Nha Trang has always been famous for its spectacular beaches, fresh seafood and hospitable people. But another thing it is known for is its 40-year old specialty restaurant, the Lac Cahn Grilled Beef Restaurant.

While most people who visit tropical countries are also after the fresh seafood in the area, this particular restaurant in Nha Trang is a must-try not only because the meat is really good, but because you get to cook it yourself, adding excitement to your whole dining experience.

Ordering the diner’s bestseller will get you a charcoal brazier and a net grill brought to your table, and of course its all famous beef prepared in advance marinated and cut in cubes. A plate of vegetables composed of lettuce, tomatoes and onions with oil and vinegar comes with the meal. You can then grill the beef according to your preference: rare, medium or well done or a combination of either two.

Vietnamese bread that you can soak in the beef’s marinated sauce is another favourite at the restaurant. You can also grill it to make it crispy and spicy.

The secret to the dish is its marinated sauce, so good yet mysterious that many other diners have tried to imitate its mix but always to no success. Rumor has it that honey and different kinds of spices are some of the important ingredients of the sauce. Since it opened 40 years ago, the restaurant still looks almost exactly the same, except for a few changes like more seating space to accommodate more guests. Steamed fans have also been installed to make its diners more comfortable.

While grilled beef is the star of the show so to speak, Luon Dum is another popular dish at Lac Canh Restaurant. Composed mainly of eel mixed with minced pork, rice vermicelli, onions mushrooms and sometimes pig’s cault fat, it is steamed, cut into small pieces and then paired with crunchy rice pancakes for a satisfying taste.

In fact, almost the whole menu is worth trying such as its spicy frog; rice dishes; chilli and crispy rice mixed with sesame; and fried rice with garlic. Beer is one of the most ordered drinks best served with the specialty of the house, mixed salad and bread.

With its affordable price, great ambience and warm local people, Lac Cahn Restaurant is surely a must-visit when you are in Nha Trang.