Central Vietnam’s specialties, ranging from snacks to traditional New Year’s dishes and desserts, each have their unique charm. The meticulous preparation and exquisite flavors make it hard for diners to put down their chopsticks.
Mentioning Central Vietnam’s specialties, visitors can name countless delicious dishes such as Hue beef noodle soup, Thanh Hoa fermented pork rolls, or Nha Trang fish noodles. These dishes not only leave a unique mark on the culinary culture but also captivate those who have traveled to Central Vietnam.
1. Nem chua (Fermented Pork Rolls)
Nem chua is a well-known specialty of Thanh Hoa and a favorite gift for visitors. This delicacy combines the crunch of pig skin, the sourness of fermented meat, and the spiciness of chili and garlic. Each roll is wrapped in aromatic starfruit leaves, giving it a distinctive flavor. Nem chua is best enjoyed with chili sauce and a cold beer. Fermentation time varies by season, usually taking 6-8 hours.
Thanh Hoa sour sausage with chili sauce is delicious beyond words.
2. Shrimp paste rolls
Golden, aromatic shrimp paste rolls grilled over a charcoal stove are a sight that excites many visitors to Thanh Hóa. Made from nutrient-rich shrimp caught from Sầm Sơn Beach, the paste is hand-pounded to retain its texture and sweetness. These rolls are best served with sour starfruit, fresh herbs, and sweet-sour dipping sauce, or simply dipped in chili sauce.
Shrimp rolls, a Central Vietnamese specialty with golden crust and delicious shrimp filling
3. Banh cuon (Rice Rolls)
Thanh Hoa banh cuon is a renowned specialty, as famous as shrimp paste rolls and nem chua. These translucent rolls are skillfully crafted, thin but surprisingly chewy. Inside is a filling of pork, wood ear mushrooms, shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms, topped with crispy fried shallots. The rolls are dipped in a flavorful garlic-chili fish sauce.
Thanh Hoa rice rolls are eaten by Thanh people in the morning.
4. Cu do Candy
Every visitor to Ha Tinh brings back cu đơ candy as a souvenir. This famous Central Vietnamese specialty is a nostalgic treat for many. Cu do consists of layers of sesame rice paper, malt syrup, peanuts, and molasses. The candy is fragrant with ginger, crispy from the rice paper, and chewy from the molasses, making it a delightful snack when paired with hot green tea.
Cu Do candy brings childhood memories to many people.
5. Jumping Squid from Vung Ang
No Ha Tinh culinary experience is complete without tasting Vung Ang’s jumping squid. This unique seafood sparkles like starlight and is named for its lively movements when freshly caught. Cooked squid has a fragrant aroma, firm and sweet meat, best enjoyed with seafood sauce or chili sauce.
Central region specialty – Vung Ang jumping squid
6. Banh Ngao (Sweet Ginger Dumplings)
Bánh ngào is a simple Central Vietnamese dish often prepared during Tet. Small, round dumplings are immersed in a fragrant ginger syrup. The dumplings offer a warm spiciness from the ginger and sweetness from the syrup. In Hà Tĩnh, bánh ngào is a popular dessert, leaving a lingering aroma to conclude a meal.
Sweet cake with a layer of honey
7. Banh Canh (Thick Noodle Soup)
Bánh canh from Quảng Bình is a rustic Central Vietnamese specialty that embodies local flavors. This dish combines pork bone broth with ingredients like shrimp, fish cakes, pork, and fresh herbs. The preparation of bánh canh is meticulous, making it a must-try specialty that captures the hearts of visitors.
A bowl of Quang Binh noodle soup is rich and delicious, anyone who goes far away will remember it.
8. Chao Canh (Noodle Soup)
Chao canh is a familiar and simple breakfast dish for the locals of Quang Binh. Made from hand-kneaded wheat flour, cut into soft, chewy strands, and cooked with pork bones, fish cakes, shrimp, and crab, it is served with chopped onions and fresh herbs. A side of spicy fish sauce enhances its flavor. This dish is a taste of home that every visitor to Quang Binh must try.
A bowl of porridge with the culinary colors of Central Vietnam
9. Banh xeo (Sizzling Pancakes)
Banh xeo is a well-loved specialty across Vietnam, but Quang Binh’s version stands out with its unique flavor. Made from brown rice flour mixed with scallions and chives, these pancakes are different as they contain no filling. Instead, they are served with fresh greens and dipped in a sauce made of garlic, chili, lime, and sugar. Some locals also pair them with salad and banana fish for a special touch.
Banh xeo, a Central Vietnamese specialty, has a unique appearance.
10. Eel Porridge
The most famous specialty of Nghe An is eel. Eels are processed into various dishes, and their meat is highly nutritious, often used to boost health. To avoid a fishy taste, the eels must be wild-caught, with firm and sweet meat. Nghe An eel porridge is served with scallions and Vietnamese coriander for added flavor.
A bowl of hot eel porridge with rich sweetness
11. Eel Noodles
Apart from porridge, Nghe An eel noodles are also a popular choice. This dish carries the characteristic spiciness of Central Vietnam, which masks the fishy scent of eel. The broth is made by simmering pork bones with dried shallots, ensuring a sweet and flavorful taste. Besides the soup version, stir-fried dry eel noodles are also highly appealing.
Nghe An eel vermicelli bowl encapsulates the flavor of Central Vietnam specialties
12. Eel Soup
Although Nghe An eel soup is a humble dish, it is beloved by many diners. Despite being introduced later than eel porridge and eel noodles, the soup is captivating due to the chewy, sweet eel meat marinated richly and served in a creamy, flavorful broth infused with the aroma of chili and pepper. If you visit Nghe An, don’t forget to try these eel-based dishes!
Nghe An eel soup is delicious with bread.
13. Banh Uot (Wet Cake)
Hue wet cake is made from fine rice flour and tapioca starch for a soft, chewy texture. Served hot, the cakes are freshly steamed upon order, topped with scallion oil and fried shallots. They are paired with grilled or roasted pork and dipped in a special fish sauce mixed with garlic, chili, sugar, and lime.
Banh uot, a famous Central specialty made from delicious rice flour
14. Hue Beef Noodles
Hue beef noodles are a must-try Central Vietnam specialty. The broth is made by simmering beef bones, creating a savory, rich flavor enhanced with shrimp paste and lemongrass. Topped with tender beef shank, pork knuckle, and bouncy Hue sausage, this noodle soup is best enjoyed hot with banana blossoms, bean sprouts, and other herbs.
Hot Hue beef noodle soup, served with fatty pork leg and fresh fresh vegetables
15. Mussel Rice
Another favorite Hue specialty is mussel rice. Perfect for spice lovers, the mussels are cleaned, boiled, and stir-fried with aromatic spices. The rice is topped with mango slices, starfruit, crispy pork skin, peanuts, and a mix of spicy and sour flavors, creating a unique dining experience.
Mussel rice dish has a very distinctive spicy taste.
16. Cao Lau
Quang Nam specialties never fail to allure tourists, and Cao Lau is a local pride, from its name to its preparation. The noodles are uniquely chewy and undergo a complex process. Topped with thinly sliced pork, flavorful broth, and fresh herbs like Vietnamese coriander and mint, Cao Lau is utterly delectable.
Enjoy Cao Lau, a delicious Central specialty
17. Quang Noodles
Quang Noodles are familiar to many, but to taste the authentic flavor, you must visit Quang Nam or Da Nang. Found everywhere, from local markets to high-end restaurants, this dish consists of noodles topped with shrimp, shredded chicken, pork, roasted peanuts, and rich broth. It is served with fresh vegetables and crispy sesame crackers, showcasing the essence of Central Vietnam cuisine.
Central region specialty cannot lack Quang noodles
18. Corn Sweet Soup
Corn sweet soup is a rustic Central Vietnam dessert made from corn grown in the fertile land of Cam Nam, Hoi An. The corn kernels are naturally sweet and fragrant. The soup is thick, smooth, and topped with creamy coconut milk, offering an irresistible aroma.
Corn sweet soup, a dish imbued with the love of Hoi An
19. Pork Rice Paper Rolls
When traveling to Da Nang, don’t forget to enjoy this quintessential Central Vietnam dish. The pork used is shoulder and thigh meat with a slight fat layer, adding richness when boiled. The rice paper is soft and pliable. To eat, roll the pork with noodles, some fresh herbs like lettuce, basil, cucumber, and banana, and dip it into a savory fermented fish sauce.
Central region specialty, rice paper rolls with pork
20. Da Nang Mini Baguettes
Another famous Da Nang specialty is the mini baguette. These Central Vietnam snacks are loved by many. The baguettes, only two fingers wide and about 30 cm long, are filled with creamy pate and drizzled with spicy chili sauce. The crispy crust complements the rich pate and spicy sauce for an irresistible bite.
Da Nang baguette, a delicious, nutritious, and cheap Central specialty
21. Da Nang Chicken Rice
No list of Central Vietnam specialties is complete without Da Nang chicken rice. The chicken is selected from free-range chickens, known for their firm meat and thin skin. The rice is cooked in chicken broth with a touch of turmeric powder, resulting in golden, aromatic rice. Served with spicy sauce, Vietnamese coriander, onion, and a bowl of hot chicken soup, this dish is truly special.
Đĩa cơm gà, đặc sản miền Trung Đà Nẵng
22. Nha Trang Fish Noodles
Nha Trang fish noodles are among the most enticing Central Vietnam specialties. The fish, which can be mackerel, tuna, or scad, is freshly selected and not limited to a specific type. The fish is deboned, finely ground, and used to cook the broth. A bowl of Nha Trang fish noodles offers a naturally sweet flavor with a hint of the sea’s saltiness. The noodles are thin, soft, and fully absorb the broth. Served with fish cakes or jellyfish, it’s a memorable treat.
Nha Trang fish noodle soup is one of the specialties of Central Vietnam.
23. Grilled Pork Rolls
When visiting Nha Trang, you must not miss its famous grilled pork rolls, a signature dish of Central Vietnam. These rolls are made from clean pork, seasoned richly, and grilled over glowing charcoal to achieve a fragrant aroma. A portion includes grilled pork rolls, rice paper, crispy fried rolls, fresh herbs, and a bowl of dipping sauce made from fermented fish and ground peanuts.
Grilled spring rolls are rolled with spring rolls, raw vegetables, and dipped in fish sauce. This is an unforgettable Central Vietnamese dish.
24 Nha Trang Bird’s Nest
Nha Trang bird’s nest is a premium specialty ideal as a gift. With high nutritional value and rarity, this delicacy is something every traveler wants to try. Made from the saliva of swiftlets, it is simmered with rock sugar, lotus seeds, and red dates to produce a delicious and nutritious dish.
Bird’s nest, a specialty of the Central region, has an effective effect on nourishing the body.
Central Vietnam specialties are sure to captivate any traveler. To savor them all, plan a journey through Central provinces such as Thanh Hóa, Hà Tĩnh, Nghệ An, and Đà Nẵng to experience the culinary artistry of the locals. Each region offers a unique culinary culture. With this list of Central Vietnam specialties, you can explore the shared and distinct flavors of these dishes. When you visit Central Vietnam, be sure to enjoy these delightful specialties!
