Exploring the Best of Vietnamese Cuisine in Da Lat

I was born in Vietnam, I’m so proud of our culture, attractive places, and especially Vietnamese cuisine. Whenever I meet foreign friends, I always take these chances to introduce them to Vietnamese food. 

Yesterday, my friend from Canada and I took a trip to explore Lac Duong town, about 30km away from Da Lat City. We searched for Vietnamese restaurants on the map for lunch, then I encountered a restaurant named Balava which has a very spacious and airy ambiance. We decided to give it a try and it truly exceeded our expectations. 

Arriving at Balava 
We arrived there at around 11 am, and my first impression of Balava was that it was an expansive entertainment complex with pizza and chocolate-making workshops, horseback riding, trekking activities, and a restaurant. We were greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the surrounding natural beauty. The restaurant's interior boasts rustic wooden furnishings, and large windows that offer breathtaking views of the serene landscapes Da Lat is renowned for. We even could hear birds singing, the sound of the wind that gave us a feeling of peace, abandoning the troubles in life. 

We stepped into Balava restaurant, we saw almost the entire restaurant staff welcoming us.  As we walked from the entryway every Balava member stopped what they were doing to welcome us.  I’ve never experienced anything like that.  It was warm, genuine, and ensured our experience began with something special.

I was overwhelmed by the diverse menu offering dishes from all three regions of Vietnam, especially the ones with the rich flavors of the Central Highlands.

We waited for about 20 minutes until the food was ready as we hadn't made a reservation. We ordered a combo including Grilled chicken with honey sauce, braised fish (grass carp), stir-fried beef, vegetable pork sib soup, stir-fried broccoli, fruit dessert, and of course rice. 

My favorite dish was braised grass carp fish, it was so tender and rich, cooked to perfection in a savory broth, the fish absorbed the rich flavors, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

My friend loved The Grilled Chicken with Honey Sauce, It combined the smoky flavor from grilling with the sweetness of honey. The chicken is marinated to perfection, creating a harmonious balance of savory and sweet notes. Every bite was a sensory experience, with the fresh flavor and crispness of each chicken skin changing each time. Oh, my goodness, the flavors are wonderful. We were offered wine or juice, i selected orange juice, my friend took dalas red wine, he wanted to try Da Lat wine.

The Vegetable Pork Rib Soup is a heartwarming addition This comforting soup features tender pork ribs, assorted vegetables, and flavorful broth. The combination of ingredients creates a nourishing and soul-satisfying bowl that complements the other more robust flavors on the table. I loved it. 

Our total bill was 790,000 VND, approximately $32, which was quite reasonable for a meal with a variety of dishes and more than enough for lunch. I think if you come for lunch, ordering individual dishes might be a better option, a combo would be ideal for dinner. 

After finishing our meal, we took a stroll around the chocolate and pizza workshops. The atmosphere here is lively and vibrant. We noticed many families with children engaging in chocolate-making activities. I will definitely come back and spend a day here with friends. Since we had to leave early and couldn't fully experience all the activities. Balava was an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Other activities at Balava