Oyster congee is one of the first must-try delicious dishes of Con Dao. The porridge is cooked with simple ingredients such as rice, oysters, along with pepper, coriander, onion, and more. When eating, you will be able to taste the fragrant sticky rice blended with the sweet and cool taste of oyster meat, which will surely provide a nutritious meal for travelers.
To enjoy the most authentic bowls of oyster congee, you should visit Con Dao Market or Cay Bang seafood restaurant. Both locations offer delicious oyster porridge and fresh seafood for you to choose from.
**Moon Crab**
The next delicious specialty that cannot be missed is the moon crab. Its name originates from the many deep red circles on the crab’s back, mixed with fresh pink, resembling a moon shape. Moreover, this type of crab is believed to have the sweetest meat during the moonrise period.
Moon crab can be prepared in many delicious dishes, but to fully enjoy the natural sweetness of the crab meat, it is best to savor it steamed and dipped in salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
**Mrs. Hai Khiem’s Bun Rieu**
Mrs. Hai Khiem’s Bun Rieu is one of the famous dishes of the people of Con Dao. Sold for over 20 years, this is one of the oldest culinary destinations in Con Dao. Unlike the usual vermicelli dishes, this bun rieu does not include pork skin or apple snails; instead, it is served with toppings such as fish cakes, tofu, quail eggs, crab paste, and blood. It is accompanied by a plate of green vegetables, including bean sprouts, basil, and banana blossoms. You can ask the restaurant to blanch the vegetables or serve them raw with the vermicelli, depending on your preference.
The secret to the unique flavor of Mrs. Hai Khiem’s Bun Rieu lies in the broth and the large crab paste. In addition to using pork bones to cook the broth, the restaurant owner also adds Con Dao sun-dried squid to the pot to enhance the sweetness of the dish. As a result, after seasoning, the vermicelli broth is described as both savory and uniquely sweet.
**Breast Snail**
Breast snail, also known as abalone, is a Con Dao specialty that you must try. Breast snail can be prepared in various ways, such as grilling or making a Vietnamese salad, but the most popular method is boiling.
The snail carries the fresh taste of the sea, and by simply dipping it in a little salt, pepper, and lemon juice, you can fully enjoy the essence of breast snail.
**Shark Fin Salad**
Only the shark’s back is used for the salad, where the meat is firm, cut into small pieces, and then mixed with minced galangal, lemongrass, and turmeric for about 30 minutes to remove the fishy smell. It is then mixed with fermented rice water, which combines sour, spicy, and sweet flavors.
The soft and sweet shark meat, along with the sour and spicy flavors of the spices, creates a unique culinary experience, especially when combined with ingredients like basil, green banana, and star fruit.
**Sun-Dried Squid**
Sun-dried squid has long been a familiar Con Dao seafood delicacy for locals and travelers alike. Unlike other types of dried squid, Con Dao sun-dried squid is pure squid that is sun-dried only once. After being caught, the squid is cleaned, then dried in the scorching sun to enhance its crispness and flavor. After about a day of sun exposure, the squid is brought in and can be prepared in various dishes.
Tasting this Con Dao seafood delicacy will surely enchant you with the taste of the sea that permeates every fiber of the squid’s meat. Sitting in the vast and boundless space of the blue ocean, drinking beer and snacking on a piece of sun-dried squid with your friends will make your vacation in Con Dao even more memorable. Therefore, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in sun-dried squid during your visit to Con Dao.
**Red Lobster**
Red lobster is undoubtedly a rare and precious Con Dao specialty. Red lobster meat contains a high amount of protein but very little fat, making it extremely beneficial for health. You can enjoy this type of lobster in various cooking styles, with the four best methods being steaming, making porridge, salad, and grilling.
The price of red lobster ranges from 800,000 to 1,200,000 VND/kg. You can purchase it at supermarkets or seafood markets.
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