Ho Chi Minh City's street food scene is legendary, and for seafood lovers, the "Ốc" (snail and shellfish) culture is an absolute must-try. Locals gather on small plastic stools to enjoy plates of grilled, sautéed, and steamed mollusks, accompanied by cold beers and lively conversation.

For a quintessential experience, head to Cua Bùi Viện. This spot is praised for being fresh and affordable. You must try the squid mouth, which offers a delightful crunchy texture, and the razor clams and sweet snails (flower snails), described as plump and bouncy. It is the perfect place to pair seafood with icy beer.

Another heavyweight in the snail game is Ốc Đào. With multiple locations, including Ốc Đào 2, this venue offers a bustling, authentic "dai pai dong" atmosphere. While the environment is a bit more rustic, the charcoal-grilled flavors are intense. Recommended dishes include:

• Garlic Butter Tamarind Crab: A standout dish with a sauce described as incredibly fresh and sweet.
• Grilled Shrimp: Served with a dipping sauce that perfectly balances sour and spicy notes to cut through the richness.

If you are near the famous Ben Thanh Market, look for the street-side seafood stalls opposite the market. Locals and visitors alike flock to these spots under the signage for a true taste of the city's "Old Quarter" style gastronomy.

When you want something heartier than grilled snails, Bánh Canh Cua (crab tapioca noodle soup) is the ultimate comfort food. The broth is typically thick, rich, and brimming with the essence of crab.

Bánh Canh Cua 87 is a local favorite that offers incredible value. The soup base is slightly sour and spicy with a heavy crab flavor. A standard bowl is packed with toppings:

• Real crab meat and large shrimp
• Crab-flavored meatballs
• Quail eggs and pork blood curd
• Thick, udon-like noodles

Another highly recommended spot is BÁNH CANH CUA HIỀN on Trần Kế Xương street. The soup here is so thick it resembles a seafood chowder, filled to the brim with crab meat. It tastes like it has been stewed overnight to extract every bit of flavor.

For a Michelin-recognized experience, visit the establishment mentioned by travelers in District 1. Their version features a bowl full of crab meat and glass noodles, served with a special sour dipping sauce. You can also order crab spring rolls with vermicelli, which are refreshing and packed with meat.

If you have a large appetite, Ho Chi Minh City's seafood buffets offer incredible variety. Chài Village, located on the top floor of Saigon Garden, is a must for lobster lovers. For around 130 MYR, you get unlimited access to:

• Lobster: Prepared in four different ways, including a popular cheese-baked version.
• Shellfish: Crabs, tiger prawns, giant river prawns, oysters, and sea urchins.
• Service: Despite the crowds, the serving speed is fast, ensuring your plate is never empty.

For a more budget-friendly option, check out Buffet Lụm Lúa. At approximately 80 RMB per person, this spot offers unlimited time dining. You can enjoy fresh giant river prawns and crabs which you can grill or steam yourself. The venue provides four different types of seafood dipping sauces to keep things interesting.

Another extensive option is Poseidon, known for its beautiful views and no time limits. For about 150 RMB, the spread covers everything from sushi and salads to crabs, snails, and shellfish. The price even includes a hotpot to finish off the meal.

For a distinct à la carte hotpot experience, Nhà Tú serves a famous Oyster Beef Hotpot. The soup base is rich with crab flavor, and the pot is loaded with oysters, beef, and an egg flower that mimics the texture of crab roe.

Ho Chi Minh City is also home to innovative restaurants blending local seafood with international styles. MUA Craft Sake is a fusion izakaya that pairs locally brewed sake with Vietnamese ingredients. Their standout dishes include:

• Ca Mau Crab: Served with pickled lotus stems and grilled seaweed. The crab is fresh and sweet, perfectly complemented by the acidity of the pickles.
• Fish Sauce Marinated Beef Cheek: A unique combination of savory flavors.

For Japanese cuisine lovers, Roka Fella offers a high-end Kaiseki experience with fresh sashimi and seafood that is processed live. The grilled items are glazed with honey, and the fried dishes are crisp without being oily.

Even the famous Pizza 4P's offers delight for seafood fans. Their Crab Tomato Cream Spaghetti is a crowd favorite, described as a "MVP" dish. They also serve a seafood pizza loaded with toppings, savory and satisfying.