Phu Yen cuisine is distinctive and appeals to a wide range of palates, according to 30-year-old blogger Dang Quang Vinh (Elric), a Phu Yen native who currently lives in Da Lat. However, he notes that tourism in Phu Yen hasn't boomed like in neighboring provinces such as Khanh Hoa and Binh Dinh, so it remains under the radar for many visitors.
Vinh recommends 7 familiar eateries known for their quality and affordability, catering to both tourists and locals. He suggests trying dishes like chive noodle soup, chicken rice, hot banh beo (steamed rice cakes), and xo lo (a type of fried spring roll). He emphasizes that these are suggestions for first-time visitors to Phu Yen, as tastes may vary.
Tuyet Nhung Chicken Rice - 189 Le Thanh Ton, Tuy Hoa
This popular chicken rice restaurant is a familiar breakfast and lunch spot for locals, so it's almost always crowded during peak hours. The space is somewhat small, so visitors should consider arriving early to avoid long waits or finding no seating available. Vinh considers the chicken rice dishes here a "must-try" whenever he returns home. A plate of chicken rice costs around 30,000-40,000 VND and offers a generous portion of golden, sweet, and chewy free-range chicken, paired with a rich fish sauce.
Thao Vy Chive Noodle Soup - 393 Hung Vuong Highway, Tuy Hoa
Chive noodle soup is a Phu Yen specialty with simple ingredients: fish cakes, shredded fish, chives, and quail eggs. The dish is simple yet addictive, and one could easily eat two bowls.
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Vinh dining at Thao Vy. Photo: Provided by interviewee. |
A bowl of chive noodle soup with fish cakes at this eatery costs 15,000-30,000 VND. It boasts generous portions and a broth rich in the flavor of the sea, light, and not greasy.
5,000 VND Sweet Soup - 42 Duy Tan Street, Tuy Hoa
This sweet soup stall holds a special place in Vinh's childhood memories, as well as those of many Tuy Hoa residents. The menu features a variety of sweet soups, including corn, banana, jackfruit with coconut jelly, and flan. The 5,000 VND price has become its trademark. Open from afternoon until around 8 PM, the stall is always bustling with customers but serves quickly. Vinh recommends this spot for anyone seeking dessert in Tuy Hoa.
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The 5,000 VND sweet soup stall in Tuy Hoa. Photo: Anh Tu |
Ms. Chin's Grilled Skewers - Ward 7, Tuy Hoa
Street-side skewers are a popular snack choice for many in Tuy Hoa during the afternoon. These skewer stalls are mainly concentrated in the coastal area and typically offer three items: grilled pork, beef in lo lot leaves (wild betel leaves), and xo lo. These are served with fresh herbs, cucumber, mango, and dipped in a mixture of black bean sauce and chili sauce, or a spicy fish sauce with chili and garlic.
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Skewers in Tuy Hoa with three varieties: grilled pork, xo lo, and beef in lo lot leaves. Photo: Provided by interviewee. |
The stall doesn't have a specific address but can be found on Google Maps. Though not overly crowded, Vinh praises Ms. Chin's grilled skewers, beef in lo lot leaves, and xo lo for their consistent quality and low prices.
Thap Nhan Hot Banh Beo - 94 Le Trung Kien, Tuy Hoa
There are two banh beo stalls next to each other at the foot of Thap Nhan (Nhan Tower), but Vinh usually chooses this one. A tray of banh beo costs about 30,000 VND and includes steamed rice cakes, scallions cooked in oil, shredded pork floss, crispy bread, and a rich fish sauce for dipping.
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A tray of banh beo at the stall. Photo: Provided by interviewee. |
Nhat Hoang Grilled Minced Pork Rolls - 4/4 Tran Binh Trong, Tuy Hoa
This grilled minced pork roll restaurant is quite popular with locals and gets busy during dinner hours. The grilled rolls are chewy and fragrant, served with a mildly sweet and sticky dipping sauce. You can add chili paste for extra heat. Diners can enjoy the rolls on their own or wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs, dipped in the slightly sweet, sticky rice-based sauce.
Oyster Porridge - 373-374 Nguyen Hue, Tuy Hoa
Vinh favors this oyster porridge stall for its natural sweetness, fresh oysters, and generous portions. He suggests trying the unique Phu Yen way of eating it – break crispy rice crackers into the bowl of porridge and mix well for an unusual flavor experience.
Hoai Anh
