The Ultimate Guide to 5 Delicious, Under-the-Radar Haiphong Specialties: A Local’s Favorite

Haiphong is renowned for its enticing “food tour,” attracting visitors from far and wide to explore its rich and unique culinary scene. Beyond the well-known eateries, there are hidden gems known only to the true locals. Today, we will reveal five dining spots with delicious, under-the-radar dishes that are beloved by the locals.

1 Mrs. Cu’s Fermented Pork Roll in Do Market (Tam Bac Market)

Mrs. Cu’s Fermented Pork Roll in Do Market (Tam Bac Market)

Tucked away in a corner on Quang Trung Street, nestled among household goods vendors, Mrs. Cu’s fermented pork roll stall is a hidden gem awaiting discerning foodies. Despite not being a prominent fixture on the food tour map, it is a beloved and oft-recommended snack spot among locals.

The unique draw of this place is the distinctive flavor of Mrs. Cu’s fermented pork roll. Unlike typical fermented pork rolls served with chili sauce, the pork rolls here are generously doused in a sweet and sour sauce, creating a perfect harmony of tastes. The crispy and chewy texture of the pork roll blends beautifully with the balanced sweet and sour notes, with a mild kick from the sliced chilies. It’s an irresistible combination.

The stall exclusively offers this one signature dish at a price of around 20,000 VND per serving. Each serving includes two finger-length pork rolls, sliced into bite-sized pieces and presented in a small bowl. After adding the sauce and chilies, diners can enjoy the pork rolls with a variety of fresh herbs, including starfruit leaves and basil, among others.

While the space is cozy, it exudes a warm and inviting ambiance. Patrons often gather together, engaging in lively conversations as they savor the delicious pork rolls.

The stall is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. If you wish to purchase the pork rolls as a gift, you can place an advance order, and they will be carefully packaged with the rolls, herbs, and sauce (for a minimum order of five rolls).

Address: 167 P. Phan Boi Chau, Phan Boi Chau, Hong Bang, Hai Phong

2 Mrs. Chuyen’s Rice Cake on Hai Ba Trung Street (Cát Dài)

Mrs. Chuyen’s Rice Cake on Hai Ba Trung Street (Cát Dài)

Conveniently located on the sidewalk of Hai Ba Trung Street (also known as Cat Dai), Mrs. Chuyen’s rice cake stall has been a staple for locals for over 30 years. Despite its humble setting, consisting of just a few small plastic chairs, the place is always bustling with customers, especially in the late afternoon.

What sets this place apart is the rice cake made from rice flour, resulting in a white, smooth, and chewy texture, a stark contrast to traditional rice cakes. The cakes are steamed in wooden trays, imparting a unique aroma and characteristic chewiness. On top of the cake, patrons will find a delicate blend of sweet ripe papaya, savory dried shrimp, and crunchy roasted pork, all brought together by a sweet and sour sauce. It’s a culinary symphony that lingers in the memory.

Priced at just around 15,000 VND per bowl, Mrs. Chuyen’s rice cake stall caters to all types of diners. While the space is simple, it exudes a sense of warmth and familiarity, allowing patrons to comfortably indulge in the delicious food and engage in conversations with friends and family.

Address: 159 Hai Ba Trung Street, An Bien, Le Chan, Hai Phong

3 Porridge with Green Porridge Herb

Porridge with Green Porridge Herb

Unlike traditional porridges that are typically white (like pork rib porridge or clam porridge) or black (like black bean porridge), Haiphong’s porridge with green porridge herb stands out with its eye-catching green hue. The secret to this unique color lies in the use of fresh green porridge herb (or nettle/pandan leaves) that are washed, pureed, and strained to extract the green juice for cooking the porridge.

Each bowl of porridge is topped with a layer of pureed mung beans and a sprinkling of golden fried onions. As you delve into the porridge, your palate will be treated to a delicate blend of smooth, savory porridge infused with the essence of simmered bones, the creamy sweetness of mung beans, and the pungent fragrance of fried onions. It’s a culinary experience that leaves a lasting impression, ensuring anyone who tries it will yearn for more.

You can easily find vendors selling this porridge at famous markets in Haiphong, such as Cho Con (on Hang Kenh Street, Le Chan District), Cho Cot Den, Cho Co Dao, and others. Occasionally, you might also spot mobile carts selling this porridge as they roam the city’s streets, bringing the distinctive flavors of Haiphong to every corner of the city.

Address: 63 Cho Con, Trai Cau, Le Chan, Hai Phong

4 Egg Cream in Hong Bang District

Egg Cream in Hong Bang District

Egg cream is a familiar treat, but in Haiphong, it takes on a unique twist when paired with bread, making it a favorite breakfast choice for locals. Unlike other versions that use both egg yolks and whites, the Haiphong style uses primarily egg yolks, with a small amount of whites, and sugar, whipped into a fluffy, smooth consistency. The richness of the eggs blends beautifully with a touch of sweetness, creating an irresistible allure.

For just 18,000 VND, you can indulge in a cup of creamy egg cream and a crispy baguette. Bakeries serving this delicacy are scattered across Haiphong’s streets, offering a delightful local culinary experience.

A great suggestion to start your day in Haiphong is Banh Mi 64 Ly Thuong Kiet in Hong Bang District. Beyond the enticing egg cream, the bakery also captivates with its unpretentious atmosphere, reflecting the spirit of the city of flaming red phoenix flowers.

Address: 64 Ly Thuong Kiet, Quang Trung, Hong Bang, Hai Phong

5 Rice Noodles in Bone Broth on Cat Cut Street

Rice Noodles in Bone Broth on Cat Cut Street

The defining feature of Haiphong-style rice noodles is the rich bone broth dipping sauce, a departure from the typical combination of fish sauce and vinegar found elsewhere. The noodles are skillfully handmade, ensuring they are hot, smooth, and free from crumbling. The filling consists of minced meat and wood ear mushrooms, sautéed to perfection and complemented by the sweet broth.

You can savor this renowned dish at 108 Cat Cut, or explore the numerous other reputable eateries along this street. In addition to the plate of noodles and bowl of hot broth, you’ll also be served a bowl of tender bones simmered in the same broth, contributing to the rich, signature flavor of Haiphong-style rice noodles.

For just 20,000 VND, you can satisfy your hunger for dinner and continue your culinary exploration of this vibrant port city.

Address: 101 Cat Cut, An Bien, Le Chan, Hai Phong

These are the five delectable, yet lesser-known Haiphong dishes we’ve compiled. Beyond the familiar fare, embark on a culinary adventure with these unique Haiphong treats and see if they captivate your taste buds!