Top 12 Most Expensive Dishes in Vietnam

The Chia Voi fish, also known as the Hai Long, resembles a large eel with a round body and bright red skin that is not slippery like an eel. When fully grown, it can reach lengths of over a meter and weigh around 1 kilogram. Priced between 1 to 1.3 million VND, the Chia Voi is a rare marine delicacy eagerly sought after by gourmet enthusiasts. Due to overfishing, this fish has become increasingly scarce, pushing its price higher over time.

The Chia Voi fish is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, providing a rich source of protein, low fat, vitamin B6, and minerals like iron and calcium, which are essential for red blood cell production and immune function. Furthermore, it contains a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. This fish is also used in traditional remedies for ailments such as impotence, back pain, kidney health, goiter, and coughs.

Sea worms, known as Sa Sung, have been a rare and prized seafood delicacy for centuries. Their market price is quite high, sometimes even equivalent to the price of gold per kilogram. These worms can be prepared fresh or dried, each method offering a distinct culinary experience.

Depending on how they are prepared, dishes made with sea worms always leave diners satisfied. Not only are they delicious, but they are also believed to have medicinal properties that offer surprising health benefits.

Giant clams (Ngan) resemble large clams but are much rarer and significantly more expensive, with prices ranging from 600 to 800 VND per kilogram. These mollusks are highly nutritious and known for their excellent health benefits, making them a prized delicacy.

Giant clams can be prepared fresh or dried, offering rich, savory flavors and impressive nutritional value. This dish not only offers a delectable taste but also provides a robust boost to one's health, leaving a lasting impression on those who indulge in it.

Sambar (Sam Cam) is a migratory bird from the northern regions, and it is considered a luxury item with a very high price. On farms, a 500-gram Sambar can cost around 900,000 VND.

If caught in the wild, the price of Sambar can be significantly higher. The bird's meat is rich in nutrients and is believed to have health-boosting properties, especially for those recovering from illness. For this reason, it is often sought after by wealthy individuals in Vietnam for its health benefits and reputation as a restorative delicacy.

Lobsters are commonly found beneath coral reefs, where they thrive. For centuries, lobsters have been considered the 'king' of all shellfish due to their firm and sweet meat. Lobsters are distinguished by their large, powerful claws and delicious, tender flesh. The high cost of lobsters is largely due to the meat found in their claws, which is considered the most flavorful part. As lobsters primarily feed on fish, shellfish, and crabs, they are rich in calcium and protein, making them an excellent choice for boosting health and strength.

Gourmet diners are willing to pay around 3 million VND per kilogram to enjoy this luxurious seafood. Lobster can be prepared in various ways, such as grilled with cheese, garlic butter, or tomato butter sauce. When eaten, the tender meat bursts with rich, sweet flavor, complemented by the crispy, sea-salty texture of its exoskeleton.

Shark fin and shark fin soup (also known as shark cartilage soup) have long been considered a luxurious and nutritious dish, not easily accessible to everyone. However, today, this delicacy can be found in the menus of some high-end restaurants and is one of the most expensive dishes in Vietnam.

Shark fins are skillfully prepared by renowned chefs to create a nourishing soup, which is sold for around 1.5 million VND for a small bowl. This dish is particularly sought after by discerning food enthusiasts and wealthy elites in Vietnam. Despite scientific warnings about the high mercury content in shark fins, which can be harmful to health, it remains a popular dish among the affluent.

King crabs are a rare species, found only in cold, deep-sea waters. These crabs are much larger than regular crabs, with two massive claws and six legs, all covered in bright red shells. Known for their firm, flavorful meat and rich, aromatic roe, King crabs are highly coveted by wealthy Vietnamese gourmets. Unlike other seafood, King crabs are priced exceptionally high, making them a luxury item accessible only to the affluent. On the market, a 2kg imported King crab can cost up to 5 million VND, with some high-end restaurants in Hanoi offering this delicacy for about million VND per kilogram.

To preserve the distinctive sweet taste of this crab, the best methods of preparation are steaming or grilling. In Vietnam, King crabs can only be found in pristine, clear waters, such as those around Phu Quy Island and Cam Ranh, making them even more difficult to source.

Bird's nest has long been considered a royal delicacy, reserved for kings and emperors. Known for its exceptional nutritional value, bird's nest can be prepared in various ways, such as stewing with chicken, making soup with young pigeon, or cooking with sticky rice. Despite its high price, bird's nest is highly favored by food enthusiasts in Vietnam.

The most popular place to buy bird's nest is in Khanh Hoa, where swallows build their nests in large numbers. The price of bird's nest can reach around 4.5 million VND for 100 grams. Not only in Vietnam, bird's nest is also exported to many other countries across Asia.

Despite the current economic challenges, there are wealthy individuals willing to spend as much as 150 million VND for a meal featuring just three golden tortoises, each valued at 50 million VND.

The golden tortoise is believed to be an extremely rare species, living in remote mountainous regions and absorbing the mystical energy of the land and sky. Its meat is considered highly nourishing, promoting vitality. In particular, it is said to help those with heart conditions—consuming tortoise blood mixed with wine is believed to instantly cure the ailment. Although expensive, the elite continue to buy it as a symbol of their wealth and status.

Dong Tao Chicken, also known as Dong Cao, is a rare and prized chicken breed native to Vietnam. This traditional breed comes from the Dong Tao village in Khoai Chau district, Hung Yen province. It is characterized by its notably unattractive, rough, and large legs. When fully grown, these chickens can weigh between 3 to 6 kilograms.

Not only is the meat of this chicken delicious, but the distinctively large legs also contribute to its high value. The larger the legs, the more expensive the chicken. The market price for this breed can range from 1 to 1.5 million VND per kilogram, depending on the type.

Legend has it that the Nine-Clawed Chicken was a royal offering to the King, linked to the myth of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh. This makes the Nine-Clawed Chicken far more expensive than regular chickens. Not only is the meat flavorful and nutritious, but it is also believed to bring fortune and prosperity to families who enjoy it during family reunions, especially at the start of the new year.

During the Lunar New Year, the price of this chicken ranges from 600,000 to 1 million VND. However, true Nine-Clawed Chickens are incredibly rare, with no one having successfully bred them yet. As a result, people are willing to purchase chickens with 6, 7, or even 8 claws for ancestor offerings and are not hesitant to spend a significant amount during holiday seasons.

Once honored with the title of “The Best Fish of Van Lang” and reserved exclusively for royal offerings, the Anh Vu Fish, also known as the Royal Fish, commands a high price. A fish weighing less than 2 kg can cost around 1.4 million VND, while those above 5 kg are priced at 1.6 million VND per fish.

This fish is distinguished by its wide mouth, often referred to as the “pig’s mouth,” and its firm, white, flavorful flesh. Anh Vu Fish is quite particular about its diet, feeding only on algae and thriving in pristine water, which explains its hefty price tag and the efforts of discerning food lovers to find it.