Instant noodles with squid attract tourists.

Recently, the instant noodle dish with squid served at roadside stalls along Vo Nguyen Giap - Hoang Sa streets has unexpectedly become one of the culinary experiences sought after by many tourists visiting Da Nang.

A bowl of instant noodles with squid costs between 40,000 and 50,000 VND. Photo: GIA MINH

It's just a familiar packet of instant noodles combined with fresh squid caught that day, but by preparing it in a way that's distinctly coastal, this humble dish is gradually creating its own unique appeal.

From seafood dishes to "must-see check-in spots"

Around 5:30 AM, along the Mân Thái beach road, groups of tourists fill the noodle and squid stalls. A bowl of instant noodles with squid is quite simple: instant noodles are blanched until just cooked, placed in a bowl with broth simmered from bones or seafood, a few whole fresh squid, bean sprouts, and cilantro – truly appealing.

Not a gourmet dish, nor elaborate in its preparation, instant noodles with squid are appealing precisely because of their simplicity and the down-to-earth nature of this coastal city.

Amidst the bustling city life, the image of steaming noodle stalls along the roadside, the lively laughter and chatter of tourists, and the aroma of fresh squid have become a memorable part of the experience for many. From a humble dish of coastal people, squid noodle soup is gradually making its way onto the list of "must-try" dishes when visiting Da Nang .

Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, the owner of a squid noodle shop near Man Thai beach, said that in the past, this dish was mainly served to night shift workers and fishermen.

However, as food review videos went viral on social media, many tourists started seeking it out. What makes this dish so appealing is the squid. Instead of frozen squid, the restaurant chooses freshly caught squid that arrives early in the morning, with thick, translucent white bodies and a natural crispness. When blanched to perfection, the squid retains its characteristic sweet and delicate taste of the sea.

Unlike more elaborate dishes, instant noodles with squid offer a familiar, easy-to-eat experience, especially suited to the morning atmosphere of a seaside city. After swimming or playing in the sea, many tourists seek out roadside stalls to enjoy a hot bowl of noodles amidst the cool sea breeze. This down-to-earth and natural aspect has become a major attraction for tourists , especially young people.

Eating it will remind you of the taste of the sea.

According to many restaurant owners, the number of customers seeking out instant noodles with squid has increased sharply in the last two years. Especially during the summer tourist season, many restaurants are crowded with customers from early morning until noon.

The owner of Anh Em instant noodle and squid restaurant said that the appeal of the dish lies in its authenticity and the "very Da Nang" feel. Customers eat not only for the taste but also for the atmosphere. Sitting on the sidewalk, eating noodles while listening to the sound of the waves feels comfortable and intimate.

Meanwhile, Ms. Tran Thi Ngoc Mai, the owner of a restaurant opposite Man Thai beach, said that her restaurant sells about 150-250 bowls of instant noodles every morning. Instant noodles are available everywhere, but the important thing is that the squid must be fresh, preferably small, freshly caught squid with good transparency and elasticity.

Meanwhile, Le Quoc Bao, a young restaurant owner, believes that this dish is also appealing because of its reasonable price. Tourists now like to experience local food but still want it to be affordable. According to Bao, the restaurant only starts preparing the dish when a customer orders it.

Instant squid noodles are quite simple to prepare, but the main ingredient must be fresh squid with the ink sac and internal organs removed, leaving only the squid roe. The squid broth will be seasoned with instant noodle seasoning or the restaurant's own special seasoning.

Customers can order a separate plate of boiled squid served with seafood dipping sauce. In addition, the restaurant also provides chili paste, pork cracklings, chili peppers, garlic, etc., for customers to enhance the flavor themselves.

Visiting Da Nang for the first time with her family, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa, a tourist from Hanoi, said she was initially surprised to see so many customers at a roadside instant noodle stall. She thought it was just ordinary instant noodles, but the taste was quite different. The broth was sweet and savory, the squid was crispy and fragrant. Most importantly, the atmosphere was very pleasant; eating in the middle of the seaside street felt relaxing.

Surveys at numerous instant noodle and squid restaurants in Da Nang show that the common price ranges from 40,000-50,000 VND per bowl, with some customers ordering bowls for up to 100,000 VND, depending on the amount of seafood included. Compared to a regular bowl of instant noodles, this price is significantly higher.

However, many diners believe the prices are reasonable because the main ingredients are fresh seafood. Besides the ingredients, many restaurants also invest more in presentation. Some even offer their own special sauces, creating a unique touch to retain customers.

However, the business model for instant squid noodle soup remains largely unregulated. Most stalls are located on sidewalks or utilize small roadside spaces. During peak hours, it's common to see motorcycles parked haphazardly and customers filling the walkways. Some places also fail to maintain proper hygiene, negatively impacting urban aesthetics.

Therefore, for instant squid noodles to become a unique "new specialty" of Da Nang, in the long run, restaurant owners need to invest more systematically. This includes focusing on ensuring environmental hygiene and food safety. This will both maintain the restaurant's affordable appeal and enhance the visitor experience.

Many suggest that the city could organize themed food streets focusing on seafood, with instant squid noodles being one of the flagship products. In addition, promotion through social media, experiential tourism programs, or food festivals would help this dish reach more tourists.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/mi-tom-muc-niu-chan-du-khach-3338774.html