The Golden Siu Pao: A Delicious Snack from Nam Dinh
The golden siu pao is a delightful treat, with its golden-brown crust and a savory filling that bursts with the flavors of meat and ground pepper. This unique blend of tastes has made it a favorite snack among the people of Nam Dinh.
Siu pao, a small bun brought by the Chinese to Nam Dinh long ago, resembles a fried bao but with a filling like a baked pastry and a crust similar to the pia cake of Soc Trang. It is a simple yet delicious treat.
The traditional recipe for siu pao includes flour, meat, eggs, pork fat, and various spices, depending on each family’s secret blend. For the best flavor, the pork loin is marinated with minced garlic, five-spice powder, soy sauce, and honey, then fried until it turns a delightful brown and fills the air with a mouthwatering aroma. The meat is then diced and mixed with wood ear mushrooms, pork fat, and half a boiled egg to create the perfect filling.
In addition to its delicious taste, siu pao also offers a nutritious snack option, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. You can find these tasty buns on various streets in Nam Dinh, such as Hang Sat, Hoang Van Thu, and Le Hong Phong, for a reasonable price ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 VND each.
Bun Dua Ba Bay – A Noodle Delight
Nam Dinh’s bun dua, with its distinctive thick noodles and flavorful broth, is not just a delicious dish but also a culinary passion for discerning diners. Along with siu pao, this noodle dish is a must-try specialty when exploring the cuisine of Nam Dinh.
What sets this dish apart is the unique thickness of the noodles, as thick as chopsticks, providing a soft yet chewy texture. To taste the authentic flavor of bun dua, head to Ba Bay’s noodle shop across from Hoang Ngan Market.
Nam Dinh’s bun dua captivates diners with its subtle flavors and the delicious combination of crab and distinctive spices. Indulge in a hot bowl of these glistening white noodles, accented with pink crab chunks, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs. The rich broth and the slight spiciness from the dried chili fried in fat create an unforgettable culinary experience.
Kem Xoi – A Unique Dessert
Kem Xoi, a Nam Dinh specialty, is a delightful fusion of traditional sticky rice, slightly salty and buttery, paired with a scoop of cold, tingly ice cream. Together with dried young coconut, these three ingredients create a one-of-a-kind dessert experience.
A well-known spot to enjoy this treat is near the Tran Hung Dao statue, on Nguyen Du Street. Here, you can also sample other snacks like siu pao and pomelo dessert. It’s a must-visit destination to indulge in unique flavors.
Vicia Oyster
Oyster grilling is a favorite pastime for many, especially the youth of Nam Dinh. Various oyster species are available, such as apple snails, horned oysters, fragrant oysters, stone oysters, and twisted oysters, each offering a distinct flavor that delights food connoisseurs.
While there are many ways to prepare oysters, the grilled variety, seasoned with lemongrass and lemon leaves, is often praised for its simplicity and deliciousness. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a hot plate of grilled oysters, blowing on them to cool them down, and then dipping the tender meat into a spicy sauce. The experience is enhanced by the aroma of hot oysters and the satisfying crunch of the meat, making it a truly sensory delight.
Mrs. Bu’s O Mai Drink
For many, the flavors of childhood hold a special place in their hearts. Mrs. Bu’s O Mai Drink stall is a place that preserves these nostalgic tastes for the people of Nam Dinh. For over 30 years, this stall has offered only two drinks: O Mai and Eight Treasure Tea. Yet, these beverages have become iconic, attracting curious tourists and satisfying locals with their unique flavors.
Mrs. Bu’s O Mai drink stands out with its one-of-a-kind flavor, unlike anything else. She shared that the recipe was passed down to her by a Chinese person. The unusual, refreshing taste has made O Mai a popular choice for cooling off during hot days or quenching thirst after a long day of work or sports.
Grilled Chicken and Pork Ribs
If you’re craving delicious grilled chicken feet in Nam Dinh, head to Quang Trung Street. This popular street snack is especially loved by the youth.
The chicken feet are carefully selected to ensure cleanliness and then marinated in a blend of savory spices before being grilled to perfection, resulting in a fragrant, crispy treat. Dip the feet into a spicy, thick sauce, and enjoy it with a cold beer or iced tea for the ultimate culinary pleasure.
