Why Oc Dao Stands Out
Saigon is packed with snail spots, but Oc Dao has something special (in my opinion). Among all those choices, this spot stands out to me - not just its flavours, but also the energy and atmosphere. I’ve brought my family and friends here over the years, and never once heard anyone say they didn’t love it.
Oc Dao has a few locations, but I went to the one in District 4, right in the middle of Vinh Khanh Street - or as locals call it, Seafood Street. If you’ve never been, picture a whole stretch of road packed with sizzling grills, smoky woks, and tables piled high with shellfish. The competition here is no joke, but Oc Dao is always packed. Every night, it’s the same scene: locals and tourists crammed around low plastic tables, cracking shells, dipping snails into lime salt and chili, and washing it all down with ice-cold beer.
The first time I went, I was a little lost in the chaos - waiters weaving through packed tables, balancing trays overflowing with clams, shrimps, and snails. I remember pointing at a dish on a nearby table, hoping for the best. What arrived was a sizzling plate of răng mực xào bơ - sauteed squid teeth in a glossy, golden butter sauce. I was skeptical at first. Squid teeth? But one bite, and I got it. Each chewy, tender piece was coated in a rich, garlicky sauce that clung to your fingers. The sweetness of the butter paired with a subtle briny kick was so addictive, I found myself swiping the plate clean with pieces of warm bánh mì. It was messy, a little conventional, and absolutely delicious. That dish alone sealed the deal - I knew I’d be coming back.
First Time Ordering? Here’s What to Do
Ordering at Ốc Đào can feel a bit overwhelming if you’re new, but here’s the move:
- Scan the room. See what others are eating and point at whatever looks good - seriously, no judgment here.
- Start simple. Go for crowd-pleasers like grilled shrimp or steamed clams. Once you’re warmed up, dive into more adventurous options.
- Mix and match. Aim for a balance of grilled, stir-fried, and saucy dishes.
- Don’t forget the bread. Always order a side of bánh mì to soak up the flavorful sauces.
- Don’t be shy. If you’re unsure, ask the staff for their recommendations - they know what’s fresh and what’s a hit that night.
- Order with confidence. Because it’s affordable. Most dishes range from 50,000 to 150,000 VND (around $2 to $6 USD), so you can feast like royalty without breaking the bank.
How to Eat Ốc Like a Pro
Let’s be real - eating ốc is not for the prim and proper. It’s hands-on, finger-licking and gloriously messy. Here’s how to tackle it like a seasoned snail-eater:
- Mini forks are your best friend. Use them to dig out the meat from the shells - don’t be shy about it.
- Scoop, dip, repeat. Always dip your snail into the fish sauce with kumquat and chili for that tangy, spicy kick, or go for the pepper salt with a squeeze of lemon for a bold, zesty punch.
- Bread is non-negotiable. Use bánh mì to soak up every drop of the rich, buttery sauces.
- Don’t rush. Snail-eating is a slow, social affair - savor the flavors while chatting with your crew.
- Get messy. It’s all part of the fun - expect buttery fingers, clattering trays, and the occasional snail juice splash.
What to Order (Trust Me on This)
If you’re new to the world of Vietnamese snail dishes, here are some of my personal must-tries:
🦑 Răng mực xào bơ (Sautéed Squid Teeth) – Don’t let the name throw you off. These chewy little bites are coated in a rich, buttery sauce that hits all the sweet-savory notes. For a pro move, grab a piece of warm bánh mì, stuff it with squid teeth, and drizzle on that sauce. Total game-changer.
🍋 Nghêu hấp sả (Steamed Clams with Lemongrass) – Light but loaded with flavor. The clams are gently steamed in a fragrant, lemongrass-infused broth that’s slightly sweet and refreshing. Don’t let that broth go to waste - scoop it up with crusty bread or sip it straight from the bowl.
🍤 Tôm nướng (Grilled Shrimp Skewers) – Simple, juicy, and straight to the point. The shrimp are grilled to juicy perfection, often brushed with sweet and salty seasoning. Pop one off the skewer, dip it in lemon green chili sauce. Peel them if you want, but the crispy grilled shells add a satisfying crunch.
🦪 Sò lông nướng mỡ hành (Grilled Cockles with Scallion Oil) - Smoky, buttery, and slightly briny. The cockles are grilled until juicy, then smothered in scallion oil and crunchy peanuts. Messy? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
🍝 Mì xào ốc móng tay (Stir-Fried Noodles with Razor Clams) - Pure comfort food. Springy noodles stir-fried with tender razor clams in a savory sauce. It’s slurp-worthy and deeply satisfying.
For the full experience, order a mix of grilled, stir-fried, and saucy dishes—balance is key. And don’t forget the beer. A cold Saigon Special is practically mandatory.
A Quick Heads-Up
If you’re new to Vietnam or the snail game, maybe ease into it. Skip the raw oysters on your first visit - your stomach will thank you. Stick to the cooked stuff and you’re golden.
More Than Just a Meal
Beyond the incredible food, Oc Dao is the perfect snapshot of Vietnam’s vibrant street dining culture. It’s unpretentious, lively, and full of energy. Locals, travelers, families, and groups of friends all gather here for the same reason - to eat well and have a good time.
So if you ever find yourself in Saigon, ready for an unforgettable meal, head to Oc Dao. Just be warned: once you experience a proper ốc feast, there’s no going back.
