Fish cake noodle soup in Danang: A 40-year-old legacy loved by foreign diners

A family-run noodle shop in Danang, recognized by the Michelin Guide, has captivated Korean tourists with its flavorful fish cake noodle soup, a dish they found both familiar and uniquely Vietnamese.

During their recent trip to Danang, Korean visitors Yozzzuum and her husband, Jo Bong-dal, explored the city's diverse culinary scene, including local favorites and eateries recommended by the Michelin Guide. Among the dishes they tried, one stood out: fish cake noodle soup (bun cha ca), which the couple described as delicious and full of unique flavors.

The couple visited a 40-year-old family-run bun cha ca shop on Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Hai Chau District. The restaurant, recognized in June 2024 with a Bib Gourmand rating by the Michelin Guide for offering great food at reasonable prices, has become a popular destination for locals and international tourists alike.

At the restaurant, Yozzzuum and her husband ordered a regular portion with extra fish cake for 40,000 VND and a special portion with crab cake and roe for 50,000 VND. They were impressed by the quick service and generous portions.

Tasting the soup for the first time, Yozzzuum noted its clean, delicate flavors and likened it to odeng, a Korean fish cake soup, while emphasizing its distinctive Vietnamese seasoning. “The broth is light yet rich, with layers of flavor. Adding lime makes it even more delightful,” she said.

Her husband, Bong-dal, praised the fish cake for its firm texture and rich taste, humorously suggesting it would pair well with soju, as the restaurant even provided small glasses for drinking.

According to the restaurant owner, their recipe has been perfected over four decades. The broth is prepared with a unique blend of crab shells, fish bones, and fresh vegetables like pineapple, cabbage, bamboo shoots, and tomatoes, creating a mildly sour and naturally sweet flavor.

The fish cake, made from fresh, high-quality fish without excessive flour, is a highlight, earning praise for its chewy texture and rich taste. Guests can customize their bowls with local condiments such as chili paste, fermented shrimp sauce, pickled shallots, and fresh herbs for added freshness and complexity.

Priced between 40,000 and 60,000 VND per bowl, the restaurant also offers other specialties, including tuna noodle soup, mackerel noodle soup, crab noodle soup, and both fried and steamed fish cakes, catering to diverse palates.

Yozzzuum described the experience as a memorable part of their trip to Danang, while her husband declared the beer served alongside the dish to be among the best he'd ever tried.