Main Highlights
For seafood enthusiasts, the name “Phong Cua” resonates deeply. True to its name, the restaurant offers a diverse and tantalizing array of crab dishes that are simply irresistible. Let's delve into this top-notch crab dining experience in Saigon!
1. Introduction to Phong Cua Restaurant
In Saigon, Phong Cua stands out as the go-to spot for delectable crab dishes. Established in 2004 as Cây Sứ Quán Phong Cua, it quickly became a trusted destination for seafood indulgence, including the renowned Cà Mau crab. In 2010, the restaurant relocated to 1019 Bình Qưới, Ward 28, Bình Thạnh District, boasting a spacious and elegant ambiance.
Photo Credit: @baestars_
Building on its initial success, Phong Cua expanded with a second branch on Bình Qưới Street, solidifying its position on the culinary map of Bình Thạnh District and Saigon as a whole.
After nearly 20 years, Phong Cua has served hundreds of thousands of meals, offering quality and enticing dishes at affordable prices. Both locations feature extensive indoor and outdoor seating, making them ideal venues for gatherings and celebrations.
2. Ambiance at Phong Cua Restaurant
Both Phong Cua locations boast expansive spaces. The garden-style design offers a cool outdoor area and an elegant indoor setting.
Notably, Phong Cua 2 features a delightful riverside view. Enjoying piping hot crab hotpot amidst the fragrant aroma and allure of the riverside scenery is simply incomparable.
Photo Credit: @dammeanuongcogisai
In the evening, both locations are adorned with sparkling lights, creating an incredibly romantic atmosphere. The lively ambiance, combined with the dazzling view of the river under the shimmering lights, enhances the dining experience, making it even more memorable. This area is also a favorite spot for hosting parties, birthdays, and other celebrations.
Photo Credit: Collected
For occasions requiring privacy or a quieter setting, the restaurant can accommodate such requests with its VIP rooms, ranging from 10 to 70 guests. Despite the restaurant's constant popularity, finding a suitable spot to enjoy delicious dishes with loved ones is not overly challenging.
3. Must-Try Dishes at Phong Cua
Phong Cua restaurant boasts a menu featuring an overwhelming number of dishes. The menu is divided into sections such as appetizers, shrimp dishes, squid dishes, snail dishes, fish dishes, beef/pork/chicken dishes, rice/noodles/vermicelli dishes, hotpot dishes, etc., making it easier for diners to make selections.
Crab Dishes
However, we'll let you in on some delicious dishes that you absolutely must try, especially the crab dishes. Whether it's Louisiana-style crab, grilled crab, dry salted crab, dry/wet tamarind crab, crab curry, beer-steamed crab, etc., there's something for every palate.
Photo Credit: Lộc Gìa
Each crab is visually appealing, coated with a savory layer of dry salt or glossy tamarind sauce. The firm, sweet crab meat, combined with various sauces, creates a delightful flavor profile. Creamy salted egg sauce, tangy tamarind sauce (perfect with bread), fragrant black pepper sauce mixed with crispy pork fat,... For spice enthusiasts, the spicy Malay crab dish, infused with unique spices, offers a tantalizing aroma and heat.
Photo Credit: @hanh.nguyen.0403
Seafood Dishes
In addition to the delectable crab dishes, Phong Cua restaurant also impresses with a variety of other delicious seafood dishes. These include grilled or salted chili shrimp, spicy dried squid, satay grilled squid, snakehead fish hotpot or grilled with chili,...
Photo Credit: Nguyễn La Ngọc Hân
Snail Dishes
For those who are fans of snail dishes, you'll be enchanted by the variety offered here. The diverse snail menu is just as affordable as other seafood dishes. The more people, the cheaper, and the more dishes you can enjoy.
The snails here come in many varieties such as black pepper grilled snails, chili garlic grilled snails, tamarind fried snails, cheese/garlic butter clams, razor clams, blood cockles, green-lipped mussels... You'll have plenty of options to choose from and indulge in.
Photo Credit: Phong Cua
Additionally, while waiting for the crab dishes, you can also order some appetizers or noodle dishes, stir-fried vegetables, etc. The seafood stir-fried noodles are quite delicious, with chewy noodles and fresh, succulent seafood. The stir-fried vegetables are flavorful and not overcooked. Adding some crispy tofu dipped in thick shrimp paste sauce makes for a satisfying meal.
5. Dining Tips at Phong Cua Restaurant
Phong Cua restaurant allows customers to 'shop' for their preferred crabs and fish. Afterwards, the staff will weigh them, take note of the requested dishes, and pass them to the kitchen for preparation.
Secrets to Choosing Delicious Crabs: Here, there are two types of crabs available: mud crabs and meat crabs, in large and medium sizes. Depending on your preference, budget, and number of diners, you can choose the appropriate type of crab.
Photo Credit: @bluewebkq
However, customers can only choose their crabs when the restaurant is not busy (such as during lunch hours or early weekdays). On weekends, the restaurant is usually crowded, so customers won't have the opportunity to choose.
Above are reviews of Phong Cua restaurant - one of the renowned eateries in Bình Thạnh District. The restaurant has received high praise for the quality of its dishes and service. Wishing you delightful dining experiences here!
Posted by: Đỗ Thành Hưng
Keywords: Exploring Phong Cua: Saigon's Top-selling Crab Restaurant