Da Nang and Hoi An Food Guide

Da Nang & Hoi An Food Guide: What To Eat

by | posted in: Vietnam | 0

Last updated on December 22nd, 2024

If you’re looking for a diverse Vietnamese food experience, then this list of best Da Nang and Hoi An restaurants, cafes, and street foods has you covered. You’ll discover all the delicious, cheap, and mouth-watering local Vietnamese cuisine in the Da Nang and Hoi An Food Guide when you visit Central Vietnam.

When talking about the culture of a country, it is impossible not to speak about food. I have been to Central Vietnam and visited the Da Nang and Hoi An for a short gateway. We visited many attractions and enjoyed coming here for the unbeatable value, and most important delicious Vietnamese food. The food scene in Central Vietnam offers unique flavors and the local cuisine here will surely satisfy all travelers.

While our Central Vietnamese food guide focuses on the best dishes to have in Da Nang and Hoi An, and also some of the best restaurants to try those Vietnamese local dishes. If you’d like to know where to try some of the tastiest Vietnamese local dishes in Danang and Hoi An like Banh Mi, Cao Lau, Mi Quang, then this article will be useful to you.

On this ultimate Da Nang and Hoi An Food Guide, you will find our best food tips, where and what to eat in Da Nang and Hoi An. Feel free to check out all the food tips to know where and what to eat when you come here.

What To Eat in Da Nang and Hoi An

There are countless places to enjoy the best food in Da Nang and Hoi An. Among them, street food plays a big role in Central Vietnam with many local cuisines available on the many streets. If you are not street fans, there are also some great Vietnamese restaurants for casual Vietnamese food, offering a great chance to try regional food.

Here are a few local Vietnamese delicacies you have to try and listed in the Da Nang and Hoi An Food Guide:

  • Mì Quảng (Quang style Noodle)
  • Cao lầu (Hoi An Style Noodles)
  • Bánh mì (Vietnamese Bread)
  • Thit Xien Nuong (Grilled meat on Skewers)
  • Bánh xèo (Vietnamese Rice Crepes / Pancakes)
  • Phở Bo (Beef Pho Noodle Soup)
  • Com Ga Hoi An (Vietnamese Chicken Rice)
  • Refreshing drink (Vietnamese iced coffee, local beer, lotus herbal tea, and more )

Food Tour in Da Nang and Hoi An (Quick Link)

Eating at local Vietnamese restaurants is great, but so is going on a food tour. It’s a great way to learn about the local cuisine. Check out some of the most popular food-related tours and activities in Da Nang and Hoi An.

Mì Quảng (Quang style Noodle)

What To Eat in Da Nang and Hoi An - Mi Quang
Mi Quang – Da Nang Must Eat

Mì Quảng is a Vietnamese noodle dish that originated from Quảng Nam Province in Central Vietnam. Literally Quảng style noodles, the famous Quang noodles have long been a favorite food among locals and travelers to Da Nang in the Central region.

Mi Quang has a rustic taste but it is rich in flavor. The main ingredients of mì quảng are turmeric rice noodles, meat, and herbs, most commonly served with a small amount of broth. Typically, this noodle dish is topped with freshly fried peanuts or rice crackers; and served together or separately with raw vegetables.

You can find Mì Quảng at almost everywhere in Da Nang for an authentic local bowl of this iconic dish. We tried the Mi Quang in the Da Nang city when we are wandering around in the city. It is a tiny restaurant in a hidden alley and all the customers are locals. Alternatively, Quang Thi Noodles is also another great choice. You can try the perfect combination of Quang noodles and crispy ram here. Most important, prices are extremely affordable.

Price from: 25,000-30,000 VND/bowl.

Cao lầu (Hoi An Style Noodles)

Cao lau - Hoi An Style Noodles
Cao Lau – Hoi An Style Noodles

Another must-eat in Central Vietnam – Cao Lau, the Hoi An Style Noodles. It is a rice noodle dish served with pork, greens, and fresh herbs. The special about the Cao Lau is the noodles. The noodles are pre-soaked in local water with lye made from wood ash, giving it a unique bright yellow color and characteristic flavor.

Cao Lau is the historic town, Hoi An’s quintessential must-try dish. You will easily find Cao Lau from noodle vendors at the restaurants, night markets, curbside food stalls, and backstreet eateries. We enjoyed our bowl of Cao Lau at one of the food stalls along the Hoai River when strolling in the Hoi An Ancient Town. It might not be the best Cao Lau in Hoi An, but we truly enjoy this tasty local dish.

Price from: 20,000-25,000 VND/bowl.

Bánh mì (Vietnamese Bread)

Hoi An Must Eat Food - Banh Mi Phuong
Banh Mi – Must-eat in Hoi An

Introduced by the French during the colonial period, Bánh mì has become one of the National dishes in Vietnam. The “Banh mi “refers to bread but it’s often used to describe the sandwich made with a small French baguette. The baguette is toasted until hot and crispy, and then filled with all kinds of fillings such as local Pâté (a mixture of cooked ground meat and fat minced into a spreadable paste), eggs, cold meat, shredded chicken, grilled meat, and vegetables.

The popular street sandwich can be found all over Vietnam but Hoi An has its variations to deserve the title of “the best Banh Mi in the world”. Banh Mi Phuong and Banh My Queen are possibly the most popular place when looking for what to eat in Hoi An. Both were outstanding and served the best Banh Mi that I’ve had anywhere in Vietnam.

Recommended by the journalist Anthony Bourdain, Banh Mi Phuong is one the best banh mi in Central Vietnam. A crispy French baguette is filled with delicious spreads and pastes, topped with the meat of your choice. The price is around 20.000 VND for an authentic Banh Mi which is so cheap!

Price from: 15,000-30,000 VND / loaf.

Thịt xiên nướng (Grilled meat on Skewers)

Hoi An Food Guide - Grilled meat on Skewers
Grilled meat on Skewers

The meaning of Thit Nuong is baked or barbecued meat while Thit Xien Nuong means grilled meat on skewers. Pork is normally used as the meat for the skewers and served together with a basket of spices, sauces, and raw vegetables.

The grilled pork on a hot charcoal stove is wrapped in a layer of wet cake, herbs, and raw vegetables. The dipping sauce is the soul of the dish. Dipped the skewers into the specially prepared sauces when enjoying it. The sweetness of the sauce, together with the deliciousness of the meat and fresh raw vegetables, perfect match!

You would find the pork skewers sold at street stands almost everywhere in Vietnam. It is also very common and easily finds it in the central region, especially in the Hoi An Ancient Town. You’ll find it’s just impossible to resist this seductive smell when you’ve ever walked by.

Price from: 5,000 VND/skewers.

Bánh xèo (Vietnamese Rice Crepes / Pancakes)

Banh Xeo
Popular Local Street Food – Bánh Xèo

Bánh Xèo is a popular street snack in Vietnam, especially in the Central and the South of Vietnam. It is a savory crepe or pancake made from a basic blend of rice flour, turmeric, and coconut cream, along with other ingredients. The bright yellow crispy crepe is filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.

Walking along the street, you will many food stalls selling this local snack food. The delicious, crispy, hot pancakes will hold you back the first time you eat them. You can also try Banh Xeo in the restaurant. You’ll also get a plate of herbs and lettuce to accompany your dish.

Price from: 10,000 – 30,000 VND/piece.

Phở bo (Beef Pho Noodle Soup)

Central Vietnam Food Guide - Pho Bo
Pho Bo

The iconic Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup or Pho Bo is probably one of the most well-known noodles to come from Vietnam. A bowl of supremely tasty noodle soup dish is consisting of broth, rice vermicelli, herbs, and thin slices of meat. Pho is served in restaurants, street stalls, and local markets countrywide.

I enjoyed many Vietnamese dishes in Vietnam, but Pho bo was my hands-down favorite. It’s delicious and one of my favorite dishes to eat not just in Da Nang and Hoi An, but in all of Vietnam. We love to eat the most authentic Pho when visiting the local market. A down-to-earth Vietnamese experience you don’t want to miss.

What to eat in Hoi An - Pho Tung

Besides, we also recommended Pho Tung, one of the popular Pho restaurants in Hoi An, serving the best pho in town.

Pho Tung is located in a quaint alley in Hoi An ancient town. It is a wonderful little family shop with two dishes on the menu: standard beef pho and a bigger bowl with an egg- both are delicious. The owner is very friendly and he even comes out from the stall and shows us how to eat the pho properly with the spices and sauces. Excellent taste and texture.

Price from: 20,000-25,000 VND/bowl.

Com Ga Hoi An (Vietnamese Chicken Rice)

Com Ga Hoi An
Com Ga Hoi An

The Gom Ga is Vietnam’s version of Hainanese chicken rice. You can find Gom Ga almost anywhere but the most outstanding is Com Ga Hoi An. They used young chicken and farm-fresh chicken, marinated with ginger and hand-pressed peanut oil for a golden color. While the rice is soft and flavorful as it is cooked directly in umami chicken stock. With all the ingenuity and meticulousness in processing, the Com Ga Hoi An is highly recommended.

Typically, a plate of Gom Ga is included with the shredded chicken, beautiful yellow turmeric rice, Vietnamese coriander, onions, and lime juice dressing. So tasty and refreshing!

Price from: 35,000 VND/plate.

Refreshing Drink

The drink menu in Central Vietnam is very diverse with traditional teas such as Bia hơi (fresh beer), herbal tea, lotus seed tea, corn tea, Vietnamese coffee, and more. There is something you’re not to be miss in Da Nang and Hoi An Food Guide.

Vietnamese iced coffee

Vietnamese Coffee with Banh Mi

After a full day of visiting the city, there is nothing more suitable than a cup of coffee to cool down the day. You’ll find various of coffee, from the traditional to the trendy, or the typically local to the Western-style in the yellow city of Hội An.

The famous Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk (Cà Phê Dá) is also cannot be missed when visiting Central Vietnam.

Bia Saigon

Bia Saigon

The Saigon Beer (or Bia Saigon) is the leading beer in Vietnam. This local brewery beer is foamy and tastes similar to regular beer but slightly less carbonated. Everywhere we go, beer is selling at the same price as coke. . The price is cheap if you are drinking beer in Vietnam, with prices starting around 15,000 VND and going up to 50,000 VND in restaurants.

Lotus Herbal Tea

Lotus Herbal Tea from MOT Hoi An

If you are looking for a unique tea, then try the lotus herbal tea from MOT, Hoi An.

This adorable storefront café on one of the busy old town streets offers local Vietnamese food and the best ice tea in Hoi An. Their popular Lotus Herbal Tea is a great iced tea made with lots of herbs, lotus root, and lemongrass; served with a lotus petal and lots of crushed ice. It’s hard to describe this unique blend of tea, but truly refreshing. A great refreshment after strolling in the town.

Central Vietnam: Da Nang and Hoi An Food Tips

Where To Eat in Hoi An
Where To Eat in Hoi An?
What is the must-eat food in Hoi An and Da Nang?

The Mi Quang, Cao Lau, Banh Mi are the top three must-eat signature dishes of Hoi An and Da Nang. Don’t be afraid to try them all!

Where to Find the best food in Da Nang and Hoi An?

There is not necessary to go looking for the best restaurant in Vietnam as great food is everywhere. You can find the best Vietnamese food in restaurants, cafes, cozy eateries, local markets, or food stalls in the streets.

Where to Eat in Hoi An?

You can easily find delicious food in Hoi An at the sidewalks in the old town area, or a simple eatery nestled in a small alley by the side of the road. The Hoi An Market and the food stalls along the banks of the Hoai River is also a favorite place for many tourists to discover the Hoi An local cuisine.

What are the best restaurants serving the signature local dishes in Hoi An?

We recommended Banh Mi Phuong and Banh My Queen for the best banh mi, White Rose Restaurant for the signature Banh Bao Banh Vac (white rose/pork-filled dumplings), and Mi Quang Ba Minh for the best Mì Quảng.

How Much for a meal in Da Nang and Hoi An?

Food is cheap in Vietnam and this is the same for Da Nang and Hoi An. You can spend anywhere from $1 to $20 on a meal depending on where you eat. If you stick to local street food, then a food budget of around VND 200,000 (~$10) per day will be plenty.

Overview: Da Nang and Hoi An Food Guide

Eating Pho at Da Nang Local Market
Eating Pho at Da Nang Local Market

All in all, we hope this Da Nang and Hoi An food guide can give you some tiny idea of where and what to eat here. Literally, you can find almost all kinds of Vietnamese traditional food in the restaurants, local markets, or street food stalls.

Give it a try and you’ll see it’s a lot simpler than you think to back with happy tummy with Vietnamese flavor to your home. Enjoy your food tour in Da Nang and Hoi An!

Have you been to Hội An? Which foods did you try? Read more for my travel guide blog posts on my trips to Central Vietnam here.

Central Vietnam itinerary to Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue

Related Travel Blog to Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue:

Traveling to Northern Vietnam:

Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City? Feel free to read on our Saigon travel stories.

Lastly, traveling to Phu Quoc? Feel free to read on our Phu Quoc travel stories.

Central Vietnam Itinerary

5 Days Central Vietnam Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

by | posted in: Vietnam | 0

Last updated on December 22nd, 2024

Heading to Central Vietnam, then be sure to check out our detailed travel guide blog. We reveal our best travel tips and highlights in this 5 Days Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An itinerary. You’ll explore off-beat cities, historical sites, and colorful lanterns, as well as amazing food there.

The central part of Vietnam is where the cities of Hoi An, Hue, and Da Nang are located. These places are accessible from each other within one to two hours of the driving journey. Considered to be the popular touristic center of the country, this region is well-known for its well-preserved historical sites; charming streets of UNESCO recognized Old Town and breathtaking beaches. Added, the three World Heritages; Hue Imperial Citadel, Hoi An ancient town, and My Son Sanctuary, are located in Central Vietnam.

Five days in Central Vietnam to truly get a good feel for the city, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. The Central region of Vietnam contains a diversity of attractions, and plenty of things can be done and seen here. With the right plan and itinerary, all three cities can be explored and mastered within 3 to 5 days of the visit.

In this Central Vietnam travel guide blog, we will share with you our itinerary through Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang. This route is perfect for those who are traveling to Central Vietnam for the first time and want to get a glimpse of the best highlights in the region.

Central Vietnam Travel Tips (Danang & Hoi An)

Travel Guide Blog to Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue

This detailed Da Nang and Hoi An itinerary will give you suggestions on which places to visit and where to eat for 5 days in Central Vietnam. It’ll have all the information you need – like when to go, where to eat, how much to budget, to help you plan your trip.

Reliable Wifi is another must-have for the Central Vietnam itinerary. You’ll need it to navigate, access Google Maps, do last-minute research for attractions and food, and also use it for Grab. We collected our pre-booked 4G Wifi from Klook directly upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport.

We don’t always get travel insurance. It depends on where we’re going, what we’ll be doing, and how long we’ll be away. For central Vietnam, we’ll highly be recommended getting travel insurance for safety concerns.

Flights to Central Vietnam

Arrive Central Vietnam Da Nang Airport

The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport (DAD), with a very well linked for both internal and international flights. You can search for a flight aggregator like Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Da Nang from where you are. Once you reach the Da Nang International Airport, you may head to your next destination as per the itinerary.

The traveling time from the airport to the nearby cities is as below:

  • From Da Nang Airport to Da Nang City Center with approximately 15 minutes.
  • From Da Nang Airport to Hoi An with approximately 45 minutes.
  • Danang Airport to Hue with approximately~2 hours.

You can pre-book a private transfer from Da Nang Airport to your hotel HERE.

Getting Around Between Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue

The Central region does not have a great public transport system, so it is always recommended to have an idea of how to get around within the cities. The best way to get around is to hire your own car with a driver, arrange the day-by-day activities by joining the local tours, and mix using e-hailing Grab.

We got an airport pickup which brought us to Hoi An and used the private city transfer within Hoi An and Da Nang. We used a private charter to cover the day trip to Hue Imperial City and My Son Sanctuary to ease transport arrangements. Besides, We also rented a scooter to explore Da Nang city and it was truly adventurous. For everything else, we use Grab (Uber in South East Asia) for the short-distance city transfer. It is super handy, fast, and reliable.

If you’d rather experience Central Vietnam on a guided tour, then there are a few you can choose from Klook.

How Many Days for Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam Travel Guide

If you are planning Da Nang and Hoi An itinerary and thinking about how long you need to spend in the area, I would suggest you by spending five days in Central Vietnam to truly get a good feel for the city, especially if you’re a first time visitor. As always, longer stays are better to know more details about the cities. But if you don’t have the time, then you should be able to see the top attractions in Central Vietnam within 3 to 5 days.

If you only have 3 days, then you should skip one of the places in the above three cities. Depending on your interest, we recommended focusing on Hoi An and Da Nang if you only are short of time. You can explore the Hoi An on your two days and then spend the last day at Da Nang.

If you have 5 days and more, then you can adapt this Central Vietnam itinerary. Described in this itinerary are the best places to visit along with a few recommended places to eat during your 5 days in Central Vietnam if you have more or less time to spend here.

Central Vietnam: Da Nang and Hoi An Itinerary

Where you start depends on your personal preference and where you are coming from. During my trip to Central Vietnam, I arrived via Da Nang International Airport and first traveled to Hoi An and spend three days there. Instead of keep changing accommodation, we prefer to stay in Hoi An and make a day trip to Hue.

Lastly, we traveled down back to Da Nang for another two days before taking the flight back to our home country. From the city center, it’s a 15-minute drive back to Da Nang International Airport.

Central Vietnam itinerary to Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang:

  • Day 1: Arrive at Da Nang Airport and headed to Hoi An. Explore Hoi An.
  • Day 2: Hue Imperial City.
  • Day 3: My Son Sanctuary.
  • Day 4: Ba Na Hill.
  • Day 5: Da Nang City.

DAY 1: Arrive in Central Vietnam. Explore Hoi An

Welcome to Central Vietnam. First thing first, we headed to Hoian Central Hotel, our stay for the next three days, with the pre-booked private airport transfer via Klook. Our accommodation in Hoi An has located nearby the ancient town. Once settled down, we walked to the old town and start exploring.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An in Central Vietnam itinerary
Hoi An

Hoi An is a charming old town filled with colorful lanterns all over the place. It is the busiest and most touristy part of Central Vietnam. However, it’s also the most beautiful.

Claiming a UNESCO World Heritage City title in 1999, walking through Hoi An feels as if you’re walking through an ancient fairy tale. The old wooden houses, the few or no cars on the streets. This charming town gives me the feeling of cozy.

Hoi An Street View
Hoi An Street View

Exploring and getting lost in Hoi An is a great adventure. Don’t rush, and walk yourself through small alleys in the 400-year-old town to discover the entire hidden gem.

This is where you’ll find many street vendors, cafés, street art, and picturesque moments. You can literally spend all day just walking around the streets, taking pictures, eating street food, and drinking fresh beer.

Japanese Bridge Hoi An
Japanese Bridge, Hoi An

Don’t miss the Japanese Bridge, a 300 years old wooden covered bridge, by the Japanese as a way to connect with the Chinese quarter. It is one of the iconic attractions in Hoi An and worth stopping by for a photo.

Evening View Hoi An Ancient Town

In the evening, thousands of lanterns are illuminated in the Hoai river and the streets fill up with people watching the sunset, chatting, and strolling. Seeing it for the very first time literally took my breath away. It is so indescribably beautiful and feels almost like a dream. A must-do in every Hoi An itinerary.

Related Read: Hoi An Travel Guide: A Complete Travel Guide

DAY 2: Hue

Hue Imperial City - Central Vietnam Itinerary
Hue Imperial City

Our Day 2 in Da Nang and Hoi An itinerary is all about the Hue Imperial City. The citadel is a great place to learn the history of Vietnam, especially the Nguyen Dynasty. Hue used to be the capital of Vietnam ages ago. Today, the main attraction is the ancient Imperial City. UNESCO included the Hue Imperial Citadel on its list of world heritage sites in 1993 and it is very deserving of that.

Sightseeing can include the ornate Imperial Citadel, colorful Thanh Toan Bridge, royal tombs, and the Forbidden Purple City. All the attractions are eye-openers on the lives of the Vietnamese royalty then and the influence of the Chinese and French on them. It is a great location to spend time in and wander back into the past.

Hue Imperial City

Hue can also be visited on a day trip from Hoi An, so if you are short on time and are not heading further North, consider booking a guided tour. With a guided day tour you will get to see all of the best attractions in Hue without having to worry about transportation or finding accommodation for the night.

We recommended booking a guided or private tour as it will save you a lot of time and energy. You can book a private city tour to Hue from Hoi An here.

DAY 3: My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary - Central Vietnam itinerary
My Son Sanctuary

There are a few decent day trips from Hoi An that can be planned on the Central Vietnam itinerary. Among them, My Son Sanctuary is a must-go if you like history and ancient architecture. Constructed by the kingdom of Champa, these ruins were declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1999. It is an ancient Hindu archeological complex featured with stone sculptures of Hindu deities and towers. There were originally over 70 temples; unfortunately, most of them were destroyed during the Vietnam War. But still, the remains evoke the civilization they represent. The 1,300-year-old ruin hidden in the jungle is located about an hour from Hoi An.

We took the My Son Sanctuary Day Tour from Hoi An from Klook. The tour bus picked us up from the hotel to explore one of Southeast Asia’s greatest archaeological sites. We spend about 2 hours touring the monuments. The scale of the monuments is not that impressive, but it is beautiful in its way. On our way back we had a relaxing boat cruise with a simple and light lunch which provides a nice view of Hoi An from the river. A decent half-day trip from Hoi An.

After the trip to My Son, we headed to Da Nang, the largest city in the area. From Hoi An, we checked out of our hotel and took a private transfer to Da Nang, where we would be staying for two nights. Again, we pre-booked our transport arrangement from Hoi An to our hotel at Da Nang via Klook.

DAY 4: Ba Na Hill

Ba Na Hill - Central Vietnam itinerary
Ba Na Hill

The Ba Na Hill, a beautiful hilltop resort perched atop a mountain in Central Vietnam, is a must-visit in Da Nang. Originally built by French colonists in 1919 as a leisure destination for French tourists, Ba Na Hill is now a popular hilltop resort for visitors all around the world. There are many things to do and see in Ba Na Hill for a leisure holiday.

Day Trip to Ba Na Hill

Take the Ba Na Cable car and enjoy panoramic views of the lush forests from the longest non-stop single-track cable car, stroll at cobblestoned streets and Parisian-style architecture at Frech Village, and get lost in Le Jardin d’Amour – The Paradise of Flowers.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visitors can take a break and enjoy a glass of wine at the 100-year-old Debay Cellar. For a family traveler, the Fantasy Theme Park is an ideal entertainment destination to have fun together with kids and family.

Golden Bridge - Da Nang Must See
Golden Bridge

Don’t forget to take a stroll and take some excellent photos at the Golden Bridge. Recognized as “the world’s most impressive walking bridge”, the striking footbridge is resembled two, gigantic hands holding up a shiny piece of gold to the gods above the misty clouds of Vietnam. The 150-meter-long bridge gives visitors plenty of space to take in the scenic views. It is so crowded, so make sure to get here early before the crowds.

Central Vietnam Travel Tips: Buying the Ba Na Hill Admission Ticker via Klook was fast and cheaper. The admission ticket is easy to redeem without waiting in line to purchase the ticket. This will save you a ton of time and hassle. Besides, Klook also has some integrated programs like Ba Na Hill ticket and shuttle bus, Ba Na Hill ticket with the lunch buffet. Book a trip and make your way from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills, take the cable car, and discover a wine cellar.

Klook Exclusive: Roundtrip Shuttle Bus from Da Nang to Sun World Ba Na Hills

Getting to Ba Na Hill

The easiest and most common way to get to Ba Na Hills is to drive a rented car or take a taxi to the foot of the mountain (Ba Na Cable Car Service Parking Lot), then take the cable car up to the resort. Alternatively, you may also hire a private charter driver to drive you to and fro Ba Na Hills at your preferred time.

Ba Na Hill

  • Opening Hours: Daily from 07:30 to 21:30
  • Admission Ticket: 750,000₫ Per Person (inclusive of all cable car rides, entrance to Fantasy Park and everything else — except for entry into the Wax Museum)

DAY 5: Da Nang

Explore Da Nang with Scooter
Explore Da Nang with Scooter

We spend our last day on the Central Vietnam itinerary chilling around in the Da Nang city. In the morning, we rented a scooter as our transportation for the day.

Han Market Da Nang
Han Market

We first departed to Han Market with a shopping session. Don’t miss this one if you’re into markets. You can buy many local products as well as food and spices there. The market is open from 8:00 to 16:00. Once we finished, we also headed to their food court area and tried the traditional local Vietnamese noodles. That’s how locals live like!

Da Nang Cathedral Pink Church
Da Nang’s Cathedral; Pink Church

We then visited the Da Nang’s Cathedral; a pink church built by a French priest in 1923. Located in the middle of the city, it’s known as Rooster Church due to the imposing bell tower that’s topped with a rooster weathercock. Impressive pink facade, and lots of nativity grotto depictions all around it.

Visit Lady Buddha in Da Nang

We next drove all the way to the Son Tra Mountain. The views on the way up are spectacular. We also stopped by the lady Buddha to check out the impressive statue and immerse ourselves in a beautiful view. The bike journey is the most adventurous experience you need to get when you come to Da Nang city. A perfect spot to get away from the urban’s hustle and bustle.

Spend the remaining day at Phuoc My Beach, one of the most beautiful and historically significant beaches in Vietnam. There is a long stretch of warm sand with intermittent supervised swimming areas. The beach is popular among locals and lots of people enjoy the water activities here. We have a simple dinner nearby the beach.

Dragon Bridge

Dragon Bridge Da Nang
Dragon Bridge

Lastly, we went to the DHC Marina to admire the beautiful Dragon Bridge. The ironic 666m long Dragon Bridge is an interesting landmark in Danang. Every evening, the dragon bridge is lit on and illuminated with colorful LED lights. Besides, the dragon is also scheduled for breathing fire and water at 21:00 every Saturday and Sunday. You can see the performances from the local coffee shops with a rooftop bar, and waterfront, or onboard the cruise to admire the night scene of Han River.

Just a few steps away from the Dragon Bridge are the Love Bridge, on the romantic Han River. We enjoy the relaxing stroll along the waterfront with the hearts all lit up.

Related Read: Things to Do in Da Nang: A Travel Guide Blog

Where To Stay

Beautiful beach in Da Nang
Beautiful beach in Da Nang

Next, we would personally recommend basing yourself in Hoi An and Da Nang for a few days each.

Stay in Hoi An as there is simply much more to do in the town. We recommend choosing hotels in Hoi An within short walking distance to the old town. Staying nearby an ancient old town offers an old town charm and easy for getting around. My hotels pick in Hoi An are Little Riverside Hoi An Luxury Hotel & Spa (luxury) and Hoian Central Hotel (mid-range).

Stay in Da Nang for a nice beach experience. Da Nang is blessed with a nice shoreline facing the South China Sea and is well known as “the city of beaches” with a 60-kilometer coastal line. There are plenty of compelling resort options and you can find plenty of award-winning luxury resorts here.

Some good recommendations are Premier Village Danang Resort at Bac My An Beach and Four Points by Sheraton Danang at MyKhe Beach. Both are popular picks among travelers to Da Nang.

Overview: Travel Itinerary To Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue

All in all, there’s certainly a lot to see and do in Central Vietnam. You can easily spend a few days or weeks here and you’ll still have something new to do. Hopefully, this 5-day Da Nang and Hoi An itinerary helps you plan your holiday in Central Vietnam. You can see the best of the Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang in a short time, and make you want to come back for more.

Lastly, we are definitely not an expert on Vietnam but we do hope you find this Central Vietnam travel guide useful. I’m only sharing some of the things I learned from our trips to Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang. Thanks for reading our Danang and Hoi An itinerary. Plan your trip and head to Central Vietnam for a colorful getaway like no other!

Related Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue travel blog posts:

Traveling to Northern Vietnam:

Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City? Feel free to read on our Saigon travel stories.

Lastly, traveling to Phu Quoc? Feel free to read on our Phu Quoc travel stories.

What To Eat in Switzerland Food Guide

What to Eat in Switzerland: Swiss Food & Budget Eats

by | posted in: Switzerland | 0

Last updated on December 21st, 2024

The food wasn’t necessarily why I visited Switzerland. But still, I tried some of the best food in Switzerland and it certainly exceeded my expectations. Sharing my recommendations on some of the must-try Swiss cuisine and budget cheap eats, including where and what to eat in Switzerland.

Swiss aren’t exactly known for their food in general but still is a great opportunity to indulge in local Swiss cuisine when visiting Switzerland. During our trip to Switzerland, we ate at cafes and restaurants for local Swiss cuisine. At the same time, we also enjoy budget cheap eats at food stalls and markets. Price tags are higher in Switzerland but you do get more for your money. Take the opportunity to treat your tastebuds to a Swiss delight!

Let’s start with the Switzerland food guide for the best food to eat in Switzerland and where to try them.

What To Eat in Switzerland

Here is my Switzerland Food Guide, listing some of the best food that you shouldn’t be miss when visiting the country.

  • Swiss Fondue (Cheese Fondue, Chocolate Fondue, Meat Fondue)
  • Raclette
  • Rösti
  • Zürcher Geschnetzeltesbh
  • Swiss Chocolate
  • Movenpick Ice Cream
  • Packed Food from COOPS and Migros

Pro Tips: If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, then be sure to check out our detailed Switzerland itinerary with detailed guide and budget tips.

7 Days Switzerland itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

It’ll have all the information you need – like which area to stay, what to do, how to get around, etc. – to help you plan your trip.

Swiss Fondue

The must-eat food in Switzerland food guide, for sure, is Swiss fondue. It’s the national dish of Switzerland and very popular in the Alps region. Usually fondue is eat by local in winter, but you should try fondue in Switzerland at least once when visiting Switzerland.

The typical fondue is cheese fondue and chocolate fondue, and there is also meat fondue if you wanted something slightly different.

Fondue at Swiss Chuchi - Zurich Must-Eat Food
Switzerland Must-Eat: Cheese Fondue

Don’t miss the signature Swiss dish ‘Cheese Fondue’ which is made with famous Swiss cheese. Traditionally a Swiss cheese fondue is made with two different kinds of cheese, depending on the region of Switzerland you’re in. It is served in a casserole, below which you put a candle to keep the cheese melted. Served with bread cubes and potatoes, which you dip in the hot cheese. Sounds like very cheesy and too greasy, but trust me, it is so tasty and delicious!

Normally served as dessert, Chocolate Fondue is also very famous in Switzerland. Dipped the dark chocolate with fruits, typically banana, apple and pear. It’s crazy how something so simple can taste so good!

Must Eat in Zurich
Meat Fondue

Meat Fondue may not so popular compare with cheese fondue or chocolate fondue. But it is still highly recommended if you want to try something different. The meat fondue is served with meat slides of your choices, and dipped it into the hot oil. It is similar with Chinese hot pot, but slightly different.

Where should you go for the best Swiss fondue in Switzerland? My pick is the Swiss Chuchi in Zurich. It is the the oldest fondue room in Zurich and served the delicious Swiss specialties, particularly fondue since 1953.

Related read: Switzerland food hunting at Swiss Chuchi.

Raclette

Switzerland Food Guide - Raclette
Raclette

Another equally well-known Swiss traditional dish. Like fondue, Raclette is a cheese dish where a piece of cheese is placed over a stove. As the cheese melts, you scrape it off onto a melted plate. The melted cheese is typically over top of boiled potatoes, pickled onions, gherkins (pickles), cured meats, and sometimes pickled fruit.

While you can enjoy Raclette everywhere, the best place to try it is where it was invented. Valais is the place where Raclette tastes absolutely incredible.

We tasted this local Swiss delicacy in Raclette Factory, Zurich. The restaurant serves the tasty raclette made to order, with multiple options as to how you want your raclette to be flavored and condiments available. For the most classic Raclette experience, we’d recommend going for the Raclette with Potatoes and pickles. It has a distinctive cheesy aroma, which can be addictive. Make sure to ask for wine recommendations to pair with what you’re eating.

Rösti

Traditional Swiss food, Rösti
Rösti

On your Switzerland trip, don’t forget to try the traditional Swiss food, Rösti. Mostly made with potatoes and sometimes added with eggs or meat. The thinly grated potatoes are baked in a pan with butter until crisp and golden. It tastes similar to harsh brown where crispy on the outside, with a softer mix inside. Many people enjoy eating rosti with fried eggs, pork, bacon, and spinach.

The iconic national dish is popular throughout the country and almost all restaurants will have their version of rosti available. Bern is the home of this hearty dish and it is the best place to try the Rosti in Switzerland. We tried the famous rösti at Restaurant Brasserie Anker, Bern. This traditional beer hall restaurant offers a variety of Swiss dishes and served the best Rosti in town.

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

Switzerland Food Guide - Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
Regional Swiss Cuisine, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (or Züri Gschnätzlets in Swiss German) is a regional Swiss cuisine and is particularly popular in Zurich. Simply translates to “Zürich style sliced meat”, you can find it on many of Zurich’s restaurants on their menu.

The food is consists of thinly sliced veal and mushroom, topped with a creamy white wine sauce. Rösti, noodles, tagliatelle pasta, or rice are often served together with this hearty dish. Enjoying the Zürcher Geschnetzeltes is one of the best food to eat in Zurich. So don’t forget to give it a try when you are visiting Zurich.

Swiss Chocolate

Best Swiss Chocolate

The cheese is amazing and the chocolate’s even better in Switzerland. On your vacation in Switzerland, it is the best chance to indulge in the finest chocolate in the world. You can eat them, bring them home, and visit workshops if you have time.

For the chocolate lover, don’t miss Läderach, one of the best Swiss chocolate in Switzerland. It is a bean-to-bar chocolate maker, offering up about 20 different combinations of chocolate with flavorings and inclusions of all sorts. Their frischschoggi (slabs of fresh chocolates), either plain (white, milk, and dark chocolate) or mixed with various delights are extremely quality and simply delicious. It was expensive but nothing can describe the taste!

Other important and beloved Chocolate-producer from Switzerland are Suchard, Lindt, and Toblerone.

Movenpick Ice Cream

Switzerland Best Ice Cream Movenpick

If you have a sweet tooth, then you cannot leave Switzerland without having a Movenpick ice cream. Movenpick is the country’s homegrown brand and it is internationally recognized as one of the best ice cream brands. There are a great variety of flavors from these masters of ice cream and always something new to discover. Their ice cream is truly amazing!

We love Movenpick ice cream and it is one of the best Swiss ice creams I have ever had. It’s a wonderful moment to enjoy the icy sweet treat while taking a leisure stroll in Switzerland’s old town. Smooth, light, not too sweet, and sensational to the taste bud!

Packed Food in Supermarket

Best Cheap Eat in Interlaken

Budget travelers may think that traveling in Switzerland is challenging with a low budget. But there is a way to save on food when looking for what to eat in Switzerland on a budget. The packed food in the supermarket is a good alternative to the expensive Swiss cuisine.

Everything you need for fair food prices can be found in COOPS and Migros in Switzerland. There is a wide range of fresh tasty offerings and plenty of vegan food for breakfast, lunch, snack-to-go, or picnic shopping when traveling.

A great place for good and fresh quality at an affordable price.

Overview: Switzerland Food Guide

All in all, we hope you will have a wonderful food trip in Switzerland. This Switzerland food guide may not covered all the must-eat food in Switzerland, but we do hope it give you some tiny ideas on what to eat in Switzerland.

Lastly, feel free to continue to read on our Switzerland itinerary to some of the beautiful cities in the country.

7 Days Switzerland itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

Popular cities with detailed travel guide blog to visit in Switzerland:

Jungfrau Region:

Zurich Food Guide - Fondue from Swiss Chuchi

Zurich Food Guide: The Best Fondue at Swiss Chuchi

by | posted in: Switzerland | 0

Last updated on December 21st, 2024

Tasting Swiss cheese fondue is one of the must-do when in Switzerland. We visited Swiss Chuchi in Zurich to taste the famous cheese fondue and it did not disappoint. The best fondue and must-eat food in our Zurich Food Guide!

If you were seeking authentic Swiss fondue and raclette, then you came to the right place. Swiss Chuchi is an authentic Swiss restaurant and renowned for serving typical Swiss dishes prepared according to the old tradition. This restaurant is a popular place in Zurich for visitors to experience a real taste of Swiss fondue. Even locals love their authentic Swiss cuisine.

During our visit to Zurich, we wanted to try some traditional local food and we tried the cheese fondue from Swiss Chuchi. While this is my first time trying cheese fondue and I couldn’t expect a better experience. The food is tasty, with great portions and a good price.

Let’s read on our Zurich food guide and food recommendation when visiting Swiss Chuchi for their best cheese fondue in Zurich.

Swiss Chuchi

Zurich Food Guide - Swiss Chuchi
Swiss Chuchi

Located in the heart of Niederdorf in Zurich’s Old Town, the Swiss Chuchi is the oldest fondue room in Zurich’s old town. They have been passionate about delicious Swiss specialties, particularly fondue since 1953. The restaurant proudly serves typical Swiss dishes cooked according to the old tradition. They even carefully choose the products, favoring regional suppliers, to ensure the highest quality.

When looking for authentic Swiss cheese specialties such as fondue and raclette, Swiss Chuchi offers a big selection of fondue which up to ten different variations of this famous local dish. For sure you can find your liking!

Swiss Chuchi, Zurich

  • Address: Rosengasse 10, Zurich 8001 Switzerland.
  • Business hour: Daily from 11:30 to 23:00

The restaurant is popular with locals and visitors, so reservations are recommended. Alternatively, try to visit in the afternoon, as it is less hectic in the restaurant.

My Food Visit to Swiss Chuchi

Inside Swiss Chuchi Zurich

We had a very late lunch in Zurich and did not have a reservation. Luckily, we were still able to get seated at a nice table. Inside the restaurant, it has a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. All the servers were very busy, especially with many fondue orders and accompanying set-up.

Our server was super attentive and friendly and creates a great atmosphere. It was our first time eating fondue, and she was really helpful in explaining everything and giving us a good recommendation.

What To Order

What To Eat in Swiss Chuchi

Swiss Chuchi had an extensive fondue and raclette menu, and it can serve in different variations (with little or no alcohol, gluten-free). Most cheese fondue’s run about 30CHF in Zurich, as same as Swiss Chuchi. Generally, the price starts from CHF 28.50 per person with bread included. You can opt to choose the additional dipping with extra charges. The baby potatoes, steamed vegetables, fruits (for extra CHF 7.-), or roasted chicken breast (+ CHF 16.-).

Note: Price listed at the time when our visit.

What and Where to Eat in Zurich - Swiss Chuchi

Apart from the fondue and raclette, the restaurant offers a big selection of other typical local dishes. The Zurich-style veal fricassée with Rösti is also extremely popular. Meat, seafood dishes, and vegetables are also available to suit every taste. Besides, Swiss Chuchi also had a big choice of local wines to match the dish of your choice.

We were in the mood for fondue and ordered the Montié-Montié (half and half) made up of two kinds of cheeses. We also ordered the fondue chinois (meat fondue), a type of fondue in which thinly sliced beef is dipped in broth and boiled as per recommendation. A great combination 

Best Cheese Fondue

Cheese Fondue with Bread

The drinks and the food arrived fast.

The cheese fondue was served with the bread for dipping. Additionally, we also ordered baby potatoes as the side dish. Bread and potatoes can be refilled until you have scooped up all the cheese!

Zurich Must-Eat Food

Our first dipped to the melted cheese on the fondue! The bread was not too soft else it is hard for the cheese to get a proper grip. When we ran out of bread, they brought more!

For small eaters, it is enough to have the fondue with only the bread they serve, as the bread was very filling and more than enough to make u feel full and satisfy your senses. But we were not regretted by adding on the extra. The baby potato went so well with the cheese! Truly enjoy it.

Meat Fondue From Swiss Chuchi

The meat fondue is just like a hot pot. The meat was cooked in hot oil and tastes great. It is truly indulgent and highly recommended. All the dishes ordered are more than enough to fill us up!

In short, the fondue was delicious. The quality of the cheese was top-notch. Truly incredible!

Zurich Food Guide: Best Cheese Fondue

Must Eat in Zurich

For true Swiss dining in Zurich do not give this place a miss. We truly enjoyed your Swiss cheese fondue experience in Swiss Chuchi. The entire meal, service, and overall experience were excellent and we couldn’t recommend it more. The cheese fondue is a true classic and a must to try when visiting Switzerland!

All in all, Swiss Chuchi is highly rated in our Zurich food guide as the best restaurant to sample authentic Swiss fondue in Zurich. Looking forward to coming back for another excellent lunch or dinner!

Lastly, feel free to continue to read on our Switzerland itinerary to each of the beautiful cities in the country.

Popular cities with detailed travel guide blog to visit in Switzerland:

Jungfrau Region: