Top 10 Best Seafood Dishes: Enjoying at Vietnam Beaches

Vietnam Discovery Travel invites you to explore the beauty of Vietnam’s stunning beaches, where fresh seafood is as abundant as the scenic views. From Nha Trang to Phu Quoc, savor the country’s top 10 seafood dishes, each prepared with the freshest ingredients straight from the sea.

1. Crab

Crabs are a favorite seafood delicacy along Vietnam’s coastlines, particularly in Nha Trang and Vung Tau, where they are freshly caught and transported directly to local markets. You can easily find restaurants featuring steamed crab, crab hotpot, and tamarind-roasted crab on their menus. These dishes showcase the natural sweetness of the crab, best enjoyed while relaxing by the beach. Visitors can even purchase fresh crabs from markets to cook at home or give as gifts.

Where to Try It:

• Address: Nha Trang Seafood Restaurant, 46 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Nha Trang.
• Price Range: 200,000 – 500,000 VND per dish.

2. Sentinel Crab

Although often confused with regular crabs, sentinel crabs are distinguished by their mossy color and unique flavor. Their small pincers and white-blotted shells set them apart. While they may not be as sweet as traditional crabs, they are more affordable and highly popular with locals.

Sentinel crab dishes include steamed crab with beer and lemongrass, sweet and sour fried crab, and crab soup. The robust aroma of sentinel crab captures the essence of the sea, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Vietnam’s beaches.

Where to Try It:

• Address: Sentinel Crab Market, Da Nang, Nguyen Van Thoai.
• Price Range: 150,000 – 300,000 VND per dish.

3. Mantis Shrimp

This unique crustacean, resembling a shrimp with a harder shell, offers a distinctive chewy texture and sweet flavor. Mantis shrimp is often boiled with beer or grilled with chili salt, especially in central coastal areas like Da Nang and Quy Nhon. Another local favorite is fried mantis shrimp with tamarind, blending tangy and sweet flavors.

Where to Try It:

• Address: Mantis Shrimp Stall, My Khe Beach, Da Nang.
• Price Range: 250,000 – 400,000 VND per dish.

4. Shrimp

Vietnam’s extensive coastline is home to a variety of shrimp species, including white shrimp, sugpo prawn, and lobster. Shrimp is a staple in Vietnamese seafood cuisine, and the experience of enjoying fresh shrimp at the beach is unforgettable. Whether steamed, grilled, or fried with garlic, shrimp dishes are ubiquitous at coastal restaurants.

Where to Try It:

• Address: Hai San Hoang Gia, 55 Le Hong Phong, Nha Trang.
• Price Range: 150,000 – 400,000 VND per dish.

5. Squid

Squid is another star in Vietnam’s seafood scene, available in dishes like Ha Long’s famous squid pies or Binh Thuan’s dried squid. Whether stir-fried with tamarind, grilled, or served as squid eggs, squid dishes are always fresh and flavorful.

Where to Try It:

• Address: Squid House, 124 Le Duan, Da Nang.
• Price Range: 180,000 – 350,000 VND per dish.

6. Hard Clam

Hard clams are a beloved seafood option for their natural sweetness and affordability. Found in tropical waters, they’re readily available in seafood markets year-round. Common dishes include steamed clams with pineapple or butter garlic stir-fried clams.

Where to Try It:

• Address: Clam Café, 89 Tran Phu, Vung Tau.
• Price Range: 100,000 – 250,000 VND per dish.

7. Jellyfish

Jellyfish is often found in beach salads or as a main ingredient in jellyfish noodle soup. Its crisp texture and mild flavor are a refreshing treat during Vietnam’s hot summer days. Be sure to try it in regions like Ha Long and Nha Trang, where jellyfish is commonly harvested.

Where to Try It:

• Address: Jellyfish Delights, Bai Chay Beach, Ha Long.
• Price Range: 80,000 – 150,000 VND per dish.

8. Razor Clam

Recognizable by their long, slender shape, razor clams are a popular choice during the rainy season (May-June). Typically stir-fried with perilla leaves or served steamed, they offer a distinct, mildly salty flavor reminiscent of the ocean.

Where to Try It:

• Address: Razor Clam Heaven, Phan Thiet Beach, Binh Thuan.
• Price Range: 120,000 – 250,000 VND per dish.

9. Sweet Snail

Known as the “Queen of Snails,” sweet snail is often served steamed with lemongrass or stir-fried with tamarind. Its chewy texture and sweet, slightly nutty taste make it a luxurious option at upscale seafood restaurants, particularly in Phu Quoc.

Where to Try It:

• Address: Phu Quoc Seafood Restaurant, 12 Tran Hung Dao, Phu Quoc.
• Price Range: 300,000 – 600,000 VND per dish.

10. Scallop

A fan-shaped shell with a milky white interior, scallops are highly nutritious and flavorful. They can be enjoyed as sashimi or cooked in a variety of ways, from grilled with butter and onions to stir-fried with vegetables. Scallop dishes are especially popular in Phu Quoc and Phan Thiet.

Where to Try It:

• Address: Scallop Sanctuary, 57 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Phan Thiet.
• Price Range: 150,000 – 350,000 VND per dish.

11. Conclusion 

Exploring Vietnam’s beaches is an unforgettable journey filled with stunning views and delicious seafood. Vietnam Discovery Tours offers curated travel experiences, helping you savor every moment and meal. Ready to plan your next trip? Contact Vietnam Discovery Tours via WhatsApp for personalized recommendations and travel deals!