Delicacies of Binh Dinh: Top 15 Local Specialties to Savour and Bring Home as Gifts

Bình Định is renowned for its plethora of delicious specialties, offering a culinary journey like no other. Discover the 15 best Bình Định specialties that will tantalize your taste buds and provide an unforgettable culinary experience. Indulge in the unique flavors of this vibrant region and explore a world of culinary delights that will leave you craving more.

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When traveling to Binh Dinh, the land of Nẫu, you will be amazed by its stunning landscapes and unique cuisine. Today, we will introduce you to the top 15 specialties of Binh Dinh that you can enjoy there or buy as gifts.

1. An Introduction to Binh Dinh Tourism

Binh Dinh is a province in Central Vietnam, known for its beautiful beaches and tourist attractions such as Quy Nhon Beach, Ghềnh Ráng Tiên Sa, and Eo Gió. The province has captivated the hearts of many travelers with its breathtaking seaside scenery, golden sunshine, and rich culinary traditions.

An overview of Binh Dinh tourism

2. Top 15 Binh Dinh Specialties to Try and Buy as Gifts

Specialties to Try in Binh Dinh

Mỹ Cang Sizzling Pancake

Mỹ Cang Sizzling Pancake

This savory treat is a popular street food in Binh Dinh, available at most roadside stalls. It is made with a combination of ground pork, shrimp, scallions, bean sprouts, eggs, and a rice flour batter. The result is a crispy, fragrant pancake with a soft and flavorful filling.

Price range: 15,000 – 33,000 VND/serving

Recommended places to try:

Huỳnh Đế Crab

Huỳnh Đế Crab

Regarded as the king of crabs, Huỳnh Đế Crab is known for its large and sturdy claws. These crabs are typically found in the rocky crevices of the Binh Dinh sea. The meat is flavorful and can be prepared in various mouthwatering dishes, such as grilled or steamed crab.

Price range: 720,000 – 1,500,000 VND/kg

Recommended places to try:

Tây Sơn Beef Tripe

Tây Sơn Beef Tripe

A unique and exotic dish, Tây Sơn Beef Tripe is not for the faint of heart. The tripe undergoes a meticulous and laborious preparation process, involving marination with spices like pepper, garlic, chili, lemongrass, and ginger to eliminate any unpleasant odors. The end result is a special delicacy.

Price range: 20,000 – 100,000 VND/serving

Recommended places to try:

Chình Fish Salad

Chình Fish Salad

Chình fish, native to Binh Dinh, has a small and elongated body with sweet and tender meat. The fresh slices of Chình fish are mixed with raw vegetables and a sweet and sour dressing, creating a delightful dish that tastes best when enjoyed on the spot.

Price range: 30,000 – 100,000 VND/serving

Recommended places to try:

Binh Dinh Specialties to Buy as Gifts

Tam Quan Pink Cake

Tam Quan Pink Cake symbolizes good news

Tam Quan Pink Cake is a traditional delicacy of Binh Dinh and is often presented as a token of good news during weddings and other celebrations. The cake is made from Ngự glutinous rice, known for its chewy texture and aromatic fragrance. As it contains no preservatives, the cake can only be stored for up to 5 days.

Price range: Around 110,000 VND/kg

Recommended places to buy:

Lá Gai Cakes

Lá Gai Cakes offer a unique fragrance from the leaves and a sweet taste from the mung beans

Another specialty of Binh Dinh is the Lá Gai Cake, made from the leaves of the lá gai tree. This tree is known for its heat-clearing and liver-detoxifying properties. The cakes have a subtle fragrance from the leaves, blended with the sweetness of mung beans. They are usually sold with a small triangular box for convenient and attractive packaging.

Price range: Around 4,000 VND/cake

Recommended places to buy:

Huyện Market Nem

Huyện Market Nem offers a crunchy and tangy experience

Nem from Huyện Market is a must-buy specialty when visiting Binh Dinh. It has a crunchy and chewy texture, with a tangy taste that is just right.

You can also try grilling or frying the nem, or pairing it with cha ram for an enhanced flavor experience.

Price range: Around 50,000 VND/ten pieces

Recommended places to buy:

Fish Cakes with Rice Paper

Fish Cakes with Rice Paper are best enjoyed with Vietnamese coriander

A famous specialty of Binh Dinh, the fish cakes are made primarily from fish and a few spices. For the best flavor, it is recommended to eat them with Vietnamese coriander.

Price range: Around 100,000 VND/500g

Recommended places to buy:

Garlic Marinated Squid

Garlic Marinated Squid combines the freshness of squid with the spiciness of chili

A trip to Binh Dinh would be incomplete without trying the garlic marinated squid. This delicacy blends the freshness and crispness of squid with the distinctive spiciness of chili and garlic. Remember to store it in a cool place to maintain its quality.

Price range: Around 120,000 VND/250g

Recommended places to buy:

Binh Dinh Tré

Binh Dinh Tré can be stored for 7-10 days

Tré is a specialty of Binh Dinh made mainly from pork snout and ears. The ingredients are marinated with spices and then wrapped in banana leaves and a layer of plastic to ferment.

Tré has a relatively long shelf life of 7-10 days, making it convenient for transportation.

Price range: Around 30,000 VND/200g

Recommended places to buy:

Bàu Đá Wine

Bàu Đá Wine is a renowned specialty of Binh Dinh

Bàu Đá Wine is a well-known specialty of Binh Dinh, made from fermented cassava. It has a refreshing and pleasant taste, perfect for enjoying during gatherings or as a gift.

Due to its high alcohol content, those who are not accustomed to strong drinks should consume it in moderation.

Price range: 60,000 – 160,000 VND/liter

Frequently asked questions

Binh Dinh province boasts a diverse range of delicious local specialties, including ‘Banh Canh Cha Cu Dai Tran’, a unique dish of thick noodles served with a special type of fish cake, and ‘Com Chen’, a tasty dish of steamed rice and grilled pork, wrapped in banana leaves.

For a truly unique culinary experience, sample ‘Banh Xeo Toi Dinh’ – a giant savoury pancake filled with shrimp, beansprouts and pork back fat, served with a side of fresh herbs and vegetables. Another must-try is ‘Bun Song Than’, a rice noodle soup with a clear, flavourful broth, topped with a variety of seafood.

Indeed, sweet tooths will delight in the province’s famous ‘Ai Nhum’ – a sweet and chewy dessert made from the sap of the sugar palm tree, often enjoyed with crushed ice and coconut milk. ‘Banh It’, a sticky rice dumpling filled with mung bean paste and coated in desiccated coconut, is another popular treat.

When it comes to gift-giving, dried seafood products, such as shrimp and squid, are excellent choices. Locally produced fish sauce, known for its high quality and unique flavour, is also a great option. For a sweet gift, consider ‘Keo Dau Phong’, a type of peanut candy, or ‘Ruou Nep Than’, a traditional wine made from sticky rice.

Most of these specialties can be found in local markets, such as Quang Trung Night Market in Quy Nhon, or specialty shops throughout the province. For convenience, some products, like peanut candy and dried seafood, can also be purchased at the airport or certain supermarkets.