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Tiếng Việt
ไทยDa Nang one-sun dried squid is a specialty that almost every tourist visiting this coastal city wants to bring home as a gift. But the market has too many price levels and too many sellers, leaving buyers confused about which is genuine and which has been soaked with extra water to sell cheap. This article is Ola Squid‘s roundup of trusted addresses selling Da Nang one-sun dried squid, together with reference prices and ways to tell good squid from mixed squid so you don’t waste money.
How much does Da Nang one-sun dried squid cost per kg?
The price of Da Nang one-sun dried squid ranges from about 350,000 to 850,000 VND/kg depending on the type, with large VIP-grade squid tubes priced the highest, while small-sized leaf squid usually costs less. The exact price also depends on the size of the squid, the type of squid, and the processing method of each supplier.
Large squid with thick flesh and little water content always costs noticeably more than small squid or squid that was frozen before being sun-dried. If you only look at a single price, it is very easy to buy the wrong product, because even though it is all called “one-sun dried squid,” the quality can differ enormously.
Reference price table by type and size
Before buying in person or ordering online, you should first find out the general market price so you can easily compare when visiting each shop. The prices below were compiled based on an actual survey at a number of selling points in Da Nang, applying to squid that has been basically processed and packaged, not including shipping fees if you order from afar.
| Classification | Size (Pieces/kg) | One-sun squid tube (VND/kg) | One-sun leaf squid (VND/kg) |
| Grade 1 (VIP size) | 2 – 3 pieces | 750.000 – 850.000 | 700.000 – 750.000 |
| Grade 2 (Medium size) | 4 – 6 pieces | 599.000 – 700.000 | 499.000 – 550.000 |
| Standard grade (Small size) | 7 – 10 pieces | 450.000 – 500.000 | 350.000 – 420.000 |
The prices above are for reference only; in reality they may change depending on the fishing season and each shop’s shipping costs. During the rainy and stormy season, the catch of squid drops sharply, so prices are often pushed up about 10-15% higher than in the dry season.
Reasons for the price differences
Many people wonder why grade-1 one-sun dried squid is sold for 600,000 dong at one place while another place charges up to 750,000 dong per kilogram. This difference is not random; it depends on 4 main factors:
- Raw material origin: fresh squid caught the same day and still alive when brought ashore for drying always costs more than squid that has been frozen for several days before being dried.
- Brand and reputation: long-established suppliers that have been in the trade for generations tend to sell at the correct weight and correct price, and rarely mix in lower-quality stock to compete on the cheap end.
- Processing method: squid dried naturally in the sun needs favorable weather and takes much more effort to monitor than squid dried by machine, so its cost is also a bit higher.
- Distribution channel: buying directly from the production facility is usually cheaper than buying through a specialty supermarket or an intermediary store, since there is no added cost for premises and profit margins across multiple stages.
Note when you see squid priced far too cheap compared to the market
If any place advertises large one-sun dried squid at a price 30-40% cheaper than the general market you should think carefully and ask detailed questions before buying, instead of rushing to place an order just because the price looks good.
The most common case is small squid being padded into packaging labeled as large size, or squid that has been frozen and thawed multiple times, leaving the flesh mushy and far less sweet than freshly caught squid. Here are a few signs that should make you suspicious of cheap, low-quality goods:
- The seller does not let you see the actual product before payment and only sends pre-taken photos.
- There is no clear information about the production facility, address, or a specific contact phone number.
- The squid feels unusually light for its size when picked up, a sign of being dried too much or having lost too much moisture.
An unusually cheap price almost always comes with some trade-off in quality, so don’t hesitate to ask carefully about the origin and processing method before paying, even when buying from a place that looks reputable.
See more: Everything about delicious Con Dao one-sun dried squid
6 reputable places to buy one-sun dried squid in Da Nang
Da Nang has no shortage of places selling one-sun dried squid, but finding a seller with genuine quality and fair pricing takes some careful selection. Below are a few addresses that tourists and locals mention quite often, which you can check out before visiting in person or contacting them to place an order.
Ba Tam dried squid facility
This is a long-standing family business tied to a fishing tradition spanning many generations, specializing in squid they catch and sun-dry themselves rather than importing stock from elsewhere to resell. A point many customers mention is that the squid here is quite thick-bodied, with a clearly natural sweetness when grilled.
Thanks to selling straight from the source, with no middlemen, prices at the facility are usually softer than at shops that buy and resell, and customers can also see and check the goods directly before buying in bulk. The squid mainly comes from line-caught fish, naturally sun-dried instead of machine-dried, so it keeps its distinctive sweetness.
Address: 31 Nguyễn Hữu Cảnh, Thuận Phước Ward, Da Nang
Hotline: 0977 939 509
Vigift – Da Nang specialty shop for gifts
Vigift positions itself as a destination for tourists who need to buy gifts, so the one-sun dried squid products here are usually packaged attractively in boxes or gift bags instead of just being wrapped in a plain plastic bag.
The shop offers many different weights and price points so customers can easily choose according to their budget, and it often also carries other specialty items that can be combined into a single gift order, which is convenient for anyone who needs to buy several different kinds of gifts.
Address: 72 Võ Văn Kiệt, An Hải Đông Ward, Sơn Trà District, Da Nang City
Hotline: 0898 200 123
Qua Mien Trung specialty supermarket
This is a large-scale supermarket model selling a wide range of dried Central Vietnam seafood, not just one-sun dried squid, so you can buy other items together in the same visit.
The spacious layout makes it easy to compare prices across many types of squid at once, and there are staff at the counter to help advise customers who aren’t yet sure how to choose. Thanks to an abundant supply and a wide range of sizes, this is also a suitable option if you need to buy in large quantities.
Address: 179-181 Võ Văn Kiệt, Sơn Trà District, Da Nang City
Hotline: 0947 794 111
Ngon Da Nang specialty store – Mini Mart
With a small store size that still carries all the basic items, this is a familiar stop for many passing visitors who are strolling around the beach area and want to make a quick purchase without going far.
The store is usually located near the city center or tourist routes, with items focused on more common types of squid rather than special-grade stock, suitable for quick purchases in moderate quantities.
Address: 171 Phó Đức Chính, Sơn Trà District, Da Nang City
Hotline: 0987 428 428
Dai Loc Phat supermarket
Dai Loc Phat is one of the largest specialty supermarkets in Da Nang, sourcing goods from many different production facilities, so the range of products is quite rich, from whole squid to ready-made seafood dishes.
The supermarket offers a special packing service for customers who need to bring items on a plane or a coach, and it is also a familiar stop for many tour groups on their way to the airport.
Address: 12 Hoàng Hoa Thám, Tân Chính Ward, Thanh Khê District, Da Nang City
Hotline: 0903 508 277
Dac San Lam Qua – Lan’s gift shop
Lan’s gift shop is medium-sized and trusted by many regular customers, mainly thanks to thorough advice and careful packing, which suits you when you need to send goods far away without being there in person to check them.
The shop usually takes orders over the phone or social media for customers who are far away, along with a return policy if the goods received don’t match the initial commitment, which is also a plus point that many customers mention.
Address: 23 An Thượng 26, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Da Nang
Hotline: 0935 122 618
Before visiting any address, you should double-check the contact information and exact location on Google Maps or the store’s fan page, since opening hours and locations can change over time. If you are buying in large quantities, ask in advance about vacuum-packing policies so the squid stays fresh for longer during transport.
See more:
How to choose good one-sun dried squid and avoid fakes
Buying from a reputable address is only half the story; the other half lies in your own ability to judge quality right at the counter. Many people still end up buying poor-quality goods even after choosing a well-known store, simply because they weren’t careful enough before paying.
Identifying through color and thickness
Color is the first and easiest sign to observe when you pick up the squid. Good one-sun dried squid has a naturally light pink body, with a faint powdery pink shine in the flesh, rather than being pale white or deep yellowish like squid that has been sitting around for a long time.
- The flesh is thick and springs back slightly when gently squeezed, not overly thin or too dry and hard.
- The head and tentacles are still intact, not mushy or falling apart.
- The skin is glossy, with no unusual white blotchy spots on the surface.
Identifying through smell
Besides looking, smell is also a quick check that many people tend to overlook. Squid dried properly in the sun has a light sea smell, with the natural, slightly fishy scent characteristic of seafood, which is pleasant to smell rather than harsh on the nose. On the other hand, a few unusual smells are signs you should avoid buying:
- A sharp, chemical, or slightly ammonia-like smell, usually from using bleaching agents or preservatives to keep the squid’s color.
- A musty, slightly sour smell, which usually appears on squid that has been kept too long or was packaged before it was fully dry.
- An overly strong fishy smell, quite different from a normal sea smell, which can be a sign the squid had already started to spoil before being dried.
If the store allows it, you should bring the squid close to your nose and smell it directly rather than just looking through the vacuum-sealed bag, because the true smell is sometimes muted by the packaging.
The general experience for choosing dried squid also applies to one-sun dried squid, and you can check out more detailed guidance in the article how to choose good dried squid for extra perspective when you’re holding the product to check it directly.
See more: What dishes go well with one-sun dried squid? 7 delicious, easy rice-pairing dishes
Price notes to avoid poor-quality goods
If a seller quotes an unusually low price compared to the general market mentioned above, there is a high chance the squid has had its sizes mixed together, or uses long-frozen raw material to cut production costs. In this case the squid flesh is usually mushier, and when grilled it doesn’t keep the natural sweetness of freshly caught squid.
To make it easier to compare when shopping, each type of squid has a reasonable minimum price threshold, and if the price is much lower than that, you should ask the seller questions right away instead of buying hastily.
| Classification | Size (Pieces/kg) | One-sun squid tube | One-sun leaf squid |
| Grade 1 (VIP size) | 2 – 3 pieces | From 750.000 VNĐ upward | From 680.000 VNĐ upward |
| Grade 2 (Medium size) | 4 – 6 pieces | From 580.000 VNĐ upward | From 480.000 VNĐ upward |
| Grade 3 (Small size) | 7 – 10 pieces | From 420.000 VNĐ upward | From 350.000 VNĐ upward |
Frequently asked questions
How many pieces are in 1kg of Da Nang one-sun dried squid?
It depends on the grade, grade-1 one-sun dried squid usually has 2 – 3 pieces/kg, grade 2 has about 4 – 6 pieces/kg, grade 3 has about 7 – 10 pieces/kg. The fewer pieces per kilogram, the bigger the squid, the thicker the flesh, and the price is correspondingly higher. When buying, you should ask clearly about the number of pieces per kilogram to avoid being given a smaller size than the grade you chose.
How long does Da Nang one-sun dried squid keep?
If stored in the fridge’s cooling compartment, one-sun dried squid usually keeps for about 5-7 days. To store it longer, you should vacuum-seal it and put it in the freezer, in which case the storage time can extend to 2-3 months with little change in quality.
You can also check out the article how to store dried squid to apply the same principles to one-sun dried squid.
Can you bring Da Nang one-sun dried squid on a plane?
Yes, one-sun dried squid is still allowed on planes both as carry-on and checked baggage, as long as it is sealed tightly with no water or smell leaking out. Many shops in Da Nang already offer a vacuum-sealing service for customers who need to travel far, and you just need to state your needs clearly when buying. For checked baggage, you should wrap an extra layer of plastic bag around it to prevent impacts from tearing the packaging during transport.
You can find the detailed regulations in the article can you bring dried squid on a plane.
Which is more delicious: fresh Da Nang one-sun dried squid or vacuum-sealed?
One-sun dried squid that has just finished drying and hasn’t been packaged yet usually has the clearest natural sweetness and aroma, suitable for eating right away within a few days. In contrast, squid that has been vacuum-sealed is convenient for long-term storage and shipping over long distances, and the quality remains good if the packaging process meets proper standards, with only a slight decrease in fresh flavor compared to right after drying.
Buying good one-sun dried squid in Da Nang isn’t hard, you just need to know the reasonable market price, choose a reputable address, and know how to check the color and smell before paying. For anyone who doesn’t have the chance to visit Da Nang in person, or who wants a convenient, easy-to-store dried squid option to use gradually or give as a gift.
Ola Squid is a trustworthy address for whole dried squid and seasoned flattened dried squid lines, with quality carefully controlled right from the raw material stage. Visit olasquid.com/en to see more of the dried squid products currently available and place an order whenever you need.
