1. Vietnam – Grilled, Sizzling, and Packed with Herbs
Vietnamese street seafood is defined by simplicity, freshness, and herbs. Coastal towns like Hoi An and Da Nang serve grilled fish and squid straight from the sea, while bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh offer inventive, spice-filled dishes with a southern twist.

Hidden Gems:

Hoi An Night Market – Try grilled squid skewers and clam stir-fry with lemongrass and chili. Lightly charred and smoky, perfect with fresh greens.

Vinh Khanh Street (District 4, Ho Chi Minh City) – A seafood lover’s paradise with stalls offering scallops with green onion and peanuts, snail curry, and crab hotpot.

Tip: Order a chilled local beer and sit among locals for the full experience.

2. Cambodia – Bold Flavors with a French Twist
Seafood in Cambodia is often marinated in fragrant pastes and grilled over open flames. Along the coast — particularly in Kep and Kampot — crab and squid are served with tangy Kampot pepper sauce or tropical fruit glazes.

Don’t Miss:

Kep Crab Market – A coastal treasure where crabs are caught, cooked, and served in minutes. Try the iconic pepper crab — wok-fried crab in a sweet, spicy Kampot pepper sauce.

Phnom Penh’s Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung) – Look for vendors selling grilled shrimp skewers, steamed fish in banana leaves, and crispy squid cakes.

Local tip: Many vendors offer their own twist on dipping sauces — ask for lime, pepper, and salt mix on the side.

3. Malaysia – Street Markets Bursting with Seafood Variety
Malaysia’s melting pot of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences is reflected in its seafood street food. Nowhere is this more deliciously obvious than in Penang and Melaka, where hawker stalls serve seafood with bold spice blends and rich sauces.

Top Picks:

Gurney Drive Hawker Centre (Penang) – Try the seafood char kway teow (stir-fried noodles with shrimp and squid) or assam laksa (a tangy fish-based noodle soup).

Jonker Street Night Market (Melaka) – Sample stuffed grilled cuttlefish, fish satay, and crispy soft-shell crab bites.

Must-try dish: Seafood curry mee – creamy, spicy, and packed with prawns, fish balls, and cockles.

When to Go
Street food stalls operate year-round, but the best time to explore is during evenings and weekends, when the markets come alive. Rainy season (May–October) may affect some outdoor vendors, but covered night markets stay open regardless.