Mực nướng — Vietnamese grilled squid, charred over open flame with a fish-sauce-and-chili glaze — is a popular drinking food (mồi nhậu) that shows up on Philadelphia's Vietnamese menus as a starter or shared plate. The best versions are smoky, tender, and addictive.
Miss Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant and Lounge top-pick
Miss Saigon's upscale setting makes it the best place for grilled squid in Philadelphia. Their Saigon Grilled Skewers include squid as a key option, grilled with lemongrass and fish sauce. The Center City location and lounge atmosphere make it the spot for Vietnamese drinking food done with presentation.
Bistro Southeast best-value
Bistro Southeast's seafood preparations show they know their way around Vietnamese grilling. Their grilled squid (when available) features the classic char and fish-sauce glaze. The South Street location brings Vietnamese seafood to a broader audience in a modern setting.
Eiffel Seafood Restaurant hidden-gem
Eiffel Seafood combines Vietnamese cooking with fresh seafood, making grilled squid a natural fit. The kitchen prepares squid grilled with fish sauce, garlic, and chili — the classic Vietnamese preparation. Their focus on fresh seafood means the squid quality is better than average.nnPhiladelphia's grilled squid scene centers on restaurants that take Vietnamese seafood seriously. Order it as a shared plate with beer for the authentic drinking-food experience.
Recipe for This Dish
Learn how to make authentic Muc Nuong at home with our curated recipe collection.
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