Blogs

Travel Reviewer

Discover the Flavor of Ninh Binh Burned Rice – A Must-Try Dish

08:05 - 01/01/2024

Vote post

If you’re looking for a regional specialty that embodies the rich, crispy texture and savory flavors of Ninh Binh, you have to sample their Burned Rice. Come explore the finest of Ninh Binh Burned Rice and find its seductive taste with MOTOGO Tours!

Ninh Bình’s crispy rice is a famous specialty with a golden crust, often paired with savory goat stew. ( Source: Collected)

What is Ninh Bình Burned Rice?

Native Vietnamese food Ninh Bình Burned Rice, also known as Com Chay Ninh Binh, is famous for its golden-brown, crispy crust that forms when rice is cooked in a clay pot or pan, making a deliciously crunchy layer. Often regarded as a specialty of Ninh Binh Province, in northern Vietnam, this dish has grown to be a favorite local delicacy.

Crispy rice originated in Ninh Bình over 100 years ago, created to utilize leftover steamed rice. ( Source: Collected)

Cooking rice in a manner that lets the bottom layer caramelize and create a crispy crust produces burned rice in the meal. Usually cooked in a clay pot, the rice at the bottom gets crispy while the top stays soft and fluffy since heat is uniformly distributed. For those who try it, the mix of textures—the soft inside and crunchy outside—makes for a distinctive and appealing experience.

Crispy rice is made from plain steamed rice, fried to perfection, and seasoned with salt or spices. ( Source: Collected)

Not only a basic side dish, Ninh Binh Burned Rice is usually presented with a range of savory toppings and accompaniments. Traditionally, burned rice is eaten in Ninh Bình alongside grilled pig, poultry, or fish to balance tastes. To add even more taste, it is sometimes presented with a dipping sauce created from fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and chile.

The meal originated in local culinary customs when people would cook rice in big, open-fire pots, letting some of the rice at the bottom burn and acquire a crispy texture. This method developed over time into the well-known Com Chay Ninh Bình, which is a signature meal drawing guests from all throughout the nation and beyond.

How Ninh Binh Burned Rice is Made

Making Ninh Bình Burned Rice calls for 200g of glutinous rice (or ordinary rice), 2–3 teaspoons of cooking oil, and seasonings including sugar and salt. For serving, toss grilled pork, chicken, or fish; make a dipping sauce from garlic, chile, sugar, and fish sauce.

Making crispy rice at home is simple: cook rice, press it flat, dry it, then fry until golden and crunchy. ( Source: Collected)

As garnishes, you could also choose roasted peanuts and fried shallots at will. The dish takes 15 to 20 minutes to prepare; depending on the thickness of the rice layer and the heat applied, the burned rice cooks in 30 to 40 minutes.

Crispy rice achieves its signature crunch by frying dried rice in hot oil until it puffs and turns golden. ( Source: Collected)

First, properly wash the rice to eliminate extra starch; then, soak it in water for twenty to thirty minutes to soften it. To guarantee the rice is drier, soak and then cook it in a rice cooker using somewhat less water than usual. Let the rice cool somewhat once it is done before moving it to the stove or pan.

Air fryers can make crispy rice healthier by requiring less oil while maintaining its signature crunch. ( Source: Collected)

To keep the rice from sticking and enable it to turn crispy, the pot should have a thin coating of oil at the bottom. Evenly distribute the cooked rice in the pot then lightly press it down. Cover the saucepan then cook over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, maintaining a low heat to prevent rapidly burning the rice. The bottom layer turning golden brown and crispy will signal that it’s ready.

Crispy rice delivers a delightful crunch with a nutty aroma and savory flavor, perfect for any meal. ( Source: Collected)

After the rice crispen, gently flip it onto a platter or invert the pot to release it. The outcome should be soft rice topped on a golden-brown, crispy bottom layer. Present the rice with grilled meats—pork, chicken, or fish—along with a dipping sauce created from fish sauce, garlic, chile, sugar, and lime juice. Hot is the ideal time to enjoy this dish since the crunchy rice and savory grilled meats harmonize tastes and textures.

Where to Find Ninh Binh Burned Rice?

Popular eateries close to Trang An and Tam Coc provide Ninh Bình Burned Rice. These locations provide the cuisine with particular tastes including grilled fish or goat meat. The restaurant determines the price; it ranges from 50,000 VND to 100,000 VND each serving. This is a fantastic approach to savor the cuisine in a relaxed environment.

In Ninh Bình, crispy rice can be purchased at local markets or specialty stores like Hoa Lu or Tam Coc. ( Source: Collected)

Local markets in Tam Coc and Trang An as well as street food vendors provide Ninh Binh Burned Rice at less cost. Every serving of the dish will cost between 20,000 VND to 40,000 VND. This is a real and quick approach to try local cuisine. These stands offer a more laid-back and reasonably priced dining environment.

Top 9 delicious Ninh Binh crispy rice brands

Some of the most mouthwatering and distinctive crispy rice brands are found in Ninh Binh; each one gives a different taste on this popular snack. From classic recipes to contemporary ideas, these top 9 brands will gratify every taste.

1. Co Do Brand – Ninh Binh Crispy Rice

It’s a heritage name that has been passed down from generation to generation, keeping its original taste and high quality. Made totally from aromatic glutinous rice and cooked to perfection using an old method, it promises great taste in every mouthful. Only sold at the Trang An boat station, its sophisticated packaging makes it a perfect present to bring home following a visit of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.

Premium crispy rice, safe for all, offers addictive taste and makes a perfect gift for any age. ( Source: Collected)

2. Nep Huong

Perfectly matched with safe and tasty shredded pork, Nep Huong Crispy Rice distinguishes with its golden, crispy texture and pleasant crunch. Every component is carefully chosen from reliable vendors to guarantee natural, premium goods suitable for everyone’s safety. After only one bite, this premium crispy rice is addictive and a great present for all kinds of ages.

Premium crispy rice, safe for all, offers addictive taste and makes a perfect gift for any age.Heritage crispy rice, sold at Trang An, combines traditional flavor and exquisite packaging. — Heritage crispy rice, sold at Trang An, combines traditional flavor and exquisite packaging. ( Source: Collected)

3. Ninh Binh Dai Long Crispy Rice

Originally Manh Quynh Crispy Rice, a tiny family company launched in May 2009, Dai Long Crispy Rice started off as Reacting to market need, Manh Quynh Co., Ltd. opened in May 2010 with a ten-person starting staff. Operating as a joint-stock company since February 2011, the company marks a major turning point in Dai Long’s approach to development and expansion.

From a family business in 2009 to a joint-stock firm in 2011, Dai Long Crispy Rice has grown steadily. ( Source: Collected)

4. Hoa Lu crispy rice

Hoa Lu Crispy Rice is made with state-of-the-art equipment and follows a rigorous production procedure to guarantee high quality and food safety. Made from aromatic Kim Son sticky rice and topped with aromatic shredded pork, it reflects the rich traditional taste of Ninh Binh. A wonderful and durable present since every 250-gram pack has a five-month shelf life.

Kim Son sticky rice with shredded pork creates a 250g pack that lasts 5 months ( Source: Collected)

5. Nhat Quynh Brand

Nhat Quynh Crispy Rice is proud of transforming the classic Vietnamese “crispy rice-bottom” into a contemporary product with more hygienic, crunchier, tastier, and fiercely competitive texture. Having almost 20 years of expertise, the brand keeps investing in new technologies and skill development to satisfy the rising needs of the fast food and snack industries of today. This commitment guarantees best quality and creativity in every mouthful.

Nhat Quynh Brand, with 20 years of expertise, embraces innovation for today’s fast food and snack trends. ( Source: Collected)

6. Viet Hung Ninh Binh Crispy Rice

Viet Hung Crispy Rice has been making the best sushi in Ninh Binh for over 15 years and is dedicated to maintaining the highest quality standards. Its trademark crispy rice delivers the ideal mix of richness and season by having a golden, crunchy coating covered in aromatic scallion oil and savory shredded pork. A must-try specialty, some goods also include sweet and spicy fish sauce, providing a great diversity to the flavors.

Viet Hung Crispy Rice offers golden crunch with scallion oil and pork, plus diverse flavors like fish sauce. ( Source: Collected)

7. Hoang Trang

Premier specialty from Ninh Binh, Hoang Trang Crispy Rice is highly recommended by specialist stores all around Vietnam. Made under a hygienic production procedure to guarantee high quality, this is well-known for its great crunch and rich taste of fresh rice. Priced at 45,000 VND for a 200-gram bag, this is ideal treat to savor or share.

Priced at 45,000 VND, this 200g crispy rice is hygienically made, ensuring rich taste and satisfying crunch. ( Source: Collected)

8. Khai Hoa Ninh Binh

With two product lines—ready-to-eat crispy rice topped with shredded pork, ideal for snacking during movies or work, and dry crispy rice for people who enjoy cooking and customizing it their own way—Khai Hoa Crispy Rice presents a distinctive touch. Its adaptability makes it an interesting choice for every occasion.

Khai Hoa Crispy Rice, ready-to-eat or customizable, suits snacking, cooking, or gifting with versatile flavors. ( Source: Collected)

9. Truong An

Only 35,000 VND for a 200-gram pack makes Truong An Crispy Rice a reasonably priced and mouthwatering snack. Made from premium ingredients—rice, pork floss, salt, vegetable oil—it has a strong, delicious taste. Having a six-month shelf life, it’s a handy and delicious option for any occasion gift-giving or consumption.

At 35,000 VND for 200g, Truong An Crispy Rice is a budget-friendly treat with pork floss and savory flavor. ( Source: Collected)

More than just a snack, Ninh Binh Burned Rice is a great custom reflecting the rich gastronomic legacy of the area. Either savored as a present or a treat, this crunchy treat will make a lasting impression. Don’t miss the opportunity to really sample Ninh Binh Burned Rice!