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Vietnam has an extensive coastline of over 3,000 kilometers, resulting in an abundant source of seafood. While many types of seafood are found across different regions, the quality can differ depending on local conditions.
Vietnamese fishermen are bringing freshly caught tuna ashore. Source: Nguoilaodong
Additionally, regional cooking methods and creativity make these seafood dishes irresistibly appealing to visitors exploring each corner of the country.
Seafood is not only a nutritious food source packed with nutrients, but it's also incredibly delicious after being well prepared. Asia King Travel is excited to share some of the best seafood dishes in Vietnam – a culinary adventure you won't want to miss!
Vietnamese cuisine is enticing, and this is especially true for seafood dishes. Vietnamese skillfully use spices to create delicious flavors and minimize any unpleasant odors. Whether you're new to seafood or unfamiliar with Vietnamese cuisine, you'll find it easy to enjoy these dishes.
Vietnamese seafood is cooked into countless enticing dishes
They also add vegetables to complement the seafood, so eating a large portion won’t be overwhelming. Finally, seafood is prepared in many ways, such as frying, grilling, steaming, etc. depending on the type to achieve the most delectable results.
Seafood contains essential nutrients, especially protein and vitamins A and B. There is low fat content in seafood so you can eat a considerable amount without worrying about obesity. Seafood also contains Omega-3 to regulate heart rate. Overall, consuming seafood supports heart health, boosts overall wellness, and improves vision and memory.
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When it comes to seafood, crab is the most popular one. Although belonging to the crab family, it has a thinner body and softer shell, with firm and sweet meat. Crab is relatively simple to prepare compared to other seafood, yet a distinct flavor will please any diner. The simplest way to prepare crab is to beer-steamed.
Blue crabs have a slender shape, white spots on their bodies and blue legs
Crab can be found throughout the southern coastal regions, but the most exceptional variety is the blue crab caught in Phan Rang, Ninh Thuan Province. A high-quality blue crab will have a firm shell but not too thick with plump and firm meat even after steaming. The crab roe is exceptionally sweet, rich, and creamy.
Binh Ba Island in Khanh Hoa is so famous for lobster dishes that tourists have nicknamed it "Lobster Island." The lobster meat is uniquely firm and crunchy compared to other places, making it a must-try delicacy despite the high price. Visitors are once in Khanh Hoa always eager to experience the unforgettable, rich flavors of Binh Ba lobster dishes.
Binh Ba lobster grilled with scallion and sauce
Lobster in Binh Ba is prepared in many methods for delicious dishes, such as grilled, steamed, lobster blood pudding, steamed lobster with chili salt, grilled lobster with cheese, grilled lobster with garlic butter, lobster soup...
But the simplest and most delicious way to enjoy is grilled lobster dipped in green peppercorn salt. The sweetness of the lobster meat combined with the spicy and sour chili salt will tantalize your taste buds with incredible flavor.
Around December and January each year, tuna gather in schools off the coast of Phu Yen Province. This is the prime time to visit the region and savor the local specialty: fresh yellowfin tuna.
Tuna appears in many local dishes. Tuna salad and tuna hotpot are the most popular. Freshly caught from the sea, the fish is cleaned, thinly sliced, and chilled to maintain succulence. The tuna is ready to eat when its color transforms from bright red to pink or pale pink.
Phu Yen tuna eyes are prepared and presented in exquisite way
In addition, tuna eyes are a signature dish you can only experience in Phu Yen. Large tuna eyes are placed in a pot with traditional herbs and spices, seasoned to taste, and then steamed. The result is a nutritious dish with a delicate aroma and crispy, soft, and sweet taste. It is considered exceptionally beneficial for the elderly.
Bach Long Vi Island (Hai Phong Province) is the kingdom of abalone. They typically inhabit rocky crevices and holes on the seabed. Bach Long Vi abalone shell is boat-shaped and thin, with a dark green or dark brown exterior. This abalone is a rare endemic species with limited harvesting.
Abalone is associated with high-end cuisine
Dishes made from Bach Long Vi abalone are considered delicacies for nourishment, such as abalone soup, abalone porridge, and abalone salad, often served with other premium ingredients. Abalone is believed to improve eyesight, aid digestion, and enhance male vitality.
One-sun-dried squids in Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province, are the freshest and most delicious squid. Upon arrival from the fishing boats, the squid is cleaned and then dried for one day under Binh Thuan's scorching sun, before being transformed into delectable dishes.
One-sun dried squid is both crispy and retains the freshness
Phan Thiet one-sun-dried squid is often grilled, fried with fish sauce, steamed with lemongrass, or used in salads by the locals. The squid meat is chewy, sweet, and slightly crunchy. Paired with chili, it makes you can not help but take another piece. The meal becomes even more perfect when accompanied by a refreshing drink.
Quan Lan, Quang Ninh Province, is famous for a type of marine worm that closely resembles an earthworm, earning it the nickname "seaworm" or "earthworm of the sea." This creature is a one-of-one Quang Ninh specialty as it is rarely found elsewhere in Vietnam.
Dried seaworms doesn't lose any nutrients and can be stored for a long time
Seaworm meat has a sweet flavor, making it a popular ingredient in many Quang Ninh. Some mouth-watering can be mentioned as sweet and sour stir-fry, grilled with chili salt, salad, or stir-fried with garlic chives. It is even used to enhance the sweetness of Pho broth. Interestingly, dried seaworms are more valuable than fresh seaworms.
O Loan Lagoon in Phu Yen Province is ranked as a National Scenic Spot. But beyond beautiful natural scenery, the lagoon is also famous for delicious blood cockles. Visitors often say, "You haven't truly experienced Phu Yen until you've tasted the blood cockles." The blood cockles here are significantly larger than those found in other regions.
Nothing better than enjoying the famous local specialty while taking in the scenery at O Loan Lagoon
O Loan Lagoon blood cockles have thick, tender meat with a distinct savory flavor. Steamed blood cockles offer the purest taste of the shellfish. Meanwhile, dishes like tamarind-stir-fried, salt-roasted, or grilled with scallion oil create an explosion of flavors.
Asia King Travel has just introduced you to 7 signature seafood you must try across Vietnam. But that's not all; countless other seafood delicacies options are waiting for you to discover. Contact us now to plan a trip to Vietnam and enjoy a memorable beach paradise, from the sea to the food!
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