Nam Dinh, a land of cultural and historical significance, is renowned not only for its historical and cultural relics but also for its diverse and delectable cuisine. Embark on a “food tour” of Nam Dinh, and you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in famous dishes that embody the distinctive flavors of this region.
Here is a list of the top 10 must-try eateries when visiting Nam Dinh:
1 Banh Xiu Pao Hoa Nhung
Banh Xiu Pao Hoa Nhung
Address: 234 Hoang Van Thu, Ba Trieu, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province
Opening Hours: 07:30 – 22:00
Price Range: VND 80,000 – 100,000/box of 10
Phone Number: 0942124662
Facebook: Hieu Banh Xiu Pao Gia Truyen Hoa Nhung
Banh Xiu Pao is a quintessential Nam Dinh snack that you shouldn’t miss. While its appearance may not be striking, the flavor will captivate you from the very first bite. The crust is crisp, and the filling is rich with a subtle blend of meat, eggs, wood ear mushrooms, accentuated by the spicy kick of pepper and the nutty flavor of egg yolk and shiitake mushrooms. Banh Xiu Pao is not just delicious but also carries a long-standing culinary cultural value, making it a meaningful souvenir from Nam Dinh city.
2 Banh Mi Pate Do Quan
Banh Mi Pate Do Quan
Address: 3 Hang Thao, Tran Hung Dao, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province
Opening Hours: 13:00 – 23:00
Price Range: From VND 15,000
Phone Number: 0832020987
Facebook: Ha Bo _ Banh My Pate Cau Do Quan
You’ll easily spot Banh Mi Pate Do Quan as it’s always bustling with customers queuing up to buy their delicious sandwiches. The secret to their popularity lies in the scrumptious pate, rich and creamy, coupled with tender shredded meat, crunchy sausage, and skewered meat. The crispy baguette is complemented by homemade crispy fried onions, served with cucumber and sweet and sour papaya salad for a truly irresistible flavor combination.
3 Bun Sung Cho Dien Hong
Bun Sung Cho Dien Hong
Address: 43 Pho Dien Hong, Nguyen Du, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province
Opening Hours: 06:00 – 20:00
Price Range: From VND 10,000
Phone Number: 0833620988
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Bun Sung is actually crab rice vermicelli soup, especially with the addition of fried pork belly and pickled sung (a type of fruit). The sour soup with crab meat may not seem extraordinary, but it’s surprisingly addictive. Bun Sung retains the fundamental sweetness of the crab rice vermicelli soup broth, with tender and savory meatballs enhanced by the pickled sung and crispy pork belly.
4 Pho 5k Te Xuong
Pho 5k Te Xuong
Address: 19-5 Tran Te Xuong, Te Xuong Ward, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province
Opening Hours: 17:30 – 00:00
Price Range: From VND 10,000
Phone Number: 0943368727
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Tucked away in a small alley on Tran Te Xuong Street in Te Xuong Ward, this modest pho joint spans just 20 square meters with a few simple tables and chairs and an old food counter. Yet, it has become a beloved haunt for locals and visitors alike.
What sets Pho 5.000 apart is its incredibly affordable price of just VND 5,000 per bowl. Despite the low price, the quality of the pho is on par with any renowned pho restaurant. Each bowl is generously filled with soft and chewy rice noodles, a sweet and clear broth made from simmered bones, and shredded chicken. For those who want extra meat, eggs, or other toppings, the price ranges from VND 15,000 to 25,000.
5 Bun Chan Gio Bay Cau Muoi
Bun Chan Gio Bay Cau Muoi
Address: 511 Truong Chinh, Thong Nhat, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province
Opening Hours: 05:00 – 00:00
Price Range: From VND 25,000
Phone Number: N/A
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Whether it’s bun chan gio (vermicelli with pork knuckles) or another dish, each bowl at this eatery is brimming with generous portions of meat, with large, “tooth-sinking” pieces. The broth is simmered from bones, imparting a distinctive natural sweetness, unlike the harsh sweetness of MSG. Additionally, the dried bamboo shoots cooked in the broth lend a unique flavor, and if you like it spicy, you can add some spicy pickled bamboo shoots for an extra kick.
6 Xoi Xiu Hang Sat
Xoi Xiu Hang Sat
Address: 33 Bac Ninh, Ba Trieu, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province (Previous address: 61 Hang Sat, Nguyen Du, Nam Dinh City)
Opening Hours: 06:00 – 20:00
Price Range: From VND 15,000
Phone Number: 0859216226
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Even before dawn, the xoi xiu (sticky rice with pork floss) shops on both sides of the street are bustling with customers dining in or taking away. The most famous among them is Xoi Xiu Hang Sat (now relocated to 33 Bac Ninh), which has been in business for over 40 years. The longevity of this establishment lies in its quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
Each bowl of xoi xiu is a hearty combination of five ingredients: sticky rice cooked from high-quality glutinous rice, tender and fatty pork floss marinated in spices, savory pate, salty shredded pork, and spicy lap xuong (Chinese sausage). The sauce, made from the pork floss juices, has a thick consistency and a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors, harmonizing with the other ingredients to create an unforgettable taste experience.
7 Oc Tan “Bat Huong” Hung Vuong
Oc Tan “Bat Huong” Hung Vuong
Address: 135 Hung Vuong, Vi Hoang, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province
Opening Hours: From 18:30
Price Range: From VND 35,000
Phone Number: N/A
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Just hearing the name, you can sense the “horror” factor of this unique dish. Oc Tan “Bat Huong” is no different from other oc tan (braised snails) dishes, except for its presentation: the snails are served in an eerie-looking earthenware jar, reminiscent of an incense burner. The restaurant only opens from 6 pm until late at night and attracts a steady stream of customers every evening.
Despite its somewhat “horrifying” appearance, this presentation is simply the owner’s creative twist. The earthenware jar, originally used for serving kho (braised) dishes, is excellent for heat retention, making it a unique “incense burner” for serving oc tan. This creative presentation has made Oc Tan “Bat Huong” a distinctive dish that cannot be found anywhere else.
8 Nem Nam Giao Thuy
Nem Nam Giao Thuy
Address: 369 Tran Nhan Tong, Phan Dinh Phung, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province
Opening Hours: 07:00 – 21:00
Price Range: VND 25,000/100g
Phone Number: 0904241684
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Nem Nam (fermented pork roll), a specialty of Nam Dinh, impresses with its rich and fatty pork, crunchy pigskin, and the spicy kick of chili peppers, sung tree leaves, and Sa Chau fish sauce. Enjoying nem nam with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and rice paper creates an unforgettable culinary symphony.
9 Kem Xoi Quang Trung
Kem Xoi Quang Trung
Address: 132 Nguyen Du, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province
Opening Hours: 07:00 – 22:30
Price Range: From VND 10,000
Phone Number: N/A
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Famous as the only place in Nam Dinh serving the unique dish of kem xoi (ice cream with sticky rice), this small shop has attracted countless customers over its 25-year history. Located in the heart of the city, it is always bustling with people coming to savor the distinctive flavors of this family recipe.
The sticky rice is cooked to a soft and fluffy texture, with each grain carefully separated, carrying a subtle salty taste. The combination of sticky rice and fresh ice cream creates a perfect harmony, stimulating all the senses. Additionally, the homemade toasted coconut sprinkled on top adds a buttery and crispy texture, making the dish even more appealing.
