Previously, Da Nang was known for its image as a city of blue sea, white sand, pristine mountains and forests, and a modern urban lifestyle.
Alongside the rapid development of infrastructure and services, Da Nang has proactively reinvented itself in recent years by focusing on culinary tourism, using food as a language to tell stories about the local culture, lifestyle, and soul.
Cuisine – a new highlight in tourism identity.
Being included in the MICHELIN Guide 2025, the world's leading prestigious restaurant ranking, affirms the potential and actual quality of Da Nang's cuisine. Of the 164 restaurants in the three cities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang featured in this year's publication, 25 are located in Da Nang.
These include: 17 MICHELIN Selected restaurants (high-quality nominations); 6 Bib Gourmand restaurants (delicious food at reasonable prices); and the first two MICHELIN-starred restaurants in Da Nang: La Maison 1888 (1 star) and Nen Danang (1 star).
The two Michelin-starred restaurants in Da Nang boast distinct culinary styles but both embody the core criteria of Michelin: quality ingredients, cooking techniques, chef's personality, value for money, and consistency.
La Maison 1888, located within the upscale InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, is a familiar destination for international luxury travelers. The restaurant offers a sophisticated menu that blends contemporary French cuisine with inspiration from local ingredients.
Meanwhile, Nen Danang is a prime example of the wave of local creativity. With a tasting menu using traditional ingredients and cooking techniques from Central Vietnam, Nen takes diners on a journey to discover the land and people through each dish.
Spillover effects on city tourism
Before being included in the MICHELIN list, Da Nang had been meticulously preparing for many years. The city not only upgraded its tourism infrastructure, expanded the airport, and improved transportation, but also focused on developing a rich culinary scene: from traditional markets and night food streets to high-end restaurant chains.
In addition, many promotional programs such as the "Da Nang Culinary Passport," the Da Nang International Food Festival, and activities connecting with local ingredient sources (from Quang Nam and Hue to the Central Highlands)... have been implemented to diversify the tourist experience.
Furthermore, the community of chefs and F&B businesses in Da Nang is constantly innovating. They have been connecting with international experts, participating in professional competitions, and standardizing operational processes to reach global standards.
Appearing in the MICHELIN Guide has elevated Da Nang's position on the international tourism map, especially in the mid- and high-end segments. Many travel agencies have updated their itineraries to include exploring Da Nang's cuisine as a distinct product, instead of just focusing on "eating to satisfy hunger" as before.
Besides boosting the number of tourists staying longer and spending more, culinary tourism also contributes to the preservation and promotion of intangible cultural values.
Seemingly simple dishes like Quang noodles, pork spring rolls, and fermented fish sauce are being reinterpreted by young people and chefs in new, more appealing ways, while still retaining the essence of the region.
Speaking to the press after the announcement ceremony, a representative from the MICHELIN Guide commented: "Da Nang's cuisine is not only creative but also reflects a very special local spirit, where tradition and modernity harmonize." This is well-deserved praise, but it also serves as a reminder of the responsibility to maintain quality and identity.
In the increasingly competitive global tourism landscape, investing in the "soul" of tourism, such as cuisine, culture, and people, is the strategy that will help Da Nang create a sustainable difference.
If this momentum continues, not just two or three, but potentially many more Michelin-starred restaurants could be established in Da Nang in the future, making the city a true culinary destination in Asia.
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/du-lich/toa-sang-trong-ban-do-michelin-guide-2025-141010.html
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