The Nam Dinh region captivates tourists not only with its architectural landmarks and historical sites but also with its famous and delectable specialties. In this article, we reveal 15 must-try delicious specialties of Nam Dinh.
1. Introduction to Nam Dinh Tourism
Nam Dinh is an attractive destination for tourists due to its natural beauty and landmarks associated with famous historical events. When visiting Nam Dinh, don’t forget to explore places like the Po Minh Tower, Dong Cuong Church, Dong Que Museum, and Ngam Mountain Ecological Tourist Area.
2. Top 15 Nam Dinh Specialties to Try
Delicious Specialties to Try in Nam Dinh
Nam Dinh Beef Noodle Soup
What sets this dish apart is the distinctive flavor of its broth, made from carefully selected fresh ingredients. Each family has its own secret traditional recipe, a key to attracting diners from near and far.
Nam Dinh Beef Noodle Soup
Typically, the rice noodles are thin, soft, and chewy, and they go perfectly with the rich broth made from fragrant beef bones. The dish is complemented by tender beef slices and seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices.
Price: Approximately 30,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl
Suggested Addresses:
- Cu Tang Beef Noodle Soup – 23 Hang Tien, Quang Trung, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh
- Dan Beef Noodle Soup – 117 Bac Ninh, Nguyen Du, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh
Upside-down Grilled Fish
This unique specialty of Nam Dinh is not only intriguing because of its name but also due to its preparation method, usually reserved for special occasions and festivals.
After cleaning and marinating the fish, it is placed on a layer of straw with heated bricks surrounding it. A metal basin is then placed upside down over the fish, and a fire is lit around the basin for about 30 minutes. Finally, a thick layer of straw and chaff is spread over the basin, and the fish is grilled for an additional 4-5 hours until cooked.
Upside-down Grilled Fish
Grilling the fish requires precision, as too much heat will burn it, and uneven heat will result in uneven cooking. The grilled fish has a delightful aroma, and its meat is sweet and firm. It is typically served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce and fresh herbs.
Price: Approximately 160,000 – 180,000 VND/kg
Suggested Address:
Thanh Nam Chopstick-sized Noodles
These noodles get their name from their unique size, resembling the thickness of a chopstick. They are whiter, softer, and more elastic than regular noodles.
Thanh Nam Chopstick-sized Noodles
To enhance the appeal of this dish, locals combine the noodles with crab roe, broth, beef, chili, and other seasonings, resulting in a rich and flavorful bowl.
Price: Approximately 20,000 – 30,000 VND/bowl
Suggested Address:
- Ba Yen Noodle Shop – Hoang Van Thu, Vi Hoang, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh
Ke Kenh Rice Rolls
Ke Kenh Rice Rolls is a long-standing specialty of Nam Dinh, comparable to the famous Thanh Tri Rice Rolls.
The rice sheets are thin as silk but remarkably chewy, sprinkled with fried shallots and scallions, and then rolled up. When served, they are accompanied by a sweet and sour fish sauce with a spicy kick from chili peppers, creating an irresistible combination.
Ke Kenh Rice Rolls
Price: Approximately 25,000 – 35,000 VND/kg
Suggested Addresses:
- Ba Be Rice Roll – Truong Han Sieu, Loc Hoa, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh
- Ke Kenh Rice Roll, Duc 29 Truong Han Sieu – 27 Truong Han Sieu, Loc Hoa, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh
Nam Dinh Sticky Rice with Pork
If you’re a fan of sticky rice with pork, a nutritious breakfast option, then you shouldn’t miss out on this Nam Dinh specialty.
The sticky rice grains are cooked to perfection, soft and fragrant, and paired with the sweet and buttery flavor of pork belly and a savory, slightly spicy sauce, creating a delightful dish that will leave you craving more.
Nam Dinh Sticky Rice with Pork
Price: Approximately 10,000 – 20,000 VND/serving
Suggested Address:
- Sticky Rice Shop at 61 Hang Sat – 61 Hang Sat, Nguyen Du, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh, Vietnam
Xiu Pao Baked Cake
Xiu Pao Baked Cake is a rustic specialty of Nam Dinh that you should definitely try. The name may sound unusual, but this cake has a soft and fragrant texture similar to baked pastries. The filling consists of minced pork belly, wood ear mushrooms, onions, and a mix of typical Nam Dinh spices. When you take a bite, you’ll notice a slightly firm outer layer and a savory, well-seasoned filling.
Xiu Pao Baked Cake
Price: Approximately 5,000 – 10,000 VND/piece
Suggested Addresses:
- Xiu Pao Happiness Shop – 28 Nguyen Trai, Phan Dinh Phung, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh
- Xiu Pao Kim Ngan Shop – 10 Nguyen Van Troi, Nang Tinh, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh
Che Kho (Cooked Sweet Bean Paste)
Che Kho is a Nam Dinh specialty with a unique name. Contrary to what many people think, preparing this dish is not complicated. Che Kho is mainly made from mung beans, cooked in a dry and sticky form, and sweetened. It is often served to guests during festivals and full moon occasions.
Che Kho
When you taste it, you’ll be delighted by its sweet and refreshing flavor, especially when paired with a cup of lotus tea.
Price: Approximately 20,000 VND/plate
Suggested Address: Nam Dinh Specialty Store – 20 Truong Chinh, Ba Trieu, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh
Vi Duong Sticky Rice Cakes
Vi Duong Sticky Rice Cakes are famous for their quality and are often purchased during festivals and holidays. These cakes have a fragrant and sticky texture made from glutinous rice, with a filling of finely ground mung beans seasoned to perfection. They are best enjoyed with grated coconut, enhancing their deliciousness.
Vi Duong Sticky Rice Cakes
Price: Approximately 39,000 VND/box
Suggested Address: Vi Duong Village, My Xa Ward (Nam Dinh City)
Nam Dinh Specialties to Buy as Gifts
Giao Thuy Nem Nắm (Nem Nắm Sausage)
Nem Nắm is a long-standing specialty of Nam Dinh, and you can buy it as a gift for your family and friends.
Giao Thuy Nem Nắm
The ingredients for this sausage are carefully selected to ensure freshness and appeal. It includes firm and thinly sliced pork skin, mixed with fermented rice, wood ear mushrooms, and a blend of Nam Dinh spices, resulting in a flavorful and distinctive sausage.
Price: Approximately 200,000 VND/kg
Suggested Addresses:
- Phuong Chinh Nem Nắm Restaurant – Dai Dong Market, Hamlet 22, Giao Lac, Giao Thuy, Nam Dinh
- Thuyen Loan Shop – 373 Tran Nhan Tong, Phan Dinh Phung, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh
Nam Dinh Banh Gai (Steamed Layered Cake)
When it comes to Banh Gai, we must mention Nam Dinh’s famous and delectable specialty.
Nam Dinh Banh Gai
To make this cake, you need to use Gai leaves and combine them with sticky rice, creating a fragrant and soft texture. The filling is made from ground mung beans mixed with coconut, onions, and pork fat, resulting in a delicious treat.
Price: Approximately 13,000 – 25,000 VND/cake
Suggested Address:
- Banh Gai Ba Thi – 555 Truong Chinh, Vi Xuyen, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh
Banh Nhãn (Longan Cake)
Despite its name, this cake is not made from longans or longan arils. Instead, it is crafted from glutinous rice, onions, and pork fat.
Banh Nhãn
With skilled hands, the cake makers shape the mixture into round balls with a golden hue. When you bite into one, you’ll experience a crunchy texture and a burst of sweetness.
Price: Approximately 25,000 VND/200g package
Suggested Addresses:
- Banh Nhãn Luu Tue – 83 TDP No. 6, Yen Dinh Town, Hai Hau, Nam Dinh
- Banh Nhãn Van Dich – 25 Area 6, Yen Dinh Town, Hai Hau, Nam Dinh
For Reference:
Siu Chau Candy
The name may sound unusual, but like other candies, Siu Chau candy is made from sugar, peanuts, sesame, and malt syrup. It is an excellent choice for gifts to your loved ones.
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