Da Lat food guide
Located in the Central Highlands, Da Lat offers a refreshing escape from Vietnam’s steamy lowlands, with its cool climate, pine forests, and scenic lakes. Originally built by the French as a mountain retreat to escape the tropical heat, the city still carries a romantic charm, earning it the nickname “the Paris of Vietnam.” Today, it remains a favourite getaway for Vietnamese honeymooners and travellers seeking fresh air, a slower pace, and stunning natural beauty.
Da Lat’s unique climate also makes it a fertile ground for produce rarely found elsewhere in Vietnam, strawberries, avocados, artichokes, and a wide variety of herbs and vegetables all thrive here.
In this quick guide, we’ll introduce you to a few of our favourite restaurants in Da Lat and the delicious dishes they offer, helping you make the most of your time in the city.
While you’re in town, be sure to check out 100 Roof Bar, also known as the Maze Bar, for one of Da Lat’s most unusual drinking spots.
Bustling and vibrant, especially on weekends, Da lat’s night market is a great place to wander, snack, and soak up the local atmosphere. Stalls line the streets selling fresh fruit from the surrounding hills, especially the delicious berries Da Lat is known for, as well as plenty of grilled treats. Try lạp xưởng nướng da (Chinese style sausage) or the ever popular bánh tráng, a rice paper snack often nicknamed “Vietnamese pizza.” It’s also one of the only places in Vietnam where we found súp bắp cua (crab and sweetcorn soup). Locals often gather on the steps with friends, food in hand. Have a stroll and see what food takes your fancy!
Just a short walk from the lake, this low key local spot serves a great range of noodle soups, all well worth trying. The classic bún bò (beef and vermicelli soup) is rich and warming, while mì quảng comes with thick yellow noodles and a fragrant broth. They also do bún riêu (crab vermicelli soup) and bún mọc (a light pork meatball version), each with its own distinct flavour. It’s not a tourist haunt, but the steady stream of locals says it all, generous portions, great flavours, and very fair prices. Highly recommended.
Our favourite place for bánh tráng nướng (rice paper pizza) in Dalat, and we tried more than a few, with a short menu offering several well balanced topping combinations. The version with beef floss, sausage, and cheese was our personal favourite, hot, crispy, and packed with just the right savoury flavour. Seating is basic but comfortable enough for a quick meal, and the service is friendly and fast. Don’t miss the sữa gạo (rice milk drink) lightly sweet, smooth, and the perfect partner to bánh tráng nướng.
A cosy, family-run spot specialising in two local favourites in various configurations: bánh căn (grilled savoury rice cakes) and bò né (a sizzling beef dish served on a hot plate). We tried one of each and both were excellent. The bánh căn came hot off the grill with a tangy dipping sauce, while the bò né arrived still sizzling, with tender beef, egg, and a side of baguette to mop up all the delicious juices.
The space is small and simple, with a few tables and a steady flow of regulars. The owners are warm and welcoming, happy to explain the menu if you’re unfamiliar. They also serve bánh mì xíu mại (baguette with meatballs) and bánh mì ốp la (with fried egg), which looked tempting, though we didn’t try them ourselves. A great place for an affordable meal.
This clean, well run local place specialises in bánh căn (grilled savoury rice cakes) and bánh xèo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes), both cooked to order. They also offer a selection of bánh mì, making it a good stop for a quick snack or something more filling. The bánh căn are crisp on the outside with a soft centre, usually paired with a tangy dipping sauce and fresh herbs, while the bánh xèo come generously stuffed with fillings.
Service is fast and friendly, and the owners are welcoming without fuss. Prices are very reasonable for the quality, and takeaway is available if you’re on the move. A solid, no nonsense choice for a casual meal done well.
