1. General introduction to Cau Mong grilled veal Da Nang
Cau Mong village in Dien Phuong commune, Dien Ban district, Quang Nam (now belonging to Dien Ban ward, Da Nang city) is the birthplace of Cau Mong grilled veal since the 1960s. The ancient "mong" bridge spanning the Thu Bon river is not only a transportation landmark, but also associated with the traditional veal grilling craft of the local people. Initially, they utilized free-range veal calves and mulberry firewood along the river to prepare it, creating a very unique flavor unlike anywhere else.
The fame of Cau Mong grilled veal stems from many factors. It is the secret to selecting good veal and precise manual grilling techniques. Especially the anchovy fish sauce prepared according to a secret family recipe. When combined with local fresh herbs, thin rice paper, and a balanced portion of meat – skin – fat, the dish becomes a famous brand sought after by diners nationwide.
Grilled veal Cầu Mống (Cau Mong) Da Nang is a specialty dish that many people are fascinated with. (Source: Collected)
The special point that makes tourists and Da Nang locals fascinated is the tender, sweet, and non-mushy inside meat, and the crispy, non-smoky skin. When rolled with fresh vegetables, rice paper, and dipped in rich anchovy fish sauce, the grilled veal Cầu Mống (Cau Mong) offers a harmonious, irresistible flavor. It is the fresh, delicious ingredients and the unique grilling method that make this dish an unforgettable memory for anyone who has ever tasted it.
2. The Legacy of Grilled Veal Cầu Mống (Cau Mong) Da Nang
2.1. The Origin of the Famous Dish from Cầu Mống (Cau Mong) Village
The history of the Cầu Mống (Cau Mong) bridge, built from the beginning of the last century, has left an important mark on the origin of grilled veal Cầu Mống (Cau Mong). The profession of making grilled veal developed strongly from the 1960s, becoming a tradition passed down through many generations. Previously, there were many grilled veal restaurants in this Cầu Mống (Cau Mong) area. The prime location right on National Highway 1A made these restaurants a familiar stopping point for merchants and passenger buses. Long-distance drivers, whenever they reached Cầu Mống (Cau Mong), wanted to stop, take tourists to enjoy this dish, before continuing their journey.
Thanks to developing trade, the grilled veal Cầu Mống (Cau Mong) Da Nang dish quickly spread throughout the Central region. People who stopped here could not forget the special flavor of veal grilled over mulberry firewood, combined with pure anchovy fish sauce and local fresh vegetables.
2.2. The Journey to Becoming a Nationwide Famous Specialty
Only in Cầu Mống (Cau Mong) village do families preserve the perfect traditional preparation method. The secret lies in choosing healthy calves fed sugarcane tops, grilling over mulberry firewood, and mixing anchovy fish sauce with traditional local vegetables, creating an unmistakable "Quang region standard" taste. Grilled veal Cầu Mống (Cau Mong) is not just the name of a dish but has become a distinct culinary brand. Although other regions learn the technique, it is difficult to achieve the perfect deliciousness due to the lack of quality ingredients and long-standing family experience. This is precisely why grilled veal Cầu Mống (Cau Mong) Da Nang maintains its irreplaceable specialty status.
This dish has been adopted and developed by the people of Da Nang. Many restaurants in Da Nang have made this dish a famous specialty, attracting a large number of tourists. Restaurants such as Grilled Veal Cầu Mống (Cau Mong) – 100 Dien Bien Phu, Grilled Veal Ngoc Lan, Grilled Veal Huong… are all known for their quality grilled veal, reasonable prices, and dedicated service.
Cau Mong grilled veal in Da Nang is increasingly served in many places across the country. (Source: Collected)
Furthermore, thanks to its distinctive flavor and strong spread, Cau Mong grilled veal has been recognized by the Vietnam Book of Records Center as one of the 50 famous specialty dishes of Vietnam. From a rustic dish, Cau Mong grilled veal has now become the culinary pride of the land of Quang Nam – Da Nang, captivating every visitor.
3. Ingredients to make the authentic Cau Mong grilled veal dish of Da Nang
3.1. Standards for selecting young veal
Artisans making Cau Mong grilled veal only select young calves weighing from 25 to 35 kg. Do not choose those too young because the meat will be mushy, and not old enough because the meat will be tough. These calves are usually raised on green pastures. About half a month before slaughter, the calves are usually fed sugarcane tops. This food source creates naturally tender and sweet meat, without odor and not mushy like veal raised on industrial feed. It is the meticulousness in the ingredient selection process that ensures the best slices of Cau Mong grilled veal from Da Nang.
3.2. Characteristic accompanying herbs and rice paper rolls
Fresh herbs served with Cau Mong grilled veal include basil, mint, bitter herbs, fish mint, cucumber, unripe banana, and sweet and sour pickled papaya. Additionally, bean sprouts, perilla, pineapple, and sour starfruit create a rich platter of vegetables. When eaten with these herbs, it not only adds freshness but also helps balance the flavors. In particular, the fresh herbs also make the dish easier to eat and less greasy.
The combination of diverse ingredients when enjoying Cau Mong grilled veal Da Nang. (Source: Collected)
Rice paper rolls are sourced from famous traditional craft villages, thin, chewy, and without an unpleasant sour smell. This type of rice paper neutralizes flavors, balances the richness of the veal, and adds an interesting texture to each bite.
3.3. Grilled veal dipping sauce
The soul of Cau Mong grilled veal Da Nang is the pure anchovy fish sauce, meticulously prepared. Unlike common industrial fish sauces, the Cau Mong grilled veal dipping sauce is made from "mam cai" – a type of fish paste made from anchovies or scad caught off the Central Vietnamese coast. After fermentation, the mam cai is pressed to extract the first batch of liquid, creating the most refined and delicious fish sauce.
This fish sauce is then mixed with minced garlic, chili, ginger, roasted sesame, lime, and a little sugar, creating a rich, spicy, mildly sour, and fragrant mixture. The finished dipping sauce has a rich brown color, a strong but not pungent aroma, and just the right saltiness to enhance the sweetness of the veal. When dipping a thinly sliced piece of grilled veal, the crispy skin and tender meat blend with the rich flavor of the sauce. Additionally, before eating, diners often squeeze a little lime into it and enjoy it with the grilled veal, fresh herbs, rice paper, sour starfruit, and unripe banana.
4. Preparation process and how to eat authentic Cau Mong grilled veal Da Nang
4.1. Standard method for grilling veal over charcoal
Long-time veal grillers used to use mulberry charcoal or jackfruit wood charcoal. Guava leaves, lime leaves, and other medicinal herbs were stuffed inside the veal's belly. While grilling, it should be rotated evenly so that the outer skin turns a beautiful golden color. The skin must be evenly crispy, not burnt, while the meat inside remains fresh pink, tender, sweet, not dry, and not raw. This grilling technique requires experience, concentration, and diligence. The griller must know how to maintain just enough heat for the entire veal to cook evenly.
The veal after grilling has a pinkish-red color inside, crispy golden skin, but is not too dry, not tough, and has no smoky smell. This is the secret to the characteristic flavor of the Cau Mong grilled veal dish. Nowadays, even though eateries grill veal using charcoal briquettes, the Cau Mong grilled veal in Da Nang still captivates tourists.
4.2. Steps for preparation, slicing, and presentation of the dish
When the veal is perfectly grilled, it is sliced thinly along the grain of the meat, arranging alternating layers of crispy skin and thin white fat. The pink slices of meat on the plate are arranged attractively. This presentation is not only visually appealing but also allows diners to easily perceive the different layers of flavor.
Roasted veal is sliced and beautifully presented to attract diners. (Source: Collected)
The special thing is that when customers order, the owner starts cutting the meat to ensure the freshest taste. Cau Mong Da Nang roasted veal is cut according to traditional techniques, each piece is moderately sized, with enough meat, skin, and a little fat to create a perfect flavor.
4.3. How to enjoy authentic Cau Mong Da Nang roasted veal
The traditional way to eat is to roll the veal with thin rice paper, add various fresh herbs, green bananas, pickled papaya, and sour starfruit for a full flavor. Each roll must have all the ingredients to create a perfect balance between the fatty meat, fresh herbs, and chewy, crispy rice paper.
Before eating, diners can squeeze a little lime onto the meat before dipping it into the sauce. This action makes the meat sweeter, less greasy, and enhances its characteristic fresh flavor. Then, dip it in the perfectly mixed anchovy fish sauce, you can add a little chili sauce or satay for spiciness. Connoisseurs also note that roasted veal should be enjoyed while still warm, as the skin is still crispy, and the meat retains its tender and sweet taste.
5. Culinary cultural value of Cau Mong Da Nang roasted veal
5.1. The role of Cau Mong roasted veal in the lives of Da Nang people
Cau Mong roasted veal has become an indispensable dish for occasions like death anniversaries, weddings, and festivals in Da Nang – Quang Nam. This dish not only shows respect for honored guests but also symbolizes reunion and togetherness in the traditional Central Vietnamese family culture.
In daily life, Cau Mong Da Nang roasted veal has become a unique custom and tradition. The dish is both a way to entertain guests and a symbol of gatherings, demonstrating the sincere hospitality of Central Vietnamese people. Every meal with roasted veal brings a warm and bonding atmosphere.
Cau Mong grilled pork is popular during feasts and parties in Da Nang. (Source: Collected)
Thanks to air cargo packaging and delivery services, diners can now enjoy the full flavor of the dish without having to travel all the way to Cau Mong. Some restaurants, like Hang Khong at Da Nang International Airport, even offer pre-ordering and safe delivery. Ensuring customers receive a dish that is both delicious and authentic. As a result, the cultural and culinary value of Cau Mong grilled pork is spread more widely across the country.
5.2. Reviews and evaluations from the press and food enthusiasts
From the press to food connoisseurs, Cau Mong grilled pork is recognized as an iconic dish of Da Nang – Quang Nam. This is a dish that anyone visiting Da Nang should try at least once. Nhan Dan newspaper once wrote: “Cau Mong grilled pork is one of the outstanding specialty dishes of Central Vietnam, a source of pride for the people of Quang Nam and Da Nang. This dish captivates diners not only with its delicious flavor but also with the sophistication in its preparation and enjoyment...”
VnExpress newspaper also reported to describe the deliciousness of this dish: “Take a piece of rice paper, place various herbs on top, add a slice of veal, roll it up, dip it in the mam nem sauce, and enjoy. The rich flavor of the dipping sauce blends with the aroma of the herbs and the sweetness of the veal, offering diners a delicious dish that is unforgettable after just one taste.
According to Cong Luan newspaper, it also wrote about this dish: “The sweet, tender veal, free from smoky aftertaste, blends with the accompanying fresh herbs to create a unique deliciousness that no other dish can match. The longer you chew, the more the veal melts in your mouth; the sweetness of the meat combined with the saltiness of the sauce and the freshness of the herbs spreads from the tongue down the throat, strongly stimulating the diner's taste buds. After enjoying Cau Mong grilled pork, tourists will surely not forget its natural flavor and will want to try it again and again when visiting Da Nang.”
Updated on Google Maps reviews, Ro Da Nang grilled pork is one of the favorite places. Users commented “The restaurant is delicious and the service is enthusiastic”. Many other comments also stated “The restaurant is casual. But the dishes are very delicious.”
Meanwhile, Muoi Cau Mong grilled pork is updated with positive customer reviews on the Kham Pha Da Nang website. “Muoi grilled pork has a famous brand already. Anyone who hasn't tried grilled pork should come and try it. The restaurant is spacious and cool, with rooms for group guests. The restaurant is always crowded. The owner is enthusiastic and friendly. You should visit and try it”.
6. Top delicious Cau Mong grilled pork addresses in Da Nang 2025
6.1. Ro Restaurant Grilled Pork
Ro Cau Mong Grilled Pork Restaurant is one of the famous addresses specializing in serving authentic Central Vietnamese style Cau Mong grilled pork in Da Nang. The restaurant is located at 140-142 Bui Hien Street, An Khe Ward, Da Nang City. This place scores points with its spacious and airy atmosphere, suitable for gatherings with friends or family.
The veal at the restaurant is grilled whole over charcoal, retaining its natural tenderness and sweetness. The grilled meat has a pinkish-red color, is fragrant and delicious, beautifully presented with fresh herbs, thin rice paper, and rich mam nem dipping sauce. Prices at the restaurant range from 30,000 to 200,000 VND depending on the dish. For regular grilled pork, the price is about 40,000 VND per 100 grams. The restaurant is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, serving quickly and enthusiastically. Thanks to its distinctive flavor and consistent quality, Ro Cau Mong Grilled Pork Restaurant has become a favorite destination for many diners wanting to enjoy authentic Da Nang-style grilled pork.
Be thui Quan Ro is a place to enjoy delicious, reasonably priced Cau Mong grilled veal in Da Nang. (Source: Collected)
Because the quán is often crowded at noon and in the evening, visitors should book a table in advance if traveling in a large group. Be thui Quan Ro especially attracts customers with its preparation method that preserves the traditional flavor and professional service style.
6.2. Be thui 7 Nga
Be thui 7 Nga is located at 71 Yen The, Hoa An ward, Cam Le district, and is a familiar destination for diners who love Cau Mong grilled veal in Da Nang . The quán has a spacious and airy space, suitable for groups of friends or family. Open from 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM, with prices ranging from 70,000 – 420,000 VND, the quán serves quickly and has friendly staff, making the culinary experience more comfortable.
The grilled veal dish here is roasted whole over charcoal, keeping the skin crispy and the meat inside tender and sweet. Diners often wrap it with fresh vegetables, green bananas, and dip it in rich mam nem (fermented anchovy sauce), creating an unforgettable flavor. Besides grilled veal, the quán also has many attractive veal dishes, ensuring a complete Central Vietnamese culinary experience for all visitors.
6.3. Be thui Muoi
If you love Cau Mong grilled veal in Da Nang, Be Thui Muoi is a must-visit address. The quán is located at 138 Nguyen Tri Phuong, famous for its spacious, airy, and clean space. This is an ideal destination for groups of friends or family who want to enjoy Central Vietnamese cuisine. The quán is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with reasonable prices from 50,000 to 100,000 VND per person, serving quickly and friendly, bringing a comfortable experience to diners.
Tender and sweet veal is served at Quan Be thui Muoi in Da Nang. (Source: Collected)
The 'be thui' dish here is roasted whole over charcoal, keeping the skin crispy and the meat tender and sweet. Diners often wrap it with fresh vegetables, green bananas, and dip it in rich 'mam nem' (fermented anchovy sauce), creating an unforgettable signature flavor. Besides 'be thui', the restaurant also serves many other attractive dishes made from veal such as beef sausage, beef stir-fry, and beef noodle soup, ensuring a diverse and complete culinary experience.
6.4. Be Thui Lao Hac
If you are a fan of the Cau Mong 'be thui' dish, Be Thui Lao Hac in Da Nang is a must-visit address. Located at 128 Nguyen Phan Vinh Street, Son Tra Ward, Da Nang City, the restaurant is open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Prices range from 150,000 – 380,000 VND, suitable for a wide range of diners.
The 'be thui' dish here is prepared with a special recipe, the veal is tender and sweet, with crispy skin, served with fresh vegetables and a rich 'mam nem' dipping sauce. Besides 'be thui', the restaurant also serves dishes like grilled ribs, braised ribs, hot pot,... All are prepared from veal, offering a rich culinary experience for diners.
7. Suggested itinerary for experiencing Cau Mong 'be thui' combined with Da Nang tourism 2025
It would be wonderful to have a day of both fun and culinary exploration in Da Nang. Start the morning by heading to Sun World Ba Na Hills to admire the majestic mountain scenery, behold the Golden Bridge and the ancient French Village. The fresh air and beautiful scenery will set a wonderful mood for the entire day of travel. In the afternoon or evening, book a table and enjoy Cau Mong 'be thui' Da Nang at one of the famous restaurants like Ro, 7 Nga, Muoi, or Huynh De. This will be an unforgettable culinary highlight of your trip, helping you better understand the unique culinary culture of Da Nang.
Tourists should not forget to visit Sun World Ba Na Hills during your trip to Da Nang. (Source: Collected)
In the afternoon, tourists can spend time swimming at the beautiful My Khe beach, stroll to explore the old town, and enjoy unique local snacks. Try checking in at the bridges in Da Nang, visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture, and the Da Nang Museum to make the trip more meaningful. In the evening, don't forget to walk along Bach Dang street to admire the sparkling Han River at night. Night markets will be a great choice for you to enjoy Da Nang cuisine. If traveling in a tour or a large group, it is advisable to contact and order in advance, and report the number of people to ensure the most comfortable seating.
8. Notes when eating Cau Mong grilled veal in Da Nang
The ideal time to enjoy Cau Mong grilled veal in Da Nang is around noon after 10:30 AM or in the evening from 5:00 PM. This is when the veal has just finished grilling, the skin is still crispy, and the meat is naturally tender and sweet. You should avoid coming too late as the meat left for a long time will lose its characteristic flavor. The veal is grilled over an open fire, with crispy skin and tender meat inside, retaining its natural sweetness. You can also request the meat to be sliced to your preference, either rare or well-done. Grilled veal is usually served with rice paper, fresh herbs such as aromatic herbs, fish mint, unripe banana, and a special dipping sauce made from fish sauce, garlic, chili, ginger, and roasted sesame to enhance the flavor.
It is recommended to enjoy the grilled veal while it is still hot. At this time, the skin is crispy, the meat is tender and naturally sweet, and the aroma is appealing. At the same time, the dipping sauce permeates each piece of meat, making the dish more complete. If left to cool, the meat will become tough, lose its tenderness and the skin will no longer be crispy, and the flavor will also be significantly reduced.
Enjoying hot Cau Mong grilled veal in Da Nang will allow you to experience the perfect aroma and deliciousness of the meat. (Source: Collected)
For groups of over 4 people, especially on weekends or during peak tourist seasons, it is advisable to book a table in advance to avoid long waits. A money-saving tip is to order a portion of half a kilogram or assorted (including lean meat, skin, fat, bones) for the whole group to share. This method allows you to enjoy a variety of flavors while being budget-friendly. The price of grilled veal at restaurants ranges from 70,000 – 300,000 VND per dish, or 390,000 – 450,000 VND per kilogram if ordered by weight. This price range is suitable for the quality of the food and the accompanying service. When enjoying, ensure hygiene, use your hands to naturally roll rice paper, and dip in sauce correctly.
Cau Mong grilled veal is the crystallization of tradition from the Quang region – Da Nang, serving as both a specialty and a symbol of festive gatherings. Share your experiences and save the addresses of famous eateries to make your trip to Da Nang more complete.
