Taste the Island: Top 9 Must-Try Foods in Con Dao
- Travel Vietnam Guides
- May 20
- 4 min read
Updated: May 22
Beyond its stunning landscapes and historical significance, Con Dao also offers a unique culinary scene waiting to be explored. Fresh seafood is abundant, and local specialties showcase the island's distinct flavors. For travelers planning a trip to this captivating destination, here are 9 must-try dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
1. Fresh Seafood (Various Types)
Being an archipelago, Con Dao boasts an incredible variety of fresh seafood. From succulent grilled fish and prawns to flavorful crabs, lobsters, and squid, the options are endless. The freshness is unparalleled, often caught just hours before being served.
Where to Eat: Numerous beachfront restaurants and local eateries along Tran Phu Street and in Con Son town offer a wide selection. Look for places displaying their daily catch.
Price: Prices vary depending on the type of seafood and the restaurant, ranging from VND 150,000 to VND 500,000+ per dish.
2. Oc Vu Nang (Melongena Shell)
Oc Vu Nang, or Melongena shell, is a large sea snail with a distinctive spiral shell. The meat is firm and flavorful, often prepared grilled with scallion oil, steamed with ginger, or stir-fried with garlic. It's a local delicacy you shouldn't miss.
Where to Eat: You can find Oc Vu Nang at many seafood restaurants in Con Son town. Some popular spots include those near the market area.
Price: Expect to pay around VND 100,000 to VND 250,000 per plate, depending on the size and preparation.
3. Ca Mu (Grouper)
Grouper, known locally as "Ca Mu" is a prized fish with firm, white flesh and a delicate flavor. Grilled grouper, often marinated with local spices, is a simple yet delicious way to savor its natural taste.
Where to Eat: Many mid-range to upscale restaurants specializing in seafood will have grilled grouper on their menu. Check out restaurants with outdoor grilling stations.
Price: Prices can range from VND 200,000 to VND 400,000 per serving, depending on the size of the fish.
4. Goi Ca Trich (Herring Salad)
Goi Ca Trich is a refreshing and flavorful salad made with raw herring that has been marinated in lime juice. It's typically served with a variety of fresh herbs, vegetables like shredded green banana and cucumber, roasted peanuts, and a dipping sauce made from fermented fish sauce (mam nem) or chili garlic sauce.
Where to Eat: Local seafood restaurants and some eateries in Con Son town offer this specialty. Ask locals for recommendations.
Price: A plate of Goi Ca Trich usually costs between VND 80,000 and VND 180,000.
5. Bun Mam (Fermented Fish Noodle Soup)
Bun Mam is a rich and pungent noodle soup made with a broth fermented from various types of fish. It's typically served with vermicelli noodles, shrimp, squid, roasted pork belly, eggplant, and a variety of fresh herbs. This dish has a strong, distinct flavor that is an acquired taste but loved by many.
Where to Eat: Look for local noodle shops or restaurants specializing in southern Vietnamese cuisine in Con Son town.
Price: A bowl of Bun Mam usually costs around VND 40,000 to VND 80,000.
6. Banh Mi Cha Ca (Fish Cake Sandwich)
Banh Mi Cha Ca is a popular and convenient snack or light meal. It features a crispy baguette filled with fried fish cake (cha ca), fresh herbs, pickled vegetables (like carrots and daikon), chili sauce, and sometimes a drizzle of mayonnaise or soy sauce.
Where to Eat: You can find Banh Mi Cha Ca at street food stalls and small eateries throughout Con Son town.
Price: A Banh Mi Cha Ca typically costs between VND 20,000 and VND 40,000.
7. Canh Chua Ca Bop (Sour Soup with Cobia Fish)
Canh Chua Ca Bop is a classic southern Vietnamese sour soup featuring cobia fish (ca bop), pineapple, tomatoes, bean sprouts, and tamarind broth for its signature sourness. It's often garnished with fried garlic and fresh herbs.
Where to Eat: Many local restaurants serving Vietnamese cuisine will have this flavorful soup on their menu.
Price: A serving of Canh Chua Ca Bop usually ranges from VND 80,000 to VND 150,000.
8. Lau Hai San (Seafood Hot Pot)
Lau Hai San is a communal and enjoyable dining experience. A flavorful broth is kept simmering at the table, and diners add fresh seafood (shrimp, squid, fish), vegetables, and mushrooms to cook as they eat. It's a great way to sample a variety of the island's fresh catches.
Where to Eat: Many seafood restaurants cater to groups and offer various seafood hot pot options.
Price: The price for a seafood hot pot can vary significantly depending on the size and the types of seafood included, ranging from VND 300,000 to VND 800,000+ for a pot serving multiple people.
9. Banh Xeo (Crispy Pancake)
While Banh Xeo is popular throughout Vietnam, the Con Dao version often features fresh local shrimp and squid. This crispy savory pancake is made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with bean sprouts, shrimp, and sometimes pork. It's served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce.
Where to Eat: Look for local eateries specializing in Vietnamese pancakes. Some street food vendors might also offer Banh Xeo.
Price: A Banh Xeo typically costs between VND 40,000 and VND 80,000.
Exploring the local cuisine is an integral part of any travel experience, and Con Dao offers a delightful array of fresh and flavorful dishes. Be sure to venture beyond the usual and try these ten must-try foods to truly taste the essence of this beautiful island.
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