Some travel days don’t always go to plan, but great healthy food can fix that and turn things around
Nothing quite whets my appetite like a big day exploring the surrounding lakes, waterfalls, farms, and mountains of Đà Lạt. The fresh air, coupled with the occasional dust from dirt roads and sensory overload, sends my cravings soaring. Right now, I’m dreaming of a frosty green Saigon Special beer to take the edge off.
Did someone say một trăm phần trăm?
After indulging in the delicious bánh mì xíu mại, bánh căn, and the famous Đà Lạt “pizza” bánh tráng nướng every morning for breakfast, I’m craving something lighter for the rest of the day to fuel me. I’m excited to discover Đà Lạt’s fresh food landscape – perfect for a healthy break from local street food.
Arriving in Vietnam’s verdant heartland, I embraced a more flexible approach to my itinerary. Without a set plan, I relied on dining spots near me offering fresh green options. Here are a few spots that surprised and satisfied my taste buds, and that you might want to try on your next visit to Đà Lạt.
Mua Dalat Wellness Hotel
Located at 2 Phù Đổng Thiên Vương Street in Ward 8, Mua Dalat Wellness Hotel’s location initially disappointed me. I had envisioned a more secluded spot among the pine trees, perhaps nestled amidst the hills. However, I soon realised that its central location, near a university and busy intersection, was a convenient perk. After all, I wasn’t here for the view; I was here to heal my tummy after indulging in too much fatty food. And as a bonus to nourish my skin, parched from my flight and the dry mountain air.
Arriving too late for lunch from a full morning of sightseeing, but too early for dinner, I opted for a refreshing beetroot juice and mixed fruit bowl with local yogurt. The extensive coffee menu at this restaurant tempted me, but I resisted the urge to indulge in caffeine after 2pm.
Enjoying this snack in the cool, cave-like atmosphere, scented with lemongrass and pine needles from Christmas decorations, provided the perfect boost of vitamin C to power more sightseeing in the arvo.
Chefs Dalat
I initially planned a simple motorbike ride around the Tuyền Lâm Lake, but a wrong turn led to a three-hour detour across uncharted farmlands in the golden valley of the central highlands that seemed like I was heading to Đắk Lắk!
Thankfully, Chefs Dalat saved the day. After finally finding my way back to the city, I arrived at 156 Phạm Ngọc Thạch Street in Ward 6.
Descending a steep staircase into a private house, I was greeted by soft jazz music, a welcome respite from the day’s misadventures. I couldn’t resist ordering a glass of rosé. After all, a little self-care can go a long way.
On the menu was a free starter of fresh bread and eggplant dip. Followed by a garden salad and a pizza al pomodoro with fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. The waiter was honest and said their brick fire oven was broken, but assured us it was home cooked. The pizza base was crispy yet fluffy, a perfect balance. The generous portion of fresh basil was a welcome surprise. I’ve always found it ironic that some Italian style pizzerias in Hồ Chí Minh City claim you can’t have too much basil to keep it authentic. Here in Đà Lạt, with its ideal climate for growing herbs, there’s no excuse for skimping!
If it wasn’t for my grubby clothes and helmet hair, I would have stayed-put, and continued ordering the entire menu until dinner time as every item sounded delicious and set with reasonable pricing.
Moon Dining
On my last night in Đà Lạt, a sense of accomplishment came over me. I’d balanced my indulgences in local cuisine and cheap beer with healthier choices. But after three days of grueling mountain rides, my aching knee demanded a reward.
Moon Dining, a fine-dining restaurant at 1 Hà Huy Tập Street in Ward 3, seemed like the perfect place famous for its steaks and lamb. The high prices, however, made me reconsider.
Instead, I went for the chef’s salad with passion fruit and a glass of chardonnay. The generous salad, adorned with crispy bacon and a poached egg, high-quality vegetables, and edible flowers, was an understated delight. It was served with a side of balsamic vinaigrette, though it hardly needed anything else. It was a decadent treat in itself.
And the complimentary autumn dessert of persimmon pudding from the friendly waiter was the perfect ending to my trip.
The meals I ate proved that incorporating healthy choices into an active travel itinerary can be both delicious and invigorating.
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