Nha Trang Dried Seafood: A Flavourful Gift from the Sea

Nha Trang, the coastal gem of Khanh Hoa Province, is renowned not only for its emerald-blue beaches and soft white sands but also as Vietnam's "seafood paradise." Among its oceanic treasures, Nha Trang's dried seafood has long been one of the most sought-after delicacies, beloved by both domestic travellers and international visitors alike.

Unlike flamboyant street foods or intricate gourmet dishes, dried seafood carries the very soul of the sea rich in sun, wind, and tradition, offering a deep and irresistible taste of the South Central coast.

Why is Nha Trang Dried Seafood So Popular?

Fresh Ingredients Straight from the Sea

Nha Trang boasts an abundant fishing ground with a wide range of seafood such as golden threadfin bream, filefish, squid, shrimp, and scad. Freshly caught from the sea, the seafood is swiftly processed and sun-dried to retain its natural sweetness and freshness.

Traditional Processing Methods

Locals in Nha Trang use time-honoured techniques for cleaning, seasoning, and sun-drying seafood to create dried squid, shrimp, and fish that are chewy, naturally sweet, and never fishy. All processes are done manually without chemicals, ensuring food safety.

Easy to Store and Transport

Unlike fresh seafood, dried seafood can be preserved for a long time and is ideal for travel. It makes for a meaningful gift from the sea a token of coastal culture.

Notable Types of Nha Trang Dried Seafood

Dried Squid the Star of Dried Seafood

Dried squid from Nha Trang is famous for its delicate sweetness and firm, moderately chewy texture. When grilled, its aroma is irresistible, especially when dipped in spicy chilli sauce. Popular types include:

• Dried arrow squid: Long, slender body with a pinkish-white colour.
• Dried broad squid: Shorter and wider, with thicker meat and a higher price.

Tip: The thicker and more pinkish the squid, the better the quality.

Dried Golden Threadfin Bream Salty Taste of the Sea

Perfect as a snack or beer pairing, this fish is cleaned, seasoned with salt, sugar, chilli, and garlic, then sun-dried until dry yet tender. When grilled or fried, it becomes fragrant and flavourful. It can also be shredded for salad dishes.

Dried Shrimp – Naturally Red and Fragrant

Nha Trang dried shrimp is known for its small-medium size, thin shell, natural red colour, and firm, sweet, non-fishy taste. It’s commonly used in congee, spring rolls, pancakes, and savoury rice cakes.

Dried Filefish

A favourite for its sweet, tender meat with few bones and a distinctive aroma when grilled. The fish is filleted, seasoned, flattened, and sun-dried. It can be eaten whole or shredded into salads.

Other Dried Fish: Scad, Mackerel, Anchovy, etc.

Depending on the season, Nha Trang also offers a variety of other dried fish, such as one-sun-dried scad, anchovy for salads, and seasoned dried mackerel, all well-loved by seafood fans.

How to Choose Quality Nha Trang Dried Seafood

• Check the colour: Should be natural, not too dark or patchy.
• Smell: Distinct aroma, not musty or mouldy.
• Touch: Firm texture, not overly moist or sticky.
• Origin: Buy from reputable stores or known specialty shops.

Suggested Dishes Using Nha Trang Dried Seafood

• Grilled dried squid with chilli sauce A classic beer-time favourite.
• Mango salad with dried golden threadfin bream Sweet and sour harmony.
• Dried shrimp porridge Nutritious and aromatic.
• Fried rice with dried shrimp and fish Perfect for lunch.
• Crispy fried filefish with sweet-sour fish sauce Great with rice.

Where to Buy Quality Dried Seafood in Nha Trang

1. Dam Market
   Address: Ben Cho, Van Thanh Ward, Nha Trang City.
   The largest market in the city with a wide range of reasonably priced dried seafood.
2. Specialty Store "Dac San 79"
   Address: 127 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Nha Trang City.
   Offers vacuum-packed options ideal as souvenirs.
3. Nha Trang Dried Seafood Supermarket
   Address: 48C Hoang Hoa Tham.
   High quality, traceable origins, with delivery services.
4. Local Coastal Workshops
   Visit to observe traditional sun-drying methods firsthand.

Buy Dried Seafood Online  A Convenient Option

Nowadays, many specialty stores offer dried seafood via Shopee, Lazada, Tiki, or their own websites. Always choose highly rated sellers with real product images and clear information to avoid low-quality products.

Reference Prices for Nha Trang Dried Seafood (per kg)

• Premium dried squid: 800,000 – 1,200,000 VND
• Dried golden threadfin bream: 300,000 – 500,000 VND
• Dried shrimp: 600,000 – 900,000 VND
• Seasoned dried filefish: 350,000 – 450,000 VND
• One-sun-dried scad: 280,000 – 350,000 VND

Storage and Usage Tips

• Keep in a dry, cool place away from sunlight and humidity.
• For long-term storage, vacuum seal or freeze.
• For seasoned dried fish, consume within 1–2 months after opening.

Dried Seafood  A Meaningful Gift from the Sea

Thanks to nature’s blessings and traditional craftsmanship, Nha Trang’s dried seafood is more than just a tasty treat – it’s a cultural souvenir. Every bite of dried squid, sweet golden threadfin bream, or vibrant dried shrimp tells a tale of sun, sea, and the warmth of the coastal people.

When visiting Nha Trang, don’t forget to enjoy and bring home some dried seafood – a memorable taste of this charming seaside city.

OTHER LOCAL DELICACIES TO EXPLORE: