Quy Nhon, a coastal city in Vietnam's Binh Dinh province, is famous not only for its beautiful beaches and rich history but also for its unique and flavorful cuisine. The local food scene is a rich source of classic Vietnamese cuisine, influenced by both the coastal waters and the rich agricultural land surrounding the area. If you're a foodie visiting this hidden gem, you're in for a gastronomic adventure. In this guide, we'll take a look at the top restaurants in Quy Nhon for traditional cuisine -
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1. Bún Thịt Nướng Lý Thường Kiệt – Top Spot for Grilled Pork Vermicelli
One of the most famous and iconic dishes in Quy Nhon is bún thịt nướng (grilled pork noodles). Located on Lý Thường Kiệt Street, this modest eatery offers a flavor-packed version of this traditional dish.
What to Try: The signature of the menu is the bún thịt nướng – succulent slices of grilled pork served over a bed of rice noodles, topped with fresh greens, pickled vegetables, and a generous helping of chopped peanuts. Don’t forget to mix in the delicious fish sauce to bring out the flavors.
Why It’s Special: The meat is marinated to perfection, with a charred taste that pairs perfectly with the crisp vegetables and noodles. The fish sauce here is milder in sweetness than in other regions, making it distinctive to the area.
2. Bánh Xèo Gia Vỹ – Best for Crispy Vietnamese Pancakes
A visit to Quy Nhon wouldn’t be complete without tasting bánh xèo, a thin Vietnamese pancake filled with seafood, pork, and fresh vegetables. Bánh Xèo Gia Vỹ is a well-known spot among locals for its traditional take on this traditional dish.
What to Try: The classic bánh xèo is a top pick. It’s served with a platter of fresh herbs and rice paper, which you use to assemble the crispy pancake before dunking it into a flavorful peanut sauce.
Why It’s Special: The secret to their irresistible bánh xèo lies in the mix – it’s light yet not greasy, and the shrimp and pork are always locally sourced. The dipping sauce, a perfect balance of savory and tangy, elevates the entire dish.
3. Quán Cây Dừa – Top Seafood Restaurant in Quy Nhon
Given its oceanfront location, it’s no surprise that Quy Nhon is famous for its seafood. Quán Cây Dừa, located on the beach, offers a range of fresh seafood dishes that reflect the city’s culinary traditions.
What to Try: Start with the grilled scallops with spring onions or steamed clams. For a satisfying meal, try their grilled fish with salt and chili or stir-fried squid with tamarind sauce.
Why It’s Special: The seafood at Quán Cây Dừa is sourced directly from local fish markets, ensuring its freshness. The traditional yet flavorful cooking techniques emphasize the distinct flavors of the seafood. Plus, the beachside location improves the ambiance.
4. Bánh Canh Bà O – Top Spot for Fish Noodles
For a comforting meal, head to Bánh Canh Bà O, a local
favorite spot for fish noodle soup, or bánh canh chả cá. This family-run shop serves a humble but incredibly flavorful bowl of noodles.
What to Try: The bánh canh chả cá is made with wide noodles and fish patties in a light, savory broth. It’s typically served with a side of hot sauce and fresh herbs to mix in.
Why It’s Special: The chả cá are homemade, and the broth is cooked for hours with seafood, resulting in a clear but deeply flavorful soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food after a tiring exploration.
5. Bánh Hỏi Cháo Lòng – Best for Rice Vermicelli with Pork Organs
A unique dish that you’ll only find in Quy Nhon and some parts of Central Vietnam is bánh hỏi cháo lòng – a combination of rice vermicelli and pork organs. This traditional dish is a local favorite for breakfast or brunch, and Bánh Hỏi Cháo Lòng is one of the best places to try it.
What to Try: The bánh hỏi (delicate rice vermicelli woven into thin layers) is served alongside a bowl of cháo lòng (savory rice porridge cooked with pork organs) and a variety of fresh herbs, dipped in a tangy fish sauce.
Why It’s Special: The dish offers a truly authentic Quy Nhon experience. The bánh hỏi is steamed until soft yet slightly chewy, while the cháo lòng is rich and hearty, giving you a comforting yet adventurous flavor experience. The combination of textures from the rice vermicelli and pork offal, paired with the fresh herbs, is both unique and satisfying.
6. Bánh Bèo Tuyết Mai – Top Spot for Traditional Bánh Bèo
Another must-try Quy Nhon specialty is bánh bèo, a small steamed rice cake topped with shrimp, crispy pork skin, and scallions. For a truly local experience, head to Bánh Bèo Tuyết Mai.
What to Try: The bánh bèo here is served with a savory fish sauce that you drizzle over the tiny cakes. The shrimp topping and crispy pork skin add a delightful crunch to the soft rice cakes.
Why It’s Special: Bánh Bèo Tuyết Mai is renowned for its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The rice cakes are steamed to perfection, offering a chewy, soft texture. The flavorful toppings and sauce bring out the distinct taste of this traditional dish, making it a must-try for visitors looking to experience authentic Quy Nhon street food.
7. Nhà Hàng Hải Âu – Top Spot for Fine Dining in Quy Nhon
If you’re in the mood for an upscale dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and dishes, Nhà Hàng Hải Âu is the place to go. This restaurant offers a combination of Vietnamese culinary traditions with modern twists in an elegant beachfront setting.
What to Try: The seafood hotpot and grilled lobster are standout dishes here, showcasing the freshest catches from the nearby waters. Additionally, try their take on traditional nem nướng (grilled pork sausage).
Why It’s Special: Nhà Hàng Hải Âu offers a more refined take on Quy Nhon’s local cuisine, perfect for those who want to enjoy a sophisticated meal while still experiencing the rich flavors of the region. The restaurant’s chic décor, attentive service, and stunning seaside views elevate the entire dining experience.
8. Cơm Tấm Quán Quê – Best for Broken Rice Dishes
A staple in southern Vietnam that has made its way to Quy Nhon is cơm tấm – broken rice typically served with grilled pork, a fried egg, and pickled vegetables. Cơm Tấm Quán Quê is a local favorite for this hearty meal.
What to Try: The cơm tấm sườn nướng (broken rice with grilled pork) is a must. It comes with a side of fresh cucumber and pickled vegetables, topped with a perfectly fried egg and a drizzle of fish sauce.
Why It’s Special: The pork is marinated in a flavorful mix of lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, then grilled to perfection, with a smoky and slightly sweet taste. The broken rice adds a different texture compared to regular rice, giving the dish its unique character. This restaurant serves it all in a rustic, authentic setting that enhances the experience.
9. Chè Nhà Làng – Top Spot for Traditional Desserts
If you’re looking for a sweet ending to your culinary adventure in Quy Nhon, Chè Nhà Làng offers a variety of chè, traditional Vietnamese sweet soups and puddings.
What to Try: Popular choices include chè đậu xanh (mung bean soup), chè bắp (corn pudding), and chè thập cẩm (a mix of various sweet ingredients like beans, coconut milk, and jelly).
Why It’s Special: The desserts here are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and offer a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Each bowl is a celebration of Vietnamese traditional sweets, making it a perfect stop for anyone with a sweet tooth.