inspire immediate action—check out the booking links on this page to reserve your spot and savor Da Lat’s flavors!

Banh Mi Xiu Mai is a comforting dish featuring tender pork meatballs (xiu mai) simmered in a savory tomato-based broth, served with a fresh baguette for dipping or stuffing. The meatballs, often made with ground pork, jicama for crunch, and a touch of shrimp or spices, are seared and braised to perfection, creating a rich, slightly sweet sauce. Accompaniments like pickled carrots, cucumber, cilantro, and chili add texture and zing. In Da Lat, the dish is elevated by the region’s fresh produce and cool weather, making it a breakfast staple at street stalls and markets.

Three Ways to Enjoy Banh Mi Xiu Mai

1. Dip and Savor: Tear the baguette into small pieces, dip them into the broth, and pair with a meatball for a burst of flavor.

2. Soak It Up: Break the bread into the bowl, letting it absorb the sauce, and eat the softened pieces with meatballs and herbs.

3. Make a Sandwich: Slice the baguette, stuff it with meatballs, pickles, and cilantro, and dip into the broth for a handheld treat.

Da Lat’s streets are dotted with stalls serving this iconic dish, but here are the top spots recommended by locals and Legend Travel Group:

1. Banh Mi Xiu Mai Ri 79

   • Address: 01 Thong Thien Hoc, Ward 2, Da Lat, Lam Dong

   • Price: $1.20–$1.80 (30,000–45,000 VND) per portion

   • Details: A beloved roadside stall known for its steamy bowls of xiu mai with a rich, flavorful broth. The bread is perfectly crispy, and the stall’s vibrant atmosphere adds to the experience. Open 6:00 AM–12:00 PM.

2. Banh Mi Xiu Mai Phuc Han

   • Address: 34 Hoang Dieu, Ward 5, Da Lat, Lam Dong

   • Price: $1.50–$2 (40,000–50,000 VND) per portion

   • Details: A local favorite for its generous meatballs and tangy tomato sauce, served with fresh herbs and pickles. The stall is clean and welcoming, ideal for a quick breakfast. Open 6:30 AM–11:00 AM.

3. Tran Nhat Duat Street Stall

   • Address: Crossroads of Tran Nhat Duat & Hoang Dieu, Ward 5, Da Lat, Lam Dong

   • Price: $1–$1.50 (25,000–40,000 VND) per portion

   • Details: A no-frills stall famous for its authentic recipe, featuring pork skin and lean pork paste in the broth. Best visited early (6:00 AM–9:00 AM) to beat the crowds.

4. Banh Mi Xiu Mai Dinh 2

   • Address: 47/5 Dinh Tien Hoang, Ward 2, Da Lat, Lam Dong

   • Price: $1.20–$2 (30,000–50,000 VND) per portion

   • Details: A clean, roadside gem offering a variety of toppings, including pork pies and herbs. Locals praise its flavorful broth and affordable prices. Open 6:00 AM–1:00 PM.

Note: Prices may vary slightly based on portion size or additional toppings like pork skin or extra meatballs. Legend Travel Group’s food tours include stops at these top stalls, ensuring you taste the best.

Our culinary tours are the perfect way to experience Da Lat’s Banh Mi Xiu Mai alongside other local delicacies. All tours include transportation, English-speaking guides, and tastings at vetted stalls. Here are our offerings:

• Morning Street Food Walk ($35–$50 per person)
  A 3-hour tour visiting 2–3 top Banh Mi Xiu Mai stalls, plus tastings of banh trang nuong (Vietnamese pizza) and soy milk. Includes a stroll through Da Lat Market.

• Full-Day Foodie Adventure ($70–$90 per person)
  Explore Da Lat’s culinary scene with Banh Mi Xiu Mai, nem nuong (grilled pork sausage), and a visit to a coffee plantation. Includes lunch and transfers.

• Private Culinary Tour ($60–$100 per person, minimum 2 people)
  Customize your itinerary to focus on Banh Mi Xiu Mai or combine with other dishes like banh can (mini pancakes). Perfect for food enthusiasts.

• Da Lat Night Market Food Tour ($40–$60 per person)
  While focusing on evening snacks, this tour includes a late-afternoon Banh Mi Xiu Mai stop and other treats like crab soup and grilled rice paper.

Prices include all tastings, guides, and transfers. Group discounts are available for 4+ travelers. Book now for seasonal promotions!

Da Lat’s version of Banh Mi Xiu Mai owes its fame to the region’s fresh ingredients and culinary heritage. The cool climate enhances the broth’s warmth, while locally grown vegetables like cilantro and pickled carrots add vibrancy. The dish’s French influence—crusty baguettes from Da Lat’s colonial past—pairs perfectly with the Chinese-inspired xiu mai, creating a fusion that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Locals often enjoy it with a cup of filtered coffee, making it a quintessential Da Lat breakfast.

Visit Da Lat between November and April for ideal weather (15–25°C), perfect for savoring a hot bowl of xiu mai in the morning chill. Stalls are busiest from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, so arrive early for the freshest bread and to avoid crowds. The rainy season (May–October) can make outdoor dining less pleasant, but many stalls offer covered seating.

• Arrive Early: Most stalls sell out by noon, so aim for 6:00–8:00 AM for the best selection.

• Customize Your Order: Ask for extra chili or pork skin for added flavor; most vendors are happy to oblige.

• Pair with a Drink: Enjoy your meal with Da Lat’s famous soy milk ($0.50–$1) or filtered coffee ($1–$1.50).

• Bring Cash: Small stalls rarely accept cards, so carry small denominations (10,000–50,000 VND).

• Join a Tour: Legend Travel Group’s guides navigate language barriers and ensure you visit hygienic, high-quality stalls.

Ready to taste Da Lat’s legendary Banh Mi Xiu Mai? Legend Travel Group makes it simple:

1. Explore Tours: Check out our food tour options on this page (right or below).

2. Customize Your Experience: Contact us for private tours or dietary accommodations (e.g., vegetarian xiu mai).

3. Book Easily: Secure your spot with a small deposit and enjoy free cancellations up to 24 hours before departure.

4. Savor the Flavors: Our guides lead you to the best stalls, sharing stories of Da Lat’s culinary heritage.

Book Now and embark on a delicious journey with Legend Travel Group!

Extend your food adventure with these local specialties, easily included in our tours:

• Banh Trang Nuong: Grilled rice paper topped with eggs and shrimp, aka Vietnamese pizza ($0.50–$1).

• Nem Nuong: Grilled pork sausage wrapped in rice paper with herbs ($1.50–$2).

• Lau Ga La E: Chicken hotpot with lemon basil, perfect for chilly evenings ($5–$8).

• Kem Bo: Creamy avocado ice cream, a Da Lat exclusive ($1–$2).

Banh Mi Xiu Mai, a culinary gem of Da Lat, is more than a meal—it’s a taste of the city’s soul, blending local ingredients with global influences in every savory bite. From bustling street stalls to cozy eateries in Lam Dong’s highlands, this iconic dish captivates food lovers with its flavorful meatballs and crusty baguette. Legend Travel Group’s Da Lat Tours guide you to the best stalls to savor Banh Mi Xiu Mai, ensuring a sustainable Da Lat Travel experience that explores Lam Dong’s vibrant culinary landscape alongside cultural and scenic highlights. Don’t just read about Da Lat’s flavors—experience them! Browse our featured tours and book your culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste Banh Mi Xiu Mai? Reserve your tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into Da Lat’s food scene!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Da Lat Culinary Information: vietnam.travel, dalattrip.com, vietnamtourism.org.vn