What to Eat in Saigon for New Year 2026? Try Fresh Mantis Shrimp at Dai Viet Restaurant

New Year 2026 is approaching, and there’s no better way to welcome the new year than with premium seafood, especially mantis shrimp – a beloved delicacy known for its firm texture, natural sweetness, and high nutritional value. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy fresh, live tiger mantis shrimp in Ho Chi Minh City, Dai Viet Restaurant on Bui Vien Street is the ideal destination for a memorable New Year’s feast.

Origin of Mantis Shrimp

Where do mantis shrimp live, and why are they favored in Vietnam?

Mantis shrimp are hard-shelled crustaceans commonly found in tropical and subtropical seas. In Vietnam, they are mostly found along the central and southern coastline, particularly in regions like Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Vung Tau.

This seafood is popular not only for its delicious flavor but also for its stable supply and more affordable price compared to regular lobsters. With firm meat, natural sweetness, and versatile cooking methods, tiger mantis shrimp have become an essential dish in luxurious feasts and important celebrations.

 Mantis Shrimp

Natural Characteristics – Thick Meat, Sweet Flavor, Firm Shell

Mantis shrimp have reddish-brown or green-brown shells with distinctive white spots, resembling tiger stripes – the inspiration behind their name. When cooked, the shell turns a vibrant orange-red, making the dish visually appealing and appetizing.

Their standout feature is the thick, firm, naturally sweet meat. Unlike regular shrimp with softer textures, tiger mantis shrimp offer a slightly chewy, crunchy bite, creating an unforgettable dining experience. A shiny, firm shell is also a clear sign of freshness and premium quality.

Outstanding Nutritional Value

Mantis shrimp are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. They are rich in high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and maintaining satiety without causing weight gain. Their low-calorie content makes them an ideal choice for those watching their figure.

They are also packed with vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc – nutrients that boost immunity, support brain function, and protect the body from oxidative stress. In particular, omega-3 content helps maintain cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. Enjoying mantis shrimp during New Year is both delicious and beneficial.

Enjoying Mantis Shrimp for New Year 2026

Cool Holiday Weather – Perfect for Seafood Dishes

New Year 2026 falls between late December and early January, when Saigon’s weather becomes cooler, especially at night. This is the perfect time to enjoy grilled, stir-fried, or crispy dishes like mantis shrimp. Aromas from butter garlic or salt and chili spices become even more enticing in cool weather, stimulating the senses and creating a warm atmosphere for the New Year celebration.

The festive energy across Bui Vien Street adds excitement as you enjoy premium mantis shrimp with family and friends amid lively music and sparkling lights.

Pairing Tiger Mantis Shrimp With Wine or Spirits

To elevate the dining experience, pairing mantis shrimp with the right drink is essential. A chilled glass of white wine with light acidity and fruity notes enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness without overpowering its flavor.

At Dai Viet Restaurant, you’ll find a wide selection of premium wines and signature cocktails crafted by professional bartenders. The combination of fresh seafood and quality beverages will make your New Year 2026 celebration more memorable than ever.

Where to Enjoy Fresh Mantis Shrimp in Ho Chi Minh City?

Dai Viet Restaurant – Famous Seafood Destination on Bui Vien Street

Dai Viet Restaurant is located in a prime spot on Bui Vien Street – the most vibrant and lively area of Saigon, bustling day and night. It has become a trusted dining place for both local and international guests seeking high-quality live seafood.

With many years of experience, Dai Viet Restaurant has built a solid reputation for its carefully sourced ingredients, skilled chefs, and professional service. Especially during New Year 2026, it’s the perfect spot to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Guest at Dai Viet Restaurant

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Live Seafood Tanks – Choose On the Spot, Cook Immediately

One of the highlights at Dai Viet Restaurant is its live seafood tanks displayed right in the dining area. Customers can observe and select fresh tiger mantis shrimp of various sizes, ensuring absolute freshness.

After selection, chefs will prepare the shrimp immediately according to your preference – grilled, steamed, stir-fried, or deep-fried. This transparent process guarantees trust and the highest quality, which is why many guests return to Dai Viet whenever they crave premium seafood.

Live Seafood at Dai Viet Restaurant

Spacious, Comfortable Dining Space – Ideal for Holidays and Gatherings

Dai Viet Restaurant features a spacious, airy, yet cozy interior. The seating layout is designed to accommodate both small groups and large parties. Soft warm lighting and lively music create an atmosphere that is both comfortable and festive – ideal for gatherings with family, friends, or colleagues during the New Year holiday.

Its location on Bui Vien also allows guests to easily explore nearby bars and pubs after dining – a perfect way to kick off an energetic New Year’s Eve.

Must-Try Mantis Shrimp Dishes at Dai Viet Restaurant

Butter Garlic Mantis Shrimp – Rich Aroma, Irresistibly Fragrant

This signature dish is a must-try for seafood lovers. The shrimp are lightly fried until crispy, then stir-fried with aromatic butter and golden garlic. A touch of scallions adds a glossy, flavorful finish.

Every bite offers a combination of crispy shell, firm sweet meat, and rich butter-garlic aroma. Perfect with toasted bread or steamed rice, and especially delightful when paired with white wine or cold beer.

Grilled Mantis Shrimp With Salt and Chili – Spicy, Bold, Full of Ocean Flavor

For fans of spicy food and smoky grill aroma, this dish is unbeatable. Shrimp are marinated with salt, chili, and special seasonings before being grilled over charcoal, creating a golden, fragrant crust while retaining juicy sweetness inside.

Best enjoyed hot, this dish delivers a balanced spiciness that enhances flavor without overpowering the shrimp. A crowd favorite for year-end gatherings.

Hong Kong Salted Mantis Shrimp – Crispy, Flavorful

A Cantonese-inspired dish, Hong Kong–style salted shrimp is prepared with refined techniques. After deep-frying to a crisp, the shrimp are tossed with salt, chili, kaffir lime leaves, and fried garlic. The “dry toss” method gives the shrimp an even crispness that practically melts in your mouth.

The aroma of lime leaves and mild salinity creates a perfectly balanced flavor.

Hong Kong Salted Mantis Shrimp

Tamarind Tiger Mantis Shrimp – Sweet and Sour Harmony

This dish combines the tangy freshness of ripe tamarind with the shrimp’s natural sweetness. The shrimp are stir-fried with thick tamarind sauce, sugar, garlic, and chili, forming a glossy, amber-colored coating.

The sweet-sour balance stimulates the palate, making it a highly addictive dish, especially delicious with hot rice. A perfect choice for family feasts.

Steamed Tiger Mantis Shrimp – Pure, Natural Sweetness

For those who want to fully savor the natural flavor of tiger mantis shrimp, steaming is the best option. The shrimp are steamed with lemongrass, ginger, kaffir lime leaves, and a splash of rice wine to remove fishiness while preserving sweetness and firmness.

Dip in ginger fish sauce or salt pepper lime for a burst of pure seafood flavor. Simple yet elegant, suitable for guests who prefer refined dishes.

Steamed Mantis Shrimp

Grilled Mantis Shrimp With Garlic Butter – Rich, Aromatic & Perfect For New Year’s Celebrations

Garlic butter grilled mantis shrimp is an elevated version of the traditional grilled seafood dish, offering a rich and refined flavor experience. Each shrimp is carefully split, marinated with aromatic garlic butter, then grilled over charcoal or baked until the shell turns a vibrant orange-red and the butter melts beautifully into every layer of meat.

The result is a dish bursting with fragrance—creamy butter, sweet shrimp meat, and the irresistible aroma of roasted garlic. This is the perfect pairing for wine or beer during the cool atmosphere of the Western New Year. Each piece is cooked just right, tender yet firm, and becomes even more delicious when served with fresh herbs and a sweet-and-sour dipping sauce.

Grilled Mantis Shrimp With Garlic Butter

Why You Should Enjoy Premium Mantis Shrimp At Dai Viet Restaurant This New Year 2026

Grade-A Ingredients – Large Tiger Mantis Shrimp, Firm & Fresh

At Dai Viet Restaurant, ingredient quality always comes first. Our tiger mantis shrimp are selected with great care—prioritizing large, firm, glossy-shell shrimp with absolute freshness. All seafood is sourced directly from trusted suppliers with full traceability and food safety standards.

Choosing large-size mantis shrimp offers thicker, juicier meat and elevates the dining experience, giving every meal a premium touch. From the first bite, you will easily recognize the superior quality compared to other restaurants.

Skilled Chefs – Perfect Flavors From Grilling to Steaming

The chefs at Dai Viet Restaurant are experts with years of experience in handling fresh seafood, especially tiger mantis shrimp. They master temperature control, cooking time, and seasoning balance to ensure every dish reaches its full flavor potential.

Whether it’s spicy salted grilled mantis shrimp, sweet-and-sour tamarind sauce shrimp, or naturally sweet steamed shrimp, each dish is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Their culinary expertise is one of the key elements that sets Dai Viet apart from other seafood restaurants in the area.

Experienced chef

Comfortable Dining Space – 12 Branches Along Bui Vien & De Tham Streets

Beyond delicious food, Dai Viet Restaurant invests heavily in creating a comfortable and festive dining environment. The dining areas are spacious, well-arranged, and enhanced by lively music and warm lighting.

For New Year’s Eve 2026, the restaurants will be beautifully decorated with festive elements—perfect for capturing memorable moments with friends and loved ones. Whether you arrive as a small group or need space for a larger gathering, Dai Viet always has the ideal setup ready for you.

Full Bar Selection – Wine, Beer & Creative Cocktails

A major highlight at Dai Viet Restaurant is the diverse drink menu. From premium imported wines and chilled draft beer to colorful tropical cocktails, the bar offers something for every taste.

Our talented bartenders are always ready to recommend and craft custom cocktails that match your flavor preferences. Pairing mantis shrimp with a fine glass of wine or a signature cocktail will elevate your New Year dining experience to the next level.

Diverse wine menu

New Year 2026 – The Perfect Time To Enjoy Fresh Mantis shrimp at Dai Viet Restaurant

As the New Year 2026 approaches, don’t miss the chance to indulge in premium, fresh mantis shrimp at Dai Viet Restaurant—where every element of a perfect celebration comes together: Fresh seafood, Skilled chefs, Cozy, lively atmosphere, Professional service.

Special New Year Offer - 5% Off for early reservations

Book your table early today and enjoy 5% off your total bill.
Simply call our hotline: +84 356154334 (Mrs. Lý) & +84 28 88887888

Tell us your preferred time, and our team will reserve the best table and prepare everything to ensure you have an unforgettable dining experience.

Offer applies to all branches of the Dai Viet Restaurant system.