Mui Ne, a coastal resort town in Southeast Vietnam, has gained popularity among tourists for its stunning beaches, thrilling water sports, and unique attractions. However, one aspect of Mui Ne that often goes overlooked is its incredible food scene. From seafood delicacies to exotic dishes, Mui Ne is a food lover’s paradise.
Seafood Galore
Being a seaside locale, Mui Ne is abundant in fresh seafood that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Here are some must-try dishes:
Lau Tha (Special Fish Hotpot)
Vietnamese hotpot is renowned for its mix of delicious ingredients, but Mui Ne takes it to the next level. Lau Tha includes fish, shrimp, pork, veggies, green mango, banana flower, rice noodles, fried eggs, all cooked in a peanut, chili, and lime-flavored broth. The use of fresh local ingredients elevates this hotpot to another level of deliciousness.
Muc Mot Nang (Sun Dried Squid)
This mouthwatering snack is popular throughout Mui Ne. Fresh squid is dried in the sun and then grilled over coals with a chili and lime baste. Served with fish sauce, these savory and sweet squid bites pack a flavorful punch.
Ca Mai (Fish Salad)
Ca Mai is Mui Ne’s version of Vietnamese ceviche. Fresh Mai fish, delicately sliced, is combined with raw vegetables such as basil, onions, green bananas, star fruit, chili, garlic, and roasted peanuts. The mixture is then wrapped in rice paper and dipped in fish sauce for a burst of flavors.
Oc Huong (Sweet Sea Snail)
Oc Huong is a rare delicacy in Mui Ne and an affordable treat. These sweet sea snails are prepared in various styles, including steamed with onion and ginger, baked, grilled, or roasted with garlic. Locals often enjoy them by plucking the snail from its shell, sprinkling lime over it, and dipping it in crushed peanuts.
Dong (Lizard Meat)
Dong is a curious dish made from lizard meat, similar in shape to geckos but larger. It can be served grilled, stir-fried, in soup, salads, rolls, or even in pastries. The meat is slightly chewy, like moist jerky, and seasoned with chili. It’s a unique and exotic finger food experience.
Banh Canh (Thick Noodle Soup)
Banh Canh is a Vietnamese comfort food staple, and Mui Ne has its own version. The thick and chewy noodles, made from tapioca flour and/or rice flour, are served in a fish stock made from fresh catch in Mui Ne’s waters. The soup is accompanied by fried and steamed fish cakes, scallions, cilantro, dried onion, peppers, and lime.
Banh Xeo (Crispy Pancake)
Banh Xeo is Mui Ne’s signature “Street Food.” It is a fried crispy pancake loaded with shrimp, fat pork, and bean sprouts, folded and dipped in a chili, garlic, lemon, and fish sauce. This mouthwatering treat is a must-try during your culinary journey in Mui Ne.
Quai Vac Tran (Shrimp and Pork Cake)
Quai Vac Tran is another delightful street food delicacy. These translucent bite-sized delights are made from transparent wheat-flour and filled with deheaded prawns and fatty pork. Sprinkled with finely sliced scallions and chili pepper, they are boiled and served on every street corner.
Rang Muc Nuong (Grilled Squid Teeth)
Yes, squids actually have teeth! Rang Muc Nuong offers marinated, marble-sized grilled squid teeth skewered and cooked over coals. This unique and fascinating culinary experience can only be found on the streets of Mui Ne.
Fish Spring Roll
Fish Spring Roll is a specialty of Phan Thiet, and Mui Ne takes it to the next level. Special rice paper is used to wrap fish and cassava before lightly frying them. Dipped in a spicy sauce, these mouthwatering delicacies are bursting with flavor and will melt in your mouth.
These are just a few examples of the diverse and delicious dishes that await you in Mui Ne. Each restaurant and street vendor has its own unique twist, ensuring that every meal is a culinary adventure.
Where to Find the Delights
If you’re wondering where to find these delectable dishes, look no further. Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street and Tuyen Quang Street are home to a strip of restaurants offering a range of culinary experiences, from cozy to cosmopolitan, catering to every taste and budget. The beachside “Bo Ke Street” near the fishing village is packed with seafood eateries and street food vendors, offering scrumptious BBQ options. The Pit Stop Food Court on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street is a must-visit, featuring traditional Mui Ne favorites as well as international cuisines from Mexican and Italian to American BBQ, Hungarian, and Vegan options. You’ll also find a smokehouse, a wine shop, a handmade chocolate shop, a cafe, a bar, and even a nightclub.
Food is an integral part of the Mui Ne experience, and you’ll find it everywhere you go. With its fresh and diverse offerings, Mui Ne promises dining experiences of epic proportions. So, grab your appetite and embark on a culinary adventure in Mui Ne!