Blue Beach Hotel

Named after a mystical paradise in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Shamballa offers a serene vegetarian escape. Enter through an aged wooden door to discover Tibetan artefacts and a menu rooted in Vietnamese flavours and local techniques. The rooftop garden grows the herbs used in the dishes, and the terrace overlooks the Hàn River, which is stunning at night. Don't miss the woven noodles with piper lolot – a grilled vegan dish wrapped in fragrant local leaves.

A French colonial allure depicts this two-storey restaurant with a blue and yellow façade. A relaxed vibe and its convenient location near the Han River and Han Market make it a popular spot for a meal after shopping. The concise menu features outstanding bánh xèo, boasting crispy, golden pancakes stuffed with carrot, pork, shrimps and squid. Spot-on seasoning, divine aromas and very courteous front-of-house staff.

This shop specialising in Huế-style bún bò makes its robust, savoury broth fresh every day. Pick from four toppings including the signature xí quách: the large L-shaped beef bone lends deep flavour and a wealth of textures – meat, cartilage and fatty edges. For a more varied bowl, try the thập cẩm, which comes with beef blood curd, pork loaf and tendon; the thinly sliced beef tongue is tender and delicate. Arrive early as beef bone availability is limited.

You can smell the barbecue from a distance. Bún thịt nướng, or rice noodles with barbecue pork, is the must-try. Or go for barbecue with salad and rice paper – choose from pork, minced pork skewers, pork belly, and beef.

Bún bò Huế, a spicy soup from Huế, is famed for its rich lemongrass broth, tender beef and al dente vermicelli served with herbs and vegetables. For over 50 years this eatery has been delighting locals with tasty noodle soups, including sliced beef, pork knuckle and meatball options.

This two-storey oasis away from the bustling main strip features al fresco seating in a lush green setting. Scan the QR code to learn more about the menu and Vietnamese food in general. Phố nam is a must-try with noodles in a clear beef bone broth loaded with flavours. Order the thập cẩm version to try all beef cuts. Bánh xèo miền tây is another popular choice with crispy pancakes and a generous filling. Cheerful, friendly front-of-house team.

Bún chả cá (fishcake rice noodle soup) is pivotal to Da Nang food culture. Now run by the second generation, this hidden family-run gem has been serving the city’s favourite noodle soup for over 30 years. Its signature đặc biệt, or special, is topped with crabmeat as well as fried and poached fishcakes. You can also opt for a slice of mackerel or tuna as a topping. The tomato-based broth tastes sweet and mildly sour, with bamboo shoot overtones.