Where to buy high-quality Vung Tau dried squid at a good price?

When mentioning luxurious gifts or appetizing snacks for parties, Vung Tau dried squid is always the name that comes to mind first. However, amidst countless floating, unorigin-clear dried seafood products on the market, many food lovers still ponder the question: where to buy Vung Tau dried squid to ensure authentic flavor, thick squid bodies, and sweet, chewy shredded meat?

In this article, Ola Squid will share detailed information about prices, secrets to distinguishing good and bad squid, along with the most reputable places to buy Vung Tau dried squid today. Let’s find out right away!

How many types of Vung Tau dried squid are there?

To choose a product that fits your budget and usage needs, you first need to clearly understand the origin as well as the classification of Vung Tau dried squid.

Origin of Vung Tau dried squid

Vung Tau dried squid is processed from delicious fresh squid caught in the waters of Ba Ria – Vung Tau. This sea area has high salinity, is rich in seafood and coral reefs, creating conditions for squid to grow with exceptionally thick flesh and a characteristic sweetness. After being brought onto the boat, the squid are gutted, washed with seawater, and then sun-dried directly under harsh sunlight (trawl-caught or jig-caught squid), helping to retain their natural flavor completely.

Types of Vung Tau dried squid

At reputable distributors, Vung Tau dried squid is clearly classified based on size (number of pieces/kg) to meet different usage purposes:

• Type 1 dried squid (Size 6 – 10 pieces/kg): Large size, extremely thick body, deeply sweet flavor. This type is very suitable as a premium gift for partners and relatives on Tet holidays.
• Type 2 dried squid (Size 12 – 15 pieces/kg): Perfect size, standard sweet taste. The product is suitable for casual drinking parties and weekend friend gatherings.
• Type 3 dried squid (Size 18 – 25 pieces/kg or more): Smaller size, affordable price. Suitable for family meals, making caramelized squid, coconut milk shredded squid, or spicy rimmed squid.

See more: Popular types of dried squid and how to choose delicious squid

Distinguishing Vung Tau dried squid from other regions

Vung Tau dried squid stands out thanks to its fresh sea squid source, thick flesh, and natural sweetness after drying. However, each sea region has its own characteristics in terms of ingredients, size, chewiness, and flavor. You can quickly distinguish Vung Tau dried squid from some famous dried squid types such as Co To, Ha Long, and Phu Quoc through the following characteristics:

Dried squid type	Salient features	Flavor, texture
Vung Tau dried squid	Fresh sea squid, with a relatively thick body, natural ivory white color	Deeply sweet, fragrant flavor, moderately chewy flesh, easy to shred into fibers when grilled
Co To dried squid	Squid source from the Northern sea, fairly diverse sizes	Firm flesh, delicate sweet taste, distinct chewiness
Ha Long dried squid	Processed from sea squid caught in Ha Long and neighboring areas	Porous yet firm flesh, fragrant, natural sweet taste, used as specialty gifts
Phu Quoc dried squid	Squid caught in Phu Quoc waters, famous for abundant seafood sources	Soft and chewy flesh, bold sweet taste, pronounced aroma when grilled

Overall, Vung Tau dried squid suits people who prefer squid with a rich sweet-salty flavor, thick flesh, and moderate chewiness. Meanwhile, Co To and Ha Long dried squid carry the characteristics of the Northern sea with firm flesh and delicate sweetness; Phu Quoc dried squid is favored for its signature aroma and bold sweetness of island sea squid.

How much does Vung Tau dried squid cost per kg?

The price of Vung Tau dried squid ranges from 400,000 to 1,500,000 VND/kg, depending on the size, number of pieces per kilo, and squid quality (jig-caught or trawl-caught squid).

Below is a summary table of average retail prices for Vung Tau dried squid in the current market:

Squid classification	Specification (Pieces/kg)	Reference price range (VND/kg)
Type 1 dried squid	6 – 10 pieces/kg	1,000,000 – 1,500,000
Type 2 dried squid	12 – 15 pieces/kg	800,000 – 950,000
Type 3 dried squid	18 – 25 pieces/kg	600,000 – 800,000
Mini/Grilled dried squid	> 30 pieces/kg	400,000 – 550,000

The price of Vung Tau dried squid is not fixed and is affected by the following factors:

• Fishing season: During rough sea seasons (around the 9th to 12th lunar months), scarce supply will push squid prices up by 10% – 20%.
• Processing method: Jig-caught squid dried while hung on boats always costs more than trawl-caught squid dried on sheets because jig-caught squid keeps its skin intact, unblemished, and has sweeter flesh.
• Distribution form: Retail prices at agencies always differ from Vung Tau wholesale dried squid policies for bulk buyers or business partners.

Experience in choosing delicious dried squid, avoiding poor-quality goods

To choose delicious dried squid, you should carefully observe the color, dryness, aroma, and firmness of the squid body. Besides, you need to avoid products showing signs of mold, discoloration, or abnormal odors.

Criteria for recognizing delicious squid

• Natural color: Delicious dried squid has an ivory white color on the body, interspersed with a natural white powder layer; the back has a light pink or reddish-pink color depending on the type. The color is relatively uniform, neither unusually white nor dark red.
• Firm squid body: Properly dried or dehydrated squid has a dry, firm body that is not too soft. When held, it feels solid in hand, with thick flesh that does not crumble.
• Characteristic aroma: Delicious dried squid has a light, characteristic aroma of dried seafood. Do not choose products with a pungent chemical smell, sour smell, or musty odor.
• Dry surface: Quality squid has a dry surface, is not slimy, does not leak water, and does not exhibit abnormal colored spots.
• Intact tentacles and body: With whole dried squid, the tentacles adhere firmly to the body without shedding excessively. This is also one of the signs helping to recognize products that have undergone minimal processing or prolonged storage.

Signs of chemical-infused, moldy squid

Buyers cannot always determine whether squid has been infused with chemicals by naked eyes alone. However, some abnormal signs can help you pay closer attention:

• Overly white or overly red color: Squid with a very striking, unnatural color that differs completely from the usual characteristics of dried squid may be a sign that the product has been processed. However, color alone is not enough to conclude that squid contains chemicals.
• Pungent, strong, or unpleasant odor: If the squid has a chemical smell, ammonia smell, sour smell, or strange odor instead of the characteristic aroma of dried seafood, it should not be bought or consumed.
• Abnormally slimy, sticky surface: Squid that has absorbed moisture for a long time can become soft, sticky, and show a slimy sensation. This is a sign indicating that the product may have degraded.
• Appearance of mold spots: Patches or green, yellow, black spots on the squid body, especially when accompanied by a musty odor, are abnormal signs. You should not attempt to wash or grill them for further consumption.
• Squid being too soft or showing signs of leaking water: Dried squid that is damp and soft, leaking water, or experiencing discoloration may have absorbed moisture during preservation.

See more: What is fake squid made of? Simple recognition methods

Criteria for choosing reputable Vung Tau dried squid sellers

Not every Vung Tau dried squid seller guarantees product quality and origin. To choose delicious, safe dried squid worthy of your spent cost, you should consider the following criteria:

• Clear origin: Providing full information on fishing grounds, featuring standard vacuum packaging processes, absolutely no preservatives used.
• Transparent policies: Supporting goods inspection before payment, with a 1:1 exchange commitment if products have mold issues or do not match commitments.
• Practical reviews: Receiving many positive feedbacks from customers who have experienced products across sales platforms.

Top 5 reputable local Vung Tau dried squid purchasing locations

If you are looking for Vung Tau dried squid to enjoy, gift, or buy in bulk, you can refer to local dried seafood specialty stores. Below are 6 locations worth considering, based on public information about products, addresses, and business operations.

Ola Squid

Ola Squid is a brand specializing in squid products, suitable for customers looking to buy Vung Tau dried squid in both retail and wholesale forms. The product portfolio includes whole dried squid, seasoned shredded squid, seasoned flattened squid, and ready-to-eat squid lines. Dried squid at Ola Squid is selected from fresh raw materials, then preprocessed, processed, and packaged through a closed process.

Ola Squid also features multiple dried squid specifications according to size, making it easy for buyers to choose based on usage needs. This can be a suitable choice if you need to buy dried squid in bulk or want to order delivery to other provinces and cities.

Contact information:

• 59 Bui Ta Han Street, An Phu – An Khanh Urban Area, Binh Trung, Ho Chi Minh City
• Phone: 0989 616 989

Long Hai seafood store

Long Hai Seafood is an address specializing in supplying dried seafood and marine specialties from the Vung Tau area, including dried squid, jig-caught dried squid, and one-sun dried squid. The store’s website lists various dried squid lines with different prices, suitable for both family consumption and gifting needs.

The store has a processing workshop in Long Hai, supplying products through multiple sales channels. Some introduced squid products source their materials from fishing boats catching within the day, which are then preprocessed and vacuum-packed.

Contact information:

• 318/16A Phan Van Tri, Binh Thanh District, HCMC
• Phone: 0909 88 21 81

Van Sen seafood store

Van Sen Seafood Store – Vung Tau Specialty is a reliable address for purchasing dried squid and one-sun dried squid. The store is located on Hoang Hoa Tham Street, convenient for tourists who want to combine sightseeing and buying specialties to bring home.

The seafood catalog here is quite diverse, prominently featuring one-sun squid products and dried seafood. When purchasing, you should ask clearly about the squid type, size, and preservation methods to choose products matching your needs.

Contact information:

• 43B Hoang Hoa Tham, Vung Tau
• Phone: 0254 3856 455

3 Sach seafood

VUNG TAU 3 SACH SEAFOOD is an address specializing in dried seafood types in Vung Tau, including dried squid and one-sun dried squid. Some local information sources also mention this store when suggesting places to buy dried seafood, thanks to its diverse product catalog and support for shipping to provinces.

If buying dried squid here, you can consult various other dried seafood types to combine for gifts. The store suits people who want to buy Vung Tau sea specialties directly rather than just finding products sold online.

Contact information:

• 198/2C, 198/2C Luu Chi Hieu Street, Rach Dua, Ho Chi Minh City
• Phone: 0903 387 277

Ngoc Thach Vung Tau dried squid

Ngoc Thach Vung Tau Dried Squid is a reputable address providing Vung Tau specialties such as one-sun dried squid and dried seafood

If prioritizing buying dried squid at local stores, you should ask directly about the squid source, size, dryness level, and processing time. These are factors that significantly affect the sweetness, chewiness, and selling price of dried squid.

Contact information:

• 65 Bach Dang, Vung Tau City.

How to preserve Vung Tau dried squid for a long time

Vung Tau dried squid needs to be preserved properly to limit mold, maintain chewiness and sweetness, and retain its characteristic aroma. Depending on the intended usage time, you can store dried squid in the refrigerator’s chiller compartment or freezer compartment.

Freezer/chiller compartment storage

• Chiller compartment: If using dried squid within a short period, put the squid into a zip bag or airtight container, pressing out air before sealing. Storing in the chiller compartment helps limit moisture and preserves squid quality better than keeping it at room temperature.
• Freezer compartment: For dried squid that you do not need to use frequently, you should wrap it tightly in vacuum bags or multiple layers of food bags, then store it in the freezer. This method helps extend shelf life and prevents the squid from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.
• When taking squid out for use: Only take a sufficient amount, avoiding letting the squid thaw and refreeze multiple times as this can affect quality and flavor.

See more:

• Top 10 quality dried squid manufacturing companies in Vietnam
• Top 9 delicious and reputable dried squid selling addresses in HCMC

Recommended usage time

If tightly packed and stored under proper conditions, dried squid can maintain good quality for several months. For squid stored in the freezer, the shelf life can be longer than in the chiller compartment. However, you should prioritize consuming it within the timeframe noted by the manufacturer on the packaging to ensure quality.

Before processing, you need to check if the squid shows signs of mold, unusual discoloration, sour smells, or strange odors. If these signs appear, you should not continue to use it.

Hopefully, the above shares have helped you answer the question of where to buy quality Vung Tau dried squid and pocket experiences in selecting delicious seafood. If you are looking for a retail address or need to import authentic Vung Tau wholesale dried squid, visit the website Ola Squid right away to experience selected dried squid products along with many attractive offers today!