In September 2019, Huynh Ngoc Mai, founder and head chef of Cua Tuoi Tra Vinh, decided to bring the flavors of her homeland to Ho Chi Minh City. She remained steadfast in a simple philosophy that defines each dish: honesty, consistency, and the distinct touch of a dedicated chef. Cua Tuoi Tra Vinh's journey was not always smooth. In late 2021, the restaurant temporarily closed due to operational pressures during the pandemic. This quiet period allowed the owner more time to research the product in depth. In April 2022, the restaurant reopened, but only for takeout. This past October, Cua Tuoi Tra Vinh returned with a spacious, welcoming venue on the bustling Hoa Mai street.

Dishes made from fresh crab at the restaurant. Photo: Cua Tuoi Tra Vinh

Mai states that to fully preserve the distinct flavor, the secret lies in meticulous attention from the very first stages. "Crabs are selected from the brackish waters of Tra Vinh, where river and sea converge, creating an ideal ecosystem. As a result, the crabs here have firm, sweet, naturally rich meat and a creamy red roe that is not overly salty like crabs from other sea regions," Mai shared.

The next crucial factor contributing to the dish's value is absolute freshness. The restaurant maintains a strict transportation process: Live, wild-caught crabs are selected from the farm each morning, then express-shipped to arrive at the Ho Chi Minh City kitchen within just a few hours. "In the morning, the crabs are still swimming in the countryside; by noon, they are at the restaurant, ready for the kitchen by evening," the owner explained. This meticulousness ensures that every crab delivered to diners retains its original, fresh taste.

Beyond strict ingredient selection, Mai also avoids industrial seasonings. All the sauces that made the restaurant famous, from the tangy tamarind sauce, the rich salted egg sauce, to the specially fermented fish sauce, are prepared by her own hands using traditional family recipes. This approach not only ensures safety but, more importantly, enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood, rather than overpowering it with strong flavors.

Diners should not miss the salted egg crab, featuring a golden, smooth, rich sauce clinging to every sweet crab meat fiber. The crab hotpot captivates diners with its naturally sweet broth simmered from vegetables, accompanied by a generous selection of dipping ingredients. For those seeking novelty, the rich, aromatic baked crab shell with cheese offers an unforgettable experience. In addition to crab, large, sweet, firm wild sea prawns are also a favorite.

The restaurant's interior is designed to be welcoming. Photo: Cua Tuoi Tra Vinh

Beyond the dishes' flavors, the restaurant's new space is elegantly designed and welcoming, separated from the city's hustle and bustle, creating an intimate atmosphere reminiscent of a family meal.

The restaurant offers both a communal area and private VIP rooms to meet the diverse needs of diners, from couples and small groups of friends to family gatherings.

According to Mai, many regular customers returned immediately upon reopening, sharing that they found the "same old taste, still with that vibrant red roe and perfectly seasoned sauce, just like in the early days." "For Cua Tuoi Tra Vinh, this is proof that when you work with all your heart, the flavor will have a life of its own and remain long in the memories of those who taste it," the head chef stated.

Stir-fried glass noodles with crab at Cua Tuoi Tra Vinh restaurant. Photo: Cua Tuoi Tra Vinh

After six years of many ups and downs, Cua Tuoi Tra Vinh maintains its philosophy of "cooking deliciously, serving sincerely." In Ho Chi Minh City, this establishment has become a trusted destination for those seeking the core values of culinary art.

Source: Cua Tuoi Tra Vinh

Cua Tuoi Tra Vinh - Huynh Mai

Address: 26 Hoa Mai, Cau Kieu ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Website: https://cuatuoihuynhmai.com

Hotline: 0978 682 843 - 0901 612 319

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cuatuoitravinh

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mZ1EiSW24SHTFCiL6