Seafood in Cat Ba: The Must-Try Dishes You Can’t Leave Without Eating

When you think of Cat Ba, you probably picture epic limestone cliffs, clear blue waters, and a slower island pace. But if you're not exploring the seafood in Cat Ba, you're seriously missing out. Thanks to its location near Cai Beo Fishing Village and Lan Ha Bay, the island serves up some of the freshest, most affordable seafood in northern Vietnam.

Here’s your guide to the must-try seafood dishes that define the Cat Ba experience: what they are, how they taste, and why they’re worth the trip.

Seafood Hotpot (Lẩu Hải Sản)

If you try only one dish, make it seafood hotpot. This is a big, communal meal that’s perfect for sharing with fellow travelers. A bubbling pot of broth arrives at your table alongside a spread of raw ingredients—shrimp, squid, fish slices, clams, greens, and noodles. You cook each piece yourself in the simmering broth, which gets richer with every bite added.

The flavors are clean, slightly sweet the seafood, and spiced up with lemongrass, chili, and herbs. It’s both dinner and an experience.

Grilled Scallops with Scallion Oil (Sò Điệp Nướng Mỡ Hành)

Grilled scallops are a go-to seafood snack across Vietnam, and Cat Ba does them especially well. The scallops are grilled in their shells and topped with a mix of scallion oil, roasted peanuts, and crispy shallots. You’ll find them in markets, restaurants, and even on beachside grills.

They’re bite-sized, rich, a little smoky, and surprisingly addictive. Most places serve them by the dozen, so be prepared to share—or not.

Steamed Clams with Lemongrass (Nghêu Hấp Sả)

Light, fragrant, and packed with natural flavor, steamed clams with lemongrass are the perfect choice if you want something simple and fresh. The dish is usually served in a big bowl, with the clams sitting in a hot, clear broth full of lemongrass and chili.

Locals often sip the broth like a soup and dip the clams in spicy seafood sauce. It’s especially refreshing on humid evenings or after a long beach day.

Sò Huyết (Blood Cockles)

Sò huyết, or blood cockles, are a local favorite when it comes to seafood in Cat Ba. These small clams have a reddish hue and a naturally briny, slightly iron-rich flavor that sets them apart other shellfish. They're usually grilled or stir-fried with garlic, lemongrass, and chili, creating a rich, spicy dish that pairs perfectly with cold beer or steamed rice. You’ll often see them served with scallion oil and roasted peanuts, adding a smoky-sweet finish. While a bit more adventurous than prawns or squid, sò huyết in Cat Ba is a must-try for travelers who want a deeper dive northern Vietnamese seafood culture.

Stir-Fried Squid or Prawns (Mực/Tôm Xào)

Don’t skip the stir-fries—they’re quick, cheap, and full of bold flavor. Squid and shrimp are the two stars here. They’re usually tossed in a hot wok with garlic, fish sauce, and fresh island veggies.

The result? A perfect balance of tender seafood, salty-sweet sauce, and just the right amount of char. You’ll often find this dish served with a plate of white rice and a wedge of lime. Add chili if you like it hot.

Seafood Skewers at the Night Market

For a quick, affordable way to sample local seafood in Cat Ba, the night market is your friend. Stalls line the streets offering squid skewers, baby octopus, grilled prawns, and even sea snails—all cooked right in front of you.

Prices are low, portions are snack-sized, and the vibe is perfect for wandering, tasting, and meeting other travelers.

Where to Try All This Seafood in Cat Ba

You’ll find these dishes all over town—street stalls to sit-down restaurants to floating eateries near Cai Beo. But if you're looking for something convenient, cozy, and consistently good, stop by Quiri’s Restaurant.

Our kitchen uses locally sourced seafood delivered fresh each morning. We serve up island classics like stir-fried prawns, seafood hotpot, and grilled fish—perfect for backpackers who want real flavor without any tourist markup.

Come by for lunch, dinner, or just to cool off with a drink. If you’re staying at Quiri Hotel Cat Ba, even better—it’s all right downstairs.