One of the most iconic street foods in Haiphong is the small yet mighty Banh Mi Que. These crispy baguette sticks, no bigger than two fingers, are packed with a generous helping of paté. The bread is baked to perfection, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a dash of the region’s signature chili sauce takes this humble snack to the next level. It’s no wonder that Banh Mi Que has become a beloved treat, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
Banh Mi Que charms both locals and visitors alike with its unpretentious preparation and affordable price tag. Its crispy texture and savory flavors make it a satisfying and addictive treat.
Nem Chua An Tho
Nem Chua An Tho is a must-try delicacy in Haiphong, offering a unique twist on the traditional Vietnamese fermented pork sausage. Made with the freshest meat and pork skin, carefully blended with a secret mix of spices, and naturally fermented, these sausages are a mouthwatering specialty.
The authentic Haiphong experience involves pairing Nem Chua An Tho with a variety of pickled vegetables, such as salted sung (a type of prickly ash tree fruit) and cucumbers, along with fragrant herbs like basil, lalang leaves, and star fruit leaves. This flavorful combination is then dipped in a traditional fish sauce for a truly exquisite taste sensation.
Banh Duc Tau
Banh Duc Tau, or “Boat Cake,” is a unique delicacy in Haiphong that may be unfamiliar to many. However, for the locals, especially the youth, it is a beloved and popular treat.
Originating from the Chinese community in Saigon, this dish has found a new home in Haiphong. Unlike the larger-sized central Vietnamese cakes, Banh Duc Tau is a novel experience for visitors due to its smaller size and unique combination of ingredients. It is served with crispy, golden-fried shrimp and pork, crunchy jicama, and a generous pouring of fish sauce and vinegar, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Haiphong Snails
A discussion of Haiphong’s famous street food would be incomplete without mentioning its diverse and delicious snail dishes. The city offers a wide range of snail varieties and cooking styles, from boiled and coconut-stewed to sour-stewed and grilled options.
Haiphong snails are not just limited to the familiar varieties; the city also offers a range of unique snail species, each with its own distinct flavor profile. Whether you’re a snail connoisseur or trying them for the first time, Haiphong’s snail dishes are sure to delight your taste buds.
Sui Din
On rainy days in Haiphong, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of Sui Din to warm your soul. This comforting dish, with its unusual name, holds a special place in the hearts of locals, reminding them of their childhood.
Sui Din is similar to the popular Vietnamese dessert, Che Troi Nuoc, but with a unique twist. The glutinous rice balls are filled with black sesame, giving them a delightful chewiness, and cooked in ginger water. Topped with crushed peanuts and fresh coconut shavings, this treat is perfect for chilly or rainy days.
Red Jellyfish
If you find yourself in Haiphong between April and June, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the seasonal delicacy of red jellyfish. This dish is a true celebration of flavors and colors, featuring fresh jellyfish paired with herbs like basil, perilla, and mint, along with grilled tofu, thin strips of fresh coconut, and a specially prepared dipping sauce.
To truly experience red jellyfish the Haiphong way, head to the local markets or street food stalls, where you can enjoy this unique treat at its finest.
Coconut Jam
Haiphong’s Coconut Jam used to be all the rage in Hanoi, and for a good reason. This delightful dessert combines young coconut, white tapioca pearls, coconut jelly, and shredded coconut with fresh milk and creamy coconut milk.
Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures, from the crisp freshness of the coconut shavings to the soft chewiness of the tapioca pearls and jelly. If you’re a coconut enthusiast, this is a must-try when visiting Haiphong.
Beef Rind
Beef Rind is another simple yet iconic dish that Haiphong is famous for. A typical serving of Beef Rind includes thinly sliced beef and beef rind, seasoned with lemongrass and rice powder, and mixed with peanuts, sesame seeds, and other ingredients.
It is commonly enjoyed with crispy rice crackers or wrapped in fresh herbs and sung leaves, and dipped in a savory shrimp sauce. This unassuming dish leaves a lasting impression, enticing anyone who tries it to come back for more.
Sea Asparagus
Sea Asparagus, a familiar seafood delicacy to Haiphong locals but a novelty to visitors, is a treat worth indulging in. The sweet meat of the sea asparagus is carefully prepared and transformed into delicious dishes like Sea Asparagus Salad and Stir-fried Sea Asparagus, best enjoyed with traditional soy and sauce condiments.
Of the various sea asparagus dishes, the stir-fried variety is the most commonly found in local markets and is a favorite among diners. Priced reasonably between 20,000 and 40,000 VND per serving, sea asparagus is an affordable delicacy. If you’re looking to buy some as a souvenir, head to the renowned Luong Van Can market in Haiphong to find the freshest and best-quality sea asparagus.
