WHEN DA NANG'S WEATHER GETS THIS "INTENSE," WHAT SHOULD YOU EAT TO SUIT YOUR TASTE?

Da Nang's "flavorful" weather on gloomy, slightly chilly, drizzly midweek days is the most perfect excuse to pamper a hungry stomach. The people of Da Nang have a rather fun "unwritten rule": the cooler the weather and the colder the rain, the hotter, richer, and spicier the food must be to warm the body.If you're craving an evening out feasting with your close friends, below is a more detailed guide to 3 "national favorite" dishes for cold, rainy days in Da Nang, complete with photos to further whet your appetite:1. Bánh Xèo, Nem Lụi – Crispy Golden Shells, Piping Hot Dipping SauceNothing beats the feeling of sitting by the stove as the bánh xèo sizzle in the pan, their warmth spreading through the chilly air. Da Nang bánh xèo is moderately sized, with a golden crust poured thin yet perfectly crispy, wrapped around a rich, sweet filling of shrimp and pork along with refreshing bean sprouts. To enjoy it, place a piece of bánh xèo on a sheet of rice paper, add a grilled nem lụi skewer, charred at the edges and fragrant with lemongrass, then roll it up tightly with fresh raw vegetables such as baby mustard greens, lettuce, green banana, and sour star fruit. The "soul" of this dish is the bowl of extra-thick liver and peanut dipping sauce, made from finely ground pork liver, peanuts and sesame, always kept piping hot, rich, creamy and full of flavor.

2. Frog Mì Quảng in a Clay Pot – Rich, Flavorful and Bubbling HotMì Quảng is delicious in any season, but frog Mì Quảng served in a clay pot is truly the "one true love" for rainy, windy days. Unlike the traditional way of ladling it into bowls in advance, the firm field frog meat is braised until tender, soaked through with nén wild shallots, turmeric, lemongrass, and chili, and served separately in a heat-retaining terracotta clay pot. When it's brought to the table, the pot of rich broth is still bubbling vigorously, steaming profusely, and giving off an irresistibly fragrant aroma. You will pick up the soft white noodles (or yellow noodles) with your own hands, add fresh herbs and shredded banana blossom, pour over the rich, flavorful frog topping sauce, squeeze in a little lime, take a bite of green chili, and enjoy it with a piece of crispy grilled rice paper. This piping hot blend will chase away the cold in an instant.

3. Chợ Cồn Sucking Snails – Tongue-Tinglingly Spicy, Hissing with Every BiteTo cap off a “flavor-packed” evening, head straight to the food paradise of Chợ Cồn Market and enjoy its famous sucking snails. Big pans of bubbling snails, fragrant with lemongrass, lime leaves and fresh chili, always hold a bewitching allure for anyone passing by. Bitter snails, apple snails or sucking snails have their tails carefully clipped, then stir-fried until soaked through with the sweetness of coconut water, the rich saltiness of the seasonings and the tongue-searing heat of chili. Hold the piping-hot snail in your hand, bring it to your lips and slurp it up in one go, and you'll clearly feel the sweet, spicy, rich snail broth spreading across the tip of your tongue. This dish is usually served with a chewy, crunchy mashed jackfruit salad and sweet-and-sour shredded papaya that help balance the spiciness, so you'll keep eating, gasping and sniffling from the heat, yet unable to stop.

The weather may be gloomy, but our tummies definitely need warming up, right everyone? Tonight, let's round up our besties and go devour these piping-hot treats! 🥢🌧️