People know Halong because of its majestic bay of emerald sea and limestone mountains. However, Halong Bay isn't just about the views, it's also a food lover's paradise! Get ready to indulge in the freshest catches, prepared with traditional techniques and tantalizing flavors. Here are 9 must-try Halong dishes for you when traveling to Halong, Quang Ninh.
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1. Cha Muc (Squid Cake)
Squid Cake is a delicious Halong Bay Food that every Vietnamese loves to take a bite of.
It is made following a complicated process. The chef starts by drying squid to make them sticky for pounding. After pounding the squid, people mix it with ingredients like pork fat, onion, garlic, and pepper. Pounding is the most tricky part, especially when the squid gets sticky. After pounding, the squid mixture is frozen for at least two hours to hold it together. Then, it's shaped into round cakes and fried until golden.
Halong Food - Squid Cake
Cha Muc is often served with a side of fresh herbs, lettuce leaves, and dipping sauces such as fish sauce with lime and chili. It’s a delicious combination of savory and a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Where to eat: Goc Bang Roll & Grilled Chopped Squid Restaurant, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City
2. Sam (Horseshoe Crab)
Halong Food - Baked Horseshoe Crab
The horseshoe crab, known locally as "Sam," lives in Halong Bay's inshore and saltwater lagoons. With a horseshoe-shaped body that takes features from crabs and spiders, Sam is not only affordable but also tasty.
Served with a kick of sour and hot spices like lemongrass, chili, galangal and vinegar, alongside fresh wild betel leaf, coriander, green onion, and dill, horseshoe crab dishes are a hit among locals and tourists.
There are a lot of dishes made from horseshoe crab, including Fried Horseshoe Crab, Deep Fried Horseshoe Crab Eggs, Grilled Horseshoe Crab with Egg, Grilled Horseshoe Crab Cartilage, Stir-fried Horseshoe Crab with Vermicelli, Horseshoe Crab Salad, etc...
Moreover, thanks to its regenerative powers, this crab can be used for making medicine for both humans and animals. Plus, its shells can be made into lovely souvenirs.
Where to eat: Sam Restaurant, Ha Long Market
3. Ngan (Austriella Corrugata)
Halong Food - Steamed Austriella Corrugata
Austriella corrugata is a special sea creature that looks like clams but has larger, rougher shells. During the ngán season, brave fishermen go deep into the mud to catch this little guy, who moves around using just one tentacle for crawling, breathing, and finding food.
When cooking ngán, chefs often tie up the shells to keep the nutritious juice and blood from going to waste. Whether grilled or steamed, ngán starts with a salty taste, then becomes sweet like shellfish.
What’s more, its fresh blood is used to make wine. Some say this blood wine might make guys feel more vigorous.
Where to eat: Thien Anh Seafood Restaurant, in Cai Dam Urban Area, Bai Chay.
4. Sa Sung (Peanut Worm or Sipunculus Nudus)
Halong Food - Fried Peanut Worm
Sa Sung is considered one of the oddest Halong Bay dishes. It's a sea worm called Sipunculus that lives deep in the sand around Quan Lan Island and Van Don Island. This little delicacy used to be so special that people offered it to Kings and Mandarins.
This worm is so nutritious that it's even nicknamed “sea ginseng”. You can stir it in fat with garlic as a main course or grill it as a snack to enjoy with cold beer. The locals also make a delicious porridge with the worm, adding herbs and thin slices of ginger.
Where to eat: Huong Duyen Hon Gai Restaurant, 66 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ha Long City
5. Banh Gat Gu (Nodding Cake)
In Ha Long, there's a special dish called Banh Gat Gu that looks a bit like Pho from Hanoi. The name is cute—some say the food nods like a head when you pick it up. Others believe it's so tasty that diners keep nodding to encourage the makers.
This dish is a mix of steaming rice flour in rolls and noodles. Making it is a bit tricky: they soak rice overnight, crush it in the morning, and add cool rice during the process for a puffy, spongy texture.
Banh Gat Gu is eaten with a special sauce and either caramelized pork or minced pork with dry onions. The sauce is the best part—tourists love the soft cake with juicy pork.
Where to eat: Ha Long Market, Van Xuan Street, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City
6. Chao Ha (Acorn Barnacle Porridge)
Halong Food - Acorn Barnacle Porridge
Acorn barnacle is a shellfish that stays in one place their whole life, usually on rocks or the bottom of ships. To make it, the chef cooks the barnacles in a broth made with herbs, spices, and other seafood. The result is a smooth and creamy porridge that brings out the delicious taste of the barnacles.
Acorn barnacle porridge is both tasty and nutritious. They serve it hot with black pepper, herbs, and crispy fried bagel twists—perfect for chilly days or a comforting supper. Any restaurant in Ha Long can get you this dish at a good price.
Where to eat: Co Hang Restaurant, 42 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ha Long City
7. Bun Be Be (Noodles With Mantis Shrimp)
Halong Food - Mantis Shrimp Noodles
Bun Be Be, or noodles with mantis shrimp, is a popular breakfast and lunch meal in Halong. Mantis shrimp, known for their powerful punch, bring a unique flavor to this dish, making it a local favorite.
The mantis shrimp's firm, sweet, and nutritious flesh is the star of this noodle dish. Stall owners carefully select big, fresh shrimps of similar sizes, skillfully removing their shells to preserve the delicate flesh. A bowl of Bun Be Be is a delicious mixture of shrimp, fish, fried tofu, and fresh greens, creating a satisfying and nutritious noodle soup.
Where to eat: Local markets or seafood markets
8. Oysters
Halong Food - Oysters
Oysters are common Halong Bay seafood, which are well-known for their great taste and nutrition. The seawater in Quang Ninh, Ha Long, makes these oysters taste even better than others around the country.
Ha Long's oyster has a thin shell, soft body, and lots of minerals without a fishy smell. People often eat them raw with lemon, mustard, and chili sauce for a tasty kick. But there are other tasty ways to enjoy them. They can be baked or seasoned with cheese, steamed with herbs, or even fried in butter with garlic.
Where to eat: Phuong Nam or Linh Dan restaurant
9. Halong Tapioca Yogurt
Halong Food - Yogurt
This delightful treat, served for about a decade now, features yogurt paired with boba.
Local stalls in Ha Long take pride in crafting their unique yogurt, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture. What sets this dessert apart is the addition of warm homemade bobas and tiny transparent tapioca balls. These bobas are immersed in sweet, homemade coconut milk, creating a delightful blend of flavors.
Where to eat: Lien Tuan or Co Nghi restaurants
From grilled squid to unique sea creatures like Peanut Worm, and comforting dishes like Nodding Rice Cake, there's something for every taste. The simplicity of Noodles With Mantis Shrimp, the warmth of Acorn Barnacle Porridge, and the exotic Horseshoe Crab make Halong a foodie's paradise. Each dish tells a story of Ha Long Food Culture. So, if you're planning a trip, make sure to experience the culinary delights.
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