Food & Receipts

A Tasty Treat: Indulge in Hai Phong’s 40-Year-Old Crab and Shrimp Banh Da Delicacy

Uncover the unique delights of Hai Phong's famous crab and shrimp 'banh da' at a 40-year-old culinary institution, owned by the esteemed Mrs. Thanh Thuy. This mouth-watering local specialty has become a magnet for foodies far and wide.

Administrator

4 July, 2024

Hai Phong is renowned not only for its stunning scenery but also for its diverse cuisine. Among the city’s many culinary delights, the crab and shrimp noodle soup, known as “banh da cua be be,” stands out as a true local specialty. And there’s one particular eatery that has been serving this traditional dish with a unique twist for over 40 years. Join us as we explore this hidden gem!

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

Mrs. Thuy’s Crab 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: Cramped space

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

Conveniently situated near the Cau Dat intersection, where several major roads converge, Mrs. Thuy’s restaurant is a bustling spot despite its location down a narrow alley. Mrs. Thuy shares that her eatery has been a fixture in the area 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 This Crab Noodle Soup Restaurant So Special?

Carefully Selected Ingredients and Meticulous Preparation

As a popular spot for both locals and visitors, this restaurant takes great care in selecting the freshest ingredients and ensuring food safety. The crab and shrimp are sourced from the nearby Doson Beach (in Duong Kinh District) or Cat Hai District, known for their high quality. Once delivered to the restaurant, they are boiled and carefully cleaned, with the meat removed and set aside for the noodle soup.

The restaurant uses two types of noodles: white noodles, which are similar in size to half a rice noodle but chewier, and red noodles, which are reddish-brown and about a centimeter wide. The noodle soup is then prepared with a variety of toppings, including bean sprouts, water spinach, pork, shrimp, and squid, along with the crab and shrimp meat.

The broth is the key component that sets this dish apart from other crab noodle soups. It is made by carefully preparing the crab and shrimp, filtering the broth, and adding it to the soup base.

Quick Service

This restaurant has been serving customers for over 20 years, and they pride themselves on their efficiency. After placing your order, you’ll only need to wait three to five minutes for your delicious crab and shrimp noodle soup to arrive. The noodles are placed in a special strainer and briefly immersed in boiling water to soften and cook them just right. They are then transferred to a bowl, topped with blanched water spinach and your choice of toppings, and finally, the flavorful broth is added, along with fresh crab meat and chopped herbs.

Signature Broth with a Unique Flavor Profile

The broth at this restaurant has a distinctively sweeter taste compared to other establishments. While it still features the familiar red noodles and an array of seafood, the broth itself is where the magic happens. Instead of a creamy, fatty broth made from crab roe, you’ll experience a burst of sweetness from the seafood and a hint of brininess from the sea.

To maintain this unique flavor, the restaurant always has a supply of pre-boiled crab and shrimp ready to go, ensuring a consistent and robust broth. This results in a heartier, sweeter broth, quite unlike the lighter broths found in pho or other noodle soups.

The crab and shrimp noodle soup of Hai Phong is more than just a delicious dish; it’s a piece of the city’s history and a testament to the locals’ passion for their culinary heritage.