Vung Tau Cuisine
Among the dishes often associated with this Vietnamese seaside city, lẩu cá đuối Vũng Tàu — Vung Tau-style stingray hotpot — stands out for its sour, spicy broth and the distinctive texture of the fish.
It is especially well suited to a shared meal with family or friends. The bubbling hotpot sits at the center of the table, while fish, vegetables, rice noodles and dipping sauce come together gradually throughout the meal.
Stingray hotpot is typically enjoyed piping hot with vegetables, rice noodles and dipping sauce.
A Taste of the Coast
What Makes Vung Tau Stingray Hotpot Distinctive?
One of the defining characteristics of the dish is the texture of cá đuối. The fish combines tender flesh with cartilage, creating a bite that feels different from many other types of seafood commonly used in Vietnamese hotpot.
The broth varies from restaurant to restaurant. Sour ingredients may include tamarind, fermented rice, pickled bamboo shoots or local sour leaves, with chili and seasoning added to create balance. Some versions are light and tangy, while others are noticeably richer or spicier.
The Fish
Tender flesh and cartilage create the characteristic mix of soft and lightly crunchy textures.
The Broth
Sourness is usually the leading note, balanced by spice and a broth that becomes richer as the meal continues.
Vegetables & Noodles
Fresh vegetables balance the sour-spicy broth, while rice noodles turn the hotpot into a more complete meal.
How to Enjoy It
How to Eat Lau Ca Duoi in Vung Tau
Stingray hotpot is best enjoyed gradually while the broth remains hot. Fish, vegetables, noodles and dipping sauce each play a different role, so there is no need to cook everything in the pot at once.
A Simple Way to Enjoy the Hotpot
01 · Keep the Broth Hot
Allow the broth to return to a proper simmer before adding another round of fish or vegetables.
02 · Cook the Fish Through
Add manageable portions of fish and allow them to cook completely before eating.
03 · Add Vegetables in Batches
Water spinach, banana blossom, taro stem or other greens served by the restaurant can be added gradually to preserve their texture.
04 · Pair with Noodles & Sauce
Fresh rice noodles soften the intensity of the broth, while the fish can be paired with chili fish sauce or the restaurant’s own dipping sauce.
The combination of fish and cartilage gives Vung Tau stingray hotpot its characteristic texture.
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A Practical Note for Hotpot
Because the fish is cooked directly at the table, avoid eating pieces that are still undercooked inside. When sharing with a group, adding fish and vegetables in smaller batches also helps the broth maintain its temperature and prevents ingredients from sitting in the pot for too long.
Where to Try It
Where to Eat Stingray Hotpot in Vung Tau
Stingray hotpot is served at many restaurants around Vung Tau. The two locations below were reviewed in October 2026. Opening hours can change, so check current information before visiting.
Stingray Hotpot
Lẩu Cá Đuối Hoàng Minh
Address: 44 Truong Cong Dinh, Vung Tau
Reference hours: 09:00–23:30
A long-running restaurant on Truong Cong Dinh known for stingray hotpot and other seafood dishes.
Seafood & Hotpot
Lẩu Cá Đuối Bà Sáu
Address: 158 Ha Long, Vung Tau
Reference hours: 09:00–23:00
The restaurant serves stingray hotpot alongside a range of seafood dishes and is suitable for shared meals.
Continue the Food Journey
Stingray Hotpot in the Vung Tau Food Experience
If stingray hotpot suits a warm, shared meal, Vung Tau also offers very different local food experiences. Try
Banh Khot Vung Tau for crisp shrimp-topped rice cakes with fresh greens, or
Goi Ca Mai Vung Tau for a lighter fish salad wrapped with herbs and rice paper.
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