1. Overview and Distinctive Features
Lẩu cá đuối (Stingray hotpot) is a signature dish from Vũng Tàu that perfectly represents the city’s love for bold flavors and fresh seafood. This unique hotpot features stingray – a fish with tender, slightly chewy meat and a gelatinous texture – simmered in a fragrant, sour-and-spicy broth. It's a must-try for those seeking an authentic coastal dining experience in southern Vietnam.

2. Key Ingredients
The main star is, of course, the stingray, usually cut into bite-sized pieces with skin and cartilage intact for texture. The broth is made from a blend of tamarind, lemongrass, chili, garlic, and sometimes fermented fish or pickled bamboo shoots, giving it a punchy sourness and rich aroma. Fresh vegetables like water spinach (rau muống), banana blossom, and bean sprouts are added just before eating. Vermicelli noodles (bún) are served on the side.

3. How It's Cooked
The dish is prepared by first sautéing aromatics like garlic, lemongrass, and chili to create a base, then simmering them in water or pork bone broth. Tamarind pulp is added to provide the sour note. Once the soup is boiling and flavorful, the stingray pieces are added to cook until tender. Diners can then add vegetables directly at the table as the hotpot continues to bubble away.

4. Serving and Enjoying
Lẩu cá đuối is best enjoyed piping hot. Each person takes a piece of stingray and dips it into a mix of salt, pepper, and lime juice, enhancing the fish’s natural sweetness. A spoonful of the tangy broth, some greens, and a bite of noodles together create a delicious harmony of flavors. It’s a communal meal – shared with friends and family, and usually accompanied by chilled drinks and lots of conversation.

5. Cultural Significance
More than just a meal, stingray hotpot is a local favorite for both everyday dining and special gatherings in Vũng Tàu. It's often enjoyed on cool evenings or after a long day at the beach, making it part of the Vũng Tàu coastal lifestyle. Many visitors leave the city with fond memories of this flavorful, heartwarming dish.