Vietnam might be known for pho and banh mi, but its culinary wonders extend far beyond these iconic dishes. On a pristine beach in the vibrant city of Da Nang, located in the central part of Vietnam, MICHELIN Inspectors have uncovered an array of extraordinary flavours along the sandy coastlines. Here, the harmony of fresh ingredients, traditional techniques, and innovative flair come together to create unforgettable dining experiences.
Join us as we explore the MICHELIN Inspectors' favourite eateries in Da Nang in the MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang 2024 edition.
A delicacy at Bún Chả Cá 109. (© Michelin)
Dac biet nhieu cha ca
Bún Chả Cá 109 (Noodles, Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang 2024)The soup is made by boiling crab shells, mackerel, fish bones, and fresh vegetables and fruits together. The crabs and fish bring the freshness of the ocean, while the vegetables and fruits in the soup, such as bamboo shoots, cabbage, and pineapple, add a fresh sweetness and a slightly sour taste. The rice noodles cooked with this soup base are very suitable for the climate of Da Nang. Customers can add homemade fish balls and crab cakes to the rice noodles. Both flavours are very refreshing and tender. Adding a large amount of black peppercorns highlights the spiciness and sweetness of the dish.
The delectable chicken tikka at Rang. (© Michelin)
Chicken tikka with banana blossom salad
Rang (Indian, Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang 2024)Boneless chicken thigh chunks are marinated well and then grilled in a tandoor oven, resulting in a nice charred exterior with a hint of smokiness. The flesh is tender and packed with spice-mix flavour. The chicken is served with local Vietnamese banana blossom and green mango salad, whose acidity and fruitiness help to brighten the spiciness of the chicken—a brilliant local inspiration.
Bun bo Hue at Bún Bò Bà Rơi. (© Michelin)
Bun bo Hue
Bún Bò Bà Rơi (Hai Chau) (Noodles, Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang 2024)A family-run small shop from Hue, the menu exclusively offers classic Central Vietnamese food - bun bo Hue. The lady behind the counter has been making this for decades. The fragrant broth is key, requiring good quality beef bones and overnight simmering. It appears clear but is full of flavour, with a delightful combination of sweet, salty, sour, and umami, complemented by a touch of refreshing lemongrass. They offer only one type of rice noodle (thicker and cylindrical), but there's a variety of toppings to choose from including pork trotter, beef tendon, beef ribs, beef brisket, beef tongue, and crab balls. Each cut of meat is cooked to perfection, offering a mix of textures. With every bowl of these enjoyable noodles, one can taste the food prepared with love and care.
Năm Hiền's crispy banh xeo. (© Michelin)
Banh xeo tom nhay
Năm Hiền (Phan Thanh Street) (Vietnamese, Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang 2024)The name 'banh xeo' refers to the sound (from xeo – 'sizzling'). It features a thin layer of crispy shell freshly made from rice batter, topped with lively shrimp and served with abundant flavour enhancers like leafy greens and fresh herbs such as mint leaves and basil. It is then packed tightly with rice paper and completed with a dip into the special peanut sauce, nuoc leo, made from pork liver, ground pork, fermented soybeans, and peanut butter. This sauce bursts with nutty and meaty flavours in the mouth, complementing the dish perfectly.
Try the steamed squid with ginger and onion at Bé Mặn. (© Michelin)
Steamed squid with ginger and onion
Bé Mặn (Seafood, MICHELIN-listed, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang 2024)Fresh squid, steamed with ginger and green onion, is delicious and fragrant, with a good chewy texture and the aroma of ginger and onion. It is served with a hot and sour sauce, alongside a plate of mint leaves and thick-cut cucumber. The ingredients are meticulously selected, ensuring a fresh and crisp taste.
The edible eggshell at The Temptation. (© Michelin)
The sweet egg nest of the Han River
The Temptation (French Contemporary, MICHELIN-listed, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang 2024)This dessert is both eye-catching and creative. Encased in a bamboo cage, the outer shell resembles an eggshell made of salted caramel, providing a crispy texture. Once the "eggshell" is removed, the inside reveals a sunny-side-up egg appearance. The "egg white" is a mousse made of young coconut and white chocolate, offering a soft texture. At the centre, the "egg yolk" made of passionfruit bursts upon biting, releasing its juicy contents. Strawberry sauce adds a sour note to the mousse, complementing its flavours. Crispy fried apple strips at the bottom enhance the texture without overpowering the dish's delicate flavours.
A must-try dish at Luk Lak in Da Nang. (© Michelin)
Grilled ground beef with herbs and lemongrass
Luk Lak (Vietnamese, MICHELIN-listed, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang 2024)The presentation is simply beautiful. The lemongrass skewers are stuffed with ground beef instead of the more traditional pork, imparting a delightful aroma of lemongrass and meat after grilling. They are accompanied by a delightful assortment of herbs, fruits, and vegetables such as lettuce, mango, carrots, cucumbers, and red bell peppers, served alongside their special sauce. The server helped us moisten the rice papers and wrap everything together, resulting in a dish with a rich texture and delightful flavour.
Our Inspectors highly recommend the shredded chicken rice at Cơm Gà Lan. (© Michelin)
Com ga xe bop
Cơm Gà Lan (Rice Dishes, MICHELIN-listed, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang 2024)The shredded chicken rice is a must-order for nearly everyone due to its generous portions. The rice beneath is cooked with a hint of chicken fat, imparting a pleasant, slightly warm flavour. The serving size is akin to half a spring chicken, with large shreds of chicken mixed generously with lemongrass, cilantro, onions, and other ingredients, seasoned with salt. The overall texture is wonderfully rich. It is accompanied by a bowl of sweet clear soup and a small plate of crispy pickled vegetables.
Bà Diệu's beef noodles. (© Michelin)
Thap cam
Bà Diệu (Tran Tong Street) (Noodles, MICHELIN-listed, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang 2024)The main dish here is bun bo (beef rice noodles), and it is recommended to order thap cam (mixed), which already includes a large meatball, beef tendon, beef tongue, beef thin slices, pork trotters, pork rolls and pig blood. You can taste a variety of ingredients at one time. It is very rich. Most of the ingredients are well prepared and the taste and texture are very good. The rice noodles have a smooth texture, and the broth is naturally sweet and slightly spicy, and diners can request it be less spicy.
READ FURTHER: Inspectors’ Favourite Bib Gourmand Spots in Vietnam 2024
Illustration image: © Michelin
Illustration image: © Michelin
