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Tucked away in a small alley of Vĩnh Phước, Bánh Căn Út Năm is one of those places you’d probably miss unless someone told you about it. It’s not fancy or touristy — just a cozy local eatery where Nha Trang residents come for their daily breakfast or lunch. The atmosphere alone makes it worth the visit.
Quick Glance
| Restaurant | Bánh Căn Út Năm |
|---|---|
| Address | 19 Ngô Đến, Vĩnh Phước, Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa, Vietnam |
| Opening Hours | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM / 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Sundays) |
| Price Range | 30,000 – 70,000 VND (≈ $1.20 – $2.90 USD) |
| Wi-Fi | Available |
| Payment | Cash / QR code |
| Google Maps | View location |
A narrow alleyway eatery with real local vibes
The entrance is so small you might walk past it. A few plastic tables and chairs line the narrow alley, where a gentle breeze drifts through. Locals drop by, eat quickly, and leave — the kind of place that tells you this is the real Nha Trang.
Menu with English translation
The laminated menu includes English, which is a relief for non-Vietnamese speakers. You can choose from shrimp, squid, beef, or egg toppings for the bánh căn (mini rice pancakes). Drinks include the local favorite — flan milk tea (30K ≈ $1.20) — a fun mix of sweetness and texture.
First time trying “Bánh Căn” — and it blew me away
Even though I’ve lived in Vietnam for years, this was actually my first time eating bánh căn. I ordered the Thập Cẩm (Full Mix) version — a combination of shrimp, squid, and beef, topped with green mango and crispy pork skin. The texture was fragrant and satisfying, with a subtle smoky flavor from the grill.
I also ordered the xíu mại (meatball soup), which came with two large pork meatballs swimming in a sweet-savory broth with scallions. It’s technically a separate dish, but here’s the trick — the lady running the shop taught me how to eat it the “local way.”
She said, “Crush the meatball, mix it into the soup, and dip your bánh căn in it.”
I did exactly as she said — crushed the meatball with my chopsticks, turned the broth into a dipping sauce, and dipped the pancake in. The result was incredible. The umami from the pork, the aroma of scallions, and the tangy fish sauce flavor soaked into the pancake… absolutely divine.
Honestly, it was way better than I expected. It reminded me of a Vietnamese-style savory pancake dipped in rich broth. After returning to Hanoi, I searched for a place that serves bánh căn — found only one, far from my home. If there were one nearby, I’d be eating this four times a week.
Don’t skip the flan milk tea
The flan milk tea here comes with an actual flan pudding sitting on top of the cup — yes, literally floating on the ice. As it melts and blends into the tea, it creates a smooth caramel sweetness that’s surprisingly addictive. Perfect for cooling down after your meal.
Price & satisfaction
My order:
・Bánh căn (Full Mix): 50K (≈ $2.00)
・Xíu mại (2 meatballs): 15K (≈ $0.60)
・Flan milk tea: 30K (≈ $1.20)
Total: 95,000 VND (≈ $3.90 USD)
*Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 24,500 VND (as of October 2025)
Considering the flavor, portion size, and experience — completely worth it.
Final thoughts: a must-try for local food lovers
If you’re looking to escape the tourist areas and experience something truly local, this is the place. It’s simple, affordable, and full of character — a small but unforgettable taste of Nha Trang.
👉 Highlights
- Authentic local vibe — loved by Nha Trang residents
- The owner teaches you the real way to eat bánh căn
- Flan milk tea is a sweet surprise!
📍 Check the location on Google Maps
Bánh Căn Út Năm (Google Maps)
