Nha Trang, a stunning coastal city in Central Vietnam, is also a paradise for food lovers. From grilled pork rolls and fish noodle soup to seafood pancakes, Nha Trang food offers authentic flavors at prices under $3. Each dish tells a story through unique ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and vibrant street markets. Let's expore the topic about food under $3 in Nha Trang with Vietpower Travel!
Price range: 45,000 – 60,000 VND (~$2)
Nem Nuong is one of the most iconic dishes of Nha Trang street food. The pork is minced, marinated with local spices, and grilled over charcoal until golden brown and fragrant. It is typically served with crispy rice paper, fresh herbs, green mango slices, and thin vermicelli. Diners wrap everything together and dip it into a thick sauce made from pork liver and peanuts, creating a rich, smoky, and sweet flavor.
A unique characteristic of Nha Trang’s version is that in nearby Ninh Hoa, locals wrap fermented pork (nem chua) in guava leaves or star fruit leaves instead of banana leaves, giving the rolls a special aroma that you cannot find elsewhere in Vietnam.
Where to try:
Traveler’s Tip: This place is usually crowded during meal hours. Arrive early to avoid waiting in line or running out of portions.
You can find more posts related to this topic in our Vietnam food & cuisine category. Explore traditional dishes, street food highlights, and insider recommendations for your next culinary journey.
Price range: 30,000 – 55,000 VND (~$1.2–$2.2)
Bun Ca is a signature breakfast dish in Nha Trang, loved for its light and refreshing taste. The broth is made by simmering fish bones, giving it a clear and naturally sweet flavor. Fresh mackerel or tuna fillets are added, along with chewy homemade fish cakes. The bowl is completed with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime.
What makes the flavor more special is that local anchovies used for fish sauce are salted immediately on the fishing boats, a preservation technique that keeps the fish fresh until they reach shore. This tradition guarantees the authentic sea flavor in every bowl.
Where to try:
Traveler’s Tip: Bun Ca is best enjoyed early in the morning when the broth is freshly prepared and the fish is at its freshest.
Price range: 25,000 – 60,000 VND (~$1–$2.5)
Banh Can is a local specialty made from rice flour, cooked in small clay molds placed over charcoal. The heat distribution of the clay molds gives the pancakes a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft. Toppings often include quail eggs, shrimp, or squid, all sourced fresh from the sea.
The dipping sauce is an essential part of the experience—fish sauce mixed with green mango, scallion oil, and chili. The balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy makes this snack especially addictive. Compared with other cities like Da Lat or Binh Thuan, Nha Trang’s version stands out for its fresh seafood fillings and the smoky charcoal flavor.
Where to try:
Traveler’s Tip: Each region in Vietnam has its own take on Banh Can. In Nha Trang, don’t miss trying the seafood-filled version, which is far more flavorful than those you might find in Saigon.
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Price range: 35,000 – 60,000 VND (~$1.5–$2.5)
Bun Sua is one of the most unique specialties in Nha Trang, made with jellyfish freshly caught from the local sea. The clear broth is prepared from small fish called ca liet, producing a light sweetness without being oily. Thin white noodles, fish cakes, and crunchy jellyfish slices complete the bowl.
A rare preparation method in this region is the use of natural enzymes from sea urchins to tenderize jellyfish before cooking, giving it a pleasant bite that is refreshing in the tropical climate.
Where to try:
Traveler’s Tip: Locals prefer to enjoy jellyfish noodle soup in the morning, when the weather is cooler and the seafood is at its freshest.
Price range: 15,000 – 25,000 VND (~$0.6–$1)
Banh Mi Cha Ca is a signature breakfast snack in Nha Trang. It features a crispy Vietnamese baguette stuffed with fish cake, cucumber, herbs, and pickled vegetables. Some stalls also add chili sauce or mayonnaise to make the flavors more vibrant.
The fish cakes are usually made from anchovies, seasoned and pressed according to the traditional ratio of three parts fish to one part salt, which keeps the flavor rich and authentic.
Where to try:
Traveler’s Tip: Go early in the morning to Banh Mi Phan, as queues form quickly and the baguettes often sell out before noon.
Price range: 15,000 – 40,000 VND (~$0.6–$1.5 per piece)
This dish is a coastal twist on the Vietnamese pancake, made with rice flour batter and filled with fresh squid. Cooked over high heat, the pancake is thin and crispy, served with herbs and rice paper, then dipped in a tangy fish sauce.
What makes the Nha Trang version different is that vendors sometimes keep the squid ink, using it to create a naturally black, umami-rich dipping sauce. This adds an extra depth of flavor rarely found elsewhere.
Where to try:
Traveler’s Tip: Choose a busy stall, as fast turnover ensures the squid is always fresh. These places are a highlight of Nha Trang street food culture at night.
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Price range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND (~$1.2–$2)
Banh Canh Cha Ca is a hearty noodle soup featuring thick rice or tapioca noodles combined with steamed and fried fish cakes. The broth is simmered with fish bones, resulting in a clear and slightly sweet taste.
In some local eateries, the soup is accompanied by a dipping sauce made from fermented field crabs that have been dried under the sun for a week, adding a deep umami character that is truly regional.
Where to try:
Traveler’s Tip: This dish is most enjoyable in the late afternoon or evening, when locals typically prefer a hot and filling meal.
Price range: 35,000 – 60,000 VND (~$1.5–$2.5)
Com Tam in Nha Trang is a comforting meal made from broken rice grains, typically served with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, egg meatloaf, and pickled vegetables. A drizzle of fish sauce ties all the flavors together. What makes it special in Nha Trang is the fish sauce itself—crafted through a double-layer fermentation process using both ceramic jars and wooden barrels. This method gives the sauce depth, balance, and a fragrant aroma that perfectly complements the dish.
Where to try:
Traveler’s Tip: Local eateries often offer unique dipping sauces along with Com Tam. Be adventurous and try them, even if the flavors are new to you.
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Price range: 40,000 – 65,000 VND (~$1.8–$2.7)
Com Ga in Nha Trang is made with free-range chicken that is boiled until tender, then served with golden rice cooked in chicken broth and fat. The chicken meat is naturally sweet and juicy, while the rice is aromatic and slightly oily, making the meal both satisfying and flavorful. A small bowl of ginger fish sauce usually comes on the side, giving every bite a refreshing kick.
Where to try:
Traveler’s Tip: Some restaurants also serve vegetarian versions marked with the sign “Chay.” These vegan-friendly options make this dish suitable for travelers with different dietary needs.
Price range: 20,000 – 40,000 VND (~$0.8–$1.6)
Xoi Ca is a traditional breakfast dish that combines sticky rice cooked with coconut milk and braised fish. The fish is simmered in fish sauce made from anchovies that were salted immediately on the boats after being caught, ensuring a fresh and robust taste. The sticky rice absorbs the savory-sweet flavors of the braised fish, making this an affordable yet memorable meal.
Where to try:
Traveler’s Tip: This dish is usually served in the morning, making it an excellent choice for an authentic local breakfast experience. Xoi Ca is a hidden gem within the vibrant scene of Nha Trang street food.
In Nha Trang, many local eateries prepare only a limited amount of food each day. Popular dishes like banh mi cha ca (fish cake baguette) or mini pancakes often sell out by late morning. If you arrive early, you can avoid long queues and enjoy the food while it’s fresh and hot.
Seafood is a highlight of Nha Trang cuisine, and the easiest way to ensure freshness is to eat where locals gather. Busy stalls and small restaurants usually serve seafood quickly, so it never sits for long. At night markets and beachside vendors, you’ll find grilled squid, clams, and jellyfish noodle soup. These lively places are also great for exploring authentic Nha Trang street food.
When ordering seafood sold by weight, such as crab or lobster, always ask about the price per kilo and confirm the weight before the dish is cooked. This is a normal practice for both locals and travelers and helps you avoid unexpected costs while still enjoying a great meal.
Vegetarian travelers should look for the sign “Chay,” which means vegetarian in Vietnamese. These places often serve noodle soups, rice plates, and spring rolls without meat or fish. If you have food allergies, ask about the ingredients before ordering. Vendors are usually friendly and happy to explain, which makes it easier for you to choose safely.
Every local dish comes with its own dipping sauce. Nem nuong (grilled pork rolls) is paired with a rich peanut-liver sauce, while banh xeo muc (squid pancake) is enjoyed with sweet and sour fish sauce. Even if the taste feels unusual at first, try it—these sauces often bring out the best flavors. At places like Dam Market Nha Trang, many vendors create their own family recipes for dipping sauces, which you won’t find anywhere else.
Exploring Nha Trang food is the best way to experience the culture of this vibrant coastal city. From bustling street markets to hidden local eateries, every bite tells a story of the sea, the land, and the people. If you’d like to combine sightseeing with an authentic culinary journey, let Vietpower Travel arrange your perfect trip.
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