Must-try Dishes
Phở Cá - Fish Noodle Soup - This delightful bowl features tender fish fillets swimming in a fragrant broth with rice noodles, herbs, and a dash of lime. Locals often enjoy this heart-warming dish for breakfast, best paired with crispy bánh mì for a satisfying start to the day.
Bánh Mì Thịt - Meat Baguette - A classic Vietnamese sandwich filled with a variety of meats (usually pork and chicken), pickled carrots, and fresh herbs in a crunchy baguette. On the streets of Phan Thiet, it's common to grab one as a quick lunch between exploring local attractions.
Cá Kho Tộ - Braised Fish in Clay Pot - Tender fish caramelized with spices and cooked in a clay pot until bursting with flavor, served with steamed rice to soak up the rich sauce. It's a beloved dinner option, often prepared for family gatherings and enjoyed with a side of sautéed greens.
Gỏi Cá - Raw Fish Salad - A refreshing and tangy dish made with thinly sliced raw fish, herbs, peanuts, and a zesty dressing. You’ll find this served in local homes during special occasions, and it feels like a refreshing burst of summer even in cooler months.
Ngô Nướng - Grilled Corn - Sweet corn grilled over an open flame until slightly charred, often served with a sprinkle of salt and chili powder. This popular street food is a go-to snack during the evening market hours, providing a delightful way to nibble while taking in the sights.
Xôi Gà - Chicken Sticky Rice - Sticky rice topped with tender chicken and drizzled with soy sauce, garnished with crispy shallots. Commonly enjoyed for breakfast, this dish offers a fulfilling way to kick off the day with flavors that linger long after each bite.
Bún Thịt Nướng - Grilled Pork Noodles - A vibrant bowl of vermicelli noodles topped with grilled marinated pork, fresh veggies, and peanuts, served with fish sauce. Perfect for lunch, it’s a dish that embodies the lively street food culture found throughout Phan Thiet, often eaten on bustling sidewalks.
By the way, don’t be surprised if locals mix a bit of chili sauce into their meals for an extra kick—it's a customary way to enhance flavors!
Desserts & Drinks
Trà sữa - Milk Tea (sweet bubble tea) - A delightful mix of black tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls, often sweetened to taste. Locals enjoy it in the late afternoons, hanging out at various tea shops or street vendors, where it’s common to see friends laughing and sipping together.
Nước mía - Sugarcane Juice (refreshing beverage) - Freshly pressed sugarcane juice that's incredibly sweet and thirst-quenching, sometimes with a hint of lemon added for zing. This icy drink is perfect for hot days at the beach, typically served in tall glasses and can be found at roadside stalls that attract crowds in the early evening.
Bia Hà Nội - Hanoi Beer (local lager) - This light and crisp lager is a popular choice among locals, known for its refreshing taste. You’ll often see groups enjoying it with fresh seafood in the early evenings, and it’s a great accompaniment to a seaside sunset. Just a heads-up: it’s best enjoyed ice-cold!
Bánh flan - Flan (caramel custard) - Silky smooth caramel custard made mainly from eggs and milk, with a delightful caramel sauce on top. Generally served chilled, this dessert is a common treat during festivals and celebrations, offering a sweet finish to hearty meals.
Chè bắp - Corn Pudding (sweet corn dessert) - A comforting dessert combining sweet corn, coconut milk, and glutinous rice, served warm or at room temperature. Locals savor this during harvest season, and it’s regularly found at evening street markets, showcasing the region’s agricultural bounty.
