Just over two hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau has long been a favorite getaway for those who love the sea and a slower pace of life. Beyond its scenic beaches, the city is also celebrated for its rich and diverse culinary scene - especially its iconic coastal specialties.

Here are 7 must-try Vung Tau dishes, curated from real traveler experiences and local recommendations. And the best part? If you’re staying at Iconic Long Hai Hotel, you can enjoy most of these dishes within 20 minutes of the property!

 

1. Banh Khot – A Crispy Taste of Vung Tau

No list of Vung Tau’s specialties is complete without Banh Khot - a beloved street food staple that locals and visitors alike can’t get enough of. These bite-sized savory rice flour pancakes are topped with fresh shrimp, scallion oil, and a touch of turmeric for color.

Fried until crispy on the outside and soft inside, they’re served with fresh herbs and a perfectly balanced sweet-and-sour fish sauce for dipping. Simple yet addictive, Banh Khot captures the soul of Vung Tau’s everyday flavor.

Vung Tau’s banh khot - crispy, golden bites topped with flavorful shrimp and pork, finished with aromatic scallion oil.

 

Where to Try Banh Khot in Vung Tau

• Banh Khot di 6 cute - 161 Truong Cong Dinh Street
• Banh Khot Ut Lam - 40 Ba Trieu Street

 

2. Stingray Hotpot – A Signature Coastal Favorite

Lau Ca Duoi, or Stingray Hotpot, is a must-try dish that brings out the essence of Vung Tau’s seafood culture. The stingray meat is slightly chewy yet tender, perfectly soaked in a tangy broth made with tamarind or dracontomelon (sau), delivering a refreshing sourness.

Served with rice noodles and water spinach, this dish is ideal for sharing - whether you’re gathering with friends or enjoying a cozy dinner with family by the sea.

A bubbling pot of stingray hotpot with a tangy-spicy broth, fragrant fried shallots, and vibrant red chili - this signature dish is a bold expression of Vung Tau’s coastal flavors.

 

Where to Try Stingray Hotpot

• Lau Ca Duoi Vung Tau - Chu Binh - 40 Truong Cong Dinh Street
• Quan Lau Ca Duoi Ngon Vung Tau - Khe - 36/1 Tran Hung Dao Street

 

3. Fresh Seafood – The Heart of Vung Tau Cuisine

No trip to the coast is complete without indulging in fresh seafood. In Vung Tau, seafood is caught and cooked the same day - ensuring maximum freshness. From grilled squid with chili salt and steamed crab with lemongrass to cheesy grilled oysters, these dishes are among the most sought-after by food-loving travelers.

 

Where to Eat Fresh Seafood

• Xom Luoi Market - 7 Nguyen Cong Tru Street

From squid and shrimp to oysters and crab - Vung Tau’s seafood markets are a paradise for seafood lovers, offering an authentic taste of the ocean in every bite.

 

• Ganh Hao Seafood Restaurant - 3 Tran Phu Street

 

4. Salted Egg Sponge Cake - A Sweet and Savory Gift from the Sea

No trip to Vung Tau is complete without bringing home its most beloved edible souvenir: Salted Egg Yolk Sponge Cake. This local favorite features fluffy sponge cake topped with pork floss, rich salted egg yolks, and creamy egg-based sauce - offering a perfectly balanced bite of sweet, savory, and umami.

Soft, creamy, and rich in flavor, Vung Tau’s salted egg sponge cake has become a favorite snack and gift among travelers - perfect to enjoy on the go or bring home as a tasty souvenir.

 

Where to Buy Salted Egg Sponge Cake

• Golden Bakery - 126a9 Hoang Hoa Tham Street | 195 Le Hong Phong Street
• A Ty Salted Egg Sponge Cake - 2 Đo Chieu Street

 

5. Oyster Congee - A Nutritious Dish That’s Easy to Love

Piping hot oyster congee, featuring tender, buttery oysters blended with fragrant fried shallots.

 

Slow-cooked using toasted rice and sweet, plump oysters, the dish is elevated with fragrant fried shallots and a touch of ground pepper. Perfect for a light breakfast or a soothing evening meal.

Where to Try Oyster Congee

• Delight Restaurant - Iconic Long Hai Hotel
• Di Tu - 576 Truong Cong Dinh Street
• Bich Lam Tran Dong - 81 Tran Dong Street

 

6. Terminalia Nut Snack - A Unique Coastal Treat from Con Dao

Originally from Con Dao, terminalia nut snacks have become popular souvenirs in Vung Tau. These seeds are roasted with salt or coated in caramelized sugar, delivering a crunchy, nutty flavor that's both satisfying and unique—perfect as a gift or snack on the go.

Where to Buy Terminalia Nut Snacks

• Ben Dinh Seafood Market - 257 Le Loi Street
• Xom Luoi Market - 7 Nguyen Cong Tru Street

 

7. Stuffed Fried Hollow Donuts – A Beloved Morning Snack

Simple yet irresistibly delicious, these golden, deep-fried donuts are filled with sweet mung bean paste and boast a crispy outside with a soft, fluffy interior. They’re commonly sold at morning street carts across Vung Tau and make for the perfect quick breakfast.

Where to Find Them

Phuong 1 & Phuong 7 Markets (early mornings). Look out for steaming hot donuts sold from street vendors—only 5,000–7,000 VND each!

 

Tips for Enjoying Local Dishes in Vung Tau

• Choose live seafood: Go for seafood that's still moving for maximum freshness.
• Taste before you buy in bulk: Especially with local sweets or sponge cakes.
• Negotiate prices at markets: Especially in places like Xom Luoi Market.

 

Why You Should Try Vung Tau's Local Dishes at Least Once

Vung Tau’s cuisine is a vibrant fusion of coastal culture, local tradition, and the warmth of its people. Every dish tells a story - whether it’s crispy banh khot on a seaside street corner or a steaming stingray hotpot shared with family at sunset.

If you're staying at Iconic Long Hai Hotel, you’re in the perfect spot to explore it all. With most dishes available just a few kilometers away, your culinary journey through Vung Tau starts right here.