1. Introduction to Hai Phong Snails
Hai Phong, serving as the gateway to the northern sea region, has cultivated a very unique sidewalk culinary style, among which Hai Phong snails are always mentioned as a symbol of the port city's culinary identity. This city gathers abundant seafood from Ha Long Bay, Cat Hai, and riverine areas, contributing to making snail dishes a specialty with outstanding quality.
Enjoying Hai Phong snails seems to have become an indispensable part of the local lifestyle, spanning generations. Interestingly, in this city, snail dishes are available all day, not just limited to the evening. Both humble roadside eateries and large restaurants are bustling with activity. The simple yet elaborate culinary art, combined with a friendly restaurant atmosphere, creates a distinct mark for Hai Phong snails.
Entering 2025, Hai Phong snail eateries continue to innovate and create new cooking methods while preserving the original flavors. The exquisite fusion of tradition and modernity has made Hai Phong snails an unmissable stop on the journey to explore the city of flamboyant flowers.
Dishes made from fresh and delicious Hai Phong snails. (Source: Collected)
2. Famous Hai Phong snail types to try in 2025
2.1. Red-lipped snail
Among the diverse list of snail types, the red-lipped snail always holds a prominent position on the Hai Phong snail menu. This small snail has a round shell, surrounded by a vibrant bright red lip, a striking contrast to the mossy green color clinging to the shell. Although not large, the red-lipped snail meat is particularly crispy and rich in characteristic sea flavor.
In Hai Phong, red-lipped snails are prepared in various ways: boiled with lemongrass and lime leaves to preserve their fresh taste; stir-fried spicy with satay, stir-fried with coconut for a creamy texture, or grilled with chili salt for an appealing flavor. Regardless of the preparation method, the sweetness of the snail meat is always fully enhanced, especially when eaten hot, allowing one to clearly feel the spirit of the sea.
Red-lipped snails from Hai Phong are processed deliciously. (Source: Collected)
This year, red-lipped snails have truly become the "star" at famous snail eateries in Hai Phong thanks to their distinctive flavor, firm and sweet meat, and eye-catching color, making it unforgettable for anyone who tries it for the first time. This type of snail is not only rare but also has high culinary value, becoming a sought-after specialty in all eateries, from casual to high-end. It is precisely this combination of freshness, rarity, and exquisite flavor that has quickly won the hearts of both local diners and visitors from afar.
2.2. Conch snail
Not only appealing in taste, conch snails also conquer diners with their firm, crispy meat and natural aroma. In terms of nutritional value, conch snails are rich in high-class protein and low in fat, suitable for supplementing nutrients for the whole family. This is indeed the most favored choice on the Hai Phong snail feast table.
Fresh and delicious sea snails are loved by tourists. (Source: Collected)
Dishes made from sea snails in Hai Phong always retain their original crispness and deliciousness, such as steaming with lemongrass and ginger, stir-frying with chili, or grilling with scallion oil, all providing a delightful experience. Especially, the meat of sea snails is easy to enjoy, neither tough nor too soft, suitable for all ages.
In the current trend of healthy eating, sea snails are increasingly preferred. This type of snail not only frequently appears on family dinner tables but is also a “familiar face” at famous snail restaurants in Hai Phong. With high nutritional value and a characteristic sweet and fresh flavor, sea snails always receive positive reviews from culinary and health experts, becoming a perfect choice for meals that are both delicious and nutritious.
2.3. Disc snails, Mút snails, and Rock snails
A familiar trio in the world of Hai Phong snails, including disc snails, mút snails, and rock snails, captivates diners with their affordable prices and rustic flavors. Disc snails are notable for their flat shape, mút snails are small and often known as paper snails or short-tailed snails, while rock snails have a characteristic hard shell. Each type offers its own unique enjoyment when gathered with friends.
The way to enjoy these snails in Hai Phong is also special; diners often use their mouths to suck the sauce absorbed within the meat, creating a very satisfying sensation. Disc snails and rock snails are mainly simply boiled or stir-fried with spicy tamarind, or stir-fried with chili, highlighting the simple charm of port city cuisine.
Whenever there's a gathering, these types of snails are always the most suitable choice, bringing a lively and friendly atmosphere to the group. The affordable price makes it easy for everyone to order more plates to share.
2.4. Conch snails
Conch snails contribute to refreshing the Hai Phong snail menu with their thick, chewy meat, a light sea aroma, and rich nutrition. Cooking methods such as boiling with lime leaves, stir-frying with chili, grilling with scallion oil, or transforming them into Western-style seafood salads all enhance the inherent deliciousness of conch snail meat. Compared to other types of snails, conch snail meat is less sweet but has its own unique satisfying texture when savored with dipping sauce.
Sea snail has thick and nutritious flesh. (Source: Collected)
The advantage of sea snail is its soft, easily digestible flesh, meeting the needs of both the elderly and young children. The diversity in preparation makes sea snail an ideal ingredient for Hai Phong snail eateries to innovate dishes and cater to the tastes of each customer.
Many family-run eateries in Hai Phong often prepare sea snail using traditional recipes with their own special dipping sauce, making the rich flavor of the dish an unforgettable experience for anyone trying it for the first time.
3. Preparation methods and special dipping sauces unique to Hai Phong
The essence of the art of cooking Hai Phong snails lies in the sophistication of each step. Steamed snails with lemongrass should only be cooked just enough to retain their natural crispness; snails stir-fried with coconut milk must be cooked over high heat to allow the richness of the coconut milk to penetrate evenly; and snails grilled with scallion oil must be prepared over glowing charcoal to release their characteristic aroma.
What makes Hai Phong snails distinctive is the traditional dipping sauce recipe. Each bowl of fish sauce is blended with shredded ginger, finely chopped lemongrass, pounded garlic and chili in a unique ratio for each establishment. The harmonious balance of spicy, salty, and sweet flavors highlights the natural taste of the snail meat, creating a special accent for each dish.
Each Hai Phong snail eatery has its own secret dipping sauce recipe, preserved and passed down through generations, creating a unique signature that cannot be found elsewhere. Some places lean towards a strong spicy flavor, while others add a touch of mild sweetness or refreshing sourness, catering to different customer preferences. This creativity in every dipping sauce elevates the humble snail dish into a captivating culinary experience. This richness not only showcases the skill of the vendors but also represents the distinctive culinary culture of the port city of Hai Phong.
4. Hai Phong Snail Prices Update 2025
In Hai Phong, snail prices at eateries vary widely, depending on the type of snail, freshness, preparation method, and location of the eatery. Some casual places like Oc Tuan Ly serve dishes ranging from approximately 50,000 VND to 200,000 VND for common snail dishes. Oc Cang eatery, located in the city center, has slightly higher prices, typically from 100,000 VND to 200,000 VND for elaborately prepared snail dishes. Meanwhile, eateries specializing in seafood or offering beautiful ambiance, such as Huong Oc Hai Phong, usually set higher prices, ranging from 200,000 VND to 400,000 VND for larger portions or special dishes.
When visiting Hai Phong snail eateries, customers should inquire about the prices of each type and size to make informed choices. The period between 7 PM and 9 PM is when eateries are usually busiest, creating a very lively atmosphere. If you prefer a more relaxed dining experience, you can choose to visit between 5 PM – 6:30 PM or after 9:30 PM.
Hai Phong snail eateries generally maintain stable prices year-round, with only slight adjustments according to seafood seasons, allowing customers to choose with confidence. Many places also clearly display prices, ensuring transparency and creating a good impression with customers. This stability helps tourists easily plan their expenses and retains a large base of regular customers, whether during peak season or on weekdays.
4. List of Notable Hai Phong Snail Eateries 2025
4.1. Oc 96 Thuy Linh Hai Phong
Oc 96 Thuy Linh is a familiar address for Hai Phong seafood enthusiasts, nổi bật with dishes like red-lipped snails, sea snails, and creamy stir-fried coconut snails. The lightly spicy dipping sauce, prepared with a proprietary recipe, creates an unforgettable signature flavor.
Additionally, dishes start from just 25,000 VND per plate. The eatery is always crowded in the evenings, especially on weekends. Open daily from 3 PM to 11 PM.
4.2. Huong Oc Hai Phong
Huong Oc is famous for its over 20 types of fresh snails, authentic traditional dipping sauce, and friendly service. The spacious environment is suitable for groups of friends or families.
Unique and exotic dishes like "oc vu nang" (turban snails), "oc len" (mud creeper snails), and "oc nhay" (jumping snails) are priced from 200,000 – 400,000 VND per plate. The eatery is open from 3 PM to 11 PM, making it an ideal spot to enjoy snails in the evening in Hai Phong.
Appetizing snail dishes in Hai Phong. (Source: Collected)
4.3. Oc Na Hai Phong
Oc Na is a familiar restaurant for food connoisseurs in Hai Phong, famous for its fresh and delicious huong snails, ca na snails, and disc snails, prepared in various ways such as boiling, stir-frying with sa tế, or stir-frying with coconut. The rich spices and perfectly balanced sweet and spicy dipping sauce make it unforgettable for diners.
The restaurant is small but always crowded, especially in the evening. Prices range from 30,000 – 70,000 VND per plate, suitable for young friends to enjoy after work.
4.4. Hoa Oc Hai Phong
Hoa Oc attracts diners with its rich menu featuring various types of snails, scallops, oysters, and green mussels, all prepared attractively. Each dish is seasoned to perfection, preserving the fresh aroma of live seafood.
The restaurant is located at 69 May To, Ngo Quyen, with a spacious and airy ambiance, and prompt, friendly service. The average dish price is from 40,000 – 100,000 VND, highly recommended when traveling to Hai Phong.
4.5. Oc Thuong Hai Phong
Oc Thuong is a familiar destination for seafood lovers in the coastal city. The diverse menu includes boiled snails, snails stir-fried with tamarind, and fragrant snails steamed with lemongrass.
The restaurant is open from 2 PM to 10:30 PM, with a cozy atmosphere, suitable for gatherings with friends. Prices are affordable, with fast and friendly service.
4.6. Quan Ruou Oc Hai Phong
Quan Ruou Oc is an ideal spot to enjoy seafood while chatting with friends. The restaurant is famous for its fresh and delicious mit snails, red-lipped snails, and mút snails, served with an attractive sweet and sour dipping sauce.
It has a spacious ambiance, fast service, and prices range from 40,000 – 120,000 VND per plate. This is an ideal choice for leisurely evenings in Hai Phong.
4.7. Oc Thuy Duong Hai Phong
Although Oc Thuy Duong is located in an alley, it is always crowded. The menu is diverse with aromatic snails stir-fried with tamarind, snails stir-fried with coconut milk, and steamed huong snails with lemongrass.
The space is clean, service is fast, dishes are served consistently, and the natural freshness is preserved. Prices range from 30,000 – 80,000 VND per plate, suitable for both local customers and tourists.
5. Suggested 1-day 
Sun World Cat Ba Cable Car Station in the twilight. (Source: Collected)
Hai Phong Snails are not just a familiar street food but also a soul of the port city's culinary culture. Amidst the alluring aroma spreading from small roadside eateries, each steaming portion of snails carries the salty taste of the sea and the hospitality of the local people. Try it once to fully appreciate that unforgettable flavor, and don't forget to save the list of famous snail restaurants to make your Hai Phong culinary exploration journey in 2025 more complete and memorable.
