Halong Food Guide: Must-Try Dishes for Every Traveler

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Vietnam, is renowned not only for its breathtaking scenery but also for its active food scene. This MOTOGO Tours article will introduce the diverse Halong food, from regional cuisine to secret gastronomic treasures every visitor should sample.

What makes Halong food so memorable?

Halong food is impressive because it perfectly combines fresh seafood with inventive seaside cooking. Using rich resources from the Gulf of Tonkin, indigenous recipes create robust flavors rarely found elsewhere. Three things make this unique: its freshness, the way it combines other cultures, and the way it is made by hand.

Exceptionally Fresh Seafood from the Gulf of Tonkin

Halong is in the Gulf of Tonkin and has a lot of different marine resources. Shrimp, crabs, fish, and local dishes such sa sang and mantis shrimp are common in the area. Most seafood is collected and prepared the same day, preserving natural sweetness and optimum freshness.

A Unique Cultural Identity in the Area

Halong cuisine showcases Quang Ninh’s cultural diversity and strong coastal traditions. Its balanced and layered flavors come from ethnic groups and areas near the border. Some popular combos are squid cake with rice rolls and dishes made with Tien Yen hill chicken.

Traditional Cooking Techniques Passed Down Generations

Many famous Halong meals rely on expert, hands-on cooking techniques. Instead of machinery, hand-pounded squid cake is created entirely by hand. This process keeps its chewy texture and is what makes Halong’s food unique.

Must-Try Ha Long Food: A Culinary Journey You Can’t Miss

You can’t go to Ha Long Bay without trying the local food. But with so many delicious options, it might be hard to know what to try first. Here’s a nicely prepared list of the must-try Ha Long dishes to assist you decide since they provide the optimum balance of tastes to undoubtedly delight your pallet.

Ngan Bien (Sea Clam)

Ngan, which means “sea clam” in English, is a tasty shellfish that will make your mouth water. This mollusk is Ha Long’s specialty. It is the same size as clams but not the same. You may grill it, steam it, make soup with it, or stir-fry it with noodles, among other things. Every cooking style brings out a unique and delicious flavor.

Moreover, bored by the sea can be drunk in alcohol, giving the drink a unique marine taste. Should you ever find yourself in Ha Long, do not hesitate to order a bit and savor this unique cuisine.

Cha Muc (Squid Cake) – A Ha Long Favorite

If you want to know what Ha Long really tastes like, you should definitely try grilled squid. This treat is made by finely chopping or mincing squid and shaping it into round cakes. Then, they are fried until they are golden and crispy. People who live and visit Ha Long like the squid cakes there because the squid is inherently sweeter than in other places.

In addition to the famous fried squid cake, Ha Long also serves sticky rice. The crispy squid cakes and the sticky rice make for a taste explosion. Another option is steamed rice rolls with squid cakes. This is a tasty supper where the rice rolls are filled with ground pork and mushrooms and then topped with golden, fragrant squid cakes. To properly enjoy Ha Long, serve it with a rich, tasty dipping sauce.

Halong food – Sam Bien

People also know Ha Long Bay for its sea buckthorn, a delicious sea food that can be cooked in a number of ways. You might also try fried sam eggs, sweet and sour stir-fried sam, sam salad, stir-fried sam with vermicelli, or stir-fried sam with lemongrass and chile. Even the pickiest diners will like the unique taste of the sam’s soft, sweet, and somewhat chewy meat.

Vermicelli with Shrimps

Vermicelli with shrimp is a very popular dish in Quang Ninh that you ought to try. The meal combines the chewy texture of vermicelli with the sweet taste of fish. When you add a light, delicious broth and fragrant herbs to this dish, it becomes cool and nourishing. It’s a terrific choice for anyone who like fish.

Clam Porridge

Clam porridge is a nutritious and tasty dish that perfectly represents Ha Long. This lunch is great for stopping hunger and giving you energy for your trips. People in the area commonly prefer porridge because it is healthy and calming, and the fresh clams make it taste delicious.

Halong food – Baby Oyster Porridge

Baby oyster porridge is another excellent and healthy dish from Ha Long. Eating this food not only makes you feel good, but it also feeds your body important vitamins and minerals. This porridge is also a wonderful choice because it is said to help with diabetes, headaches, and high blood pressure, among other things.

Cantonese Fried Rice

Cantonese fried rice is a terrific fusion dish because it combines different foods in a way that makes them taste good together. The recipe is perfectly seasoned and includes aromatic rice, prawns, coconut, dried shrimp, salted duck eggs, and peas. It makes a delightful and filling dinner. This is a wonderful alternative for someone who wants something filling and gratifying.

Ha Long Yogurt with Tapioca Pearls

You absolutely shouldn’t miss Ha Long yogurt with tapioca pearls. It’s a delicious and refreshing dish. This dessert is a terrific way to end your meal because it has chewy tapioca pearls and rich coconut milk that go well with the smooth, creamy yogurt. It also has crunchy aloe vera, jelly, and dried coconut.

Upside-Down Ice Cream

Ha Long’s “Upside-Down Ice Cream” is one of the most popular treats among both locals and tourists. People love it for its strange look and amazing taste. This ice cream won’t melt or drip, but you can turn it upside down, as the name suggests. This is because the ice cream is really chewy and soft, and it melts slowly, which makes it a little different from other ice creams.

Gat Gu Cake

“Gat Gu Cake” is another famous dish from Ha Long. It’s a popular morning food that both locals and tourists appreciate. People recognize this dish for its soft, chewy, and fragrant texture. The cakes are served with a special chicken fat sauce that makes them taste even better, making for a tasty and substantial evening. Nod gu cake is a terrific method to get to know Ha Long’s food scene. It’s a classic breakfast food.

Halong food – Sea Worms

Sa Sung, which is also known by names like “sea earthworms,” “bibi,” or “earth ginseng,” is a unique Ha Long dish that is most common in places like Van Don, Ha Long, and Mong Cai. People think this seafood is good for you and has healing properties. It can help with conditions including night sweats, chest pain, problems after giving birth such not getting enough milk, and even nerve disorders.

You should really try this recipe for stir-fried sea worms with garlic. This is a wonderful feast of tastes, and the dish is frequently served with rice, so making it a satisfying lunch. Another popular option is porridge worms, which taste better and are more nutritious when served fresh and boiling hot with herbs and ginger. This dish is a true Ha Long specialty that will make you want more.

Shrimp Floss (Dried Shrimp Flour)

If you want to send someone a unique souvenir from Ha Long, think about sending them “Shrimp Floss,” a dish made with fresh shrimp and lean pork. others who live here and others who visit adore this dinner because it has a nice texture and a taste that is both savory and a little sweet. It’s a great snack to have on your journey or to give as a gift to a close friend or family member.

Dried Squid from Ha Long

Dried squid is a popular food in many coastal places, but Ha Long’s dried squid is exceptionally tasty and strong. If you think of yourself as a foodie, you’ll notice the change immediately away. The squid is a terrific snack for a laid-back evening or a social gathering when served with a decent lager and chili sauce.

Halong food – Dried Sa Sung

Dried sea worms are another great souvenir choice because they are easy to travel with and store. This dried fish makes a great and healthy dinner when you make soups or broths with it. This is a thoughtful gift for folks who like unique and high-quality food. Sea worms have a strong taste that will bring the taste of Ha Long’s oceans right to your home.

Recommended Locations for Purchasing Halong Food

You can get even more fish at other local markets besides the ones listed above. There are a lot of active marketplaces in Ha Long that sell dry goods, fresh catches of the day, and various local foods.

Cai Dam Market

If you want to buy fresh fish that was caught nearby, you have to go to Cai Dam Market, which is on Tien Ong Street in Bai Chay, Ha Long City. The market is famed for its fairly priced fresh and dried seafood. While you’re there, try the famous Ha Long Squid Cakes, which are loved for their crunchy texture and rich, delicious flavor. They are more softer and juicier than those found elsewhere.

Ha Long Night Market

Ha Long Night Market is a great venue for anyone who want to try local food at night. It situated on Hoang Quoc Viet Street in Hung Thang Ward, Ha Long City. Dried seafood like squid, sea worms, and prawn floss are great gifts from the market. This market has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a delicious meal or a one-of-a-kind gift.

Ha Long 1 Market

The Ha Long 1 Market, which is located on Bach Dang Street in Ha Long City, is famous for having a lot of fresh local foods. You may get fresh fish, crabs, shrimp, and other seafood here. There are also a number of food stalls at the market where you can try freshly produced meals and enjoy Ha Long’s lively food scene.

Ha Long Market 2

Another great market to check out is Ha Long Market 2, which is located at 433 Le Loi, Tran Hung Dao, in Ha Long City. This market has a wide selection of dried seafood at reasonable prices. In my home country, dried squid, sea worms, and other things make great gifts for friends and family. This is a great place to get some great souvenirs and really see what life is like in the area.

Halong Bay is a great place for food lovers as well as people who love beautiful views. The food in Halong Bay is sure to be one of the best parts of your trip, whether you want fresh seafood or something else from a street seller. Take advantage of this chance to learn about the different food traditions in this beautiful location.

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