Jellyfish noodle soup is a famous Nha Trang specialty featuring chewy jellyfish, a sweet and light broth made from fish bones, and distinctive coastal seasonings. Jellyfish is a light, easily digestible protein source rich in collagen, which supports connective tissue repair and helps muscles recover quickly after long runs.

Runners can visit Bun Ca Sua at 24 Han Thuyen street, open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Bun Sua and Cha Ca at Dam Market on Ly Quoc Su street, open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.; or Nguyen Loan Bun Ca Sua at 123 Ngo Gia Tu street.

Photo: @phillipnguyen2811/Instagram

Banh can is made from rice flour and cooked in small, round clay molds, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft interior. It comes with various toppings, from shrimp and squid to eggs. This dish offers simple carbohydrates, ideal for quickly replenishing glycogen stores without putting too much strain on the digestive system.

Runners can enjoy this dish at Banh Can Co Trang at 3A Thap Ba street, or other venues on Hoang Van Thu street and Nguyen Trai street.

Photo: Hai Trinh

A bowl of Nha Trang fish cake noodle soup delivers authentic coastal flavors with chewy fish cakes and a sweet, clear broth made from fish bones and fresh fish. Fish cakes provide vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce joint inflammation and enhance mineral absorption for bones – beneficial for post-marathon recovery.

Suggested locations: Nguyen Loan Bun Ca at 123 Ngo Gia Tu street; Bun Ca Nam Beo at Lot B2, Dam Market Apartment Building, Phan Boi Chau street.

Photo: Xuan Phuong

Grilled minced pork rolls, served with vermicelli noodles or rice paper, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a special dipping sauce, create an unforgettable culinary experience. Nha Trang grilled pork rolls are considered a "must-try" by international food critics visiting this coastal city.

Suggested locations: Dang Van Quyen Grilled Pork Rolls at 16A Lan Ong street; Phu Phuong Grilled Pork Rolls at 319 Le Hong Phong street.

Photo: Bao Ngan

Lac Canh Grilled Beef, a renowned culinary destination on Nguyen Binh Khiem street, has been attracting crowds for over 40 years. The beef is diced, marinated with a secret family recipe of honey and over 10 other ingredients, and grilled over hot coals.

The restaurant also serves grilled eel in caul fat and beef in vinegar hotpot.

Photo: Instagram jjungelove

Luong Son snails are a dish runners shouldn't miss after the race. About 15 km north of Nha Trang's center, Luong Son fishing village has many restaurants serving affordable snails and seafood.

Oc Nhung, located at 7 Thu Bon street, is a popular spot recommended by Nha Trang locals.

Photo: Huynh Nhi

Squid hotpot is a nutritious dish runners can enjoy after completing the race. The broth is light, with a sweet and sour flavor from vegetables and a mild chili kick. Diners can add grouper fish or shrimp to the hotpot according to their preferences.

Suggested location: Dai Lanh Squid Hotpot on To Huu street, Nha Trang.

The 70-year-old squid banh xeo restaurant on Tran Kim Hung street is highly recommended by locals. The banh xeo is made from rice flour batter, cooked on a greased griddle to a diameter of over half a handspan. The filling consists of whole baby squid, bean sprouts, and onions.

It's served with fresh herbs and a chili fish sauce dip.

Lan Anh

The VnExpress Marathon Libera Nha Trang 2025 will gather 13,000 athletes competing in distances from 5 km to 42 km. The race follows a coastal route passing Tran Phu Bridge, Tram Huong Tower, and Luong Son Pass. The event concludes the VnExpress Marathon's summer series, catering to runners who enjoy combining travel with sports.