Indulging in seafood has always been at the top of the to-do list when visiting Da Nang. Over time, I have received numerous messages from viewers and friends asking for recommendations on the best seafood restaurants in Da Nang. Truth be told, I am often torn when it comes to naming specific places because her favorite spots are always overcrowded during the tourist season. Furthermore, each restaurant has its own specialties, making it difficult to determine the absolute best. To avoid disappointing anyone by leading them to a crowded restaurant with subpar service, this blog post will reveal the must-try seafood dishes that you should order when visiting seafood restaurants in Da Nang. Whether you choose to visit any specific restaurant, rest assured that you will have the opportunity to savor the standout seafood dishes that Da Nang has to offer.

1. Steamed Lemongrass Clams 

In the past, when visiting Da Nang, a familiar coastal delicacy that many tourists loved was steamed “chip chip” or lemongrass-infused clams. This dish is both refreshing, nourishing, and budget-friendly, making it a favorite among diners.

Recently, there has been the emergence of another delicious and flavorful dish called steamed “sò mía” (two-belly razor clam) with lemongrass. The two-belly razor clam originates from Van Don and boasts rich nutrients and a delightful aroma. It is called “two-belly” because its flesh contains two large, ivory-white, crispy, and flavorful portions. As Helen knows, the two-belly razor clam is considered the most delicious type among the clam family. Compared to “chip chip,” the flesh of the two-belly razor clam is larger, thicker, and much sweeter. Ordering a portion of steamed two-belly razor clams as an appetizer is a perfect choice due to its affordable price and quick service.

Recommended address to try steamed lemongrass clams:

  • Hai San Be Man – Lot 8 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Son Tra District, Da Nang.
  • Hai San Be Bien – 202 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Son Tra District, Da Nang.

Note: “Chip chip” refers to a type of small clam commonly found in Da Nang. The term “two-belly razor clam” refers to a specific variety of clam with two distinct portions of flesh.

2. Fish Salad

Fish salad is a legendary specialty of Da Nang, originating from the fishing village of Nam O, where people primarily make a living through fishing. The fish salad is made from fresh caught fish. When it comes to this dish, you can order it in two forms: dried fish salad and wet fish salad. In the dried fish salad, people usually mix the fish with crispy rice crackers and flavorful Central Vietnamese spices. As for the wet fish salad, it is typically mixed with a sauce (including galangal, fish sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili). The experience involves placing a piece of rice paper, adding various fresh vegetables and a few pieces of mixed fish, gently rolling it up, and dipping it into the special sauce. It truly creates a mouthwatering and delightful sensation.

Recommended address to try fish salad:

  • Phuoc Thai Restaurant – 18 Ho Nghinh Street, Son Tra District, Da Nang.

3. Garlic Butter Shrimp

When mentioning this dish, one cannot overlook the divine garlic sauce that gives it an enchanting allure. The garlic sauce is finely blended and generously smothered over the baby shrimp. Dip it with some bread, and it becomes an absolute delight. The unique flavor of the garlic sauce is hard to find in other dishes. While the garlic sauce can be paired with various seafood, it perfectly complements the baby shrimp, creating an irresistible combination.

Recommended addresses to try garlic butter shrimp:

  • Chau Son Seafood 1 – 21 Nai Tu 2 Street, Son Tra District, Da Nang.
  • Chau Son Seafood 2 – 18 Nai Tu 2 Street, Son Tra District, Da Nang.

4. Grilled Clams

If you’re a devoted fan of clam dishes, then you must try grilled butter garlic clams or grilled cheese clams. The most noteworthy aspect of the large-size butter garlic clams is that they are as big as two hands, and their meat is thick. Just having one will leave you with a satisfying and full feeling in your stomach. These types of clams, grilled with either cheese or butter garlic, truly awaken the culinary souls of many seafood enthusiasts. They are incredibly flavorful and irresistibly delicious.

Recommended address to try grilled clams:

The foot of Nam O Bridge, Da Nang.

 

5. Sun-dried Squid

Sun-dried squid is a type of squid that is processed and dried under the intense sun of the Central region for exactly one day, ensuring that it remains crispy on the outside while retaining its natural freshness and sweetness on the inside. Compared to sun-dried squid prepared in other coastal cities or islands like Khanh Hoa, Phan Thiet, or Nha Trang, Da Nang’s sun-dried squid has its own alluring charm due to its unique flavor, achieved through traditional preparation methods and the long-standing experience of Da Nang’s locals in fishing. When cooked properly, sun-dried squid can create incredibly enticing and uniquely delicious dishes.

Recommended addresses to try sun-dried squid:

My Hanh Da Nang Seafood Restaurant – 18 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Son Tra District, Da Nang.

For You Seafood Restaurant – 10 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Son Tra District, Da Nang.

 

6. Grilled Lime Fish

Grilled lime fish is commonly found in the coral reefs of the Central region, particularly in Da Nang. Lime fish belongs to the premium segment of fish and can be prepared in various delicious dishes such as porridge, grilled, fried, steamed, or braised. Among them, grilling is a popular choice due to its simplicity and delightful taste. As it is grilled, the aroma spreads through the air. The tender, firm, and fragrant white flesh of the fish is truly appetizing. The best way to enjoy it is by wrapping the grilled lime fish with spicy green vegetables or a combination of fresh raw herbs, then dipping it into a bowl of spicy green chili salt or a bowl of flavorful fermented fish sauce. The taste is indescribably delicious.

Recommended address to try grilled lime fish:

Le Gia Seafood Restaurant – 94 Vo Nguyen Giap St. or A5 Pham Van Dong St., Son Tra District, Da Nang.

Here are some suggestions for a delicious seafood menu. Hopefully, my recommendations will help everyone avoid confusion and indecision when it comes to ordering seafood dishes in Da Nang. Hurry up and travel to this beautiful coastal city to enjoy the “super delicious, super addictive” seafood dishes with your family and friends! If there are any specific dishes you would like Helen to review in the next article, don’t hesitate to share your preferences with me!