If you’re passionate about seafood, Vietnam should be at the top of your travel list. Boasting an extensive coastline and a wealth of marine life, Vietnam provides an array of seafood delights that will excite your palate. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh or relaxing in peaceful coastal towns, you’ll discover a wide range of seafood dishes that are sure to fulfill your culinary desires. From fresh grilled lobster to savory sour fish soup, Vietnam offers the best seafood experiences that will tantalize your taste buds.
Top Seafood Destinations
1. Halong Bay
Known for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its fresh seafood. The floating markets here are a unique experience, where you can buy seafood directly from fishermen and have it cooked on the spot.
2. Da Nang
Da Nang boasts a vibrant food scene, with My Khe Beach being a hotspot for seafood lovers. The beachside restaurants offer an array of fresh catches, from clams and crabs to fish and squid. Don’t miss out on the city’s famous fish sauce, which adds a unique flavor to many dishes.
3. Nha Trang
This coastal city is renowned for its lobster, but you’ll find plenty of other seafood delights here as well. The Nha Trang seafood market is a must-visit for its lively atmosphere and fresh produce. Pair your seafood with local fresh herbs and rice paper for a true Vietnamese experience.
4. Phu Quoc
Known as the “Pearl Island,” Phu Quoc is a seafood haven. From fish sauce factories to night markets, this island offers a variety of seafood experiences that highlight the island’s rich marine life. Fresh sea urchins and snails are local delicacies you shouldn’t miss.
5. Vung Tau
Vung Tau is a popular weekend getaway for Saigon residents, and its seafood is a major draw. The seafood restaurants along Back Beach and Front Beach are known for their fresh and affordable dishes. Enjoy your seafood with a cold local beer for the perfect meal.
Coastal Specialties
Grilled Lobster (Tôm Hùm Nướng)
A succulent and flavorful dish, often served with garlic butter or a simple salt and pepper dip. Pair it with fresh vegetables and steamed rice for a complete meal.
Grilled Scallops with Green Onions (Sò Điệp Nướng Mỡ Hành)
Scallops grilled to perfection and topped with fragrant green onions and peanuts. Enjoy with a side of fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
Sea Urchin (Nhím Biển)
Often served raw with a bit of lime juice, or grilled with a touch of scallion oil. Best enjoyed with a glass of chilled white wine.
Steamed Crab (Cua Hấp)
Fresh crabs steamed and served with a tangy lime and salt dipping sauce. Complement it with a side of sticky rice.
Fried Squid (Mực Chiên Giòn)
Crispy fried squid rings, perfect as a snack or appetizer. Dip them in sweet chili sauce for an extra kick.
Freshwater Favorites
Grilled Snakehead Fish (Cá Lóc Nướng Trui)
A rustic dish where the whole fish is grilled over an open flame, often served with rice paper and fresh herbs. Roll it up with herbs and dip in fish sauce.
Steamed Clams with Lemongrass (Nghêu Hấp Sả)
Clams steamed with lemongrass, chili, and ginger, creating a fragrant and flavorful broth. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the broth.
Crispy Fried Catfish (Cá Tầm Chiên Giòn)
Catfish fried to a golden crisp, usually accompanied by a dipping sauce. Pair with a fresh green salad.
Hot Pot with Eel (Lẩu Lươn)
A hot pot dish featuring tender eel and a variety of vegetables in a savory broth. Enjoy with a side of vermicelli noodles.
Boiled Snails with Lemongrass (Ốc Luộc Sả)
Snails boiled with lemongrass and served with a spicy, tangy dipping sauce. Best enjoyed with a cold beer.
Seafood Dishes Not to Miss
Canh Chua Ca (Sour Fish Soup)
A traditional southern Vietnamese soup with a tangy tamarind broth, featuring fish, pineapple, tomatoes, and okra. Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Lau Hai San (Seafood Hot Pot)
A communal hot pot dish filled with a variety of seafood, vegetables, and herbs, cooked right at the table. Pair with fresh noodles or rice.
Goi Ca Mai (Mai Fish Salad)
A refreshing salad made with raw mai fish, mixed with fresh herbs, peanuts, and a tangy dressing. Serve with rice paper for wrapping.
Banh Canh Ghe (Crab Noodle Soup)
A hearty noodle soup with thick noodles and chunks of sweet, tender crab meat. Garnish with fresh herbs and lime.
Tom Rang Me (Tamarind Shrimp)
Shrimp cooked in a sweet and tangy tamarind sauce, often garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with steamed rice.
Experience the Flavors of Vietnam with Vespa Adventures
Vietnam’s coastal regions are a seafood lover’s dream, offering an array of fresh and delicious dishes. Whether you’re dining at a beachfront restaurant or exploring a bustling seafood market, the flavors of Vietnam’s coast will leave a lasting impression. Embark on a culinary adventure and savor the best seafood experiences that coastal Vietnam has to offer.
For more adventurous food tours, check out our Hanoi Foodie Experience, Saigon Foodie Experience, Streets and Eats of Hoi An, and Streets and Eats of Hue.
