1. Reasons why Vung Tau dried seafood is always loved by tourists?
1.1. Characteristics of Vung Tau dried seafood
Vung Tau is favored by nature with abundant seafood resources, standing out thanks to its long coastline, clear blue waters, and favorable natural conditions. This is where offshore fishing boats bring back fresh, delicious fish such as yellow-striped scad, mackerel, or squid, creating a rich source of ingredients for processing.
The processing procedures here are a combination of traditional experience and modern techniques. After being caught, seafood is cleaned and pre-processed right at the port, then sun-dried or dried using hygienic production lines. As a result, the characteristic flavor, natural sweetness, and chewiness of each type of dried seafood are preserved.
Dried seafood of Vung Tau is diverse, ensuring quality and hygiene safety. (Source: Collected)
Moreover, dried seafood of Vung Tau is also chosen by many tourists as meaningful gifts after each trip. With the advantages of being easy to preserve, compact, lightweight, and convenient to carry far, packages of seasoned squid, dried fish, or dried shrimp not only retain the salty flavor of the sea but also contain the sincere affection of the giver. Bringing back this sea-infused gift is a way to convey a part of Vung Tau's flavors and memories to friends and relatives, so they can also feel the warmth and closeness of this beautiful coastal region.
1.2. Types of dried seafood from Vung Tau chosen by many tourists
Among the types of dried seafood from Vung Tau, dried squid is always a top choice loved by tourists. From fresh squid (tube squid, flat squid) caught directly offshore, local people meticulously process them through natural sun-drying to preserve their characteristic sweet, chewy, and aromatic flavor. Dried squid from Vung Tau is not only delicious when grilled, but can also be stir-fried with tamarind sauce (sweet and sour) or shredded and mixed into salads. Thanks to its special flavor and superior quality, dried squid has become an iconic specialty when mentioning Vung Tau's seafood cuisine.
Dried yellow-fin scad is attractive with its soft, nutty, and sweet flesh. This type of fish is suitable as a snack, a side dish for drinks, or for family meals. Dried triggerfish and dried mackerel are also equally popular with firm flesh and rich flavor, easily prepared into grilled, fried, or braised dishes.
Dried shrimp and dried crab contribute to enriching the picture of dried seafood from Vung Tau. Dried shrimp vary in size, small ones are often used for congee, large ones are processed into salads or other dishes. Rimmed crab is a pre-prepared dish, with a savory-sweet taste that is easy to eat, suitable for enjoying immediately or with rice.
2. Types of dried seafood from Vung Tau favored by tourists
2.1. Dried yellow-fin scad, dried triggerfish, dried mackerel
In the category of dried seafood from Vung Tau, dried yellow-fin scad is always a prominent choice. The fish meat is soft, with few bones, and mildly sweet, and suitable for many age groups. This dish often appears in family meals or as a meaningful gift.
With dried triggerfish, the consumer will experience a rich flavor and a moderately chewy texture. This type of fish is suitable for direct consumption, making salads, or light snacks. Its versatility in preparation along with its characteristic aroma makes dried triggerfish widely loved.
Dried mackerel has firm, rich flesh. Dried mackerel is often chosen for fried, braised, or charcoal-grilled dishes. Many people choose this product as a gift because it can be preserved for a long time while retaining the characteristic sea flavor of the Vung Tau region.
2.2. Dried crab, dried shrimp, sun-dried squid
Dried crab is considered one of the delicate highlights in the art of processing dried seafood from Vung Tau. Fresh crab after being carefully simmered with spices will have a harmonious savory-sweet taste, easy to preserve while retaining its natural deliciousness. This product is often used as a snack or for gatherings with friends.
Dried shrimp come in various sizes and qualities, suitable for preparing many different dishes. Large dried shrimp are often used for salads or eaten with rice, while small shrimp are suitable for cooking soups and congee. Dried shrimp are a rich source of protein with a strong sea flavor.
Dried shrimp are bright red, still retaining their chewy, crispy texture and natural sweetness. (Source: Collected)
Sun-dried squid is a special product, showcasing the meticulousness and skill of the processors of Vung Tau dried seafood. Fresh squid is dried under the sun only once to fully retain its sweetness; when prepared grilled, fried, or made into salad, it is very rich.
2.3. Price comparison between dried and fresh seafood in Vung Tau
Comparing dried and fresh seafood helps tourists choose the type that suits their needs and purpose of use. Dried squid is often more valuable than fresh squid due to the meticulous processing and long-term preservation ability while still retaining its natural rich sweet flavor. Meanwhile, fresh squid is appealing for its chewy, crispy texture and fresh sweetness, suitable for local seafood meals.
Similarly, dried shrimp are priced slightly higher than fresh shrimp, but in return, this product is convenient, easy to transport long distances, and can be used to prepare many dishes such as salads, stir-fries, or braised dishes. For yellow-striped scad, although dried fish is usually more expensive than fresh fish, it is preferred because it is easy to preserve, can be used immediately, and is suitable as a gift.
Overall, Vung Tau dried seafood stands out with its advantages of being easy to preserve, convenient for transportation, and retaining the full flavor of the sea. Whereas fresh seafood captivates tourists with its natural sweetness and variety of preparation methods, suitable for enjoying on the spot.
3. Where to buy reputable, quality Vung Tau dried seafood?
3.1. Famous places to buy Vung Tau dried seafood in 2025
Long Hai Seafood is one of the familiar addresses for tourists looking to buy quality Vung Tau dried seafood. This place is famous for its abundant supply, from dried squid, dried shrimp, yellow-striped scad, dried crab to ready-to-cook specialty products, all are carefully selected and carefully packaged. Thanks to ensuring both quality and flavor, the store has become a reliable stop for many tourists from within and outside the province.
3 Sạch Dried Seafood is a reasonable choice for those who want to buy dried seafood at good prices. The store stands out with dried fish, dried squid, yellow-striped scad along with public, transparent price lists. Besides direct sales, the establishment also develops an online sales system, making it more convenient for customers to order even from afar.
At Vung Tau Seafood Market, especially Xom Luoi Market and Ben Dinh Market, tourists can easily find many large stalls with abundant supply. This is an ideal space to choose products, negotiate prices, and experience the bustling atmosphere of buying and selling.
Vung Tau seafood market sells all kinds of delicious, quality dried seafood. (Source: Collected)
3.2. How to choose a place to buy Vung Tau dried seafood ensuring quality and good prices
When looking to buy Vung Tau dried seafood, the first important thing is to check the product's origin clearly. Reputable addresses will provide transparent product information, with QR codes for origin traceability or food safety certificates. You should prioritize choosing places that meet all these requirements.
Looking at previous customer opinions and feedback is one of the effective ways to verify quality. Research reviews on e-commerce sites and travel websites to get an objective view of the products and services. Stores that receive many positive reviews are usually more reliable.
Referencing and comparing prices in many places will help tourists assess the market value of Vung Tau dried seafood. However, pay attention to places selling at unusually low prices or without clear reviews, as the quality may not be guaranteed.
To quickly assess product quality, pay attention to packaging, production date, expiry date, and actual appearance. Delicious dried seafood products usually have uniform thickness, a characteristic aroma, no strange odors, and are carefully packaged.
3.3. Some notes when buying at Vung Tau dried seafood markets
Choosing the time to shop will affect the quality and price of Vung Tau dried seafood. Usually in the early morning or late afternoon, market stalls receive new stock, with reasonable prices, helping tourists easily choose the freshest products.
Bargaining skills are essential when shopping at the market. Refer to prices at different stalls before deciding to get a suitable price. For large orders, tourists can proactively negotiate to receive discounts.
Negotiating with sellers will help you buy dried seafood at a better price. (Source: Collected)
Sensory evaluation of quality is also very important. Standardized dried seafood products must have natural colors, no unusual white powder, be dry, and have a pleasant aroma. When touched, the product should be chewy, not crumbly, or show signs of spoilage.
Avoid items with signs of mold, strange odors, or unusual colors. Choosing stores or stalls with many customers will help ensure product quality is frequently rotated and always fresh.
Dried seafood from Vung Tau is a gift rich in the taste of the sea, containing the essence and skill of the coastal people. To make your trip more complete, save reputable shopping addresses for your next visit and experience the characteristic flavors of the Vung Tau sea with friends. Notably, by 2026, Sun World Vung Tau will officially open, creating a modern paradise for entertainment, recreation, and cuisine, promising to make this an unmissable destination for all tourists.
