Bun cha ca in Da Nang: A Local Specialty Full of Ocean Flavors

Paul Lee

Have you ever seen groups of locals in Danang enjoying a steaming bowl of noodle soup infused with grilled fish?
That delicious dish is Bun cha ca, one of the most loved specialties from the city.
Being a coastal city, Da Nang is renowned for its seafood, and Bun cha ca beautifully showcases the ocean's taste in a bowl.
Let's join VIET DOVE Travel to discover it.

Table of Contents
    Bowls of Bun Cha Ca served with fresh herbs.
    Bowls of Bun Cha Ca served with fresh herbs.

    The Taste of the Ocean in Bun Cha Ca

    What is Bun cha ca?

    At its essence, Bun cha ca is made of fish, broth, and noodles, and is the perfect comfort food. A standard bowl of Bun cha ca will include:
    Chả cá (Fish cake): The centerpiece of the bowl. Chả cá is created from fresh fish such as mackerel, barracuda, flying fish, or lizardfish.
    The fish meat is finely ground, seasoned, shaped into a cake, and fried or steamed to create the chewy consistency.
    Broth: The spirit of Bun cha ca. The broth is boiled from fish bones and heads and then combined with pumpkin, tomato, and pineapple for a colorful, naturally sweet, and slightly sour flavor.
    Noodles: Soft, fresh rice that holds the flavor of the broth perfectly.
    Because of the nature of the dish, it isn’t heavy, extremely flavorful, and it’s healthy yet completely satisfying.
    Local tip: A squeeze of lime and a dash of chili garlic sauce can elevate the whole bowl.

    Fresh fish cakes prepared for Bun Cha Ca.
    Fresh fish cakes prepared for Bun Cha Ca.

    Where to Eat Bun cha ca in Da Nang

    Bún chả cá Nguyễn Chí Thanh

    This is one of the most famous restaurants in Da Nang, and it does live up to its reputation. It is well-loved, famous for its fresh fish cakes and sweet broth.
    📍 Address: 109 Nguyễn Chí Thanh, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng.

    Bún chả cá Bà Phiến

    It has been a local favorite for over thirty years. With fish cakes made from fresh mackerel and a rich broth, it is definitely worth a visit.
    📍 Address: 63 Lê Hồng Phong, Phước Ninh, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng.

    Bún chả cá Bà Lữ

    This popular restaurant has flavor in its broth that is particularly unique to it among the shops. They have several branches across Da Nang, which definitely makes it easy for travelers!
    📍 Addresses: 17 Nam Trân, Hòa Minh, Liên Chiểu; 319 Hùng Vương, Vĩnh Trung, Thanh Khê; 85 Khúc Hạo, Nại Hiên Đông, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng.

    Bún chả cá Hờn

    Very popular among locals, known for the chewy fish cakes and family recipe broth. The shop itself is very basic and clean, and feels very local.
    📍 Address: 113/3 Nguyễn Chí Thanh, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng.

     Bà Lữ Bun Cha Ca, a popular spot in Da Nang.
     Bà Lữ Bun Cha Ca, a popular spot in Da Nang.

    Conclusion

    If you’re traveling to Da Nang, sit down in a local restaurant and try this beloved noodle soup. With VIETDOVE Travel, you will have the opportunity to see breathtaking sights. But also unforgettable tastes.

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