On Nguyễn Du Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, a street stall selling dried squid prepared with fish sauce, butter, and garlic—"Mực khô chiên nước mắm bơ tỏi"—has been drawing attention. The stall owner is Đào Hữu Thế, originally from Hue. He has been running the stall around the cathedral since around 1997, and in recent years social media posts have led to queues forming.
What kind of dish is it?
Rather than simply grilling whole dried squid, the squid is first made easier to eat, then coated with butter, garlic, fish sauce, and other seasonings before being heated. The dish is strongly sweet, salty, and aromatic, and is meant to be eaten while warm. At the time of VietnamNet's coverage, a single serving was priced at 100,000–160,000 VND, with the price varying by quantity.
| Item | Information at time of reporting |
|---|---|
| Location | Nguyễn Du Street, District 1, near the cathedral |
| Opening date | Around 5:00 p.m. |
| Price | 100,000–160,000 VND |
| Wait time | Up to about 30 minutes during busy periods |
How the queue works and what to check
In the coverage, an assistant was shown recording names and orders by hand and passing them out in turn. However, street stalls may change their location or hours depending on weather, enforcement, supply, or the owner's health. Don't assume the stall will definitely open at 5:00 p.m. every day—check on the spot whether it's operating. Asking about quantity and price before ordering will save confusion at the end.
Things for travelers to keep in mind
The area around the cathedral sees heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic, so be careful not to spill into the roadway while waiting in line. Because the dish uses squid, fish sauce, butter, and garlic, it is not suitable for people with shellfish or dairy allergies. If you find strong flavors overwhelming, sharing a small portion among several people is an option. Don't leave containers or skewers on the street after eating—dispose of them as directed by the stall.
Summary
What makes this stall appealing is that social media has brought new customers to a long-running business. Beyond the buzz, it's important to check the price, waiting time, and any allergy concerns, and to enjoy the food without blocking the flow of people around you.
Related articles:Hồ Thị Kỷ Market／Banh mi／Thao Dien
Source:VietnamNet
Check the update date
Check the update date in the body of the article, not just the search result excerpt. If you are unsure whether figures or proper nouns are still current, go to the primary source from the company, organizer, or government authority. If no official page can be found, treat that fact itself as a factor in your judgment, and do not make bookings or long trips based on old articles alone.
Compare on equal terms
Align not just the price but also the date of use, number of people, volume or content, taxes and service charges, cancellation conditions, and travel time before comparing. Convert to yen at the rate on the day, and for evaluative terms such as "cheapest," "popular," or "high quality," check whether the basis and the period covered are stated.
Have One Backup Plan Ready
Closures, sell-outs, rain, and traffic delays can all happen while traveling. Deciding in advance on a nearby alternative, a different time slot, or an indoor option helps you avoid unnecessary travel or costly snap decisions on the ground. Also share information about your companions' stamina, dietary restrictions, and any concerns about steps or restroom access before you go.
