When it comes to island getaways, enjoying the mesmerizing sea views is not the only highlight. indulging in seafood is a must. Phuket, Semporna, Bali, Nha Trang, and Boracay stand out as the top 5 hotspots in Southeast Asia, offering a rich variety of seafood at relatively affordable prices.
But where can you find seafood that’s both high-quality and reasonably priced? What are the tips for buying seafood? And which are the outstanding restaurants?
To address these questions and satisfy the cravings of seafood enthusiasts, thorough research is essential.
Phuket
Regional Features
Thailand, the most Instagrammable destination in Southeast Asia, attracts visitors not only for its diverse activities but also for its cost-effectiveness. When it comes to affordable seafood in Thailand, two prominent locations come to mind: Pattaya and Phuket.
Pattaya, situated near Bangkok, though a coastal city, is not expansive. It caters mainly to group tourists, making seafood relatively expensive. In contrast, Phuket, the largest island in Thailand with an area of 543 square kilometers, is different. Surrounded by the sea on three sides and with over 10 nearby islands, seafood businesses abound. The locals, largely dependent on the sea for their livelihood, offer a wide supply of seafood, making Phuket the ideal choice for budget-friendly seafood.
Representative Seafood
Rock Shrimp: Rock shrimp, mostly found in freshwater and brackish water areas, is a specialty in Phuket. The abundance of rock shrimp is evident in the local self-service hot pot establishments where rock shrimp is served limitlessly, allowing you to indulge as much as your appetite desires.
Conch: Grilled, in a spicy sauce, or as part of a seafood feast, conch is a popular choice during the summer for many Asian food enthusiasts. The unique texture of conch meat, denser than regular snails, provides an interesting dining experience.
Crab: Mention Thai cuisine, and many will rave about curry crab. Prepared with Thai-style curry and egg yolk, the flavor is truly astonishing. While locals may not consume crab regularly, it becomes a seasonal favorite in autumn. If you love crab, Thailand can undoubtedly satisfy your taste buds in terms of flavor and freshness.
Recommended Market
While many might suggest Banzaan Seafood Market and Rawai Seafood Market for budget seafood, these places are often crowded with tourists, leading to higher prices. For a genuinely fresh and reasonably priced seafood market, Rawai Seafood Market is a better recommendation.
- Location: Rawai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Overview: Located by Rawai Beach, the market has seafood stalls at the entrance and along the right-hand alley. The dining area is spacious and cleaner than Banzaan or Rawai markets. For more economical prices, it’s advisable to buy seafood from the stalls inside the alley, where vendors may speak english and simple Chinese, and prices are more affordable.
Semporna
Regional Features
As a nation floating on the sea, Malaysia naturally has a lot to offer when it comes to seafood. Among the many tourist cities in Malaysia, those situated by the coast—Langkawi in the west, and Semporna and Sandakan in the east—are notable. If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, Semporna takes the lead.
Semporna is renowned globally for Sipadan, a top-tier diving destination. It’s also the most cost-effective city in Southeast Asia to obtain an Open Water diving certificate. To reach Semporna, you fly to Tawau and then take a 40-minute drive. Driving around Semporna, you’ll notice low, undulating hills covered in tropical coconut and banana trees. Most of the residents here are fishermen.
Representative Seafood
Mantis Shrimp: Mantis shrimp in Semporna stands out due to its colossal size. In the evening, as you return to Semporna town after a day at sea, you’ll see locals selling giant mantis shrimp along the roadside. These shrimp are caught by the residents themselves in the excellent marine environment of Semporna.
Grouper: Grouper, a high-protein, low-fat premium fish, typically inhabits coastal islands near reefs and coral reefs. There are both freshwater and marine groupers, with the marine variety having more elastic flesh, making it more expensive. In Semporna, grouper is similar to “grass carp” and is affordable, frequently appearing on dinner tables.
Recommended Market
Most establishments in Semporna are seafood restaurants. You can directly order seafood in the restaurant, and the cost includes both the ingredient and processing fees. If you prefer purchasing ingredients from local residents by the roadside, you can also bring them to nearby restaurants for processing. The restaurants typically charge by weight, with simpler preparations being more affordable, while complex dishes incur higher processing fees. Restaurants usually have menus with clear pricing. Here is my recommendation:
- Well-known: Fat Mother’s Restaurant
- Location: Taman Bandar Semporna, 91308 Semporna, Sabah
- Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 AM – 09:00 PM
- Directions: Fat Mother’s location might be a bit challenging to find. From Semporna Tourist Information Center, head southwest, cross the bridge, turn right, and follow the seaside. You’ll see Fat Mother’s Restaurant. This is also the gathering point for Lazycat’s daily sea trips.
Bali
Regional Features
Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic country, boasts an 81,000-kilometer coastline with abundant marine resources. Bali, being a primary area of distribution, features diverse and sustainable seafood. With an annual fishing closure, fishermen bring in fresh catches, and local shops and individuals negotiate purchases. Bali’s seafood is plentiful, with a variety of fish, shrimp, and crab. Particularly noteworthy are the delectable prawns and large lobsters. Regardless of whether you prefer them spicy, baked with egg yolk, skewered, or freshly grilled, the freshness of Bali’s seafood ensures a delightful culinary experience.
Representative Seafood
Lobster: Bali’s lobsters come in various colors, each with its unique price point. However, the firm and succulent meat make them excellent for baking.
Recommended Seafood Spots
BBQ on Jimbaran Beach: Many tourists visit Jimbaran Beach to indulge in seafood BBQ. The area boasts 50 seafood restaurants spread across three different squares: Muaya in the south, Kedonganan in the middle, and Kelan near the seafood market. Views on the seafood may vary, but dining by the beach while watching one of the world’s most beautiful sunsets is an experience worth savoring.
Bali Seafood Market (Fish Market): Located near Jimbaran Beach, this relatively small market—around 100 stalls—mainly sells fish, shrimp, and crabs. Positioned at the northernmost point of the traditional Jimbaran Beach, the market was once a small fishing village before being developed into a tourist attraction. The liveliest and freshest time to visit is around 6-7 a.m. due to fishermen returning from the sea. It’s advisable to come early, as seafood becomes primarily iced in the afternoon, and traffic congestion can occur, especially during festivals.
Nha Trang
Regional Features
Vietnam, surrounded by the sea on three sides with over 3,200 kilometers of coastline, hosts the renowned fishing hub of Nha Trang. Boasting an advantageous natural environment, Nha Trang witnesses over 250 days of favorable weather for fishing each year. After a day’s hard work, fishermen bring in a variety of seafood. With minimal industrial pollution, straightforward cooking methods preserve the original taste of the food. Whether steamed, stir-fried, or grilled, Nha Trang’s seafood reflects simplicity and freshness.
Representative Seafood
Sea Urchin: A high-quality delicacy with rich protein content, sea urchin is commonly enjoyed as sashimi in Nha Trang. Dipping sauces usually include fish sauce, black pepper, and a specially crafted broth, enhancing the exquisite flavor.
Giant Sea Snail: Known for its artistic appearance, the giant sea snail, also called “conch,” is a nutritious seafood choice. Rich in vitamins and essential amino acids, it’s often stir-fried with spices, offering a chewy texture and delightful taste.
Recommended Seafood Spots
Street-side Stalls: Rather than high-end restaurants, the best seafood experiences in Nha Trang are often found in local street-side stalls. These establishments, serving fresh and affordable seafood, capture the essence of the region’s culinary charm.
Seafood Restaurants on the Beach: Several beachfront restaurants in Nha Trang offer a splendid dining experience with the sand under your feet and the sound of waves in the background. They provide a variety of seafood options, allowing patrons to choose their favorites and have them expertly prepared.
Boracay
Regional Features
Boracay, a popular destination in the Philippines, is unique in that it lacks a fishing port, and fishing is restricted within the government-designated sea area. Despite this, it doesn’t hinder tourists from indulging in delectable seafood. D’Talipapa, a well-known seafood market, is a hub for seafood enthusiasts. While the seafood comes from neighboring islands, visitors can still enjoy affordable and fresh catches, provided they possess some bargaining skills.
Representative Seafood
Lobster: Boracay’s lobster variety is diverse, featuring different colors and price ranges. What makes them exceptional is their firm meat, ideal for grilling or baking after being expertly split open.
Prawns: When selecting prawns, freshness is key. Fresh prawns have a vibrant color and exhibit movement when touched. They are commonly grilled or prepared with butter and lemon, ensuring a succulent and flavorful experience.
Fresh prawns have a bluish tint, while stale ones may have black and dull heads. When touched, fresh prawns should exhibit a lively jumping motion and have a normal scent. If there is a foul odor, it indicates spoilage, and it’s advisable not to purchase them.
Recommended Seafood Spots
After buying seafood, if you can prepare it yourself, you can take it back to your hotel for processing. For those who are not skilled in cooking, there are many restaurants near the market that offer processing services. Prices are generally based on the weight of the seafood, with simple preparations being more affordable and complex ones incurring higher charges. One recommended restaurant worth considering is as follows
Paluto D Boracay Resto: Located near D’Talipapa seafood market, this bustling restaurant is known for its excellent service and top-notch cuisine. Guests can choose their preferred cooking style from the menu, with charges calculated based on the weight of the seafood. Dishes like Lobster Head Rice, Filipino-style Curry Crab, and Charcoal Grilled Tiger Prawns come highly recommended.
Conclusion:
For seafood aficionados seeking the best culinary experiences in Southeast Asia, these five destinations offer not only breathtaking views but also a diverse and affordable selection of seafood. From the bustling markets of Phuket to the roadside stalls in Semporna, the beachside cafes in Bali, the street vendors in Nha Trang, and the vibrant seafood market in Boracay, each destination provides a unique seafood adventure waiting to be savored. Dive into the flavors of the sea and embark on a gastronomic journey across these Southeast Asian gems.
