Dalat Night Market: Follow Locals for the Best Food

If you’re traveling in Vietnam and love food, The Dalat night market is the spot Vietnamese love to visit but few tourists see.

Located in the highlands of Central Vietnam, it’s a perfect side trip from Ho Chi Minh City and back down the mountain to Nha Trang.

The food here is worth it.

This isn’t some tourist trap with overpriced snacks. It’s where Vietnamese travelers go to eat — and that’s exactly why it’s so good.

Cool mountain air. Smoky grills. Hot soups. Sweet treats.

Every evening, the market fills with people hungry for local flavors. You’ll hear sizzling, smell lemongrass in the air, and see teens munching on snacks straight from the grill.

I have gone out of my way to visit Dalat twice and both times I learned about new food and how Vietnamese like to holiday.

Dalat’s Culinary Influences

Dalat’s food is shaped by its climate and geography. The highland air is crisp, making hot dishes and grilled foods extra satisfying.

The region is known for its fresh vegetables, strawberries, and avocados. French influences linger in some dishes, but the flavors remain deeply Vietnamese.

Expect rich broths, smoky grilled meats and fresh herbs.

But you’ll also see a lot of seafood. Normally I would not eat seafood so far from the ocean. But the cost is only a few hours down the mountain and it is brought in fresh daily.

I was shocked that I ate some of the best oysters, snails and other seafood that I’ve ever tried. And I’m from the east coast of Canada where seafood is fantastic.

Must-Try Dalat Food

Sweet Potato Cakes | Bánh Khoai Mì

This snack is simple and so satisfying. Locals grate sweet potato and cassava, mix it with coconut milk and sugar, then grill or fry it.

The outside gets crispy, but the inside stays soft and sweet. It tastes earthy, almost nutty, with just a hint of coconut.

You won’t find this everywhere in Vietnam. Sweet potatoes grow well in Dalat’s cooler climate, which makes this a local thing.

Where to Eat Sweet Potato Cakes: Try any vendor near the night market stairs. You’ll spot them by the smoky grill and little rows of golden cakes.

Chợ Đêm Dalat, Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Ward 1

Grilled Rice Paper (Vietnamese Pizza) | Bánh Tráng Nướng

Locals joke that this is Vietnam’s version of pizza, but it’s something all its own.

They grill rice paper over charcoal until crispy, then crack a quail egg on top. Add minced pork, scallions, dried shrimp, chili sauce, and mayo. Fold it like a taco and eat it hot.

It’s smoky, savory, a little sweet, and crunchy all the way through.

It started with students here in Dalat and took off across the country. Still, people say it tastes best in the cool highland air.

Where to Eat Grilled Rice Paper: Head to the center of the night market. Look for vendors with hot coals and fast hands.
Chợ Đêm Dalat, Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Ward 1

Vietnamese Stuffed Snails | Ốc Nhồi Thịt

These big freshwater snails are stuffed with pork, mushrooms, and lemongrass, then steamed.

You use a skewer to pull the filling out. It’s juicy, herbal, and full of umami. Dip it in fish sauce, and it’s even better.

Because Dalat has lakes nearby, these snails are local — fresh and full of flavor.

Where to Eat Stuffed Snails: Look for street vendors near the edge of the market. You’ll see trays of snail shells steaming over pots.
Chợ Đêm Dalat, Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Ward 1

   

Grilled Skewers | Xiên Nướng

This is the smell that hits you first at the market.

Meat, mushrooms, and vegetables get marinated, skewered, then grilled over charcoal. Think chicken wings, pork belly, mushrooms soaked in soy sauce, all smoky and caramelized.

Grab a few and walk around while you eat.

Where to Eat Grilled Skewers: Near the fruit stalls, there’s a row of skewer vendors with little plastic tables.
Chợ Đêm Dalat, Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Ward 1

Avocado Ice Cream | Kem Bơ

Avocados in Dalat are creamier than anywhere else in Vietnam. Locals blend them with condensed milk into a smooth, rich shake. Then they scoop coconut ice cream on top and sprinkle it with peanuts.

It’s cold, sweet, and just a little salty.

This dessert is so good after a plate of grilled meat.

Where to Eat Avocado Ice Cream: You’ll find it sold from carts around the back of the market, especially near the fruit section.
Chợ Đêm Dalat, Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Ward 1

   

Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes | Bánh Bèo

Bánh bèo comes from central Vietnam, but Dalat has its own take.

Small rice cakes are steamed until soft and chewy. Then they’re topped with minced shrimp, pork rinds, scallion oil, and served with sweet fish sauce.

It’s light but packed with flavor in every bite.

Where to Eat Bánh Bèo: There’s a vendor just past the main stair entrance, usually with a big metal steamer.
Chợ Đêm Dalat, Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Ward 1

Strawberries with Chili Salt | Dâu Tây Chấm Muối Ớt

Dalat is famous for strawberries. They’re smaller than Western ones, but way more flavorful.

Locals dip them in chili salt. It sounds weird, but the sweet-sour-spicy combo is super addictive.

Where to Eat Strawberries with Chili Salt: Near the fruit stands, especially early evening.
Chợ Đêm Dalat, Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Ward 1

   

Steamed Corn with Coconut | Bắp Hấp Dừa

This one’s comfort food.

Corn is steamed until soft, then mixed with shredded coconut and sugar. It’s not too sweet — just enough.

The coconut adds richness, and it warms you up fast.

Where to Eat Steamed Corn: Look for big metal pots and women scooping corn into paper cups.
Chợ Đêm Dalat, Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Ward 1

Fermented Pork Roll | Nem Nướng

This grilled pork sausage is tangy, smoky, and a little sweet. You wrap it in rice paper with herbs and dip it in peanut sauce.

The version in Dalat is firmer and more fragrant than what you’ll find in the south.

Where to Eat Nem Nướng:
Nem Nướng Bà Hùng
254 Phan Đình Phùng, Dalat

   

Tips for Eating Your Way Through Dalat

• Start your food tour early, as the market gets busy. Vendors often sell out of the best dishes by late evening.
• Try smaller portions so you can sample more foods.
• Some stalls have seating, but many are grab-and-go.
• Bring cash, as most vendors don’t accept cards.
• Wear a sweater, enjoy Dalat’s cool air and take your time. It’s all about the experience.