Must-Try Phu Yen Cuisine: The Ultimate Guide to “Bánh Xèo Tôm Nhảy” (Jumping Shrimp Pancake)

When dreaming of a resort getaway in Phu Yen, travelers often envision the poetic beauty of Ghenh Da Dia, the majestic Mui Dien Lighthouse, or the gentle waves of Tuy Hoa Beach. However, a journey to discover the “Land of Nẫu” is never complete without savoring the rustic, distinct flavors of its street food.

Among countless delicacies, Bánh Xèo Tôm Nhảy (Jumping Shrimp Pancake) has become an undeniable culinary icon—a “masterpiece” that every guest staying at Stelia Beach Resort is encouraged to experience.

After moments of absolute relaxation in the luxurious, beachfront ambiance of Stelia, switching gears for a short culinary adventure to the corners of Tuy Hoa to enjoy hot, crispy Banh Xèo offers a delightful contrast. It is the best way to fully perceive the diversity of this land.

Curated with the refined perspective of Stelia Beach Resort, this article serves as your detailed compass to finding the TOP 5 Best Banh Xeo Spots in Phu Yen, ensuring your trip is unforgettable.

I. The Soul of Phu Yen Banh Xeo: distinctive Features of the “Jumping Shrimp” Brand

Many mistakenly believe that Banh Xeo is the same everywhere. However, Phu Yen Banh Xeo carries unique characteristics that create a culinary brand found nowhere else.

1. Size and Color: Absolute Rustic Charm

Unlike the Southern-style pancakes (large, thin, and yellow from turmeric), Banh Xeo Tuy Hoa is modest in size, only as big as a small bowl or the palm of your hand. This makes it convenient to eat and ensures the cake retains absolute crispiness. More importantly, the traditional Phu Yen crust often keeps the natural ivory-white color of ground rice flour. While some places add a touch of turmeric, it is minimal, prioritizing the pure essence of rice. This rustic color perfectly highlights the filling inside.

2. The Filling: Secrets from the Ocean – The “Jumping Shrimp” Concept

“Tom Nhay” (Jumping Shrimp) is not just a name; it is a statement about the freshness of the ingredients.

• Fresh Shrimp: Since Tuy Hoa is a coastal city, the shrimp used are small, wild-caught shrimp that are still alive. When poured into the hot oil, these shrimp curl up, looking like they are “dancing” in the mold. The natural sweetness and crunchy texture of fresh shrimp are the soul and the biggest differentiator of this dish.

• Meat and Bean Sprouts: The filling is often supplemented with thin slices of pork belly (optional) and a moderate amount of bean sprouts, creating a balance of richness and freshness.

3. Sound and Experience: The “Sizzling” in the Hot Pan

The experience begins the moment you sit at the table. The “xèo xèo” (sizzling) sound of rice flour hitting the hot cast-iron pan with oil and shrimp is indispensable. The dish is always served immediately right out of the pan, ensuring it is piping hot and crispy.

4. Dipping Sauce: The Deciding Factor

The secret to the success of Banh Xeo Tom Nhay lies in the dipping sauce. In Phu Yen, the sauce is usually crafted from Mam Nem (fermented fish sauce) or premium Mam Nhi (first-draw fish sauce), mixed with crushed peanuts, fresh chili, and a little sugar. The rich aroma of the sauce, the creaminess of the peanuts, and the heat of the chili create a flavor profile that stimulates the taste buds to the max.

II. TOP 5 “Stelia Standard” Banh Xeo Spots in Tuy Hoa

Below are the 5 highly-rated addresses, ranging from long-standing traditional shops to those with unique flavors, making it easy for Stelia Beach Resort guests to choose.

1. Ben Xe Thuan Thao Banh Xeo – Traditional Flavor for Over 20 Years

If you ask locals which Banh Xeo shop is the oldest and most famous, the answer is surely the one located right next to the old Thuan Thao Bus Station.

• Address: Hung Vuong Street (Next to the old Thuan Thao Bus Station), Tuy Hoa City.

• Highlight: With over 20 years of history, it retains the traditional flavor. Cakes are poured quickly and served hot continuously. A must-try for those seeking the most “primal” taste.

• Price: Very affordable, only about 5,000 – 10,000 VND/cake.

• Tip from Stelia: The shop is busiest from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Stelia guests should go earlier to avoid long waits.

2. Le Thanh Ton Banh Xeo – The Soul of “Mam Nhi” Sauce

The shop on Le Thanh Ton Street is considered a “heavyweight” competitor, often ranked Top 1 by foodies thanks to its secret dipping sauce.

• Address: 20 Le Thanh Ton, Ward 1, Tuy Hoa City.

• Highlight:

  • Excellent Dipping Sauce: Uses premium fish sauce mixed with a secret recipe—rich, moderately creamy, highlighting the sweetness of the shrimp.

  • Fresh Filling: Always guarantees fresh shrimp/squid. The cake is crispy and not overly oily.

• Suitable for: Those who love rich dipping sauce and prioritize quality.

3. Dai Nam Banh Xeo – Sweet Taste of Shrimp and Squid

Dai Nam is a well-known brand in Tuy Hoa, famous not only for Banh Xeo but also for other snacks.

• Address: 43 Nguyen Cong Tru, Ward 1, Tuy Hoa City (or branch at 25/06 Chu Manh Trinh).

• Highlight: The filling here is more substantial; the shrimp and squid are fresh, creating a distinct natural sweetness. The space is more spacious and cleaner compared to traditional sidewalk stalls.

• Stelia Suggestion: A great choice if you are traveling in a large group and want a comfortable seating area.

4. Co Chi Banh Xeo – Focus on Fresh Herbs and Dipping Sauce

Co Chi is another familiar address, standing out for its meticulous preparation of fresh herbs and dipping sauce balance.

• Address: 20/10 Ngo Quyen (Market entrance near Le Loi Street), Tuy Hoa City.

• Highlight: Herbs are always carefully selected, fresh, and clean. The dipping sauce here has a perfect consistency and a salty-sweet balance that suits most tourists’ palates.

5. Bo Bo Banh Xeo – Fast Service and Diverse Fillings

Bo Bo is known for its speed, suitable for those who want to enjoy the dish immediately.

• Address: 301 Le Duan, Tuy Hoa City.

• Highlight: Besides shrimp, the shop serves various fillings like beef and quail eggs, diversifying choices for diners. Airy atmosphere.

III. The Perfect Dining Guide & Connecting the Stelia Experience

Eating Phu Yen Banh Xeo is not just eating; it is an art of rolling and dipping. Stelia Beach Resort provides a detailed guide for the most complete experience.

1. The Standard “Xứ Nẫu” Rolling Process

To fully appreciate the flavor, follow this basic process:

1. Prep: Take a sheet of thin rice paper (usually provided at the table).

2. Greens: Place a layer of basic raw herbs on the rice paper (lettuce, basil, fish mint).

3. Mustard Green Leaf (Cải Bẹ Xanh): The most important secret is adding a small leaf (or half a leaf) of mustard green. Its spicy and slightly pungent taste enhances the flavor and effectively cuts through the grease.

4. Filling: Place a hot Jumping Shrimp Pancake on top of the herbs.

5. Roll: Tightly roll the rice paper into a bite-sized roll.

6. Dip: Dip the roll generously into the bowl of rich fish sauce with peanuts.

2. Suggested Drink Pairings

Banh Xeo is hot, spicy, and rich. The perfect drink pairings are:

• Iced Tea / Cold Mineral Water: Helps cool down and cleanse the palate between bites.

• Pennywort Juice (Nước Rau Má): If available, this is an excellent choice to balance the heat of the oil.

3. Convenient Travel from Stelia Beach Resort

Stelia Beach Resort boasts a prime location near Tuy Hoa city center, making it easy for guests to reach top culinary spots.

• Distance: The mentioned Banh Xeo shops are all within a 3km – 5km radius of Stelia.

• Suggested Transport:

  • Bicycle: Ideal for enjoying the city atmosphere and light exercise (Stelia offers bicycle rental services).

  • Taxi/Grab: Fast and convenient with very reasonable costs.

  • Motorbike: Renting a motorbike gives you proactive control over your exploration journey.

• Tips from Stelia: Plan to eat in the late afternoon (around 4:30 PM) to avoid rush hour and catch the Tuy Hoa sunset on the way.

4. Bridging Culinary Adventure and 5-Star Relaxation

After completing your street food tour and savoring the rustic, bold flavors of Banh Xeo Tom Nhay, it’s time to return to absolute tranquility at Stelia Beach Resort.

• Balance the Experience: The salty taste of the sea and the richness of the pancake will be perfectly balanced by the resort’s premium services.

• Relaxation Suggestion: Indulge in our world-class Spa to relax your body after a day of exploration. Or simply float in the Infinity Pool overlooking the ocean, sipping a light cocktail.

• Special Experience: At Stelia, our culinary team is always ready to share secrets of local dishes. Don’t hesitate to ask about how to make “Mam Nhi” sauce to bring the flavor of the “Land of Nẫu” home.

IV. Conclusion: A Complete Journey of Cuisine and Resort Living

Banh Xeo Tom Nhay Phu Yen is more than just a dish; it is a part of the culture and the pride of the local people. Each small, crispy cake encapsulates the fresh taste of the sea, the sophistication of the dipping sauce, and the rustic charm of street food.

The journey to find the best Banh Xeo will be a valuable memory in your travel diary. And Stelia Beach Resort is proud to be your starting point and ideal sanctuary, offering absolute comfort and luxury so you can fully explore the beauty and flavors of Phu Yen.

Don’t hesitate! Now that you have the list of must-try Banh Xeo spots, ensure you have the perfect place to rest.

Let Stelia Beach Resort be your ideal stopover. Book your room today to begin your journey of culinary discovery and beachfront relaxation in the beautiful city of Tuy Hoa!