Though the eatery received recognition from the Michelin Guide, a prestigious guidebook published annually by tire manufacturer Michelin that highlights exceptional restaurants worldwide, some customers find its prices to be on the higher side.
Oc Dao is among 70 restaurants and eateries in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City making it to the Michelin Selected list. Photo: Nien Giao / Tuoi Tre |
Among the 100 shellfish dishes served at Oc Dao, some popular options include “rang muc xao bo” (squid beaks stir-fried with butter), “oc huong rang muoi ot” (sweet snails stir-fried with chili salt), “oc len xao dua” (sea snails cooked in coconut milk), “oc mong tay xao rau muong” (razor clams stir-fried with swam spinach), and “ngheu hap sa” (clams steamed with lemongrass). These dishes are highly favored by the majority of customers.
These delectable shellfish-based dishes are expertly crafted by the owner using her unique and flavorful recipes. Carefully selecting only the freshest ingredients, each dish is a true culinary delight.
The shellfish are sourced from Phan Thiet, a coastal city approximately 185 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, through Binh Dien Market.
Tram, 33, a diner at Oc Dao, expressed her opinion that snail dishes are appetizing. However, she noticed that the number of snails on a plate has decreased compared to before.
Furthermore, the prices of the dishes are higher compared to other restaurants. Each serving of snails ranges from VND50,000 to VND100,000 (approximately US$2.1 to US$4.2), according to Tram.
Mai Phuong, a 50-year-old customer who decided to visit the eatery after it was highly recommended by Michelin, expressed her disappointment with the overall quality of both the service and the food. She found that some of the snails served contained grit and to make matters worse, her orders were mixed up and served incorrectly.
Phuong evaluated that Oc Dao charges high prices, even though its service is poor, making it not worth a meal.
The image displays a dish called “Oc Huong,” also known as sweet snail, that has been stir-fried with butter. This picture, captured by Nien Giao of Tuoi Tre, showcases the deliciousness of this particular dish. |
‘Oc huong,’ or sweet snail, stir-fried with butter. Photo: Nien Giao / Tuoi Tre |
A peddler who sells delicious and fresh shellfish dishes.
Located just off Nguyen Trai Street in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this charming two-story eatery remains true to its roots even after gaining recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide.
It came as a pleasant surprise to Vo Thi Dao, 54, the owner of Oc Dao, as she had no prior knowledge of the recognition she recently received.
The establishment primarily caters to office employees and factory workers, according to her.
However, the eatery has recently become a popular destination for both local and international tourists, according to the manager.
Oc Dao is committed to providing exceptional service to every diner. She believes in treating every customer with respect and serving them wholeheartedly.
Before settling down with the eatery, Dao spent eight years as a peddler, selling her snail dishes along many streets in District 1.
She continued to experiment with different dishes, but none of them were successful in bringing in profits, except for the shellfish-based food, as Dao described.
“The snail peddler stall was not only the means of income for my family but also the backbone of our lives, providing much-needed stability,” Dao shared with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.
Therefore, I am extremely passionate about my job and take great pride in ensuring that each and every dish at the eatery is met with customer satisfaction.
When Dao gave birth to her second daughter in 2003, she made the decision to open an eatery in the alley of Nguyen Trai Street in order to make life easier while taking care of her child.
The image above shows a delicious dish of sea snails stir-fried with tamarind juice. The photo, captured by Nien Giao for Tuoi Tre, showcases the vibrant colors and enticing presentation of the dish. With its rich flavors and unique combination of ingredients, this dish is sure to delight seafood lovers. The tamarind juice adds a tangy and slightly sweet taste to the snails, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Overall, this visually appealing dish is a must-try for those looking to explore new culinary experiences. |
Sea snails stir-fried with tamarind. Photo: Nien Giao / Tuoi Tre |
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A dish of snails steamed with lemongrass at Oc Dao on Nguyen Trai Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nien Giao / Tuoi Tre |
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