When I first set foot in Vietnam, I knew I was in for a culinary adventure. But little did I realize that the seafood in Vietnam would be the highlight of my trip. As a seafood lover, the thought of tasting fresh catches, from the bustling fish markets to the finest restaurants, was incredibly exciting. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and seafood is on your mind, you’re in for a treat. This guide will take you through the best places to enjoy seafood in Vietnam, whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge.
Discovering the Best Seafood at Vietnam’s Fish Markets
My journey started at one of Vietnam’s most famous fish markets, the bustling Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by a symphony of sights, sounds, and smells. The market was alive with vendors calling out their wares, the clinking of ice shovels, and the distinct scent of fresh seafood. Here, you can find everything from succulent prawns and clams to large fish and crabs, all at incredibly reasonable prices.
What truly fascinated me was learning about the journey these seafood delicacies make before they reach the market. Early each morning, just as the sun begins to rise, local fishermen and sailors bring in the day’s fresh catch from the nearby coastal waters and the Mekong Delta. These men work tirelessly through the night. They navigating the waters in small boats, to deliver the freshest seafood to the city’s bustling markets. Their dedication ensures that the seafood you find at Ben Thanh Market is not only fres. It is also of the highest quality.
At Ben Thanh Market, I quickly learned that early morning is the best time to visit. The seafood is freshest, having just arrived from the fishing boats. Vendors proudly display their catches on beds of crushed ice, and prices are negotiable. The variety is staggering—rows of stalls showcase everything from tiny anchovies and mussels to larger catches like snapper, mackerel, and even live crabs scuttling in baskets. The market also offers an array of other seafood like squid, oysters, and even exotic items like sea urchins.
Tasting the seafood
The seafood here is in pristine condition. It’s glistening under the soft light of the market as if it had just been pulled from the ocean. The prawns, which I eventually selected, had a translucent quality that hinted at their incredible freshness. I spent about 200,000 VND ($8) on a kilogram of these prawns. It was a steal compared to prices back home. The market also offers services to have your seafood cooked right on the spot. After purchasing, I decided to have them prepared right there in the market. I approached one of the cooking stalls, where a cheerful woman greeted me with a warm smile.
“Hello! Fresh prawns?” she asked, noticing the bag of seafood in my hand.
“Yes, very fresh!” I replied, holding up the bag. “Can you cook them for me?”
“Of course! How would you like them? Grilled, fried, or steamed?” she inquired, gesturing to the sizzling grills and steaming pots behind her.
I thought for a moment, taking in the various aromas wafting through the air. “Grilled, please, with some garlic and chili.”
“Good choice! It will be delicious,” she said with a nod. “It will take about ten minutes. You can sit and relax.”
I handed the prawns, and within minutes, the sizzling sound of them on the grill filled the air. As I waited, I chatted with the cook about the variety of seafood he offered.
Soon, she presented my perfectly grilled prawns. The total cost for the prawns and preparation came to $10.
I savored each bite, smiling at the entire experience. From selecting the fresh seafood to having it expertly cooked on the spot, this moment stood out as a true highlight of my time in Vietnam.
Savoring Seafood at Street Food Stalls
After exploring the fish markets, my next stop naturally led me to the street food stalls. Vietnam’s street food culture is legendary, and seafood plays a starring role. As I strolled through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, I soon found myself irresistibly drawn to the smoky aromas wafting from a small stall.
There, the vendor was expertly grilling fresh fish over an open flame, seasoned with a fragrant mix of lemongrass, garlic, and chili. I couldn’t resist getting closer, especially as the sizzling sound of the fish cooking, combined with the mouthwatering aroma, became absolutely irresistible.
I approached the vendor, a friendly middle-aged man who greeted me with a wide smile.
“Xin chào! This smells amazing,” I said, gesturing toward the grill.
“Xin chào! You like fish?” he replied, flipping a piece of fish with expert precision.
“Absolutely! What kind of fish is this?” I asked, eager to know more.
“This is ca nuong—grilled fish. Very fresh, caught this morning!” he responded, his pride evident in his voice.
“How much for one portion?” I inquired, already knowing I couldn’t leave without trying it.
“Only 60,000 VND,” he said with a nod.
“That’s a great deal! I’ll take one, please,” I said, eagerly handing over the money.
He promptly handed me a plate with a generous portion of grilled fish, accompanied by a side of fresh herbs, rice noodles, and a tangy dipping sauce. “Here you go! Enjoy your meal!” he said with a warm smile.
“Cảm ơn!” I thanked him, taking my first bite right there at the stall. The flavors were bold and fresh, with a perfect balance of heat, acidity, and umami.
Da Nang street food
In Da Nang, I discovered another street food gem—the seafood hotpot, or lau hai san. For just 150,000 VND ($6), I enjoyed a bubbling pot filled with fresh squid, prawns, clams, and fish, all simmering in a savory broth. They served the hotpot with an assortment of vegetables and noodles, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
Street food stalls reveal the heart of Vietnamese cuisine. Fresh, affordable, and packed with flavor, the food offers an authentic taste of Vietnam. Vendors source the seafood daily from nearby markets, ensuring a meal that’s both delicious and wallet-friendly.
Middle class seafood restaurants
While exploring the vibrant food scene in Vietnam, the next day I was eager to find another spot. It offered the comfort of a sit-down meal without the premium price tag of high-end dining. That’s when I stumbled upon Quan Oc Loan in Nha Trang, a middle-class restaurant that specializes in prepared seafood dishes. Located just a short walk from the beach, this unassuming eatery offers a relaxed atmosphere with simple wooden tables and a welcoming vibe. The menu is extensive, featuring a wide variety of seafood options, from stir-fried clams to grilled squid. The prices are incredibly reasonable.
Grilled scalops
I decided to start with their signature dish: grilled scallops with green onion and peanuts. Remarkably, it cost just 100,000 VND ($4). The scallops were tender and flavorful. Moreover, they were perfectly complemented by the crunch of roasted peanuts and the freshness of green onions. Additionally, the dish came with nuoc cham, a Vietnamese dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili. The balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy in the nuoc cham further enhanced the scallops’ natural sweetness. Ultimately, each bite offered a perfect harmony of flavors.
The morning glory or rau moung
Next, I ordered the stir-fried morning glory with garlic, a popular Vietnamese side dish. It was priced at 40,000 VND ($1.70). The morning glory, also known as rau muong, was sautéed to perfection. Each tender stem retained a satisfying crunch. The garlic infused the dish with a rich, aromatic flavor. It paired beautifully with the fresh, slightly bitter greens. This simple, delicious dish is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. It’s a must-try for anyone seeking authentic local flavors.
Grilled squid
For the main course, I chose the grilled squid, another highlight on the menu. The restaurant priced the grilled squid at 120,000 VND ($5). They grilled the squid expertly, achieving a perfect balance of tenderness and slight char. This cooking method created a delightful smoky flavor. The dish came with a traditional Vietnamese dip made of salt, pepper, and lime. You squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture, creating a tangy, savory dip that pairs wonderfully with seafood. The lime’s acidity cut through the squid’s richness, enhancing its flavor without overwhelming it.
Simmered snails
I noticed that many locals were enjoying a dish called oc len xao dua, snails simmered in coconut milk. Intrigued, I ordered a portion for 80,000 VND ($3.40). The snails were tender, infused with the creamy sweetness of coconut milk. The dish was subtly spiced with lemongrass and chili. It was unlike anything I had tried before—comforting and rich, showcasing the culinary creativity of Vietnamese seafood cuisine.
The meal at Quan Oc Loan was not only delicious but also incredibly affordable. It proved that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy high-quality seafood in Vietnam. The variety of dishes, each carefully prepared and seasoned with traditional Vietnamese dips and sauces, made for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re seeking something simple like stir-fried clams or unique dishes like snails in coconut milk, this restaurant offers the perfect middle ground. Quan Oc Loan exemplifies how you can enjoy a relaxed dining experience with expertly prepared seafood dishes, without the hustle of street food or the high cost of upscale restaurants.
Indulging in Vietnam’s Seafood Restaurants
While street food and markets offer an incredible experience, Vietnam’s seafood restaurants provide a chance to enjoy more refined dishes in a relaxed setting. One evening in Nha Trang, a coastal city famous for its beaches and seafood, I decided to treat myself to dinner at a well-known seafood restaurant called “Lanterns.”
Lanterns is a mid-range restaurant where the atmosphere is casual yet charming, with lantern-lit tables and views of the ocean. The menu is extensive, offering everything from traditional Vietnamese seafood dishes to Western-inspired creations. I opted for the grilled lobster, which set me back 600,000 VND ($25). The lobster was cooked to perfection, served with garlic butter and a side of fresh salad. It was one of the most expensive meals I had in Vietnam, but the quality and taste were worth every penny.
Oc Dao
In Ho Chi Minh City, I visited another popular seafood spot, “Oc Dao.” This restaurant specializes in snails (oc), which are a local delicacy. The menu featured a variety of snail dishes, cooked in different ways—grilled, steamed, stir-fried with lemongrass, or sautéed in tamarind sauce. I tried the snails sautéed in tamarind sauce, which cost 100,000 VND ($4). The dish was both sweet and tangy, with the chewy texture of the snails adding an interesting contrast. The experience of dining at Oc Dao was unique and offered a deeper insight into the diversity of Vietnamese seafood cuisine.
If you’re looking to splurge, Vietnam has no shortage of high-end seafood restaurants. In cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find upscale dining options that offer a more luxurious experience. At “The Refinery” in Ho Chi Minh City, I enjoyed a seafood platter featuring oysters, mussels, and prawns for 1,200,000 VND ($50). The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the presentation was elegant, making it a memorable dining experience.
Final Thoughts on Tasting Seafood in Vietnam
From the lively fish markets to the street food stalls and top-tier restaurants, my journey through Vietnam’s seafood scene was nothing short of extraordinary. The sheer variety of seafood available, combined with the different preparation methods, made each meal an adventure. Whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to indulge, Vietnam offers seafood experiences to suit every traveler.
If you’re visiting Vietnam, first and foremost, make it a point to explore its seafood offerings. To begin with, start your day at a fish market, where you can witness the local culture in action and purchase fresh seafood at unbeatable prices. Later on, for lunch or dinner, try a street food stall where you’ll get a taste of authentic Vietnamese flavors. Finally, if you’re in the mood to splurge, treat yourself to a meal at one of Vietnam’s many seafood restaurants, where quality and presentation take center stage.
With prices ranging from just a few dollars at a street stall to a more lavish meal at a restaurant, Vietnam’s seafood scene is accessible to everyone. The memories I made while tasting seafood in Vietnam are among the highlights of my trip, and I’m confident they will be for you too. So, pack your appetite and get ready to embark on a culinary journey through the land of fresh and flavorful seafood.
