No trip to Vung Tau is complete without tasting its iconic stingray hotpot — a beloved local specialty that captures the true essence of this seaside city. The dish is cherished for its tender white stingray meat intertwined with pleasantly crunchy cartilage, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. A hearty pot serving 1–3 people typically costs 140,000–200,000 VND, accompanied by fresh vermicelli, herbs, banana blossom, Vietnamese mint, bean sprouts, and chili fish sauce.
Stingray is known for its firm texture and naturally sweet flavor. The hotpot strikes an irresistible balance of sour and sweet, thanks to the use of wild fermented bamboo shoots. When enjoyed with fresh noodles, crisp greens, and a dip of chili fish sauce, the dish becomes especially comforting—perfect for a rainy day when a warm pot of broth and a cold glass of beer make for the perfect pairing. Conversations with friends somehow feel richer around a steaming pot of stingray hotpot.
There’s nothing more satisfying than gathering with family or friends around a bubbling hotpot, savoring a bite of tender stingray that seems to carry within it the unmistakable flavor of the sea.
As each slice of stingray is dipped into the boiling broth, its aroma blends beautifully with the fragrant soup base, instantly awakening the senses. When the fish is cooked just right—firm yet succulent—dip it into chili fish sauce and enjoy it with just-blanched greens, crispy fried tofu skin, and a handful of vermicelli. The result? Absolute perfection.
Stingray hotpot in Vung Tau is well-known for its variety of preparation styles, as each chef adds their own touch to the broth. Yet despite the differences, all versions share one defining trait: the harmonious combination of buttery stingray, sour bamboo shoots, and savory broth.
Savoring the tangy bamboo shoots, the chewy-sweet stingray, and the fragrant herbs in a steaming hotpot is an experience no traveler should miss. Below is a curated list of Vung Tau’s most popular and flavorful stingray hotpot restaurants—guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest food lover.
