Ha Long cuisine: Top 12 signature local foods to savor on your trip

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Discover Ha Long Bay Vietnamese cuisine with these 12+ must-try Ha Long foods (Source: Collected)

Ha Long Bay is widely known as a haven of natural spectacles, but there is another highlight that makes it a truly well-rounded destination: Ha Long cuisine. A Ha Long food tour will further enhance your Vietnam travel with its diverse gastronomic treasures. From fresh seafood to other local specialties, Ha Long Vietnamese cuisine offers a tantalizing taste of Vietnamese food against the breathtaking backdrop of nature.

1. Oyster porridge (chao hau sua) – a must-try of Ha Long cuisine

Oyster porridge stands out among the many delicious dishes that Ha Long has to offer. This dish features a perfect harmony of succulent oyster meat and fragrant rice porridge. Not only is this porridge a delight for the taste buds, it also provides a wealth of vitamins and nutrients, supporting the treatment of various conditions such as hypertension, headaches, dizziness, and diabetes. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor this delicious and nutritious dish when you visit Ha Long!

Oyster porridge is a yummy dish of Ha Long cuisine that you should try (Source: Collected)

2. Mantis shrimp noodle soup (bun be be) – one of the best Ha Long foods

Mantis shrimp noodle soup is a popular breakfast dish in Ha Long. Known for its distinctive flavor, the mantis shrimp in Ha Long boasts fragrant meat that is superior to that in other regions. This dish combines chewy vermicelli with a broth expertly prepared from pork bone, crabs, and mantis shrimp. This combination is sure to leave a lasting impression, especially when enjoyed with other renowned seafood delights of Ha Long cuisine.

3. White sticky rice with grilled chopped squid (xoi trang cha muc)

When it comes to Ha Long Bay Vietnamese cuisine, white sticky rice with grilled chopped squid is a must-try. This simple Vietnamese sticky rice dish is crafted with two key ingredients: sticky rice and hand-ground squid. The squid is freshly caught, pounded to perfection, then deep-fried until golden and crispy, resulting in a rich and flavorful delicacy. This combination creates an unforgettable taste, especially when paired with fish sauce, chili sauce, fried shallots, and pickled vegetables.

Xoi trang cha muc represents the vibrant Ha Long cuisine (Source: Collected)

4. Peanut worms stir-fried with vegetables (sa sung xao rau cu)

Peanut worm is a nutritious seafood found exclusively in the waters of Ha Long. This popular Ha Long Bay food involves stir-frying tender peanut worms with various vegetables like carrots and celery. This delicacy is not only delicious but also perfect for socializing with friends over drinks. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in this valuable dish during your Ha Long food tour!

>>> Explore: Vietnamese noodles: A symbol of the country’s rich and diverse cuisine

5. Dishes from Tien Yen’s hill chicken (ga doi Tien Yen)

Tien Yen’s hill chicken is a renowned specialty of Ha Long cuisine. The hill chicken is known for its firm, aromatic, and tender meat, thanks to the free-range farming method: letting the chickens roam on the hills instead of within farms. Tien Yen’s hill chicken is made into various dishes such as boiled, fried, stir-fried with lemongrass, steamed, and more. The simplest way to enjoy it is boiling. Boiled hill chicken features a golden and crispy skin, along with moist and flavorful meat. Accompanied by a traditional dipping sauce, it is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

You can enjoy hill chicken in various ways to better understand Ha Long Bay Vietnamese cuisine (Source: Collected)

6. Ha Long foods made from ngan (corrugate lucine)

Corrugate lucine, or “ngan”, is a valuable seafood in Ha Long Bay, resembling a larger type of clam. Known for its high nutritional value and distinctive flavor, ngan can be prepared in various enticing ways, such as steaming, grilling, and stir-frying. With its crispiness, sweetness, and unique taste, ngan is sure to leave you wanting more. Whether you savor this dish at table or purchase it as a gift, it offers a fascinating insight into Ha Long’s culinary delights.

7. Acorn barnacle porridge (chao ha)

Acorn barnacle porridge, or “chao ha”, is another enticing specialty of Ha Long cuisine. Made from small clams called “ha”, known for their rich meat and high nutritional value, this dish combines the savory seafood flavor with the velvety porridge. Ha is sautéed with flavorful spices, which enhances the taste of the porridge. With a touch of fried shallots, ground pepper, and green onions, this dish creates an irresistible flavor that is hard to resist.

Chao ha is an enticing specialty of Ha Long cuisine (Source: Collected)

8. Nodding cake (banh gat gu) – a highlight of Ha Long cuisine

Banh gat gu, or nodding cake, takes its name from the idea that it is so tasty that diners will nod while eating. This is one of the most rustic Vietnamese cakes that captivates everyone who tastes it. Made from finely ground rice rolled into thin white rolls, banh gat gu is both chewy, soft, and fragrant. This treat is served with Tien Yen’s hill chicken and a unique dipping sauce made from chicken fat, fish sauce, dried onions, garlic, and chili.

>>> Read more: Vietnamese rice cakes: Top 22 local delicacies to add to your bucket list

9. Ha Long foods made from horseshoe crab (sam bien)

Horseshoe crab, known as “sam bien”, is a precious seafood in Quang Ninh rich in protein and nutrients. With its fragrant, fatty, and slightly sweet meat, it can be prepared into various unique dishes. Every part of the horseshoe crab, except the outer skin, can be made into many delectable creations such as salad, stir-fried dishes from meat, grilled dishes from egg, etc. Each dish offers a distinct taste that showcases the expertise of Ha Long cuisine.

Those who love Ha Long Vietnamese cuisine cannot miss out on horseshoe crab (Source: Collected)

10. Quang Yen fermented pork roll (nem chua Quang Yen)

Fermented pork roll is a traditional Vietnamese snack that can be found in many regions. In Ha Long, Quang Yen fermented pork roll stands out with its balanced combination of the sourness from fermented rice, the saltiness from spices, and the sweetness from pork. Through meticulous preparation, finely ground pork, thin slices of pork rinds, roasted rice powder, and crushed peanuts are all wrapped in banana leaves and guava leaves, creating an enticing flavor that both locals and visitors adore.

11. Hoang Bo sticky rice wine (ruou nep Hoang Bo)

To better understand Ha Long cuisine, you should try Hoang Bo sticky rice wine, which is made from the finest glutinous rice in Ha Long. This beverage carries the aroma of forest leaves and the subtle spiciness of fermented rice. Representing the health benefits of Ha Long Vietnamese cuisine, it aids digestion when consumed in moderation. Enjoying seafood dishes with a cup of Hoang Bo stick rice wine adds warmth to the experience. Moreover, it will make for a thoughtful gift to share the unique flavors of Ha Long cuisine with friends and family.

Hoang Bo sticky rice wine can be enjoyed with a lot of food in Ha Long Bay (Source: Collected)

12. Yogurt with pearl bubbles (sua chua tran chau) – a famous dessert of Ha Long cuisine

Ha Long yogurt with pearl bubbles is a popular Ha Long Bay food that has extended its popularity to many provinces nationwide, especially among the younger generation. While seemingly simple, the way the local people combine yogurt with a variety of toppings, especially pearl bubbles, is what makes this treat stand out. In addition to white pearl bubbles and coconut water, you can enjoy it with dried banana, dried coconut, and other fresh fruits, creating a sweet, creamy, chewy, and crunchy sensation in every bite. 

>>> Discover: Vietnamese food souvenirs: TOP 20 exquisite options to bring home

To facilitate your Ha Long food tour to discover Ha Long cuisine, consider staying at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long. As the first and only resort in Northern Vietnam constructed entirely over the sea, Vinpearl allows you to admire the romantic views of the bay while enjoying 5-star amenities.

Stay at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long to explore Ha Long cuisine with ease

In addition to savoring the exceptional Ha Long Bay Vietnamese cuisine, don’t miss the chance to explore other cities with many delectable culinary delights, such as Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. In these cities, you can take a moment to relax at VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc. These dynamic entertainment complexes offer thrilling games, lively festivals, and a diverse array of cultural activities, ensuring an unforgettable vacation experience.

VinWonders offers a big chance for visitors to create lots of memories

>>> Book tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park to have the most wonderful moments in Vietnam!

Ha Long cuisine encapsulates the essence of Northern Vietnamese flavors, weaving a culinary tale that harmonizes with the stunning landscape of the bay. The diverse array of dishes here create a gastronomic journey that will linger in the memory of every diner. Ha Long Bay cuisine not only satisfies the palate but also serves as a vibrant reflection of the region’s cultural richness, making it an integral part of the Ha Long experience.