Comfort FoodHotpotLocal Favorite

    Stingray Hotpot

    Lẩu Cá Đuối

    4.6₫120k - 350kBest at lunch or dinner, especially when shared slowly with noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce.
    Chirido Lai
    Overview

    A tangy Southern Vietnamese stingray hotpot

    Lẩu cá đuối is a Southern Vietnamese hotpot made with stingray simmered in a sour-savory broth, usually served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, vegetables, and dipping fish sauce. In Ho Chi Minh City, it is a popular casual meal that is often shared, but many restaurants can still serve a small pot for one or two diners.
    Gallery

    Photos

    What's in it

    • Stingray
    • Sour broth
    • Tomatoes
    • Pineapple
    • Tamarind or sour fruit
    • Pineapple stem or bamboo shoots
    • Rice noodles
    • Water spinach or other greens
    • Herbs
    • Fish sauce
    When to eat

    Best moments to enjoy it

    LunchDinner

    Best at lunch or dinner, especially when shared slowly with noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce.

    The story

    Origin & history

    This dish is strongly associated with Southern Vietnam, especially the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City, where coastal and river ingredients shaped local cooking. It became popular as a casual family and group meal because stingray is affordable, the broth is bright and appetizing, and the hotpot format works well for sharing.

    At the stall

    How to order & pay

    Ordering

    For solo dining, ask for a small pot or half portion if available, and confirm whether rice noodles and vegetables are included. If you want less food waste, ask for one serving of noodles first and add more only if needed. Useful phrases: 'một nồi nhỏ' for a small pot, 'ít cay' for less chili, and 'không mắm ruốc' if you want to avoid fermented shrimp paste.

    Paying

    Many casual restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City accept cash and often also accept local e-wallets or card payments, but small vendors may still prefer cash. Carry small bills in the 20,000-100,000 VND range and ask before ordering if you want to pay by card.

    Good to know

    Allergens, nutrition & health

    Allergens

    Contains fish and seafood; may include fish sauce, shrimp paste, and traces of shellfish depending on the restaurant.

    Nutrition & benefits

    Provides protein from stingray and hydration from the broth, with vegetables and herbs adding fiber and micronutrients.

    Health notes

    If you have a sensitive stomach, go easy on chili, fermented shrimp paste, and raw herbs. Make sure the stingray is fully cooked, and choose a busy restaurant with high turnover for fresher seafood.

    How to eat it

    Let the broth simmer, then add stingray, vegetables, and noodles in small batches. Dip pieces into the broth until cooked through, then eat with herbs and a little fish sauce or chili sauce. For solo diners, order a smaller pot and pace the meal so the noodles do not overcook.

    Where to eat it

    Best spots in Ho Chi Minh City

    • Út Mười Stingray Hotpot

      3.5

      10 Trương Công Định, Vũng Tàu, Hồ Chí Minh 790000, Vietnam

      Hours
      8:00 AM–11:00 PM
      View on map

    • Lẩu Cá Đuối Hoàng Minh - Chính Hiệu Vũng Tàu

      3.7

      44 Trương Công Định, Vũng Tàu, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

      Hours
      9:00 AM–12 :00AM
      View on map
    From the Journal

    Stories about Ho Chi Minh City