Did you know that Vung Tau Ward is not only famous for its charming beaches and vibrant coastal culture, but also for its irresistible local cuisine?
Here are the must-try dishes every visitor should experience at least once when exploring this beloved seaside city.
Vung Tau Shrimp Pancakes (Bánh Khọt)
Names like Gốc Vú Sữa, Cây Sung, Cô Ba Vũng Tàu, and Cô Hai have become iconic culinary stops for both locals and tourists.
The pancake batter is made from rice flour, eggs, coconut milk, and turmeric. Toppings vary—scallops, minced pork, fish cake—but the most popular remains fresh shrimp. Despite its simplicity, each restaurant has its own secret to crafting the perfect pancake.
A delicious bánh khọt must be crispy yet chewy, with the richness of rice flour, coconut milk, and shrimp roe blending perfectly. Served with sweet-and-sour dipping sauce and a platter of fresh herbs, the dish becomes wholly complete—many say half of the flavor comes from the dipping sauce and herbs.
From street-side vendors to upscale restaurants, bánh khọt remains an unforgettable Vung Tau specialty that brings visitors back again and again.
Stingray Hotpot (Lẩu Cá Đuối)
Stingray hotpot is a humble yet iconic dish that has long captured the hearts of visitors. It’s not fancy, not complicated—but its flavor is uniquely addictive.
Stingray has no bones, only soft cartilage that becomes pleasantly crunchy when cooked. Its meat is firm, sweet, and distinctly different from other types of fish. The best season is January to March (lunar calendar) when stingray is freshest and most flavorful.
A steaming pot of stingray hotpot bursting with flavors of lemongrass, sour bamboo shoots, chili, and herbs is especially perfect on cool or windy days. Sitting with friends around a bubbling hotpot, enjoying the tangy broth, chewy cartilage, and tender fish—that is the true taste of Vung Tau.
Salted Egg Sponge Cakes (Bông Lan Trứng Muối)
Though only booming in recent years, these cakes have quickly become a favorite snack among tourists. Along major streets like Lê Lai, Đồ Chiểu, Hoàng Hoa Thám, and Nguyễn Trường Tộ, you’ll easily find shops selling freshly baked salted egg sponge cakes.
Made from flour, sugar, salted egg yolks, cheese, shredded pork, and butter—each bakery uses its own secret recipe. The famous “Gốc Cột Điện Bakery” even bakes their cakes using dried coconut shells, creating a high, steady heat that ensures even baking and a natural aroma.
The soft, warm cake paired with savory salted egg yolk and fragrant butter is incredibly satisfying—perfect as a snack or a gift to bring home.
Fresh Seafood by the Sea
Vung Tau is a paradise for seafood lovers. Visitors can enjoy fresh dishes at beachfront restaurants such as Lan Rừng Resort, Gành Hào, Cây Bàng, Lâm Đường, Thành Phát, or floating seafood eateries in Long Sơn.
Signature dishes include:
- Stir-fried blood cockles with garlic butter
- Steamed grouper with soy sauce
- Grilled stonefish with chili salt
- Razor clams sautéed with scallions
- Steamed mantis shrimp
The combination of fresh ingredients, local cooking styles, and oceanfront scenery creates a dining experience that is both flavorful and memorable.
Green Bean Fried Buns (Bánh Tiêu Đậu Xanh)
If you’re wondering what else to eat in Vung Tau besides seafood, don’t miss bánh tiêu đậu xanh—a beloved local snack sold only on Đồ Chiểu Street from 3 PM.
The shop is always crowded before opening time. Their bestselling item is the bánh tiêu cade—thin, crispy fried dough filled with rich, creamy egg custard. Bite into it while it’s hot, and the smooth custard melts perfectly in your mouth.
A simple, affordable treat that locals adore and visitors always come back for.
📍 Address: 43 Đồ Chiểu, Vung Tau City
