Nha Trang banh can is best fresh off the griddle, whatever the time of day

A plate of quail egg banh can at a neighborhood stall might cost VND 25,000-30,000, while a plate topped with large shrimp or squid in a tourist area can exceed VND 100,000. Both are called Nha Trang banh can, but the toppings, portion sizes, and dipping sauces can be quite different. First-timers should start with egg banh can, add a few seafood-topped cakes, and work out which combination you prefer.

What is Nha Trang banh can?

Banh can is a Vietnamese dish made from small, round rice-flour cakes cooked in individual molds over a hot stove. A traditional griddle has several circular wells. The cook pours batter into each one, adds a topping, covers the griddle, and waits for the cakes to cook.

Freshly removed from the molds, the cakes have lightly golden bottoms, slightly crisp edges, and soft, airy centers. The rice batter is usually quite mild because much of the flavor comes from the toppings, dipping sauces, and accompaniments.

In Nha Trang, you'll commonly find these varieties:

• Quail egg banh can: Each cake contains a small quail egg. The yolk adds richness, and this is usually one of the cheaper options.
• Chicken egg banh can: Chicken egg is divided among the molds, giving the cakes a richer yellow color and a more noticeable egg flavor.
• Shrimp banh can: Small shrimp or pieces of larger shrimp are placed on top of the batter. Some shops offer premium shrimp at substantially higher prices.
• Squid banh can: Small squid or pieces of squid are cooked with the batter, adding a slightly chewy texture and natural sweetness.
• Beef or minced pork banh can: Good alternatives for visitors who don't eat seafood but still want a savory topping.
• Clam or oyster banh can: Less widely available and generally found at shops with more extensive menus.

At some stalls, the cook removes two cakes from the molds and puts them together like a small sandwich. Elsewhere, each cake is served separately, with the topping visible.

Photo: Saigon Time

A good banh can doesn't need to be golden and crunchy all over. The bottom may be slightly browned while the center remains soft. You should notice the aroma of toasted rice before the flavor of the egg, shrimp, or squid comes through.

Banh can is found in several provinces across Vietnam's south-central coast and Central Highlands. Nha Trang's version is associated with seafood toppings, shredded green mango, scallion oil, and strongly flavored dipping sauces.

Banh can vs banh khot: what's the difference?

At first glance, banh can and banh khot look similar. Both are small, round Vietnamese rice-flour cakes that can be topped with shrimp, eggs, or meat.

They differ mainly in how they're cooked.

Banh khot from Vung Tau is especially well known for its crisp edges, shrimp toppings, and fresh herbs. Oil in the cooking molds helps produce a golden crust and a texture closer to fried food.

Photo: Phương Huy

Nha Trang banh can generally feels lighter. The bottom has a thin, crisp layer rather than a thick fried crust. When the cakes are ready, they're placed on a plate with shredded green mango and one or more dipping sauces.

There are exceptions. Some Nha Trang shops use metal molds rather than clay ones, and a little extra oil can make the cakes crispier. You can't always tell whether something is banh can or banh khot simply by looking at its color.

To tell them apart, watch how the cook uses the molds and oil.

Which should you choose? Go for banh khot if you enjoy crispy, rich cakes wrapped in fresh herbs. Choose Nha Trang banh can if you prefer softer rice cakes, seafood toppings, and several dipping sauces to experiment with.

How to eat Nha Trang banh can

What toppings should you order first?

Don't immediately order a full plate of large shrimp or premium squid. Seafood versions can cost considerably more than egg banh can, and you may not yet know whether you like the rice cakes or the dipping sauces.

For two people, a sensible first order is one plate of quail egg or chicken egg banh can, followed by a plate of shrimp, squid, or mixed toppings to share.

Portion sizes vary. Common servings contain five, six, or eight cakes, depending on the shop.

Egg banh can lets you taste the rice batter more clearly. Shrimp adds a firmer texture and natural sweetness, while squid is slightly chewy and works well with sweet-and-sour fish sauce or a mild fermented fish sauce.

Photo: Nha Trang Guide

Beef or pork versions suit anyone who doesn't eat seafood. Families with children often order these too, although you should still check the ingredients if anyone has food allergies.

The dipping sauce matters as much as the cakes

Without sauce, banh can is relatively mild. Much of its character comes from the small bowls served alongside the plate.

In Nha Trang, you may encounter several types.

Fish sauce with scallion oil: A diluted fish sauce with a balance of salty and sweet flavors, often topped with chopped scallions, warm oil, and chili. This is the easiest starting point for newcomers, especially with egg banh can.

Pork meatball sauce (xíu mại): A savory broth or sauce containing small seasoned pork meatballs. You can break up a meatball with your spoon and dip the cakes into the liquid. Some shops charge separately for each meatball, so check before ordering more.

Fish-based sauces: Some traditional stalls serve sauces made with braised fish or local fermented fish products. These tend to have a deeper, more pronounced fish flavor and aren't available everywhere.

There's no rule requiring you to use just one sauce. Ask what the shop serves, start with the regular fish sauce, and then try something stronger.

How to dip the cakes without losing their texture

Banh can is best eaten hot. As the cakes cool, moisture from the toppings gradually softens the bottoms.

A simple way to eat them is:

1. Step 1

   Taste it plain

   Try one cake without sauce to taste the rice batter and its slightly crisp bottom.

2. Step 2

   Add green mango

   Add a little shredded green mango to your dipping sauce.

3. Step 3

   Dip and eat

   Pick up a cake, dip it, and eat it immediately.

4. Step 4

   Adjust the flavor

   Adjust the flavor with chili, scallion oil, or pork meatballs.

Some people prefer putting several cakes directly into the sauce and letting them soak. This works well if you enjoy a softer texture, particularly with the pork meatball broth.

Dipping one cake at a time keeps the bottoms crisp.

The green mango's acidity balances the richness of the eggs and scallion oil. After several shrimp or squid cakes, a few strands of sour mango can make the next bite more refreshing.

At shops offering several sauces, try them separately at first. Mixing everything together immediately makes it difficult to tell which flavor you actually enjoy.

Where to eat good banh can in Nha Trang

Nha Trang's banh can shops aren't concentrated along one street. Some are tucked into alleys near the night market, others open at 6 AM in residential neighborhoods, and a few north of the Cai River serve customers well into the night.

01

Hai Phuong - Yen Banh Can & Banh Xeo

Hung Vuong Street and the night market

Photo: Nha Trang Guide

Hai Phuong - Yen sits close to Hung Vuong Street, the night market, and the tourist streets near the beach.

The restaurant is inside an alley rather than directly on the main road.

It serves both banh can and banh xeo, Vietnam's crispy savory pancakes. The menu includes pictures and multiple languages, making it easier for international visitors to compare toppings and understand what they're ordering.

There are options ranging from basic egg cakes to seafood. VND 30,000-120,000 covers the full range by topping; not every topping is available at the lower end.

This is a practical place for lunch or dinner, particularly if someone in your group has never tried banh can or you want to share a plate of banh xeo as well.

Hours are 11 AM-11 PM. Call first if you plan to arrive shortly before closing.

Address

46/27 Hung Vuong Street, Nha Trang.

Hours

11:00 AM-11:00 PM daily.

Price in 2026

VND 30,000-120,000 per plate of six cakes, depending on toppings.

Phone

0919 561 828.

02

Tiem Banh Can Thang Nam

Cuu Long Street

Photo: Nha Trang Guide

Tiem Banh Can Thang Nam suits anyone who wants banh can for breakfast without getting up at dawn.

Arriving around 8-9 AM leaves plenty of time to eat and continue sightseeing.

The restaurant has indoor seating and offers several toppings, from eggs to seafood. Two people can order different plates and share them.

One thing worth checking is the portion size. The listed price is for five cakes, rather than the eight or ten sometimes served elsewhere.

Pork meatballs are charged separately. A cold towel is also listed at VND 3,000.

Before ordering for a group, check the full menu, including portion sizes and any extras.

Address

32 Cuu Long Street, Nha Trang.

Hours

8:00 AM-9:00 PM.

Price in 2026

VND 25,000-75,000 for five cakes.

Pork meatballs

VND 10,000 each.

Where to eat banh can for breakfast in Nha Trang

Morning banh can has one particular advantage: many vendors cook batches continuously as customers arrive. The cakes come straight from the molds, with hot, lightly crisp bottoms.

Served with scallion fish sauce or pork meatballs, they make a satisfying first meal of the day.

Some banh can shops don't open in the morning. Others operate for only a few hours and begin packing up around 9-10 AM.

Nha Trang banh can for dinner and late-night eating

Banh can works just as well in the evening.

After a day at the beach, hot rice cakes with squid or shrimp make a convenient light dinner, especially if you're not in the mood for a large seafood meal.

How much does banh can cost in Nha Trang in 2026?

There isn't one standard price for banh can across Nha Trang.

Egg versions tend to be much cheaper than seafood versions. Portion sizes also vary, so comparing a five-cake plate with an eight-cake plate isn't particularly useful.

Here are several menu prices for 2026.

Fresh seafood costs, ingredient sizes, and restaurant menus can change, so check the price board at the shop.

Budget around VND 30,000-60,000 for a regular plate at an inexpensive shop to simply try the dish.

A plate topped with larger shrimp or squid at some central restaurants can run over VND 100,000.

For two people, a good approach is to share one plate of egg cakes and one plate of seafood cakes.

Hold off on two premium seafood plates, especially if you also want pork meatballs, banh xeo, or drinks.

At restaurants serving premium seafood, pay attention to the exact ingredients. Small shrimp, large tiger prawns, and squid may have very different prices even though they're all described as seafood banh can.

Nha Trang banh can vs Da Lat banh can

Banh can in Da Lat and Nha Trang share the same basic cooking method: rice-flour batter is baked in small round molds.

The more noticeable differences are usually the toppings and dipping sauces.

In Da Lat, chicken egg and quail egg banh can are common. Diners often order a hot bowl of xíu mại, containing seasoned pork meatballs and a savory broth.

It's a popular choice for breakfast or an evening snack in Da Lat's cooler mountain climate.

Nha Trang has more seafood-focused options. Shrimp, squid, clams, and other ingredients from the sea appear on many menus. Shredded green mango and scallion oil are also common accompaniments.

These differences are common, and each shop has its own habits.

Some Nha Trang restaurants serve egg banh can with pork meatballs, while Da Lat shops also offer more than one type of topping.

Order shrimp or squid cakes with scallion fish sauce and shredded green mango to taste the Nha Trang version after Da Lat.

Ordering the same egg cakes with meatball broth you had in Da Lat may make the regional differences less noticeable.

Is banh can better for breakfast or dinner?

Both work, but the experience is different.

Breakfast: best for a simple, inexpensive meal

Between 6:30 and 9 AM is a good time to look for stalls specializing in morning banh can.

Co Thuy at 151 Hoang Van Thu and Banh Can So 8 on Phan Dinh Phung are two places to consider.

Both offer a relatively straightforward local breakfast without requiring a long meal.

Egg banh can is a sensible choice before a full day of sightseeing. A plate of hot cakes with dipping sauce and shredded green mango is enough for a light breakfast.

After 9 AM, consider a shop with longer hours, such as Tiem Banh Can Thang Nam.

There's little point traveling across town for a morning-only stall when it's almost time for the kitchen to close.

Dinner: better for trying several toppings

Between about 5 and 8 PM, more afternoon and evening banh can shops are serving customers.

Hai Phuong - Yen works near Hung Vuong Street; Co Tu and Banh Can Ut work around Thap Ba.

Dinner is also a good time to share several varieties.

Two people can order egg banh can, squid banh can, and perhaps some pork meatballs.

That doesn't mean evening cakes are automatically better. A popular shop may have a longer wait, while a stall nearing closing time might have fewer toppings left.

For a more relaxed meal, arrive before peak dining hours or choose a shop that cooks continuously, rather than insisting on going exactly when the place is busiest.

Choosing a banh can shop based on your hotel location

In Nha Trang, location matters more than many visitors expect.

Eating a plate of banh can doesn't take long, but traveling across town in hot weather or heavy rain can be unnecessary.

Staying around Tran Phu, Hung Vuong, or Nguyen Thien Thuat: Hai Phuong - Yen works for lunch or dinner. It's close to the tourist streets and can fit easily into an evening walk.

Staying around Cuu Long or Phuoc Hoa: Tiem Banh Can Thang Nam works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Indoor seating may also be more comfortable.

Staying around Hoang Van Thu, Xuong Huan, or Dam Market: Co Thuy and Banh Can So 8 both open for breakfast. You can continue to the market or nearby attractions afterward.

Staying north of the Cai River, near Thap Ba or Hon Chong: Co Tu works during the day, while Banh Can Ut covers a late meal.

Staying around Thong Nhat Street or the western part of the center: Co Ly sells inexpensive egg banh can.

Staying in VCN Phuoc Hai: Banh Can Thuy on Tong Van Quang Street is a practical late-afternoon choice.

Guests at Bai Dai or in Cam Ranh have little reason to travel into central Nha Trang solely for a plate of banh can.

Instead, include it on a day when you're already visiting the city, Dam Market, or Po Nagar Cham Towers.

Things to check before ordering banh can

Don't confuse the price per cake with the price per plate

Some shops charge by the individual cake, others by pairs, and some only sell full plates.

The number of cakes in "one portion" changes from shop to shop.

To avoid confusion, ask how many cakes are included and whether the dipping sauce and pork meatballs cost extra.

This is especially useful for shrimp and squid banh can, which can vary considerably in price depending on the size and type of seafood.

Watch the cooking process

At traditional banh can stalls, the cook usually pours batter into the griddle after receiving an order.

You'll see the cakes cooking inside the molds before they're removed in batches.

Freshly cooked banh can has a hot bottom and a noticeable toasted-rice aroma. Cakes left sitting for too long tend to lose their crispness.

The busiest shop on the street isn't automatically the best. Look for a kitchen that prepares fresh batches and stores ingredients properly.

Make sure seafood toppings are thoroughly cooked

Shrimp and squid banh can are cooked with the rice batter inside the molds.

If the cakes arrive with undercooked seafood, ask the cook to heat them further.

Not every dipping sauce will suit your taste

Fermented fish sauces such as mắm nêm can smell considerably stronger than ordinary fish sauce.

You don't have to choose a strong sauce simply because it's popular with local diners.

Start with regular seasoned fish sauce, then try a small amount of the stronger varieties.

That way, you can explore local flavors without committing an entire plate to a dipping sauce you don't enjoy.

What to order for different types of trips

First time in Nha Trang, just curious about the dish: Order a plate of egg banh can at a shop near your hotel. Add pork meatballs or a small seafood portion if you want to try another flavor.

Traveling as a couple and enjoying seafood: Share one egg plate and one shrimp or squid plate. Choose a restaurant with clear portion prices rather than ordering without knowing the quantity.

Traveling with children: Start with egg or meat toppings, ask for a mild dipping sauce, and choose somewhere with comfortable seating. Check ingredients carefully if any family member has food allergies.

Looking for a local-style breakfast: Visit Co Thuy or Banh Can So 8 before 9 AM. An egg plate and one dipping sauce make a simple morning meal.

Eating late at night: Banh Can Ut on Thap Ba Street stays open late, but check whether it's operating before making the trip.

Wanting both banh can and banh xeo: Hai Phuong - Yen and Co Tu both serve the two dishes together.

Should you choose a neighborhood stall or a tourist-area restaurant?

A neighborhood stall is often better for people already familiar with banh can or those looking for a straightforward, inexpensive breakfast.

Egg cakes are generally affordable, and service can be quick. However, some stalls have limited English menus, simple seating, or little space for larger groups.

Restaurants in tourist areas may be more convenient if you're traveling with friends, want photographs on the menu, or need help understanding different toppings.

The trade-off is that some seafood varieties cost much more than the basic egg versions sold at local stalls.

Comparing a VND 25,000 egg plate at a breakfast stall with a VND 120,000 seafood plate at a central restaurant doesn't tell you which place is better. The portions, toppings, and service can all be different.

The safest choice is a nearby shop that cooks the cakes fresh. For breakfast, start with egg banh can. For dinner, try shrimp or squid with scallion fish sauce and shredded green mango to get a better sense of what makes Nha Trang's version distinctive.