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Vietnamese seafood

Vietnamese seafood: A food lover’s guide to coastal delights

15/03/2025 844 views

Vietnamese seafood is known for its freshness and flavor. With a long coastline, Vietnam offers a wide variety of seafood dishes, from lobster and squid to horn scallop and cellana snail.

1. About Vietnamese seafood

Vietnamese seafood is an integral part of the country’s cuisine

Vietnamese seafood is an integral part of the country’s cuisine (Source: Collected)

Vietnam’s long coastline, stretching over 3,260 kilometers, provides an incredible variety of fresh seafood, making it a key part of the country’s culinary identity. From north to south, each region of Vietnam travel has its own signature seafood dishes. More than just a staple in daily meals, seafood is a source of national pride.

One reason Vietnamese seafood stands out is its perfect balance of ingredients and seasonings. Fish sauce, garlic, chili, lemongrass, ginger, and galangal are commonly used to remove any fishy odor while enhancing the seafood’s natural taste. The country’s waters are home to many prized delicacies, including abalone, sea cucumbers, and snails, which are valued for their nutritional benefits.

Vietnamese seafood is prepared in various ways, from simple methods like steaming, boiling, and grilling to more complex dishes such as Vietnamese seafood soups, seafood salads, seafood cakes, hot pots, and fried rice with fish. Seafood also plays an important role in Vietnamese culture, fostering a strong sense of community. Many seafood dishes are served family-style, bringing people together over shared meals.

Explore: Vietnamese seafood soups: Guide to making bowls of coastal delights

2. Top 10 must-try Vietnamese seafood dishes

To promote the country’s coastal delicacies and help travelers enjoy the freshest seafood, the Vietnam Records Organization has recognized ten outstanding specialties of Vietnamese food.

2.1. Sa sung (Peanut worm)

Often found in the coastal waters of Van Don and Mong Cai in Quang Ninh, as well as in Nha Trang and Con Dao, peanut worm is a highly prized seafood delicacy. This soft-bodied marine worm is rich in nutrients and offers a unique umami flavor. It can be enjoyed in various dishes, such as peanut worm porridge, or stir-fried with lemongrass, chili, celery, or pickled bamboo shoots.

Peanut worm porridge is a comforting option to enjoy at Vietnamese seafood restaurants

Peanut worm porridge is a comforting option to enjoy at Vietnamese seafood restaurants (Source: Collected)

2.2. Bao ngu Bach Long Vy (Bach Long Vy abalone)

A specialty of Bach Long Vy Island in Hai Phong, this Vietnamese seafood is listed in Vietnam’s Red Book. There are two types of Bach Long Vy abalone – bao ngu da (rock abalone), which clings to underwater reefs, and bao ngu lo (hole abalone), which lives in seabed crevices. Both are highly nutritious and considered a delicacy in Vietnamese food culture.

Bach Long Vy abalone can be enjoyed fresh or dried. If you prefer fresh abalone, you can try it sashimi-style. For cooked options, popular dishes include steamed abalone, braised abalone with lotus seed, abalone porridge, and abalone with crab roe sauce. A particularly nourishing dish is abalone and black sea cucumber slow cooked with medicinal herbs, recommended for those recovering from illness.

2.3. Muc nhay (Jumping squid)

Jumping squid is a must-try Vietnamese seafood in Nghe An. For those who get to catch it fresh at sea, the simplest way to enjoy it is by boiling and dipping it in chili sauce. Another popular method is grilling the whole squid over red-hot charcoal. The smoky aroma, combined with the salty sea breeze, enhances its natural sweetness and tenderness.

Muc nhay can also be eaten lightly cooked. Live squid is briefly dipped in boiling water, much like a hot pot preparation, then served with a sprinkle of seasoning powder and a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty flavor. For those who love a bit of heat, mustard adds a tingling sensation, while chili sauce delivers a fiery kick.

Jumping squid is a unique ingredient of Vietnamese seafood recipes

Jumping squid is a unique ingredient of Vietnamese seafood recipes (Source: Collected)

2.4. Ca ngu dai duong (Ocean tuna)

Ocean tuna is a specialty of Phu Yen. Best served with wasabi, this Vietnamese seafood is thoroughly cleaned to maintain freshness. When the deep-red meat turns pink or pale pink, it is ready to eat. Ocean tuna is often enjoyed with a good-quality wine, which balances the coolness of the fish with the warmth of the drink.

While ocean tuna is often exported, its eyes and roe are considered rare treats found only in Phu Yen. After being carefully cleaned, tuna eyes are seasoned with various spices and steamed until tender. This method enhances the buttery texture, making this Vietnamese seafood a sought-after delicacy among seafood lovers.

2.5. So huyet O Loan (O Loan blood cockle)

O Loan blood cockles are larger than those found in other regions and are available year-round. These blood cockles are prepared in a variety of ways, including grilled with scallion oil, stir-fried, roasted with salt and chili, dipped in tamarind sauce with Vietnamese coriander, or served in porridge.

You can enjoy this Vietnamese seafood at roadside eateries in Phu Yen, especially to the north of O Loan Lagoon, where floating restaurants offer a unique dining experience. For a more adventurous option, join the local fishermen on an evening boat trip. Freshly caught cockles can be grilled right on the boat!

So huyet O Loan is among the top Vietnamese grilled seafoods

So huyet O Loan is among the top Vietnamese grilled seafoods (Source: Collected)

2.6. Tom hum (Lobster)

Lobster is one of the most famous Nha Trang seafood, known for its naturally sweet flavor. The region’s warm waters provide the perfect conditions for lobsters to grow, making them a prized catch among locals and tourists alike. There are many ways to enjoy lobster. This Vietnamese seafood can be steamed to highlight its freshness, grilled with garlic butter for an aromatic dish, or stir-fried with salt and chili for a bold kick. Lobster porridge is another popular choice, offering a nourishing meal. For the freshest experience, visitors can dine at restaurants where lobsters are kept alive in seawater tanks.

2.7. Muc mot nang (One-sun dried squid)

One-sun dried squid offers a true taste of the coastal essence of Phan Thiet. It is dried for a whole day to achieve the perfect balance between tenderness and firmness. When gently grilled over charcoal, the squid turns a beautiful golden color and develops an irresistible aroma. Typically, squid weighing between 200 and 300 grams is used, although some can weigh up to a kilogram. This Vietnamese seafood is best enjoyed with a simple dipping sauce that highlights its rich flavor.

Looking for Vietnamese seafood dishes in Phan Thiet? - Don’t forget muc mot nang

Looking for Vietnamese seafood dishes in Phan Thiet? – Don’t forget muc mot nang! (Source: Collected)

2.8. Oc vu nang (Cellana snail)

Cellana snail is a rare Vietnamese seafood of Vung Tau, easily recognized by its asymmetrical cone shape with a small nub at the tip. Its outer shell is grayish-black, while the inside shimmers with a mother-of-pearl sheen. Whether boiled, grilled, or served in salads, cellana snail offers a uniquely delicious taste.

Simply dipping it in a mix of salt, pepper, and lime enhances its natural sweetness and slight crunch. Unlike other shellfish, it is not too chewy like clams, or as small as oysters. In addition, the broth made from simmering boiled snails is a treat in itself, striking a perfect balance between saltiness and sweetness.

2.9. Bien mai (Horn scallop)

Horn scallop is a well-known Phu Quoc food, valued for its firm and flavorful adductor muscle called “coi bien mai.” These large scallops live in deep waters, making them harder to be harvested. Still, their unique texture and taste make them a must-try. Horn scallops can be stir-fried with mushrooms and greens for a savory dish or added to soups for a umami-packed broth. The most popular preparation is grilled scallop with salt and chili, which elevates the natural flavor and tender texture of this Vietnamese seafood.

Bien mai is a well-known Vietnamese seafood

Bien mai is a well-known Vietnamese seafood (Source: Collected)

2.10. Tom tit (Mantis shrimp)

Mantis shrimp is a well-loved Vietnamese seafood with firm, sweet meat and a distinct flavor. It can be steamed with lemongrass, grilled with salt and chili, or stir-fried with tamarind sauce for a balance of tangy and savory notes. Some prefer it boiled and served with a simple salt and lime dip, which brings out its fresh taste. No matter how it is prepared, mantis shrimp is a popular dish that showcases the richness of Vietnam’s seafood.

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3. Best places to eat seafood in Vietnam

You can find Vietnamese seafood in coastal cities such as Ha Long, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hoi An, and more. For a more refined dining experience, consider these Michelin-recommended seafood restaurants in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City: 

  • Oc Di Tu: 144C Quan Thanh Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
  • Ba Co Loc Coc: 222 Khanh Hoi Street, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City 
  • Oc Vi Saigon: 21 Gia Ngu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  • Oc Dao: 212B/D48 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 
  • Tanh Tach: 3 Yet Kieu Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
There are many places to enjoy Vietnamese seafood

There are many places to enjoy Vietnamese seafood (Source: Collected)

Discover the top 15 seafood restaurants in Saigon to savor ocean delights!

Vietnamese seafood offers rich culinary experiences deeply rooted in the country’s coastal heritage. From ocean tuna and mantis shrimp to peanut worm and Bach Long Vy abalone, each dish showcases the natural flavors of the ocean. With an abundance of fresh ingredients and distinctive recipes, Vietnam is a true paradise for seafood lovers.

Enjoying seafood in Vietnam is not just about the flavors, it is about the experience. At the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, you can savor the freshest seafood while taking in stunning views for a true delight. After indulging in a feast at Vinpearl, you can continue the adventure at the entertainment complexes of VinWonders, where thrilling games and captivating shows offer endless fun for all ages.

VinWonders Phu Quoc is the largest theme park in Vietnam

VinWonders Phu Quoc is the largest theme park in Vietnam

 

Book VinWonders Phu Quoc ticket now

 

Play and dine to your heart’s content at VinWonders Nha Trang

Play and dine to your heart’s content at VinWonders Nha Trang

 

Book VinWonders Nha Trang ticket now

 

Captivating shows await at VinWonders Nam Hoi An

Captivating shows await at VinWonders Nam Hoi An

 

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