Mui Ne, in Binh Thuan province, is a treasure trove of vibrant flavors and unique dishes that reflect Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage. From sparkling-fresh seafood to fragrant herbs and creative street fare, food in Mui Ne celebrates the perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy. Ready to eat your way through the region? Here’s your ultimate guide to 15 iconic Mui Ne dishes that make this coastal town a must-visit for foodies!
1. My Quang
Originally from Central Vietnam, My Quang takes on a unique flair in Mui Ne. Unlike its Da Nang cousin, Mui Ne’s version features vibrant yellow rice noodles swimming in a lighter yet flavorful bone broth, seasoned with fish sauce, black pepper, shallots, and garlic.
- Toppings include river shrimp, boiled quail eggs, and grilled pork.
- Finished with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, lettuce, and thinly sliced banana blossoms.
- A sprinkle of roasted peanuts and crispy sesame rice crackers adds crunch.
What makes My Quang special is its versatility—no strict recipe means every cook adds a personal touch. It’s often served with chili paste for an extra fiery kick.
2. Rang Muc & Trung Muc
Seafood lovers shouldn’t miss rang muc (squid teeth) and trung muc (squid eggs).
- Rang muc are the chewy, beak-like parts of the squid, marinated in chili, garlic, and fish sauce, then grilled over charcoal for smoky, savory bites.
- Trung muc features creamy squid eggs stir-fried with tamarind sauce or black pepper.
Perfect for sharing over a cold beer, these dishes highlight Mui Ne’s culinary creativity, using every part of the squid. Add lime juice and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for authentic seaside flavor.
3. Banh Hoi Long Heo
Banh hoi long heo pairs delicate woven rice vermicelli with boiled pork offal like heart, liver, and intestines.
- Vermicelli is drizzled with scallion oil and served with fresh herbs and lettuce.
- A flavorful fish sauce dipping sauce ties it all together.
Diners often wrap everything in rice paper, creating perfect bite-sized parcels. It’s a classic example of Mui Ne’s intricate balance of textures and flavors.
4. Lau Ca Bop (Grouper Hotpot)
Nothing brings friends and family together like a bubbling pot of lau ca bop. This fragrant hotpot stars fresh grouper fish in a tangy tamarind-based broth.
- The fish is cut into tender chunks and cooked with vegetables like water spinach, banana blossoms, and okra.
- Diners personalize their bowls with herbs, rice noodles, and chili.
Bright, balanced flavors showcase the essence of Vietnamese cuisine—fresh, local ingredients and bold seasonings harmonizing in every spoonful.
5. Banh Hon
Banh hon is a delightful bite-sized treat made from glutinous rice flour, filled with mung bean or coconut, then steamed and rolled in sesame seeds or crushed peanuts.
- Chewy texture.
- Mild sweetness.
This understated snack reflects Mui Ne’s culinary philosophy: simple ingredients transformed into memorable flavors.
6. Goi Ca Mai
Refreshing and vibrant, goi ca mai is a raw fish salad made with ca mai (anchovy-like fish).
- Thinly sliced fish is marinated in lime juice, chili, and fish sauce.
- Tossed with herbs, shredded green mango, and roasted peanuts.
- Served with rice paper for wrapping.
Crunchy, tangy, and slightly spicy, goi ca mai perfectly captures the fresh spirit of coastal cuisine. Enjoy it seaside for the ultimate experience!
7. Banh Mi Cho
Banh mi cho, or “waiting banh mi,” is a unique Mui Ne street food. The name comes from customers eagerly waiting as vendors grill the fillings right in front of them.
- Crisp baguette stuffed with grilled pork, fish cakes, or seafood like squid.
- Topped with pickled carrots, cucumber, cilantro, and chili sauce.
Affordable and quick, banh mi cho is a testament to Mui Ne’s vibrant street food scene.
8. Banh Canh Cha Ca
Comforting and flavorful, banh canh cha ca is a noodle soup that showcases Mui Ne’s love for seafood.
- Thick, chewy rice noodles float in a savory broth made from fish bones.
- Topped with cha ca—bouncy fish cakes seasoned with dill and pepper, either steamed or fried.
- Served with fresh herbs, chili, and lime.
Perfect for breakfast or lunch, it’s a soul-warming dish that embodies the region’s coastal flavors.
9. Cha Cuon Ca Trich
Cha cuon ca trich features grilled herring wrapped in rice paper.
- The fish is marinated with turmeric and dill, grilled to smoky perfection.
- Served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce.
Smoky fish, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs make each bite refreshing and satisfying—a wonderful example of Mui Ne’s inventive seafood cuisine.
10. Goi Oc Giac
Goi oc giac is a bold salad made with oc giac, a type of sea snail found along Vietnam’s coast.
- Boiled snails are sliced and mixed with herbs, green mango, and a fish sauce dressing.
- Roasted peanuts and fried shallots add crunch and richness.
- Often served with rice crackers for scooping.
Crunchy, sour, and spicy, this dish is perfect for adventurous palates. Look for it at local seafood restaurants for an authentic taste of Mui Ne.
11. Banh Beo La Dua
A delightful twist on classic steamed rice cakes, banh beo la dua is infused with pandan leaves for a fragrant aroma and vibrant green color.
- Topped with ground shrimp, fried shallots, and scallion oil.
- Served with sweet fish sauce for dipping.
Its unique pandan flavor makes this dish a favorite snack or appetizer at local eateries and street food stalls.
12. Cha Lui Ham Tan
A street food specialty from Binh Thuan, cha lui Ham Tan is made with savory pork and shrimp patties skewered and grilled over charcoal.
- Wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs, green mango, and cucumber.
- Served with a rich, tangy peanut-fish sauce dip.
Quick to grill and bursting with flavor, this dish is a must-try snack that locals and tourists alike love.
13. Dong Nuong Muoi Ot
Not for the faint-hearted, dong nuong muoi ot features grilled sandworms seasoned with chili salt.
- Harvested from sandy beaches.
- Marinated with chili, salt, garlic, and spices.
- Grilled until golden and crispy.
Crunchy and savory with a shrimp-like taste, it’s a daring yet delicious snack popular in seaside bars and eateries.
14. Che Bong Co
For a sweet ending, try che bong co, a unique dessert made from bong co seaweed.
- Blended with coconut milk and palm sugar for a jelly-like texture.
- Served chilled over crushed ice.
Light and refreshing, it’s the perfect treat on a hot Mui Ne day. Find it at local markets or dessert stalls for an authentic taste of coastal ingenuity.
15. Ca Loi Xoi Mo Cuon Banh Trang
A fun and interactive dish, ca loi xoi mo cuon banh trang features slippery, eel-like fish steamed and drizzled with hot scallion oil.
- Served with fresh herbs, lettuce, cucumber, and rice noodles.
- Diners wrap ingredients in thin rice paper and dip rolls into tangy fish sauce.
The balance of tender fish, crisp veggies, and fragrant herbs makes each roll a burst of flavor. Look for this dish along Pham Van Dong or Nguyen Dinh Chieu streets, prime spots for discovering the best Mui Ne food.
Mui Ne’s cuisine is a reflection of its seaside spirit, blending local ingenuity with the bounty of the ocean and the freshness of Vietnam’s produce. Whether you’re indulging in street food, savoring raw seafood salads, or exploring daring delicacies, Mui Ne promises a culinary journey like no other.
