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Vietnam is a country blessed with a rich and varied seafood selection. Renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its fresh, unique seafood, the country boasts over 10 varieties of seafood and coastal specialties that have gained national recognition. Join Mytour as we dive into these region-specific seafood delights!
1. Phu Yen Ocean Tuna
Phu Yen is renowned for its high-quality ocean tuna, particularly the prized yellowfin tuna. Tuna season runs from December to January, making it the perfect time for visitors to explore Phu Yen and indulge in this famous local delicacy.
Phu Yen's ocean tuna is prepared in various dishes such as tuna salad and tuna hotpot. The fresh, vibrant red tuna turns a pale pink when ready to enjoy. Don't miss out on the special dish of tuna eye soup with Chinese herbs, a savory, crispy, and highly nutritious treat.
2. Blood Clams from O Loan Lagoon, Phu Yen
The blood clams from O Loan Lagoon are another iconic specialty of Phu Yen. Unlike other blood clams, these are larger in size, with thick, sweet meat. Visitors can enjoy them grilled, steamed with lemongrass and chili, or stir-fried with tamarind.
A plate of fresh, delicious blood clams costs between 20,000 to 30,000 VND, but the flavor is truly unforgettable.
3. Lobster from Binh Ba, Khanh Hoa
Binh Ba, a small island in Khanh Hoa, is known as the 'Lobster Island.' The lobsters here come in various types such as blue lobsters, red lobsters, and spotted lobsters. Binh Ba lobsters are famous for their firm, sweet, and fragrant meat, which is especially delicious when grilled or steamed.
Although they are expensive (around 1 million VND per kilogram), the lobsters from Binh Ba continue to attract many visitors eager to experience this exceptional seafood flavor.
4. Phan Thiet Dried Squid, Binh Thuan
Phan Thiet dried squid is a famous seafood due to its unique preparation process. Fresh squid is cleaned and sun-dried for just one day, preserving its natural sweetness. Grilled dried squid served with Phan Thiet fish sauce is one of the most iconic dishes, an essential part of any seafood feast in this region.
5. Nipple Snails from Con Dao
The nipple snail is a rare species that only inhabits deep sea areas like Con Dao. This snail is distinguished by its asymmetrical conical shape, dark gray shell, and iridescent inner surface. The Con Dao nipple snail is commonly prepared in various dishes such as boiled snails, grilled with scallions, or made into salads. Its meat is crunchy, firm, and sweet, making it a must-try specialty when visiting this beautiful island.
6. Biên Mai Scallop Roe from Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
Biên Mai roe is the most delicious part of the biên mai, a triangular-shaped sea shell found in Phu Quoc. The roe is often prepared by grilling on skewers, stir-frying with mushrooms, or cooking in porridge. Its texture is firm, crunchy, with a unique sweet flavor from the sea. The price of biên mai roe is relatively affordable, around 70,000 to 80,000 VND per kilogram.
7. Giant Shrimp from Ca Mau
The giant shrimp from Ca Mau is known for its large size, firm texture, and sweet taste. The most popular way to prepare this shrimp is by boiling it and dipping it in salt, pepper, and lime, but it can also be steamed with coconut water or grilled. A unique feature of the Ca Mau giant shrimp is that it is often dried, making it a distinctive souvenir for visitors.
8. Sá Sùng from Quan Lan, Quang Ninh
Sá sùng is a unique type of seafood, often referred to as sea worms. This delicacy can be prepared in many delicious ways, such as stir-fried with garlic, fried, or grilled with salt and chili. Particularly, dried sá sùng is a valuable ingredient for making a flavorful pho broth.
The price of sá sùng in Quan Lan, Quang Ninh ranges from 1.2 to 1.4 million VND per kilogram.
9. Abalone from Bach Long Vy Island, Hai Phong
The Chín Lỗ abalone from Bach Long Vy Island is an incredibly rare delicacy with high nutritional value. The meat of the abalone is typically used in dishes like abalone salad or abalone porridge. The price of abalone here can reach 2 to 3 million VND per kilogram, but its exquisite taste and nutritional benefits certainly justify this price.
10. Squid from Cua Lo, Nghe An
Fresh squid, known as 'mực nháy', refers to squid that has just been caught by fishermen. Grilled or boiled with salt and pepper are the most common and delicious ways to prepare mực nháy. The squid from Nghe An is famous for its sweetness, crunchiness, and freshness, offering a delightful oceanic taste experience.
11. Barracuda from Quang Binh
Barracuda is one of Quang Binh's famous seafood specialties. The fish has a long, flat body with shiny silver skin, and its meat is tender and sweet. In Quang Binh, barracuda is prepared in many delicious ways, most notably grilled or stewed with pepper. The grilled barracuda retains its fresh, rich flavor, while the stewed version provides a hearty, spicy kick that excites the taste buds. This fish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, especially omega-3 fatty acids, which are excellent for heart health.
12. Dried Squid from Co To, Quang Ninh
Co To dried squid is one of Quang Ninh's premier specialties, renowned for its delicious flavor and exceptional quality. After being harvested from the Co To waters, the squid is naturally sun-dried, preserving its sweet taste and unique aroma. This dried squid can be prepared in various dishes, such as grilled squid with chili sauce, squid salad, or stir-fried squid with garlic and chili. When grilled over an open flame, the squid releases a tempting fragrance and has a delightful chewy and crispy texture, making it a favorite snack for many. Although Co To dried squid is priced higher than other varieties, its quality always satisfies even the most discerning customers.
The following is a list of over 10 types of seafood and marine specialties that are not only a point of pride for Vietnam but also dishes that any traveler should try at least once. From Phu Yen's ocean tuna, O Loan lagoon's blood cockles, to Binh Ba's lobsters, each dish has its own distinct preparation and taste, offering unforgettable culinary experiences.
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