Best Seafood Restaurant in Saigon: Exquisite Picks for a Culinary Affair

Looking for the best seafood restaurant in Saigon? You're in luck! Saigon is home to some of the freshest and most delicious seafood you'll ever taste. With a wide range of seafood restaurants to choose from, you're sure to find something that suits your taste buds.

Saigon is a bustling city with a vibrant food scene, and seafood is a big part of it. Whether you're in the mood for a traditional Vietnamese seafood dish or something with a modern twist, there's a restaurant in Saigon that will satisfy your cravings. From street food stalls to high-end restaurants, Saigon has it all when it comes to seafood. So, get ready to indulge in some of the best seafood dishes you've ever tasted.

Key Takeaways

• Saigon is home to some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the world.
• From traditional Vietnamese seafood dishes to modern seafood cuisine, Saigon has a wide variety of seafood restaurants to choose from.
• Whether you're looking for street food or fine dining, Saigon's seafood scene has something for everyone.

Top Seafood Spots in Saigon

If you're a seafood lover, Saigon has a lot to offer. From chic waterfront dining to hidden gems, the city has something for everyone. Here are some of the top seafood spots in Saigon, divided into three categories: Chic Waterfront Dining, Hidden Gems, and Family-Friendly Choices.

Chic Waterfront Dining

If you're looking for a fancy seafood dinner with a view, Saigon has some great options. One of the most popular spots is The Deck Saigon, a restaurant located on the banks of the Saigon River. The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, including fresh oysters, grilled prawns, and lobster.

Another great option is Cục Gạch Quán, a restaurant housed in a beautifully restored French colonial villa. The restaurant serves a variety of Vietnamese seafood dishes, including shrimp, crab, and fish.

Hidden Gems

If you're looking for a more low-key seafood experience, Saigon has plenty of hidden gems to discover. One of the best is Quán Ăn Ngon, a restaurant that serves a variety of Vietnamese dishes, including seafood. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and is a great spot to try some local seafood dishes.

Another hidden gem is Bánh Mì Hồng Hoa, a street food stall that serves delicious seafood banh mi sandwiches. The stall is located in District 1 and is a great spot for a quick and tasty seafood lunch.

Family-Friendly Choices

If you're travelling with kids or looking for a more family-friendly seafood experience, Saigon has plenty of options. One of the best is Nhà Hàng Ngon, a restaurant that serves a variety of Vietnamese dishes, including seafood. The restaurant has a large outdoor seating area and is a great spot for families to enjoy a seafood dinner together.

Another great option is Bếp Mẹ ỉn, a restaurant that serves traditional Vietnamese dishes, including seafood. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and is a great spot for families to try some local seafood dishes.

Seafood Specialities to Savour

When it comes to seafood, Saigon has a lot to offer. From fresh fish to prawns, crabs, eels, and shellfish, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the must-try seafood specialities that you should savour when visiting the best seafood restaurants in Saigon:

Grilled Octopus

Grilled octopus is a popular seafood dish in Saigon, and for a good reason. The tender and flavourful meat of the octopus pairs well with the smoky and charred flavour from the grill. The dish is often served with a side of garlic butter or a spicy dipping sauce, making it a perfect appetizer to start your seafood feast.

Clams in Lemongrass Broth

Clams in lemongrass broth are another seafood speciality that you should try when in Saigon. The clams are cooked in a fragrant lemongrass broth that is infused with chilli, garlic, and other spices. The broth is light and refreshing, and the clams are tender and juicy, making it a perfect dish for a hot summer day.

Crab Curry

Crab curry is a must-try seafood dish in Saigon. The curry is made with fresh crabs that are cooked in a spicy and flavourful curry sauce. The dish is often served with a side of steamed rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. The curry sauce is usually made with coconut milk, which adds a creamy and rich texture to the dish.

Fried Calamari

Fried calamari is a classic seafood dish that is popular in Saigon. The calamari is coated in a crispy batter and deep-fried until golden brown. The dish is often served with a side of sweet chilli sauce or a garlic aioli, making it a perfect snack or appetizer to share with friends.

These are just a few of the many seafood specialities that you should try when visiting the best seafood restaurants in Saigon. Whether you prefer grilled, steamed, or fried seafood, there is something for everyone in Saigon's vibrant seafood scene.

Navigating Saigon's Seafood Scene

If you're a seafood lover, Saigon is the place to be! With a wide variety of seafood restaurants to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. In this section, we'll give you some tips on how to navigate Saigon's seafood scene and make the most of your culinary experience.

Seasonal Seafood Recommendations

One of the best things about Saigon's seafood scene is that you can find fresh seafood all year round. However, certain types of seafood are more abundant during certain seasons. For example, crabs are in season from September to December, while oysters are at their best from November to April. Lobsters are also in season during the winter months.

Here are some seasonal seafood recommendations to keep in mind when dining out in Saigon:

• Spring (February to April): Enjoy fresh prawns, squid, and clams.
• Summer (May to July): Try out some delicious crab dishes.
• Autumn (August to October): Feast on juicy snails, mussels, and scallops.
• Winter (November to January): Indulge in succulent lobster, oysters, and sea urchin.

Tips for Seafood Lovers

When it comes to seafood, freshness is key. Here are some tips to ensure you're getting the freshest seafood possible:

• Ask for recommendations: Don't be afraid to ask your server for recommendations. They can provide you with information on the freshest catches of the day and the best ways to prepare them.
• Look for busy restaurants: A busy seafood restaurant is a good sign that the seafood is fresh and in demand.
• Check the eyes: When ordering whole fish, check the eyes. They should be clear and bright, not cloudy or sunken.
• Smell the seafood: Fresh seafood should have a mild, ocean-like aroma. If it smells overly fishy or sour, it may not be fresh.
• Check the texture: Fresh seafood should have a firm texture and be slightly springy to the touch.

By following these tips and trying out some seasonal seafood recommendations, you'll be well on your way to experiencing the best seafood that Saigon has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm on the hunt for an affordable seafood spot in Ho Chi Minh City; any top picks?

If you're looking for an affordable seafood spot in Ho Chi Minh City, there are plenty of options to choose from. One of the best places to start is Quan 94. It's a small, no-frills restaurant that's popular with locals and visitors alike. The seafood here is fresh and delicious, and the prices are very reasonable. Another great option is Banh Xeo Muoi Xiem. This restaurant specialises in seafood pancakes, which are a local delicacy. They're made with fresh seafood and a crispy, savoury batter, and they're served with a variety of dipping sauces.

Which restaurant serves the most tantalising seafood menu in Saigon?

If you're looking for the most tantalising seafood menu in Saigon, you can't go wrong with The Deck Saigon. This restaurant is located on the banks of the Saigon River, and it offers stunning views of the city skyline. The seafood here is some of the freshest and most delicious in the city, and the menu is full of creative and innovative dishes. Another great option is Vietnam House Restaurant. This restaurant is known for its elegant decor and upscale atmosphere, and the seafood here is top-notch.

Are there any hidden gems for a seafood feast in Saigon that locals adore?

Yes, there are plenty of hidden gems for a seafood feast in Saigon that locals adore. One of the best is Bun Cha 145. This restaurant is tucked away in a small alley in District 1, and it's a favourite of locals who are looking for a delicious and authentic seafood experience. The seafood here is fresh and flavourful, and the prices are very reasonable. Another great option is Quan Ut Ut. This restaurant is known for its delicious barbecue dishes, but it also serves up some of the best seafood in the city. The atmosphere here is casual and laid-back, and the prices are very reasonable.