1. Why is Tamarind Glazed Dried Squid Appealing to Diners?
Whether you are a food lover or visiting Da Nang for the first time, many tourists find it hard to forget the distinctive flavor of tamarind glazed dried squid. Not only is it the crystallization of the essence of Central Vietnamese seafood cuisine, but this dish also offers a rich and unforgettable taste experience.
The special point that makes Da Nang's tamarind glazed dried squid stand out is the harmony between four main flavors: the mild sourness of ripe tamarind, the spiciness of chili, the saltiness from fish sauce, and the slight sweetness of sugar. When enjoyed, layers of flavor spread, bringing a rich and interesting sensation to the eater. Unlike common snacks that emphasize only one or two flavors, tamarind glazed dried squid offers a balance, making diners always want to have more.
The ingredients for this specialty are carefully selected dried squid, caught from the waters of Da Nang. The most common is tube squid with thick and chewy flesh, creating a satisfyingly firm texture when eaten. For squid leaf, choose medium sizes, easy to absorb seasoning, with tender meat. For small, delicate baby squid, the meat is naturally sweet, becoming characteristically tender and melt-in-your-mouth when glazed.
Each type of squid brings its own sensation, adding to the dish's appeal.
The squid's appeal is also evident in its versatile serving options. During the day, it can be enjoyed as a snack while strolling around the ancient town of Hoi An or relaxing by My Khe beach. In family meals, the dish completes the meal, adding a highlight to the dining table. When meeting friends in the evening, this squid dish is perfect as an appetizer, especially when enjoyed with cold beer or white wine. Furthermore, with attractive packaging and good preservation, the squid is also chosen by many tourists as a gift to bring back for relatives after each trip.
Many tourists find it hard to forget the distinctive flavor of tamarind-glazed squid. (Source: Collected)
2. Top 6 reputable places to buy tamarind-glazed squid in Da Nang
2.1. Thien Phu Specialty
With many years of experience in the field of Da Nang specialties, Thien Phu store has built a reputation for stable product quality. Tamarind-glazed squid here is prepared based on a traditional recipe, maintaining a balanced sweet, sour, spicy, and salty taste.
Thien Phu stands out with diverse tamarind-glazed squid product lines, offering various spice levels to cater to tastes across the three regions. Product packaging is professionally designed, with clear information on ingredients and expiry dates. Prices are always stable, not increasing unusually during holidays or peak tourist seasons.
With many years of experience in Da Nang's specialty products, Thien Phu store has built a reputation for stable product quality. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Da Nang Tamarind Rimmed Squid Production Facility - Di Danh
Located at 25 An Thuong 26, Ngu Hanh Son, Di Danh facility is famous for its homemade tamarind rimmed squid, adhering to traditional methods. The production area is spacious and always kept clean to ensure food safety in all stages.
The tamarind rimmed squid here has a mild, rich spiciness that is not too intense, suitable for diners who prefer a light taste. The processing procedure is strictly controlled, selecting only fresh squid caught daily to ensure product quality. Visitors can also witness the squid preparation process firsthand and receive guidance on how to preserve the product to maintain its flavor for the longest time.
2.3. Dai Loc Phat Supermarket
Located at 12 Hoang Hoa Tham near the airport and the swing bridge, Dai Loc Phat is a convenient stop for tourists who want to buy tamarind rimmed squid before leaving the city. The supermarket specializes in selling local specialties, committed to providing quality products at reasonable prices.
At Dai Loc Phat, products are carefully selected from many reputable suppliers, with diverse designs and prices suitable for all budgets. The staff are knowledgeable about the products and enthusiastically advise customers to choose the right type of tamarind rimmed squid as gifts. Notably, the beautiful gift packaging service makes transportation more convenient.
2.4. Vigift Chain of Da Nang Specialty Gift Showrooms
Vigift specializes in providing Da Nang specialty gifts, with tamarind rimmed squid priced from 66,000 to 259,000 VND depending on the type of squid and weight. The shopping space is modern and luxurious, creating a satisfying experience for every visitor.
Vigift's outstanding advantage is its professional gift box designs, with diverse styles suitable for various occasions. Tamarind rimmed squid is vacuum-packed, accompanied by product information and detailed preservation instructions. The showroom also offers delivery services within the city, providing maximum convenience for buyers.
Vigift specializes in providing Da Nang specialty gifts, including tamarind-rimmed squid. (Source: Da Nang Newspaper)
2.5. Han Market, Con Market
These two traditional markets gather many stalls selling tamarind-rimmed squid at competitive prices. Han Market is located right in the city center, while Con Market is near the Han River, both are easily accessible by bus or taxi.
When buying tamarind-rimmed squid here, it is advisable to prioritize stalls with clear labels, transparent brands, and clean packaging. Some long-standing stalls have a stable customer base and receive positive feedback. Buying at the market also has the advantage of price negotiation, especially when buying in large quantities.
2.6. Delicious Da Nang Specialties
The shop is located at 171 Pho Duc Chinh, specializing in Da Nang specialties and those from other regions with a commitment to quality and reputation. Its convenient location is near many hotels and vibrant culinary areas.
The tamarind-rimmed squid here is carefully selected, ensuring clear origin and consistent quality. The shop frequently has promotions for bulk purchases. The team of consultants has in-depth product knowledge, helping customers choose the type of tamarind-rimmed squid that suits their taste and needs.
3. Suggested Itinerary for Exploring Da Nang
3.1. Morning
Start your day in Da Nang with a bowl of authentic Central Vietnamese Mi Quang. The chewy noodles blend with the fragrant, sweet broth, and fresh shrimp meat adds vitality to your exploration journey.
After breakfast, head to Sun World Ba Na Hills to visit the famous Golden Bridge and the French Village with its classic architecture. Fantasy Park offers many exciting games for you to explore. The ideal time to go up to Ba Na Hills is from 8 to 9 AM to avoid crowds and enjoy the cool air at the mountaintop.
After breakfast, head to Sun World Ba Na Hills to visit the famous Golden Bridge and the French Village with its classic architecture.
3.2. Afternoon
Returning to the city center around 2 PM to 3 PM, you can take the opportunity to visit Han Market or Con Market to buy tamarind-glazed squid and many other attractive specialties. If you prefer a modern shopping space, Thien Phu Supermarket or Di Danh store will be suitable choices.
In the afternoon, My Khe Beach with its fine white sand and clear blue water is an ideal relaxation spot. Don't forget to stroll along the Love Bridge and Dragon Bridge, ideal places to capture beautiful photos, especially at sunset. Enjoying freshly bought tamarind-glazed squid with fresh coconut water by the sea will bring a feeling of extreme relaxation.
3.3. Evening
As the city lights up, the Han River becomes sparkling with brilliant reflections. Especially at 9 PM every weekend, Dragon Bridge puts on a spectacular fire and water show, attracting a large number of tourists.
The night market is an ideal gathering place with a variety of attractive street foods. You can enjoy fresh grilled snails, crispy savory pancakes, fragrant lemongrass skewers, grilled beef sausage, and many other dishes. In particular, the grilled tamarind-glazed squid is fragrant, with a distinct smoky flavor different from regular glazed squid. Pairing it with cold beer will complete the perfect evening in this coastal city.
4. Tips and notes when buying and enjoying
4.1. How to choose quality tamarind-glazed squid
To choose delicious tamarind-glazed squid, you need to carefully observe the color, aroma, and texture of the product. Good quality squid usually has an even golden-brown color, a dry surface, and does not feel wet or sticky. When smelled, quality squid will emit a gentle aroma of tamarind and spices, without any burnt, rancid, or strange sour smells.
Regarding chewiness, tamarind-glazed squid should be elastic, not mushy or excessively dry and hard. The squid pieces should maintain their texture, not be crumbly or fall apart when held. A uniform color throughout the squid indicates a professional and hygienic processing.
Choosing where to buy is also very important. It is advisable to prioritize reputable stores that are certified for food safety and have received many positive customer reviews. At markets, carefully observe stalls that are clean and display products with clear labels. If buying as a gift, choose vacuum-packed products with complete information about the manufacturer, expiration date, and storage instructions.
To choose delicious tamarind-glazed squid, observe the color, aroma, and texture of the product carefully. (Source: Collected)
4.2. Experience of Enjoyment and Preservation Notes
You can enjoy tamarind-glazed squid in the simplest way by eating it directly to fully appreciate the sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors. When served with rice, this dish will enhance the flavor of daily meals.
On reunion occasions, this dish combined with grilled rice paper and cold beer creates a perfect trio for gatherings. Some people also like to grill the squid on a charcoal stove to add a distinct smoky aroma, but be careful to grill it moderately to retain the chewy texture of the squid.
Regarding preservation, unopened tamarind-glazed squid should be stored in a dry, cool place, avoiding direct sunlight. To extend its shelf life, you can seal the product in a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator's cool compartment; it can last up to 3 to 4 months. After opening, consume within 7 to 10 days and store in a sealed container to ensure quality and food safety.
Da Nang tamarind-glazed squid is a specialty dish with the distinct flavor of the Central Vietnamese coast, nổi bật with a harmonious blend of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors. Whether used as a snack or a gift, it is always a memorable choice for your journey to discover Da Nang. Don't forget to visit reputable establishments to enjoy and bring back unforgettable culinary experiences from this beautiful coastal city.
