Top 10 Foods to Try in Vung Tau
Nestled along Vietnam’s southeastern coast, Vung Tau is not only a scenic beach city but also a captivating culinary destination. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just eager to savor authentic local flavors, Vung Tau offers a rich tapestry of seafood and street food specialties that delight every palate. Featured in One Vietnam’s popular Vung Tau Food Tour are four standout dishes, but the city’s flavor journey doesn’t stop there. Here’s a guide to the top 10 must-try foods for your next trip to Vung Tau.
1. Bánh Khọt (Mini Crispy Pancakes)
Vung Tau’s signature dish, bánh khọt, are irresistibly crispy, savory mini pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, fried to golden perfection in tiny cast-iron molds. Each is topped with fresh shrimp, scallions, and a drizzle of scallion oil. Wrapped in fresh greens and dipped in sweet tangy fish sauce, bánh khọt offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors – a true local favorite and a highlight of our popular food tour.
2. Bún Chả (Grilled Pork Patties with Vermicelli)
Juicy grilled pork patties served over a bed of fresh rice vermicelli, paired with plenty of fresh herbs and a superbly balanced sweet-sour fish sauce dipping sauce. This dish perfectly showcases southern Vietnamese cuisine’s harmony of sweet, salty, and fresh notes.
3. Ốc (Snails in Various Preparations)
Vung Tau is famous for its snail dishes, cooked in a variety of ways, from spicy lemongrass to savory sautéed garlic. Sampling local snails is almost mandatory here and offers a unique taste of coastal Vietnamese street food culture.
4. Bún Hải Sản (Seafood Noodle Soup)
This flavorful bowl features an assortment of fresh local seafood – shrimp, squid, fish slices – served in a savory broth with herbs and noodles. It’s a comforting and rich dish that lets you taste the bounty of Vung Tau’s waters.
5. Hủ Tiếu Mực (Squid Noodle Soup)
A variation of southern hủ tiếu, this dish combines squid, pork, fish cakes, and quail eggs in a fragrant broth made from pork bones and dried squid, served with fresh herbs and lime for brightening flavors.
6. Lẩu Cá Đuối (Stingray Hotpot)
A communal favorite, this hotpot pairs tender stingray meat with a tangy broth infused with tamarind, pineapple, and aromatic herbs. Served with fresh leafy vegetables, it’s ideal for sharing with friends or family.
7. Gỏi Cá Mai (Vietnamese Raw Fish Salad)
Made with thinly sliced white anchovy mixed with aromatic herbs and a tangy fish sauce dressing, this refreshing salad offers a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy in every bite. Enjoy it wrapped in rice paper with peanuts for added crunch.
8. Chả Giò (Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls)
Deep-fried golden and crispy, these classic rolls are packed with savory minced pork, mushrooms, and glass noodles. They are a staple snack and appetizer in Vung Tau, enjoyed with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
9. Bánh Bông Lan Trứng Muối (Salted Egg Sponge Cake)
This local dessert features a soft, moist sponge cake topped with savory salted egg yolks, cheese, and shredded pork floss. The interplay of sweet and salty flavors makes it a beloved treat throughout the city.
10. Cháo Hàu (Oyster Porridge)
A creamy porridge cooked slowly with fresh oysters, topped with crispy shallots and cilantro. It’s a warm, hearty dish perfect after a day of exploring Vung Tau’s bustling beaches and markets.
For more foodie blogs, check out our lipsmacking guide to Food in Ho Chi Minh City.