Sò DIEp Nuong: My Fave Street Food IN HOA AN, Vietnam

BBQ Scallops, Cold Beer, and Ocean Breezes

Some destinations draw you in with grand architecture or high-end dining. Hoa An, Vietnam? It wins you over with the simple pleasure of BBQ scallops on the half shell, grilled right on the beach. It’s street food in its purest form—except there’s no street, just soft sand, an ocean breeze, and the sound of waves.

If that sounds like the kind of dining experience you can get behind, read on.

Why Hoa An?

Hoa An may not be the first name that pops up in every Vietnam travel guide, but that’s exactly why you should go. Nestled in a region rich with history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, this hidden gem offers everything from centuries-old temples to bustling night markets.

The people here are unfailingly friendly, always ready with a smile, a warm greeting, and, more often than not, a recommendation for where to find the best seafood. And if you take their advice, chances are you’ll find yourself exactly where you should be: sitting on the beach, beer in hand, waiting for a plate of perfectly charred scallops to arrive at your table.

So Diep nuong

Now, let’s talk about these scallops. Forget fancy plating or frills. In Hoa An, the best seafood comes straight from the ocean and onto the grill—no detours. These scallops are served right in their shells, kissed by fire, and topped with a combination of chopped peanuts, green onions, spicy chilis, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of garlic butter.

They’re smoky, buttery, a bit spicy, and impossibly fresh. Pair it with an ice-cold beer (because, let’s be real, you’re at the beach—it’s practically a rule), and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s pure magic.

Dining With Your Toes in the Sand

The beauty of street food in Hoa An is that it’s often served in the most unexpected places. Here, the “restaurant” is the beach itself. Plastic chairs and tables are scattered across the sand, giving you front-row seats to the sunset and lapping waves.

Locals and travelers alike gather here as the sun sinks, trading stories over sizzling seafood and clinking bottles of Bia Saigon. It’s casual, it’s communal, and it’s exactly what travel should be—an experience that lingers.

A Taste of History

While your focus may be on the food (understandably), it’s worth knowing that Hoa An isn’t just about good eats. This coastal region has long been a melting pot of cultures, thanks to centuries of trade and migration. Influences from Chinese, Japanese, and Cham civilizations can be seen in the local architecture, traditional crafts, and, of course, the cuisine.

Seafood has been a staple here for generations, with grilling over an open flame being a time-honored tradition. What you’re eating isn’t just dinner—it’s a dish shaped by history, passed down through the hands of those who know that simple, fresh ingredients don’t need much embellishment.

Final Thoughts: Get Here Before Everyone Else Does

If you love food, culture, and travel experiences that feel authentic rather than overproduced, put Hoa An on your list. The grilled scallops alone are worth the trip, but there are so many more reasons to visit.

Reach out and I’ll plan an unforgettable trip for you. Just promise that when you arrive you’ll pull up a chair in the sand, order a round, and let the waves remind you why the best meals are always the simplest ones.