Stir-fried Fresh Squid Vietnamese Style But Fried Rice Took a Long Time from Before Cooking | Sầm Sơn food

Stir-fried Fresh Squid Vietnamese Style But Fried Rice Took a Long Time from Before Cooking at Sầm Sơn

When it comes to traveling with mr.hotsia, I believe that indulging in local food is the ultimate joy of travel. This time, I had the chance to taste fresh seafood at the famous seaside city of Vietnam, Sầm Sơn. This place is not only known for its beautiful beaches but also for its fresh seafood that is just as impressive.

That day, I arrived at Sầm Sơn after driving from Lạng Sơn city (if you're interested in stories about this province, you can read atLạng Sơn Province, Vietnam). The seaside atmosphere here is filled with many restaurants lined up, and the sea breeze immediately brings the scent of the ocean. I chose to sit at a simple roadside restaurant that was very crowded, which is a good sign that the ingredients are fresh.

The dish I ordered was “Stir-fried Fresh Squid Vietnamese Style,” or as the Vietnamese call it, “Mực xào.” Large squid pieces are stir-fried with garlic, fresh chili, and local herbs. The flavor is a balanced salty-sweet with the herbal aroma bringing the sea fully into the mouth. The squid remains fresh and crunchy with natural sweetness from the unfrozen meat. Freshly stir-fried and hot, this is the happiness of a traveler like mr.hotsia.

But a funny thing happened with the fried rice I ordered as an extra. The fried rice here seemed to take longer than expected, waiting since before the rice was even cooked. I asked the person next to me and learned that sometimes this restaurant cooks dishes to order one plate at a time, not preparing in advance, so you have to wait a bit for freshness. This is the true charm of eating like a local.

While waiting for the fried rice, I walked around the restaurant's surroundings. The seaside air here is humid with cool breezes blowing every time the waves hit the shore. Most locals shop for fresh ingredients at the morning market or prepare seafood to sell in their own shops. The atmosphere is similar to what I experienced in northern Vietnam’s fresh markets, simple and warm, which I really like.

When the fried rice was finally served, I got to taste the must-try flavor. Vietnamese-style fried rice has a fragrant wok aroma and spices different from home but perfectly complements the stir-fried squid I ordered earlier. It was a meal worth waiting for because it was not just eating but experiencing the lifestyle and food culture of the locals authentically.

Seaside Life and the History of Sầm Sơn

Sầm Sơn is a famous seaside city in northern Vietnam. Although it is not a large province like Nha Trang or Dalat, which I have visited (if you want to know about Buddhist temples in Dalat, you can read atBuddhist Temples in Dalat City), this place is very simple and natural. Most locals still engage actively in fishing and seafood trading.

Traveling here is convenient with local buses and taxis available, but be cautious with communication as I experienced at Vinh Long bus station (stories about Vinh Long can be read atVinh Long Bus Station). Speaking simply with locals or using body language helps make the journey much smoother.

For travelers who love fresh seafood, Sầm Sơn is a paradise not to be missed. Fresh squid here can be caught right from the sea in front of the restaurant. I recommend trying the herb stir-fried dishes or Vietnamese grilled squid, which have unique and balanced flavors (if interested, I have a video of Vietnamese grilled button squid on YouTube).

mr.hotsia’s Advice for Travelers Who Love Fresh Food

When I travel alone, I highly value choosing freshly made food from small, lively restaurants. Waiting for the fried rice this time did not frustrate me because it was a moment to live like a local, see how food is prepared, and feel the cook’s dedication.

If any traveler wants to experience authentic Vietnamese fresh seafood, I recommend Sầm Sơn as a destination you should not overlook. And if you enjoy exploring northern Vietnamese community life, try reading about Lạng Sơn city and other attractions I have documented.

Finally, mr.hotsia would like to share a video link of stir-fried fresh squid Vietnamese style.Click here to watchHopefully, it will enhance your reading experience and prepare you for your next trip.