Exploring Phuoc Long cuisine on the journey to conquer Ba Ra peak

On January 4, 2026, the national cross-country mountain-climbing tournament “Conquering the peak of Ba Ra” in 2026 will take place in Phuoc Long Ward, Dong Nai Province, in celebration of the 51st anniversary of Phuoc Long Liberation Day (January 6). Beyond the vibrant sporting atmosphere and the demanding mountain climb, visitors to Phuoc Long on this occasion will also have the opportunity to explore a wide range of distinctive local culinary destinations.

Below are dining spots considered “must-visit” locations, highly recommended by both visitors and residents of Phuoc Long and Phuoc Binh.

Nha Ngoai Cafe 1975 – A return to childhood memories in a nostalgic setting

Address: 01 Vo Thi Sau Street, Quarter 5, Phuoc Binh Ward, Dong Nai Province.

For those seeking tranquillity and a sense of “returning to a grandmother’s home”, Nha Ngoai Cafe 1975 is an ideal stop. Designed in a vintage style, the cafe features old wardrobes, mother-of-pearl inlaid tables, oil lamps, radios and floral curtains, evoking memories of bygone days. The simple yet refined arrangement recalls warm family gatherings under the grandmother’s roof.

The spacious and verdant outdoor space of Nha Ngoai Cafe 1975. Photo: Truong Hien

According to Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao, a resident of Phuoc Long Ward, the hope is that the cross-country mountain-climbing tournament “Conquering the peak of Ba Ra” in 2026 will attract a large number of visitors and athletes, and that Nha Ngoai Cafe will be an unmissable destination.

The highlight of Nha Ngoai Cafe 1975 is its freshly roasted and ground whole-bean coffee, offering a bold and rustic flavour well suited to those who appreciate the authentic taste of traditional Vietnamese coffee. In addition to classic coffee, the cafe also serves a variety of popular coffee-based beverages.

Nha Ngoai Cafe 1975 is a favourite weekend gathering place for young people. Photo: Truong Hien

More than just a place for refreshments, Nha Ngoai 1975 preserves memories, allowing each visitor to rediscover a part of their own childhood.

An Nhien Dessert and Coffee – A modern green oasis in the town’s heart

Address: 250 Doc Lap Street, Phuoc Binh Ward, Dong Nai Province.

An Nhien is a familiar meeting point for young people, thanks to its open, airy space filled with greenery and its European-inspired design. The cafe is known for handmade sweet soups prepared entirely from natural, organic ingredients, resulting in a light sweetness that is easy to enjoy.

Fruit teas and floral teas are particularly popular at the cafe. Photo: Truong Hien

Nguyen Thi My Nhan, from Bu Dang Commune, Dong Nai Province, shared that she and a friend had travelled more than 30 kilometres to come here and take photographs. She expressed her surprise at finding a green, refreshing, and relaxing sweet soup and coffee shop. In particular, she said she was impressed by the Thai-style sweet soup, noting that it was not overly sweet.

A peaceful corner of An Nhien Dessert and Coffee, a popular check-in spot for locals and visitors. Photo: Truong Hien

In addition to sweet soups, An Nhien also offers a range of fruit teas and floral teas, making it an ideal place to cool down after participating in or cheering on the mountain running event. Enjoying tea amid the greenery provides a sense of relaxation before embarking on the journey to conquer Ba Ra peak.

O Su beef noodle soup – rich flavour, easy on the pocket

Address: Doc Lap Street, Phuoc Binh Ward.

With beef noodle soup sold at reasonable prices suitable for athletes, supporters and visitors alike, O Su Beef Noodle Soup has become a familiar eatery for both locals and tourists visiting Phuoc Binh and Phuoc Long. Located along Doc Lap Street, the eatery serves traditional Hue-style beef noodle soup, featuring a clear yet flavourful broth and a steaming bowl that appeals to many diners. Nguyen Ngoc Son, known on TikTok as Ong Chu Thich Di, commented that although the catery has not been open for long, it consistently attracts a steady flow of customers, attributing its success to food quality, well-balanced seasoning and affordable prices.

O Su beef noodle soup helps visitors replenish energy before the ascent of Ba Ra Peak. Photo: Truong Hien

The menu at this catery offers various options including rare beef, pork roll, flank, tendon and ribs. The beef is cut into thick slices while remaining tender, the tendons are pleasantly crunchy, and the ribs are carefully simmered. All ingredients are freshly sourced daily, with no frozen products used, ensuring consistently fresh and high-quality flavours.

Nha Xua clay pot rice – the essence of Vietnamese cuisine in a nostalgic setting

Address: Quarter 5, Hoai Thanh Street, Phuoc Binh Ward, Dong Nai Province.

Amid the hustle and bustle of modern life, Nha Xua clay pot rice offers a sense of tranquility through architecture imbued with traditional Vietnamese charm. Wooden furniture, water jars, and other classic household items create a nostalgic atmosphere, reminiscent of a familiar rural home. Many diners describe the experience as enjoying a countryside meal in the middle of town, comforting yet straightforward.

A traditional meal featuring braised fish, braised pork, wild vegetables, and clay pot rice scented with pandan leaves. Photo: Truong Hien

The highlight of the eatery is its clay pot rice prepared in the traditional style, incorporating natural ingredients such as pandan leaves, sweet potatoes and lotus seeds. When the lid is lifted, the aroma of pandan blends with the nutty flavours of sweet potato and lotus seeds. The crispy rice at the bottom of the pot is golden and fragrant, leaving a lasting impression on diners.

Nha Xua clay pot rice is a familiar destination for many foreign experts. Photo: Truong Hien

Nguyen Thi Huong from Binh Tan Commune often chooses this eatery for lunch and for hosting friends when passing through Phuoc Binh and Phuoc Long. She said she had visited the restaurant many times and, on each occasion, ordered the Vu Dai village-style braised fish, which she described as her signature choice. According to her, the dish is delicious, prepared in the traditional Northern style, with well-infused fish meat and an appealing colour. The wild vegetables served alongside rice cooked in a clay pot offer a distinctive and refreshing flavour. She added that the prices are reasonable and the service attentive.

Nur Syuhada Nordin from Indonesia expressed her appreciation for the restaurant’s traditional style, noting that she was surprised to find such a space rich in Vietnamese cultural identity, warm and welcoming despite being far from her home country. She found the dishes beautifully presented, with flavours unlike any she had previously experienced.

The savoury menu changes with the seasons to ensure fresh ingredients, with popular dishes including Vu Dai Village braised fish with galangal, tender caramelised pork, and locally sourced wild vegetables that retain their natural sweetness and crunch.

With professional service comparable to a four-star restaurant yet at accessible prices, Nha Xua clay pot rice is a suitable choice for visitors and athletes seeking to recharge before or after exploring Ba Ra peak.

Co Hai kitchen steamed rice cakes – a distinctive blend of three regional flavours

Address: Dieu Ong Street, Phuoc Binh Ward.

In the afternoon, visitors may opt for a lighter meal with rice cakes served in small bowls at Co Hai Kitchen on Dieu Ong Street. This local speciality combines culinary styles from northern, central, and southern Viet Nam. The cakes are soft and aromatic, topped with a variety of ingredients, and accompanied by well-balanced fish sauce. The menu also includes steamed rice sheets with chicken offal.

Nguyen Thi Hoa from Phuoc Long Ward shared that this eatery offers steamed rice cakes from all three regions, with the Binh Duong-style version being my personal favourite for its well-seasoned fish sauce. The steamed rice sheet salad with chicken innards was also praised for their generous toppings.

The 31st national cross-country mountain-climbing tournament “Conquering the peak of Ba Ra” in 2026 is not only a major sporting event, but also an opportunity for visitors to explore the distinctive cultural and culinary identity of Phuoc Binh and Phuoc Long. From sweet soup shops and cafes to clay pot rice eateries and rustic local dishes in the area will undoubtedly help create a complete and memorable journey for athletes and visitors alike when they come to this land.

By Dao Bang – Translated by My Le, Thu Ha