A Taste of Thailand: Songdo Seafood Pub Review
Ready for a delightful culinary adventure? Let's dive into my experience at Songdo Seafood Pub, a place that promises fresh seafood and a vibrant atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes
- The banchan, small side dishes, are simple yet packed with flavor.
- Live octopus is a signature dish. While good, imagine how incredible it would be with a wasabi-tako twist!
- The fish salad is flavorful, although the dressing leans a bit strong.
- They are generous with seaweed, which pairs perfectly with the sushi rice and seafood.
- The prices are reasonable, especially considering the generous portions.
- The seafood is incredibly fresh, thanks to the live tanks where they catch and prepare the food. (Forgot to take a picture, but trust me!)
Atmosphere and Service
The space is a bit compact, and unfortunately, the "VIP" rooms with Korean patrons can get quite noisy.
Be sure to check their opening hours, as they're a bit unusual, closed on Sundays. Reservations are essential! I arrived around 7:30 PM, and they were already booked solid until 9 PM. It gets extremely busy, so booking is a must.
The restaurant has small, private rooms, creating a comfortable and intimate dining setting. The staff is attentive, quick to assist.
Detailed Dish Rundown
The banchan includes three items, all of high quality. One dish with ice is incredibly refreshing, sour, and similar to cold noodles, but it isn't cold noodles. It's delicious, except for the jelly-like pieces that make it seem like a dessert; it felt a bit out of place. The pancake has a fantastic batter with a subtle seaweed flavor, but it's a little salty.
This place is mainly about seafood. The live tanks speak volumes about their commitment to freshness. The squid tobokki is great, with fish cakes and sauce similar to a standard tobokki. It's soft and chewy without being doughy.
The squid itself is a highlight. The crispy exterior is amazing, yet the inside is soft. I have no idea how they make the batter so good. The coating is thin, and it stays crispy even after an hour. It's tasty on its own, but I suggest getting some rice to go with it.
The pork jowl is also excellent, with a savory pork aroma that melts in your mouth. Some pieces are a bit chewy, but most melt with each bite. The dipping sauce (apparently a signature) enhances the flavor.
The pricing seemed average, not overly cheap or expensive.
Restaurant Information
Songdo Seafood Pub
7 Nguyen Cu Street, Thao Dien, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
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