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Top 10 Must-try Specialties In Quy Nhon, Vietnam

1. Jumping shrimp pancakes (Bánh xèo tôm nhảy)

When asking what to eat in Quy Nhon? Banh Xeo Tom Nhay always tops the list of must try food in Quy Nhon. This iconic dish perfectly reflects the city’s coastal identity and is one of the most beloved specialties in Quy Nhon. Unlike ordinary pancakes, this dish is made with fresh jumping shrimp caught from nearby waters, giving the dish a natural sweetness that immediately stands out. The batter is carefully prepared to achieve a delicate balance: thin, golden and irresistibly crispy on the outside, yet rich and aromatic inside. What truly elevates the experience is the way it is enjoyed. Each piece is wrapped in fresh herbs and raw vegetables, then dipped into a bold, well-balanced sauce that enhances every flavor.

2. Shrimp and pork crispy rolls (chả ram tôm đất)

Among the most comforting specialties in Quy Nhon, shrimp spring rolls hold a special place, especially during Tet and family gatherings. For travelers wondering what to eat in Quy Nhon, this dish offers a deeper look into local traditions and everyday flavors. Simple in appearance yet rich in taste, the rolls are made from fresh shrimp and savory bacon, carefully wrapped in delicate rice paper. Once fried, they turn beautifully golden and crisp, releasing an inviting aroma that instantly awakens the appetite. The experience does not stop at the roll itself. Shrimp spring rolls are served with fresh vegetables and soft vermicelli, creating a perfect balance of textures. Each bite delivers crunch, tenderness and freshness in harmony.

3. Quy Nhon's fried spring rolls

When asking what to eat in Quy Nhon, local spring rolls immediately stand out as a flavorful introduction to the city’s everyday food culture. Unlike ordinary versions found elsewhere in Vietnam, Quy Nhon’s spring rolls are celebrated for their balanced complexity rather than bold heaviness. Fresh shrimp, aromatic herbs and crisp vegetables are wrapped delicately, creating layers of texture that unfold with every bite. What truly elevates this dish into one of the must try food in Quy Nhon is the accompanying mixed fish sauce, carefully blended to deliver salty, sweet, sour and spicy notes in perfect harmony. This sauce does not overpower but enhances, tying all ingredients together seamlessly.

4. Gai leaf little cake (bánh ít lá gai)

What to eat in Quy Nhon? In contrast, the hemp leaf cake reveals a quieter, more traditional side of Quy Nhon cuisine. At first glance, its deep black exterior immediately captures attention, setting it apart from any cake travelers may have encountered elsewhere in Vietnam. This distinctive color comes from traditional ingredients and techniques passed down through generations, reflecting the region’s respect for natural elements and heritage. Inside, the cake reveals a soft, slightly rich texture, filled with fragrant green bean and coconut that delivers gentle sweetness without being overwhelming. The flavor is subtle yet memorable, allowing the earthy aroma of the hemp leaf to linger pleasantly.

5. Tré Binh Dinh

To truly understand specialties in Quy Nhon, one must look beyond appearance and step into the stories behind the flavors. Tre is not a dish designed to impress at first glance; it is meant to be discovered slowly, much like the culture that created it. Wrapped tightly and shaped like a rustic broomstick, Tre reflects the ingenuity of local people who mastered preservation and balance long before modern kitchens existed. Inside, finely sliced pork ears and bacon bring texture and richness, while sesame seeds, herring, galangal, garlic, and chili introduce layers of aroma and warmth. Fermentation transforms these humble ingredients into something complex, slightly tangy, deeply savory, and unmistakably local.

6. Chau Truc shrimp vermicelli (Bún tôm Châu Trúc)

Some dishes reveal a destination not through extravagance, but through quiet authenticity. Chau Truc shrimp vermicelli belongs to this category, offering a gentle yet profound introduction to what to eat in Quy Nhon at dawn. Rooted in the rhythm of the lagoon, this dish in Quy Nhon reflects the close relationship between local life and water. Fresh shrimp, caught at sunrise, carry a natural sweetness that requires no enhancement, while delicate rice vermicelli provides a soft, comforting foundation. There is no excess, no heavy seasoning, only balance, clarity, and respect for ingredients.

7. Pink sweet dumpling (Bánh hồng Bình Định)

In the heart of Binh Dinh, a region famed for its martial arts heritage, local cuisine reveals a softer, more poetic side through Tam Quan pink cake, one of the most meaningful specialties in Quy Nhon and its surrounding areas. Far more than a simple dessert, this cake is a symbol of happiness, prosperity, and togetherness, traditionally served at weddings and important family celebrations. Its delicate pink hue immediately evokes festivity, while the filling made from rich, aromatic coconut delivers a natural sweetness that feels both indulgent and comforting.

8. Coconut rice paper (Bánh tráng nước dừa)

Often enjoyed quietly on street corners or packed as a meaningful souvenir, coconut water rice paper reflects the understated charm of local food culture and ranks among the most authentic specialties in Quy Nhon. Rather than relying on complex recipes, this delicacy celebrates technique and balance. Rice flour or cassava is blended with corn and naturally sweet coconut water, then carefully spread into thin sheets, sun-dried, and lightly grilled over charcoal. The heat awakens a gentle aroma and creates a texture that is crisp yet pleasantly rich.

9. Cho Huyen's fermented pork roll (Nem chua chợ Huyện)

Cho Huyen Spring Rolls Village is more than just a name on the local map; it is a destination for travelers eager to understand the soul of specialties in Quy Nhon through taste. Tucked within the lively Nem market area, these spring rolls represent generations of culinary refinement. Their appeal lies not in complexity, but in balance. The first bite delivers a gentle sourness that awakens the palate, quickly followed by layers of sweetness and richness that unfold slowly as you chew. What truly elevates this dish in Quy Nhon is the subtle presence of guava leaves, adding a faintly bitter, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the savory filling.

10. Quy Nhon jellyfish noodle soup (bún sứa Quy Nhơn)

What to eat in Quy Nhon? Equally distinctive in the local food scene is Quy Nhon’s jellyfish noodle dish, a specialty that surprises and delights even seasoned food lovers. The highlight of this bowl lies in the jellyfish feet, carefully dried to achieve a crisp, refreshing texture that contrasts with the softness of the noodles. Preparation is an art in itself: vermicelli is briefly dipped twice into boiling water, ensuring the strands remain light, loose, and perfectly springy.