Joanna James
When you picture Mui Ne, the first things that come to mind are usually sand dunes and maybe the ocean. But what you might not know is that the food there is incredible. These are the must-tries.
Start your foodie adventure in Mui Ne with something refreshing: Goi Ca Mai. This dish is a raw fish salad made with ca mai fish, typically caught fresh from the sea just hours before it makes its way to the dining table. The fish is thinly sliced and tossed with shredded herbs, crushed peanuts, chillies, garlic, and a squeeze of lime juice. The flavour combo is just amazing, with tangy, nutty, spicy, and fresh notes. It’s usually served with rice paper and greens. It’s the perfect beachside appetiser.
The name Dong translates to grilled sand lizard. It might sound a bit adventurous, but trust the locals on this one. Sand lizards live in the dunes of Mui Ne. They’re considered a delicacy here and are usually grilled with lemongrass or stir-fried with garlic. The meat is lean, slightly gamey, and flavourful — often described as tasting like chicken legs or frog legs. Locals believe it’s packed with nutrients, and it’s one of those foodie experiences you won’t want to miss. Now, where can you find all this delicious Vietnamese fare? There are markets and restaurants run by locals. Some of the best Mui Ne restaurants are offered by tourist hotels like Anantara Mui Ne Resort.
Have you tried hotpot before? Lau Tha is quite similar, but it’s a lot more than just throwing things into a pot of broth. The base is usually a sweet-and-sour fish broth, and it’s served with thin slices of raw fish, mango, starfruit, banana flower, herbs, and rice noodles. You dip everything into the hot broth and let it cook. It’s a communal-style dish, often served in big groups. If you’re travelling with friends, Lau Tha is a must-try.
If you’re in the mood for some comfort food, you’ll like Banh Canh. It’s a thick noodle soup with a udon-like texture. Pairings include pork, shrimp, or fish cakes. The broth is mild and slightly sweet, and is often cooked for hours to build up depth. It’s the kind of dish that locals like to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Give it a try and you’ll understand why it’s so loved. Don’t forget to add a squeeze of lime and a bit of chilli oil for some extra flavour.
One of the most popular dishes in the country, Banh Xeo is a delicious crepe made from rice flour and turmeric. It’s pan-fried until crispy and stuffed with fresh seafood, bean sprouts, and onions. You wrap it in lettuce leaves, dunk it into a sweet-spicy dipping sauce, and enjoy it. It’s the definition of Vietnamese street food.
These are crescent-shaped dumplings loved by locals, and tourists come to love them too. Made with translucent tapioca flour skin and stuffed with minced shrimp and pork, Quai Vac Tran are steamed and then topped with fried shallots. To complete the experience, vendors serve a side of dipping sauce. They’re light, chewy, and addictive. You’ll probably want more than just one plate.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
