A Culinary Journey Through Da Lat: From City Streets to the Skies
As Vietnam’s Central Highlands gem, Da Lat is more than just a haven of flowers, pine forests, and French villas—it's a city where flavours bloom as vividly as its hydrangeas. Thanks to its cool climate and fertile soil, Da Lat has become a hotspot for fresh produce and unique dishes that reflect its multicultural charm. And whether you're wandering around Da Lat Market at dusk, sipping hot broth on a misty morning, or awaiting your boarding call at Lien Khuong International Airport (DLI), the taste of Da Lat is never far away.
1. Bánh Tráng Nướng – Vietnamese Pizza
Affectionately dubbed "Vietnamese pizza," bánh tráng nướng is a popular street food in Da Lat. This dish features rice paper grilled over charcoal and topped with ingredients like eggs, butter, dried shrimp, beef jerky, and scallions, finished with mayonnaise and chili sauce. It's a crispy, savoury snack that's both affordable and ubiquitous across the city.
2. Bánh Mì Xíu Mại – Pork Meatball Baguette
Few breakfasts can rival the comfort of bánh mì xíu mại in Da Lat’s crisp air. Vendors near Nguyen Van Troi Street dish out warm, savoury pork meatballs in a light broth, served with crusty bread and herbs.
3. Kem Bơ – Avocado Ice Cream
Creamy, rich and quintessentially Da Lat, kem bơ is a crowd-pleaser often found at the iconic Thanh Thao Avocado Ice Cream Shop. A mix of ripe local avocados, coconut ice cream, and condensed milk, it’s both indulgent and refreshing..
4. Lẩu Gà Lá É – Chicken Hotpot with Wild Thai Basil
A dish best shared on a foggy evening, lẩu gà lá é uses native basil leaves to infuse a light, citrusy aroma into chicken hotpot. You'll find this delicacy tucked into eateries like Quán Tao Ngộ, just a few kilometers from the city center.
5. Bánh Căn – Mini Rice Pancakes
Originating from Vietnam's south-central coast, bánh căn are small, round rice pancakes cooked in clay moulds and typically topped with quail eggs, shrimp, or pork. In Da Lat, they're often served with a side of meatball sauce and fresh herbs. These golden rice cakes are a favourite in Bui Thi Xuan area, especially with the smoky dipping sauce made from meatballs.
While Lien Khuong International Airport (DLI) currently offers limited in-terminal dining, it plays a key role in welcoming visitors to one of Vietnam’s most distinctive culinary landscapes.
Da Lat is not only famous for its misty hills and romantic atmosphere—but also for a cuisine shaped by its cool climate, abundant agriculture, and highland traditions. The journey from DLI into the city is not just a transfer; it’s the beginning of a flavorful adventure.
From piping hot chicken hotpot with aromatic lá é leaves (a basil-like herb native to the region) to crispy bánh tráng nướng—often dubbed “Da Lat pizza”—the city’s food scene blends comfort, creativity, and local identity. Visitors can also explore cozy hillside cafés serving rich buttered avocado smoothies or fresh strawberry desserts, thanks to the region’s fertile farms.
The airport acts as a culinary gateway—the first step on a journey filled with warm meals, cool weather, and unforgettable flavors. In future upgrades, plans to expand the terminal’s commercial offerings open the door for more local specialties to be showcased directly at the airport, bringing a true taste of Da Lat to every traveler’s arrival or departure.