Vietnam Seafood Guide: Best Dishes, Restaurants; Where to Eat

Planning a food trip to Vietnam? This Vietnam seafood guide has everything you need, from popular seafood dishes in Vietnam to the best seafood restaurants across coastal cities like Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc. Whether you love grilled lobster, hot seafood soups, or fresh crab, this guide will help you discover where to eat seafood in Vietnam and what not to miss!

The Allure of Vietnamese Seafood

You have got a lot to explore Vietnam – With a coastline stretching over 3,000 km, Vietnam is a seafood paradise. The country’s coastal towns offer everything from simple street-side grills to fine dining restaurants by the water. Vietnamese seafood dishes are known for their freshness, balance of flavours, and minimal use of heavy sauces, letting the natural sweetness of the catch shine through.

Every region has its speciality: Ha Long’s crab soups, Da Nang’s grilled squid, Nha Trang’s lobsters, and Phu Quoc’s prawns. No matter where you go, seafood is a way of life in Vietnam.

Must-Try Seafood Dishes in Vietnam (By Cooking Style)

Taste the Vietnam seafood grills

If you’re wondering what to eat, here are some Vietnamese seafood dishes grouped by cooking styles. This section is perfect for travellers who prefer exploring food by flavour rather than location.

Grilled Specialties

• Grilled Scallops (Sò điệp nướng mỡ hành): Served with scallion oil and peanuts for that nutty crunch.
• Grilled Squid (Mực nướng): Smoky, chewy, and a street-food favourite, especially in Da Nang.
• Grilled Lobster (Tôm hùm nướng): A must-try luxury dish, best found in Nha Trang or Phu Quoc.

Steamed & Boiled Delights

• Steamed Clams with Lemongrass (Nghêu hấp sả): Fragrant and light, often served with spicy dipping sauce.
• Boiled Crab (Cua luộc): Simple, fresh, and typically enjoyed with salt, pepper, and lime juice.

Soups & Broths

• Seafood Hotpot (Lẩu hải sản): A communal favourite packed with shrimp, squid, and local herbs.
• Crab Noodle Soup (Bún riêu cua): Northern Vietnam’s beloved soup dish, both comforting and hearty.

Local Tip: Look for signboards that say “Hải sản tươi sống” (fresh seafood), that’s where locals eat!

Best Seafood Restaurants in Vietnam

Here are some of the best seafood restaurants in Vietnam, known for quality, local flavours, and great ambience.

Nha Trang

• Lang Chai Restaurant: Beachside dining with live tanks and fresh catches every morning.
• Bo Ke Seafood Stalls: Affordable, authentic, and right on the waterfront.

Da Nang

• Quán Bà Cường: Popular for grilled squid and spicy seafood hotpot.
• Bé Mặn Seafood: Known for local-style clams, oysters, and prawns cooked to order.

Hanoi

• Cua Đồng Restaurant: Famous for northern-style crab dishes and shellfish soups.
• Quan Oc Gia Truyen: A favourite among locals for snail and clam specialities.

Phu Quoc

• Ra Khoi Restaurant: Great for prawns, fish, and crab cooked Vietnamese-style.
• Ham Ninh Village: Traditional seafood markets where you pick and cook your own meal.

Ho Chi Minh City

• The Deck Saigon: Upscale riverside dining with premium seafood platters.
• Oc Oanh: A legendary street joint for grilled shellfish and spicy snails.

Where to Eat Seafood in Vietnam

If you’re planning your trip based on food, here’s where to eat seafood in Vietnam for the best experiences:

• Ha Long Bay: Known for oysters and steamed clams with lemongrass.
• Da Nang: Great mix of budget-friendly BBQ seafood and luxury dining.
• Nha Trang: The lobster capital of Vietnam, grilled, steamed, or in soups.
• Phu Quoc: Famous for crab, shrimp, and its unique fish sauce heritage.
• Ho Chi Minh City: A melting pot of coastal flavours with modern fusion twists.

Vietnam Seafood Dishes List: Local Favourites You Can’t Miss

Here’s a compact Vietnam seafood dishes list to bookmark before you go:

1. Grilled scallops with scallion oil
2. Crab noodle soup (Bún riêu cua)
3. Steamed clams with lemongrass
4. Seafood hotpot (Lẩu hải sản)
5. Grilled lobster
6. Fried soft-shell crab
7. Stir-fried morning glory with garlic and shrimp
8. Snail dishes (Ốc len xào dừa)

Travel Tips for Seafood Lovers

• Visit local seafood markets early morning for the freshest selection.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked seafood from street vendors.
• Pair your meal with local beer (Bia Saigon or 333).
• In coastal towns, prices are lower during non-tourist seasons (April–October).

Check out: Things to do in Vietnam

Final Thoughts: Experience the Seafood Heaven in Vietnam

Vietnam’s seafood culture is a perfect blend of tradition, flavour, and freshness. From street stalls to seaside restaurants, every bite tells a story of the ocean. Whether you’re exploring the bustling fish markets of Da Nang or enjoying grilled lobster on a beach in Phu Quoc, this Vietnam seafood guide ensures you never miss the best bites of the coast. Make sure you add seafood experience to your Vietnam Tour Package and experience the best seafood ever!

FAQs About Vietnamese Seafood

Where to eat seafood in Vietnam for the freshest experience?

Coastal towns like Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc offer the best fresh-caught seafood cooked on-site.

What are the most popular seafood dishes in Vietnam?

Grilled scallops, seafood hotpot, and crab noodle soup are among the most popular seafood dishes in Vietnam.

Are there vegetarian or mock-seafood options?

Yes, tofu-based or mushroom “seafood” dishes are available in many Vietnamese vegetarian restaurants.

Which city has the best seafood restaurants in Vietnam?

Nha Trang and Da Nang consistently rank top for fresh, affordable, and flavour-packed seafood.