1. What's special about Da Nang fish cake noodle soup?
1.1. Why has Da Nang fish cake noodle soup become the "soul" of Central Vietnamese cuisine?
Da Nang fish cake noodle soup originated from the simple life of coastal people. As fishing developed, fresh fish became a daily staple. Therefore, people utilized fish to make cakes, then combined them with noodles and broth. Fishermen after long trips often brought back fresh fish, from mackerel, tuna to climbing perch. This is the main ingredient that creates this special dish. Over decades, fish cake noodle soup has been associated with the lives of Da Nang people. The dish appears on many different occasions. It can be used for a simple breakfast or for family gatherings and cozy feasts.
What makes this dish culturally valuable is the traditional preparation method preserved through generations. Each family, each eatery has its own secret in preparing the broth, making the fish cake, or choosing accompanying herbs. Da Nang fish cake noodle soup becomes a bridge between the past and the present, between the taste of home and the desire for exploration of tourists from all over.
1.2. What's special about the flavor of Da Nang fish cake noodle soup?
What makes Da Nang fish cake noodle soup so impressive is the exquisite blend of multiple flavor layers. This dish carries the characteristic flavor of the sea, rich yet light and easy to eat. The clear broth has a reddish-orange color from tomatoes and pumpkin, a sweet and clear taste from fish bones and shrimp, and a slight sourness from pineapple and bamboo shoots.
A bowl of Da Nang fish cake noodle soup, sweet, fragrant, and visually appealing, attracts diners. (Source: Collected)
The chewy and crispy fish cakes, fragrant and rich, combined with soft and chewy noodles create a feeling of fullness without being greasy. Each bowl of noodles has a blend of many flavors, pungent spiciness from black pepper, salty taste of shrimp paste, and freshness of fresh herbs. All blend together to create a rich flavor. When eating, Da Nang people often add fresh chili, crushed garlic, and a squeeze of lime to make the noodle bowl more aromatic and stimulate the taste buds. The special thing is that despite its rich flavor, Da Nang fish cake noodle soup is not greasy at all but brings a pleasant feeling, suitable for both breakfast and lunch. This is why Da Nang fish cake noodle soup is always among the must-try dishes when visiting this city.
1.3. Main ingredients and the secret to creating an authentic Da Nang fish cake noodle soup bowl
The foundation of a delicious fish cake noodle soup is the broth carefully simmered from mackerel bones, tuna, pork bones, and dried shrimp. The secret lies in adding pumpkin, tomatoes, pineapple, and bamboo shoots to create natural sweetness and a characteristic color. Some eateries also use shrimp paste to enhance the oceanic flavor, creating an unforgettable highlight.
Fish cakes are made from freshly ground fish mixed with spices; they can be fried golden or steamed. The most popular fish types are mackerel and snakehead fish, creating a moderate chewiness and a characteristic sweetness. White, soft, and chewy noodles serve as a balancing base for the entire bowl. Fresh herbs are diverse, from water spinach, banana blossoms, bean sprouts to lettuce, accompanied by pickled onions and aromatic herbs like cilantro and Vietnamese coriander, helping to reduce greasiness and enhance the overall flavor.
2. Top 7 most famous delicious Da Nang fish cake noodle soup eateries in 2025
2.1. Ba Phien Fish Cake Noodle Soup
Located at 63 Le Hong Phong street, Hai Chau ward, Ba Phien fish cake noodle soup has been a familiar address for Da Nang locals for over 30 years. The eatery is open from early morning until late at night, around 10:30 PM. It is always bustling with local customers and tourists. With prices ranging from 25,000 – 55,000 VND per bowl, this is considered one of the places serving authentic Da Nang fish cake noodle soup.
Ba Phien Fish Cake Noodle Soup Restaurant in Da Nang is famous and attracts a large number of diners. (Source: Collected)
The restaurant space is simple with traditional plastic tables and chairs, but it is always clean and creates a cozy feeling. The highlight is the clear broth, sweet and refreshing from fish bones, not fishy, combined with the rich flavor of shrimp paste. Diners can choose from many toppings such as mackerel fish cake, tuna, shrimp cake, crab noodle soup, or a special mixed bowl. Among them, the special fish cake noodle soup and crab noodle soup are the two most popular dishes.
2.2. Ba Lu Fish Cake Noodle Soup
Ba Lu Fish Cake Noodle Soup has many branches in Da Nang. Tourists can visit 319 Hung Vuong Street, Thanh Khe Ward to experience this dish. This place is famous for its traditional mackerel fish cake essence. The prices are budget-friendly, ranging from 20,000 - 40,000 VND per bowl, attracting a large number of diners of all ages.
The restaurant space is small, cozy, with a view of the central street, creating a familiar feeling. Ba Lu's strength lies in its mackerel fish cake, prepared according to a family recipe, fried golden brown, with a moderately chewy and crispy texture. The broth is sweet and refreshing, not overpowering, served with fresh herbs and shallots, creating a light and pleasant feeling. The fresh, diverse herbs add crispness and coolness when eaten together.
2.3. 109 Nguyen Chi Thanh Fish Cake Noodle Soup
If you are looking for a rich, authentic Da Nang-style fish cake noodle soup, then 109 Nguyen Chi Thanh Fish Cake Noodle Soup is a must-visit destination. Located right in the city center, the restaurant has existed for over 40 years and is currently managed by the third generation of the family. Each bowl of noodles costs between 25,000 and 30,000 VND, suitable for all types of diners.
What makes the restaurant attractive is its sweet and refreshing broth, cooked from fish bones, pineapple, and tomatoes, offering a characteristic mild sourness. The fish cake is made from mackerel and snakehead fish, with a moderate chewiness, combined with crab cake and fish balls, creating a bowl of noodles full of ocean flavors. The restaurant was honored by the MICHELIN Guide with the Bib Gourmand award, recognizing its quality and culinary value.
2.4. Hon Fish Cake Noodle Soup
Tucked away at 113/3 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Hai Chau Ward, the Hon Fish Cake Noodle Soup restaurant is always among the top favorite fish cake noodle soup spots in Da Nang. In June 2024, Hon Fish Cake Noodle Soup was honored to receive the Bib Gourmand title from Michelin, recognizing the restaurant as a "delicious, reasonably priced" destination in Da Nang. The restaurant stands out with its broth cooked from various vegetables and roots, creating a moderately mild, refreshing sour taste. The mackerel and tuna fish cakes at the restaurant are sourced fresh, not frozen, preserving their natural flavor. A small bowl of noodles costs only 25,000 VND, large bowls range from 30,000–50,000 VND. The special bowl combining both fish cake and mackerel costs up to 60,000 VND.
Menu of Hon Fish Cake Noodle Soup with many choices. (Source: Collected)
Every time dining here, customers can feel the clear sweetness of the broth, the chewy and soft texture of the fish cake, and fresh mackerel. The restaurant offers a rich and authentic Da Nang culinary experience, making many people want to return multiple times. Notably, the restaurant specializes in serving locals, so the flavor is always kept original. This creates a long-lasting bond between the restaurant and its local patrons. At the same time, it provides the most authentic experience for tourists who want to explore local cuisine.
2.5. Ba Hoa Fish Cake Noodle Soup
Located at 27 Le Hong Phong Street, Hai Chau Ward, Ba Hoa Fish Cake Noodle Soup has existed for over 10 years and has become a familiar destination for locals. The restaurant serves only one dish: fish cake noodle soup, but it attracts customers with its distinctive flavor and stable quality.
The broth at the restaurant is cooked from tomatoes and pumpkin, creating a slightly sour, refreshing, and very pleasant taste. The fish cake is made from many types of fresh fish such as mackerel and tuna, without using frozen ingredients, preserving its natural flavor. Every day, the restaurant serves nearly 300 bowls of noodles, with two options: fish cake or a combination of fish cake and fish slices. A bowl of noodles at the restaurant costs from 25,000 to 35,000 VND, suitable for many types of customers. The restaurant is open daily from 6 AM to 9 PM, serving quickly and enthusiastically. This is an ideal address for those who want to enjoy authentic, rich, and pleasant Da Nang fish cake noodle soup.
2.6. Ong Ta Fish Cake Noodle Soup
Located at 113A Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Hai Chau Ward, Da Nang, Ong Ta Fish Cake Noodle Soup has become a familiar address for locals and tourists. The restaurant serves only one dish: fish cake noodle soup. However, it attracts customers with its distinctive flavor and stable quality.
The broth at the restaurant is cooked from various vegetables such as tomatoes and pumpkin, creating a slightly sour, refreshing taste. The fish cake is made from many types of fresh fish such as mackerel and tuna, without using frozen ingredients, preserving its natural flavor. Each bowl of noodles at the restaurant costs from 30,000 to 70,000 VND, suitable for many types of customers. The restaurant scores points with its quick and enthusiastic service style. This is an ideal address for those who want to enjoy authentic and rich Da Nang fish cake noodle soup.
2.7. Packaged fish cake noodle soup for takeaway
In 2025, many fish cake noodle soup restaurants in Da Nang, such as Ba Phien, Ba Lu, etc., offer boxed fish cake noodle soup and delivery services. The price ranges from 40,000 to 120,000 VND per portion depending on the topping. Additionally, the price depends on the size, shipping fee, and promotions on food ordering apps. This also meets the needs of busy tourists or those who want to buy it as a gift.
This service is especially convenient for tourists with tight schedules or those who want to enjoy Da Nang fish cake noodle soup at their hotel. For the best experience, customers should choose reputable restaurants, prioritizing traditional toppings like mackerel or thac lac fish. Requesting refrigeration or fast delivery will help preserve the fresh taste and characteristic aroma of the dish.
3. Experience and tips for enjoying authentic Da Nang fish cake noodle soup
3.1. How to identify a delicious and authentic Da Nang fish cake noodle soup restaurant
The broth is the most important factor in evaluating the quality of fish cake noodle soup . A good broth must be clear, have a natural orange-red color from tomatoes and pumpkin, be sweetly refreshing, not fishy, and not overly seasoned with MSG. The aroma carries hints of the sea from fish and shrimp, blended with the fragrance of various vegetables, creating harmony.
Da Nang fish cake noodle soup is delicious with a blend of many ingredients. (Source: Collected)
Quality fish cake has a moderate chewiness, not too tough or too soft, a beautiful golden color, and a natural sweetness from the sea fish. Fresh vegetables must be green, diverse, and cleanly prepared. Rich toppings with many choices from mackerel fish cake, tuna to shrimp cake, crab roe. Fast, enthusiastic service and a clean restaurant space are also signs of a quality Da Nang fish cake noodle soup restaurant.
3.2. When to enjoy Da Nang fish cake noodle soup
The morning from 6 AM to 9 AM is considered the golden time to enjoy Da Nang fish cake noodle soup. At this time, the broth is still at its freshest and most delicious after being simmered from the night before. The fish cakes and toppings are also freshly prepared. Ensuring the freshest taste and highest nutritional value.
The peak time from 6:30 AM to 8 AM often sees many local residents coming for breakfast, creating a vibrant Central Vietnamese characteristic atmosphere. Many famous fish cake noodle soup restaurants are often full at this time. But this proves the quality and the favor of local diners. Some restaurants also serve in the afternoon and evening. However, the taste is usually not as fresh as in the morning.
3.3. Combining eating fish cake noodle soup and sightseeing in Da Nang
An ideal itinerary for a day exploring Da Nang fish cake noodle soup begins early in the morning at one of the famous restaurants. After a delicious breakfast, visitors can explore Con Market. This place gathers many local specialties and souvenir shopping. In the afternoon, the journey continues with entertainment spots like Sun World Ba Na Hills with its world-famous Golden Bridge, or Fantasy Park with many thrilling games.
Visitors can combine dining and entertainment at Sun World Ba Na Hills Da Nang. (Source: Collection)
End the day with a relaxing evening at My Khe beach, enjoying other street foods such as Mi Quang, Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo. This combination allows visitors to experience the local cuisine and fully explore the beauty of Da Nang city.
4. Prices, trends, and notes when enjoying Bun Cha Ca Da Nang
4.1. Bun Cha Ca Da Nang Prices 2025
The price of Bun Cha Ca Da Nang in 2025 varies depending on the location and type of topping. Long-standing traditional eateries usually charge from 20,000 - 60,000 VND per bowl, which is affordable for most diners. Famous eateries with diverse and high-quality toppings may charge up to 60,000 - 100,000 VND per bowl.
Takeaway packaging services are becoming a new trend with prices ranging from 40,000 - 120,000 VND per portion, depending on the topping and packaging method. These prices are considered reasonable when compared to the quality and nutritional value that Bun Cha Ca offers. Visitors can easily choose a price that suits their budget and dining preferences.
4.2. Modern variations and trends of Bun Cha Ca Da Nang
Da Nang cuisine always knows how to innovate to retain customers. Among them, Bun Cha Ca Da Nang is now more diversely adapted. Eateries have added rich toppings such as fried fish cake, steamed fish cake, or fresh fish slices. The broth is not only sweet and clear from fish bones but also cooked with pumpkin, tomatoes, or dried bamboo shoots, creating a novel yet familiar flavor.
Fish cake noodle soup is neatly packaged by Ba Phien restaurant. (Source: Collected)
Moreover, take-away and online delivery services are increasingly popular. This allows customers to easily enjoy the dish at home or in their hotel. Many restaurants also package the fish cakes neatly, convenient for buying as gifts. The price per portion is also diverse but at an affordable level, suitable for many different needs. These innovations help the traditional dish retain its old soul while keeping up with modern life.
4.3. Tips for tourists when eating Da Nang fish cake noodle soup
Tourists with a history of seafood allergies should ask clearly about ingredients before ordering. Alternative toppings can be chosen such as pork fish cake or just vegetables. For vegetarian customers, some restaurants have provided vegetarian versions with broth from vegetables and vegetarian fish cake toppings.
During holidays and Tet, traditional fish cake noodle soup restaurants are often very crowded, tourists should book a table in advance or choose an early time slot to avoid waiting. When choosing a restaurant, prioritize reputable branded addresses, with good reviews on travel sites, and ensure food safety and hygiene. Verifying the origin of ingredients and preservation methods is also very important for the safest and most delicious dining experience.
Da Nang fish cake noodle soup is not just a dish but also a gateway to explore the culinary essence of the Central region. Save this list of 7 delicious restaurants immediately and share your experiences to make your Da Nang 2025 trip more complete!
