A trip to Côn Đảo is never complete without indulging in its signature seafood – the kinds of specialties you’ll rarely have the chance to taste on the mainland. Fresh, flavorful, and deeply tied to the rhythm of island life, đây là những món bạn phải thử ít nhất một lần khi đặt chân đến Côn Đảo.
Lady Scallops (Ốc Vú Nàng) – A royal delicacy once reserved for kings
In the past, Lady Scallops were considered a luxury food served only to royalty. Today, they have become one of Côn Đảo’s most iconic specialties.
Like many shellfish, Lady Scallops can be cooked in various ways—boiled, grilled, tossed in salads, or made into sashimi-style dishes. The simplest and most popular method is still boiling: clean the shells, cook them briefly, then pry out the meat. Once rinsed with hot water, the flesh turns from ivory to golden yellow.
Dip the firm, sweet meat into salt, pepper, and lime, and you’ll instantly understand why this dish is so beloved.
Moon Crabs – Vibrant red shells, irresistible sweetness
Moon crabs cling to rocky cliffs and only produce sweet, flavorful meat during specific growth cycles. When cooked, their shells turn a stunning bright red—eye-catching enough to make any foodie fall in love at first sight.
Their shells are extremely hard, requiring special crab crackers to open. But beneath that rugged exterior lies tender, fragrant white meat that pairs beautifully with lime-pepper salt.
Locals also transform moon crabs into a variety of dishes: crab hotpot, noodle soup, seafood stew, or crab-meat bánh canh. Each preparation enhances the naturally sweet, distinctive flavor of this rare species.
Red Spiny Lobster – The jewel of Côn Đảo waters
Unlike other lobster species, Côn Đảo’s red lobster cannot be farmed and can only be caught in the wild. Though smaller in size, its meat is exceptionally firm, sweet, and succulent.
What makes this lobster truly special is the thick layer of golden roe found along its back and inside its head—rich, creamy, and packed with nutrients. During cooler months, the roe becomes even more abundant.
Whether grilled, steamed, made into sashimi, salad, or porridge, red lobster always delivers an unforgettable flavor.
Red Grouper – Côn Đảo’s prized nutritional treasure
Red grouper is one of the most valuable seafood species on the island—rare, nutritious, and highly sought after.
Each kilogram of red grouper contains:
- 920 calories
- 194g protein
- 10g fat
- High Omega-3 content
- Good cholesterol
The meat is firm, slightly chewy, sweet, and known for cooling the body and aiding detoxification.
Prices typically range from 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND/kg, depending on size and freshness. Because the species is scarce, red grouper is almost always in short supply. To buy the freshest fish, it’s best to go directly to fishermen rather than retail stalls.
Fresh seafood everywhere you look
Whether you choose these signature dishes or pick any freshly caught seafood of the day, Côn Đảo promises flavors that far surpass what you’ll find on the mainland. Clean waters, abundant marine life, and the island’s unique cooking styles make every bite memorable.
If you love seafood, Côn Đảo will satisfy your taste buds from the very first meal.
