A rich culinary treasure trove
With favorable natural conditions for developing areas for growing clean vegetables, raising aquatic animals naturally, and organic livestock farming, the Tra Que vegetable growing area, Nam O fish sauce village, Cam Nam alluvial plain, Cu Lao Cham tea growing area, and traditional villages specializing in making cakes, wine, and dried goods are all valuable sources of raw materials that contribute significantly to the quality of local cuisine.
Ms. Le Thi Dieu Mi, a member of the Da Nang City Folk Arts Association, believes that the folk cuisine of Da Nang and Quang Nam is diverse, encompassing layers of historical, cultural, geographical, and local values. Each dish is not simply a product of ingredients and cooking skills, but also a living history book reflecting the evolution and creativity through generations.
Besides its cultural and historical attractions, Da Nang boasts many distinctive dishes that create a special highlight, such as Nam O fish salad, fish cake noodle soup, pork spring rolls, banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake), xoa xoa pomegranate seed sweet soup, cao lau (Hoi An noodle soup), Quang noodles, Hoi An chicken rice, Cam Nam corn sweet soup, steamed buns and dumplings, Tuy Loan rice paper rolls, etc.
“A highlight of Quang Nam cuisine is its traditional craft villages such as Tra Que, Cu Lao Cham, Nam O, and Dai Loc… which not only ensure the quality of ingredients but also shape the identity and enhance the value of local dishes. Folk culinary culture is nurtured through the presentation of dishes, the selection of fresh ingredients, and the distinctive dining spaces, creating a complete and satisfying experience,” shared Ms. Le Thi Dieu Mi, M.Sc.
According to Mr. Doan Van Tuan, Head Chef of the Furama Resort Danang International Tourist Complex, Da Nang has abundant and distinctive ingredients. Local dishes are delicious thanks to the unique flavors of the ingredients from this region. For example, the chili peppers used in Quang noodles and Hue beef noodle soup are two different types. Without the characteristic spices and flavors of the region, it's impossible to create a truly authentic local dish. To introduce the distinctive dishes of Quang Nam to tourists, this establishment always prioritizes using local ingredients in the preparation process, especially vegetables and fruits from Tay Giang.
“Da Nang has a chicken rice dish that is popular with tourists because of its unique cooking method, using chicken broth and fat to cook the rice. When bringing it to a 5-star restaurant, I only made a few modifications to make the rice crispy and added turmeric for a more delicious yellow color. Nowadays, European palates are gradually shifting towards Asian flavors, so they want to explore new tastes and fusions. This is an opportunity to introduce Vietnamese dishes to guests thanks to the abundant local ingredients,” Mr. Doan Van Tuan shared.
Brand building
With the aim of developing Da Nang into a leading culinary destination in the region, the Da Nang Food Tour 2026, taking place from May 20-24, offers a series of unique culinary, cultural, and tourism activities, vividly recreating the essence of Quang Nam's cuisine through live performances, music, dance, and culinary demonstrations. This is a golden opportunity to establish brand recognition and enhance the value of local products, expand creative spaces, and foster a fusion of tradition and modernity.
The highlight of the festival is the "Essence of Quang Nam Cuisine" space, featuring over 100 stalls showcasing signature dishes, OCOP products, and typical local agricultural products. Alongside this are the "Colors of Quang Nam" check-in area and the "Experience the Essence of Quang Nam" zone. Visitors can enjoy the cuisine, directly prepare dishes, experience traditional crafts, and immerse themselves in interactive culinary art performances. In addition, the "Da Nang Flavors" food parade, with over 70 food stalls, recreates the street food culture and the rhythm of life in Quang Nam along the streets.
Mr. Ly Dinh Quan, Chairman of the City's Culinary Culture Association, said that compared to last year, this year's activities are more diverse and richer, with more partners participating, thereby elevating products, services, and models. The city connects creative points to create satellite tourism development areas, stretching from East Sea Park to Tam Thanh Beach and Hoi An Ancient Town. The Association's participation in the Da Nang Food Tour 2026 focuses on experiential activities, aiming at elements of in-depth culinary culture and cooking skills, such as showcasing Da Nang's specialties like Quang noodles, Cao Lau, and tuna dishes.
“The story here is about promoting the image, cultural resources, and people to serve tourism development. The festival has great significance in elevating Da Nang's cuisine; contributing to promoting the destination; and creating a platform for chefs and entrepreneurs to contribute to the city's economic development. In the future, the city will establish a night market for specialty foods; position Da Nang as a high-end tourist destination; promote the linkage between cuisine and tourism, form a local tourism community, create seamless experiences, and increase competitiveness to attract tourists,” Mr. Ly Dinh Quan suggested.
To help Quang Nam cuisine spread and reach a diverse audience, it is advisable to research and preserve some of its traditional dishes, as well as establish a hierarchical system of "culinary heritage sites" ranging from restaurants and street food to villages specializing in ingredients, and standardize brand identity.
Source: https://baodanang.vn/co-hoi-dinh-vi-thuong-hieu-3337296.html
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