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"Da Nang has taught me one of the most important lessons in life and cuisine: balance,” says Summer Le, Da Nang native and chef-co-founder of Nén Danang. “It’s where the sea meets the mountains, tradition meets modernity, and flavours are bold yet never overpowering. I grew up appreciating subtle contrasts — salty and sweet, soft and firm, old and new. That sense of harmony shapes how I cook and how I live."
Born and raised in Da Nang, the 36-year-old chef has witnessed its transformation from a quiet coastal town into a vibrant, dynamic city. Nestled in the heart of Central Vietnam, Da Nang seamlessly blends cultural influences from both the North and South while preserving its own rich identity. Surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty – from majestic mountains to pristine beaches – the city offers a serene and harmonious way of life.
Chef Summer Le at Nen Light, a MICHELIN-listed eatery in in Ho Chi Minh City. (© Mervin Lee/ MICHELIN Guide Vietnam)
Chef Le and her husband founded Nén Danang in 2017. Since then, the MICHELIN-selected restaurant has redefined modern Vietnamese fine dining. Using 99% hyper-local ingredients and a strong storytelling approach, Nén Danang became Vietnam’s first recipient of a MICHELIN Green Star in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang edition.
“To me, Da Nang is peaceful, full of potential, and delicious. The people here are resilient, open to diversity, and embrace a tranquil lifestyle,” states the Da Nang sustainability hero. “Beyond its calm exterior, Da Nang is a city on the rise – not just as an adored travel destination but as a growing economic hub. And most importantly, Da Nang is delicious! Its culinary heritage is a true feast for the senses and a treasure for you to discover.”
For a morning bite: Banh mi
“Banh mi is an explosion of flavours. Its global fame comes from the perfect balance of sweet, savoury, sour and spicy, combined with contrasting temperatures and crunch. Banh mi comes in countless variations. Here in Da Nang, you’ll find around ten unique types to start your day — from banh mi filled with crispy roasted pork, to ones stuffed with chewy tapioca dumplings, shredded chicken, Vietnamese pork rolls and more.”In Da Nang, you can try this iconic dish at Luk Lak, a MICHELIN-selected restaurant known for its banh mi sot vang — a take on the French-style beef stew served with crusty bread. For something different, head to Madame Lân, where you’ll find banh mi op la (sunny-side-up eggs) and banh mi op let, a twist on the classic with a crispy egg omelette.
- Luk Lak: 28 Bach Dang Street, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
- Madame Lân: 4 Bach Dang Street, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
(© Shutterstock)
For a true Da Nang experience: Mi Quang
"For me, mi Quang is a true treasure of Vietnamese cuisine. Da Nang’s rich natural diversity is beautifully reflected in a bowl of mi Quang. What makes this dish so special is its adaptability — there is no fixed recipe. The toppings vary widely, with the most popular combinations featuring fresh shrimp, pork and quail eggs. But when pork or shrimp aren’t available, we cook the dish with whatever we have. You’ll find versions made with chicken, beef and even eel. I always think that mi Quang embodies the spirit of Da Nang’s people — resilient, adaptable and deeply appreciative of nature’s gifts. No matter the circumstances, we always find a way to create something flavourful and nourishing."Craving an authentic taste of noodles from Quang Nam province — mi Quang? This central Vietnamese speciality features wide rice noodles topped with flavourful meats, herbs and a small amount of broth. Look for the humble yet beloved Mỳ Quảng Sứa Hồng Vân. Whether you choose the classic pork-and-shrimp combination or the refreshing crunch of jellyfish (sua), each bowl is a satisfying blend of rich flavours and fresh herbs.
59 Le Hong Phong Street, Phuoc Ninh Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
(© Michelin)
For a classic Vietnamese meal: Bếp Hên
“If you want to experience the warmth of a Vietnamese family meal in Da Nang, Bếp Hên is a must-visit. This charming eatery serves up comforting dishes made from fresh, local ingredients — just like our mums cook.”Bếp Hên offers a taste of authentic home-cooked Vietnamese cuisine. Each dish tells a story of nostalgia, crafted with time-honoured recipes. From tender braised fish to stir-fried morning glory and comforting soups, every bite invites you to savour the moment and experience the warmth of a home away from home.
47 Le Hong Phong Street, Phuoc Ninh Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
(© Michelin)
For the best street food: Hai Chau District
“The area where I grew up is between Han Bridge and Dragon Bridge in Hai Chau district. You’ll know exactly why I love food if you spend time there! In fact, many of the MICHELIN-listed restaurants are literally my neighbours. Hai Chau District is also the place where you can experience the best flavours of Da Nang’s street food culture. Many of the city’s oldest and most beloved street food stalls and shops are located here. You’ll find all of Da Nang’s most iconic street food gems — from bun bo (beef noodle soup) and cơm ga (chicken rice) to bun cha ca (fish patties with noodle soup), banh xeo (crispy pancakes), ban thit nuong (grilled pork with vermicelli), banh trang thit heo (pork with rice paper) and banh beo, nam, loc (savoury steamed rice cakes).”Head to Cơm Gà Lan for a fragrant and satisfying plate of chicken rice, where tender chicken rests atop turmeric-infused rice, served with fresh herbs and a light dipping sauce. At Bún Chả Cá 109, you’ll find a comforting bowl of fish patty noodle soup, featuring a rich, savoury broth filled with handmade fish patties and crisp greens. Meanwhile, Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng serves up golden, crunchy pancakes stuffed with shrimp, pork and bean sprouts — best enjoyed wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs and dipped in a tangy sauce. For a smoky, street-side indulgence, Phú Hồng offers mouthwatering grilled barbecue with vermicelli.
- Cơm Gà Lan: 520 Trung Nu Vuong Street, Hoa Thuan Tay Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
- Bún Chả Cá 109: 109 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Hai Chau 1 Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
- Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng: 280/23 Hoang Dieu Street, Nam Duong Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
- Phú Hồng: 19 Yen Bai Street, Hai Chau 1 Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
(© Michelin)
For an enjoyable and delectable dining experience: Seafood
“Eating seafood in Da Nang is more than just a meal — it’s a fun and interactive experience. As a coastal city, Da Nang boasts an incredible variety of fresh seafood, served straight from the tank to your plate. At seafood restaurants here, you don’t just order — you choose. You’ll see crabs, fish and shrimp still alive, handpicking exactly what you want and forging a unique connection with your food before it’s prepared. From salt-roasted to tamarind-glazed to grilled with scallion oil and more, each cooking technique enhances the seafood’s natural sweetness while balancing it with aromatic spices.”Mỹ Hạnh Seafood offers an unforgettable dining experience by the sea. You’ll handpick the freshest seafood — snails, crabs, shrimp and fish — before watching it transform into flavourful dishes. The real showstopper here is the mantis shrimp, prized for its firm, flavour-packed meat and decadent, buttery roe. Another standout is the Hoi An mud crab — a rare delicacy you won’t find anywhere else in Da Nang according to our Inspectors.
3-5 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Phuoc My Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang.
RELATED: 2 Days in Da Nang
(© Michelin)
For the sunset that you will never forget: Thuan Phuoc Bridge
“The sunset in Da Nang is mesmerising, painting the sky with hues of gold, pink, and fiery orange as the city transitions into the evening.”Da Nang’s sunsets have inspired Summer to craft a unique savoury fruit mousse at her restaurant, Nén Danang - a dessert that captures the vibrant hues and fleeting beauty of the evening sky. If you’re looking for the best spots to soak in this magical moment, head to Thuan Phuoc Bridge, where the Han River meets the sea. The reflection of the setting sun on the water, combined with the bridge’s elegant silhouette, creates a dazzling scene that feels almost surreal.
Cau Thuan Phuoc, Nai Hien Dong, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
(© Summer Le)
For a late-night meal: Bun bo
“Bun bo in Da Nang offers a unique take on this beloved Vietnamese dish. Da Nang’s bun bo is lighter and more subtle, with a clear, fragrant broth that draws its depth from slow-simmered bones and lemongrass. For a late-night treat, I often order fewer noodles to make it a more balanced and refined bowl.”For a hearty bowl of bun bo, head to Bún Bò Bà Rơi (Hai Chau), a local favourite in Da Nang. This shop specialises in bun bo with an array of beef cuts — including thinly sliced beef, rib, tendon, brisket and tongue — as well as pork trotters and crab balls.
5 Phan Thanh Tai Street, Hoa Thuan Dong Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
(© Michelin)
CONTINUE READING: Nén Danang: Vietnam's First MICHELIN Green Star Award Winner and Why Sustainable Cuisine Is in the Country's DNA
Illustration image: © Nén Danang
