While Da Lat, a major tourist hub in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, has long been popular amongst both domestic and foreign tourists due to its cool climate and stunning views of endless hills covered in lush green pine forests, few take advantage of the mountainous city’s storied food scene.
Banh trang nuong (grilled rice paper)
Dubbed 'Vietnamese pizza,' banh trang nuong is a can’t-miss street snack comprised of grilled rice paper topped with chicken or quail eggs, chopped scallion, cheese, and sausage.
The most popular haunts to try this Da Lat specialty are the street food carts that appear each evening on Nha Chung, Hoang Dieu, Bui Thi Xuan, and Nguyen Chi Thanh Streets, as well as at the Da Lat night market.
Banh uot long ga (steamed rice paper with chicken offal)
Banh uot long ga typically features a platter of steamed rice paper, shredded chicken, and boiled chicken offal, served with a generous helping of chili fish sauce and herbs.
The most popular vendors selling banh uot long ga can be found on Tang Bat Ho, Phan Dinh Phung, Bui Thi Xuan Streets.
A bowl of 'banh uot long ga' (steamed rice cake with chicken offal). Photo: Mai Vinh / Tuoi Tre |
Banh can (mini Vietnamese savory pancakes)
Banh can is one of Da Lat’s most recognizeable breakfast foods. Visitors to the city can try this savory dish on Tang Bat Ho, Nha Chung, and Dao Duy Tu Streets.
Other traditional breakfast foods in Da Lat include banh cuon (steamed rice rolls), pho, hu tieu, and banh canh.
Many of the city’s breakfast eateries are situated on Hoang Dieu, Phu Dong Thien Vuong, Phan Dinh Phung, Tang Bat Ho, and Nguyen Van Cu Streets.
Lunch spots in Da Lat
While lunch is not the most popular meal in Da Lat, we have listed some of the most poular mid-day eateries to check out during a visit to the mountainous city.
Guests visit a La Viet Coffee branch in Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province. Photo: Mai Vinh / Tuoi Tre |
La Viet Coffee
Address: 4D, Tran Quy Cap Street, Ward 10, Da Lat City or 200 Nguyen Cong Tru Street
Aside from serving specialty coffee made in Da Lat, La Viet offers lunch meals starting at VND60,000 (US$2.56).
Aside from serving specialty coffee made in Da Lat, La Viet offers lunch meals starting at VND60,000 ($2.56). Photo: Mai Vinh / Tuoi Tre |
Com Nieu Nhu Ngoc
Address: 19/8 Tran Phu Street, Da Lat City
This eatery mainly offers com nieu (rice baked in clay pots), traditional Vietnamese dishes, and family-style meals. It is usually crowded on weekends and holidays.
Barn House
Address: 198 Nguyen Cong Tru, Ward 8, Da Lat City
This restaurant offers tasty hotpots at affordable prices, as well as a wide range of delicious dishes. Barn House is perfect for families or groups of friends with varying food tastes.
Banh can (mini Vietnamese savory pancakes) is one of Da Lat’s most recognizeable breakfast foods. Photo: Mai Vinh / Tuoi Tre |
Dinner places
No trip to Da Lat would be complete without savory hotpots and grilled dishes in the city’s cool atmostphere.
Visitors in need of a filling evening meal should check out the eateries on Phan Dinh Phung, Nguyen Van Cu, Bui Thi Xuan, and Phu Dong Thien Vuong Streets, as well as the areas near the Big C Go supermarket.
Visitors should make sure to call restaurants in advance to make reservations and confirm operating hours, especially during public holidays.
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