The simple meal, made with instant noodles and fresh squid known locally as ‘muc nhay,’ has become a trend among young Vietnamese social media users.

Street vendors along the coast of Son Tra District began selling the dish recently, sparking a surge of visitors to the area.

‘Muc nhay’ refers to a squid so fresh that its translucent body still flashes with red and brown spots.

Sellers begin preparing the dish only after customers place their orders, ensuring the squid is freshly cooked.

The squid is cleaned by removing the eyes, beak, ink sacs, and entrails, while keeping the roe intact.

Each bowl, selling for between VND30,000 (US$1.16) and VND40,000 ($1.54), includes noodles, squid, celery, bean sprouts, onions, and green chili.

Diners can customize the toppings or order extra boiled squid with seafood dipping sauce.

Several small stalls now sell the dish along Man Thai Beach, with basic plastic tables and chairs.

Truong Thi Kim Thanh, who runs one of the popular noodle stands, said her husband buys fresh squid from local fishermen each morning around 4:00 am.

“The squid must be fresh every day so customers will come back,” she said.

“Most diners come between 6:00 and 9:00 am, when the sea breeze is still cool and the sun is gentle.”

Many visitors head to the stalls after paddleboarding or jogging along the beach.

Photos and videos of the dish have circulated widely online, fueling interest.

By 7:00 am, dozens of people typically crowd into the area, sitting on plastic stools just meters from the water.

“I saw a video online and decided to travel 12 hours to Da Nang just to try it,” said Phan Quoc Tan, 28, a tourist from Ninh Thuan Province in south-central Vietnam.

“The squid was fresh and crunchy, and the broth was rich and flavorful.”

The seaside setting has also added to the appeal.

“After eating, I can swim and walk by the sea. It’s delicious and fun,” said Huy, a visitor from Khanh Hoa Province, located in the south-central region.