Travel

Indulge in Hai Phong’s 40-Year-Old Crab and Shrimp Banh Da: A Local Favorite

Uncover a culinary delight with a twist on a traditional Vietnamese favorite - crab and shrimp banh da at Hai Phong. This renowned dish has a legendary status thanks to Chef Thanh Thuy's 40-year-old eatery, a destination for foodies far and wide.

Administrator

9 June, 2024

Hai Phong is renowned not only for its stunning scenery but also for its diverse cuisine. Among the city’s specialties, the crab and shrimp noodle soup, known as “banh da cua be be,” stands out as a true delicacy. Even more remarkable is a modest eatery that has been serving this traditional dish for over 40 years, offering diners a unique opportunity to savor its authentic flavors. Join us as we explore this hidden gem!

1. Introducing Mrs. Thuy’s Crab and Shrimp Noodle Soup at Alley 195 Cau Dat

Mrs. Thuy’s Crab and Shrimp Noodle Soup at Alley 195 Cau Dat

Restaurant Quality: 4.2/5 (Google Rating)

Address: 195 Cau Dat Street, Le Loi, Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong

Price Range: Approximately 40,000 VND.

Opening Hours: Always open (Usually busy around 8:00 a.m.)

Phone: 0906081227

Facebook: Banh Da Cua Be Ngo 195 Cau Dat

Delivery: Shopee Food

Menu Highlights: Crab and shrimp noodle soup, banh da cua be be

Signature Dish: Crab and shrimp noodle soup

Pros: Delicious food, attentive and friendly staff

Con: Very small space

Mrs. Thuy’s eatery, located at the entrance of Alley 195 on Cau Dat Street in Ngo Quyen District, is renowned for its crab and shrimp noodle soup. Recognized by the Hai Phong Tourism Department, it has been included in the city’s culinary map.

Conveniently situated near the Cau Dat intersection, where several major roads converge, Mrs. Thuy’s restaurant buzzes with activity despite being tucked away in a small alley. She shares that the eatery has been in operation for over 40 years, and she is the second-generation owner. Currently, her son, Mr. Pham Tuan Thanh, manages the business during the morning and noon hours, while she takes over the evening shift.

2. What Makes the Crab and Shrimp Noodle Soup at Alley 195 Cau Dat So Special?

Carefully Selected Ingredients and Meticulous Preparation

As a popular dining spot for both locals and visitors, the restaurant ensures that all ingredients are carefully chosen and prepared with the utmost attention to food safety. are sourced locally and selected with great care to guarantee the best quality. The preferred type of rice noodle for this dish is “banh da mot nang va mot suong”, which translates to “rice noodles with one sun and one dew,” known for its unique softness and elasticity. While this type of noodle may have a shorter shelf life than fully dried noodles, its superior taste makes it a favorite among connoisseurs.

The restaurant uses two main types of rice noodles: white noodles (white in color, similar in size to half a rice noodle but chewier) and red noodles (reddish-brown in color, about a centimeter wide).

and are sourced from the coastal areas of Do Son (in Duong Kinh District) or Cat Hai (in Cat Hai District). Upon arrival at the restaurant, they are boiled and carefully cleaned, and their meat is used as a topping for the noodle soup, along with ingredients such as , , , and .

The broth, which forms the heart and soul of this dish, is made by carefully preparing and filtering the crab and shrimp cooking liquid. This crucial step sets crab and shrimp noodle soup apart from other similar dishes that use crab paste or crab roe.

Quick Service

With over 20 years of experience in serving this beloved dish, the restaurant ensures that your order is ready in just 3 to 5 minutes. The rice noodles are placed in a special strainer and briefly immersed in boiling water for about a minute to soften and cook them to perfection. They are then transferred to a bowl, topped with blanched water spinach and other toppings according to the customer’s preferences. Finally, the chef adds the flavorful broth and garnishes the dish with fresh crab meat and finely chopped cilantro.

Signature Broth with a Distinctive Flavor

The broth of the crab and shrimp noodle soup at this restaurant stands out for its pronounced sweetness, setting it apart from many other establishments. While retaining the familiar red rice noodles and an array of seafood, the broth forgoes the usual rich and creamy crab roe or paste. Instead, diners are treated to the full-bodied sweetness of the seafood and a hint of brininess from the sea.

To maintain consistency and ensure a rich and sweet broth, the restaurant always has a supply of pre-boiled crab and shrimp ready to go. This results in a broth that is markedly different from the light and subtle broth of a traditional pho.

The crab and shrimp noodle soup of Hai Phong is not just a culinary delight; it is a testament to the city’s rich history and the passion its people have for their food and culture.