1. Origin of the Nam O Da Nang raw fish salad
The Nam O Da Nang raw fish salad carries the imprint of the Nam O fishing village. This dish appeared hundreds of years ago, closely associated with the tradition of seafaring and the life of the local community. The fishermen here created this salad dish from fresh, newly caught fish, creating a unique culinary product passed down through generations.
Nam O fish salad is named after its origin, Nam O fishing village. (Source: Collected)
Nam O village is not only famous for its traditional fish sauce making but also known as the cradle of Nam O fish salad . The perfect combination of fresh and delicious seafood and special fish sauce has created a unique oceanic flavor, making this dish an icon of Da Nang cuisine. The special cultural value of the fish salad lies not only in its taste but also in community cohesion, a source of pride for the people of Nam O fishing village. Today's Nam O fish salad Da Nang rolls still retain the traditional recipe, offering diners a feeling of immersing themselves in the peaceful fishing village atmosphere.
2. What is Special About Nam O Fish Salad Da Nang?
2.1. Ingredients and Traditional Preparation Process
The secret to creating the characteristic flavor of Nam O fish salad Da Nang begins with ingredient selection. This salad is usually made from fresh herring, thinly sliced, retaining the natural sweetness of the fish. It is important that the fish is caught early in the morning, ensuring maximum freshness.
Herring with its sweet, firm flesh is often the main ingredient of Nam O fish salad. (Source: Collected)
The fish preparation process is carried out meticulously to remove the fishy smell and preserve the fresh taste. The fish is scaled clean, and the head, tail, gut, and bones are carefully removed. To remove the fishy smell, the fish is washed with saltwater or diluted vinegar. Then it is sliced into bite-sized pieces and drained completely.
Nam O fish salad has two main types: dry salad and wet salad, each with its own distinct flavor. The dry salad has fish mixed with roasted rice powder, lime, roasted peanuts, ginger, and other spices, creating a characteristic crispiness and nutty aroma. Meanwhile, the wet salad uses fresh fish marinated with galangal, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and a bit of cooled boiled water, offering a rich sour and spicy taste and tender fish.
2.2. Served with vegetables, rice paper, and dipping sauce
The special feature of Nam O Da Nang fish salad is not just the fish, but also the perfect combination with Central Vietnamese wild vegetables. Dinh lang leaves, rau ma, coc leaves, la lot, mo leaves, sim leaves, tram leaves, picked from the foothills of Hai Van Pass, bring a refreshing and unique flavor found nowhere else. These vegetables not only add crispiness but also balance the rich, sweet taste of the fish.
Traditional thin rice paper is the perfect choice for wrapping Nam O fish salad. The wrapping process also has its own art. Some eateries also add grilled rice paper to create extra crispiness and aroma. The dipping sauce is the "soul" that makes the Nam O fish salad more complete and appealing than ever. The special point is that this dipping sauce is not only made from regular fish sauce but is also cooked from the fresh herring itself, the main ingredient of the salad.
After filtering and pressing the fish to extract the essence, the cook will boil it with pure Nam O fish sauce. Then, chili, galangal, garlic, tapioca starch, and many other secret spices are added. When the sauce thickens, has a glossy golden-brown color, and an alluring rich aroma, roasted sesame seeds and crushed roasted peanuts are sprinkled on top, creating an unforgettable rich and nutty flavor. This combination creates a delicate sweetness and a characteristic aroma without any fishiness. It is this component that determines the distinct deliciousness of Nam O Da Nang fish salad.
When enjoying, you will experience a wonderful balanced combination. The sourness of lime, the spiciness of chili and ginger, the sweetness from the fish meat, the nuttiness of peanuts and roasted sesame seeds, and the refreshing coolness of wild vegetables. All blend together to create a harmonious and appealing gustatory experience.
2.3. How to enjoy Nam O Da Nang fish salad the authentic way
To enjoy Nam O Da Nang fish salad correctly, you need to master each step. First, lay a rice paper sheet on your hand and arrange the wild vegetables evenly on top. Then, place slices of fish covering the entire surface of the paper. Roll it tightly and dip it deeply into the special dipping sauce. The secret to preventing the dish from being fishy and maintaining its deliciousness is to choose very fresh fish and eat all parts – vegetables, fish, and dipping sauce – together.
The wrapping style of Nam O fish salad is completely different from other rolled dishes, thanks to the combination of multiple layers of wild vegetables bringing a characteristic refreshing taste. Soft, pliable rice paper is usually chosen. However, some eateries also add a layer of grilled rice paper on the outside to create an appealing crispy aroma. Besides, you can also enjoy this dish by mixing the ingredients like fish and vegetables together, adding a little dipping sauce, and serving it with grilled rice paper.
Dried fish salad is usually served with rice paper rolls and dipped in a special sauce. (Source: Collected)
Side dishes you should try when visiting Nam O raw fish salad Da Nang include sliced fig, green banana, and sour starfruit. These ingredients not only add a mild, refreshing sourness but also help balance the flavors, creating a rich and interesting culinary experience. Compared to other raw fish salads like Phu Quoc island's herring salad mainly served with crispy crackers and chili-garlic fish sauce, Nam O raw fish salad stands out for its unique combination of wild vegetables and a savory-sweet, non-fishy fish sauce with a strong sea flavor. This creates a distinctive and unmistakable signature.
3. Experience and notes when enjoying Nam O raw fish salad Da Nang 2025
3.1. Price reference for Nam O raw fish salad Da Nang
In 2025, the price for a portion of Nam O raw fish salad Da Nang ranges from about 70,000 to 150,000 VND depending on the type of salad (dried or wet, herring or snapper), restaurant location, and customer volume. This price is considered reasonable compared to the quality of fresh ingredients and the elaborate preparation.
When comparing famous restaurants, you will find that long-standing establishments like Thanh Huong, Vinh usually have stable prices and offer exceptionally fresh and delicious quality. Although the prices might be slightly higher than those of smaller eateries, this is entirely worth it for the guaranteed fresh fish and the dipping sauce recipe that maintains the traditional authentic taste.
An important note when choosing a restaurant is that quality always comes with price. Eateries with prices too low compared to the average may not guarantee fresh fish or proper preparation processes. This directly affects the flavor and safety of the Nam O raw fish salad Da Nang .
3.2. Safety precautions when eating Nam O raw fish salad Da Nang
Because Nam O raw fish salad Da Nang is a raw dish, choosing a reputable establishment is extremely important. You should only enjoy it at famous, long-standing restaurants with guaranteed quality fish, prepared on-site, and clean utensils. Absolutely avoid small, independent eateries with unclear ingredient origins or poor hygiene.
To identify fresh fish, pay attention to the following signs. The fish pieces should be clear white, have no strange odor, not be slimy, and have firm flesh. The authentic dipping sauce will have the aroma of fermented fish sauce, fragrant garlic and ginger, and savory roasted sesame. If the dipping sauce has a foul sour smell or an unusual color, you should not use it.
When eating Nam O raw fish salad, choose reputable addresses that ensure safe preparation. (Source: Collected)
Particular caution is needed regarding allergies when enjoying Nam O raw fish salad Da Nang. If symptoms such as itching, stomach ache, difficulty breathing, or other seafood allergy symptoms appear, stop eating immediately and go to a medical facility if the condition is serious. People with sensitive constitutions to seafood or fresh raw fish and shrimp should be especially cautious.
4. Suggested famous addresses to enjoy Nam O raw fish salad Da Nang
4.1. Thanh Huong Raw Fish Salad Shop
Considered the oldest and most reputable brand in Nam O village, Thanh Huong shop has affirmed its position over many decades. It specializes in serving high-quality Nam O raw fish salad from Da Nang, with authentic local flavor. The shop is famous for its source of fresh fish supplied daily by local fishing boats and its fish sauce mixed with a traditional family recipe.
The address of Thanh Huong shop is at 1029 Nguyen Luong Bang, Hai Van Ward, Da Nang City. Additionally, you can visit the Thanh Huong Nam O Raw Fish Salad 2 branch at 50 Ho Tuong. Operating hours are from approximately 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Prices are quite affordable, ranging from 40,000 – 150,000 VND per portion, suitable for both tourists and locals.
Thanh Huong Nam O Fish Salad Restaurant is popular for its authentic Da Nang style preparation. (Source: Collected)
Thanh Huong restaurant's strengths are its spacious, clean ambiance and quick service, suitable for both families and large groups of friends. What makes Thanh Huong's flavor distinctive is the selection of fresh herring, meticulous preparation, thin slicing, then mixed with fragrant roasted rice powder and special spices. Each portion of salad is served with wild vegetables, rice paper, and a thick, spicy dipping sauce. The signature dishes you cannot miss when visiting here are dried herring salad and wet herring salad, served with fish sauce mixed separately according to each customer's taste.
4.2. Vinh Restaurant Nam O Fish Salad
Located on Nguyen Luong Bang street, Vinh Restaurant – Nam O Fish Salad is a familiar destination in Da Nang. The restaurant attracts tourists thanks to its fresh and delicious Nam O fish salad, which carries the strong flavor of the Central Vietnamese coast. The restaurant's space is spacious, clean, and always crowded every day.
The fish salad here is prepared from fresh herring, with sweet and slightly chewy meat. The Nam O fish sauce dipping sauce, mixed with galangal, peanuts, and fish broth, creates an unforgettable rich flavor. Each portion of fish salad costs only from 30,000 to 150,000 VND, which is very affordable. The restaurant is open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with fast and friendly service. If you want to enjoy authentic Nam O fish salad in Da Nang, Vinh Restaurant is definitely a must-visit choice.
4.3. Some other famous Nam O Fish Salad Restaurants in Da Nang
Besides the two famous restaurants mentioned above, Nam O village also has many other places worth exploring. Hong Van Restaurant, Be Van Fish Salad, Co Hong Nam O Fish Salad, 6 Hao Fish Salad are names frequently mentioned in the community that loves Nam O fish salad in Da Nang . The long-standing restaurants around Nam O village, Nguyen Luong Bang street, all maintain traditional preparation methods and have their unique characteristics. The advantages of each place suit different customer segments. Families or groups of friends who want a spacious, clean environment and guaranteed quality fish can choose the larger, branded restaurants.
Meanwhile, those who want to experience "street food" can visit small roadside eateries with reasonable prices, quick service, and friendly owners. Long-standing restaurants often have the advantage of regular customers, guaranteed fish quality, and experienced staff in preparation. This creates stability in flavor and service quality. Thereby helping diners have the best experience when enjoying Nam O fish salad in Da Nang .
5. Suggested Travel Itinerary Combining the Experience of Nam O Fish Salad in Da Nang
A day in Da Nang will become more memorable by starting with a journey to explore Nam O fishing village. You will have the opportunity to learn about historical sites, marine ecosystems, and witness the daily lives of local fishermen. The fresh air and beautiful scenery will create a perfect start for the culinary journey.
Noon is the golden time to enjoy Nam O fish salad at the famous restaurants in the village. While eating and admiring the vast sea view, you will fully experience the taste of the sea blended with the poetic space of the fishing village. This is the most memorable moment in the culinary exploration journey of Da Nang.
In the afternoon, you can continue your journey by visiting Sun World Ba Na Hills. Here, visitors can admire the famous Golden Bridge, the ancient French Village, or the beautiful Le Jardin d’Amour flower garden. Enjoy the cool atmosphere amidst the clouds and sky for a wonderful experience.
Sun World Ba Na Hills is a destination that brings visitors many interesting experiences in Da Nang. (Source: Collected)
Reasons why you should try Nam O raw fish salad Da Nang at least once in your life not only because of its unique flavor but also because it is an opportunity to experience a specialty dish of Da Nang. Visitors will fully appreciate the quintessence of coastal cuisine and learn about traditional fishing village culture. When visiting Da Nang in 2025, don't forget to save the addresses for Nam O raw fish salad and share your experiences with friends to make the trip more memorable.
