The dishes in Nghe An carry a rustic and unique flavor that will surely captivate diners. From the ingredients to the cooking methods, they embody the essence of the local culture. We will reveal the top must-try dishes of this region.

1. Introduction to Nghe An Tourism

Nghe An is a coastal province located in central Vietnam and is the largest province in the country in terms of territory. Nghe An is famous for its many tourist attractions, such as the Ho Chi Minh President Memorial, Trung Son Temple, and Km 0 Milestone, among others.

2. Top 15 Nghe An Specialties to Try

Specialties to Try When Visiting Nghe An

Vinh Snake Porridge – Nghe An Specialty

Vinh Snake Porridge – Nghe An Specialty

Nghe An is known as the “land of snakes,” and the snake porridge here is a must-try delicacy. The porridge is cooked to a soft consistency, and the snake meat is both tender and sweet, seasoned perfectly with a hint of pepper to stimulate the taste buds. This dish is a delightful and mouthwatering experience.

Reference price: 30,000 – 60,000 VND/bowl

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Cua Lo Grilled Squid

Cua Lo Grilled Squid

Cua Lo is renowned not only for its pristine beaches but also for its grilled squid, known locally as “muc nhay.” The squid is caught early in the morning and prepared fresh on the same day. It is grilled over charcoal, infusing it with a smoky aroma. The slightly charred, sweet, and tender squid is then dipped in a spicy and tangy sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Reference price: 400,000 – 700,000 VND/kg

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Nghe An Steamed Rice Rolls

Nghe An Steamed Rice Rolls

Similar to the Northern-style rice rolls and the Southern-style wet rice rolls, this Nghe An specialty has its own distinct flavor.

The main ingredient for this dish is rice flour made from finely ground rice, which is soaked before being steamed to create a fluffy texture. These rice rolls can be enjoyed with a variety of savory dips, such as fried onions or the local “he” sauce, a unique and artistic combination of flavors that only the people of Nghe An can truly master.

Reference price: 15,000 – 25,000 VND/serving

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Nghe An Porridge Soup

Nghe An Porridge Soup

This dish is called “porridge soup” because the broth is cooked to a thick, porridge-like consistency. To make the soft and delicate noodles, a mixture of wheat flour and rice flour is kneaded, rolled out thinly, and then cut into small, round strands. The allure of this dish lies in the broth, which is made from pork bones and offal, resulting in a thick and sweet soup that is full of flavor.

Reference price: 15,000 – 30,000 VND/bowl

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Nghe An Banh Ngao (Sweetened Glutinous Rice Cake)

Nghe An Banh Ngao

Banh Ngao is a simple yet delightful treat—a glutinous rice cake coated with a layer of molasses and a generous sprinkling of sesame seeds. If you’re lucky enough to try this during a drizzling rain or on a chilly day, you’ll find that it’s best enjoyed warm, when the sticky-sweet cake is at its most delicious.

The cake has a chewy texture and is filled with the nutty flavor of sesame seeds, enhanced by the sweetness of molasses and a hint of ginger.

Reference price: 5,000 – 10,000 VND/serving

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Banh Da Xuc Hen (Rice Crackers with Baby Clams)

Banh Da Xuc Hen

Banh Da Xuc Hen is a familiar dish to the people of Nghe An. It is a humble yet flavorful dish, much like the warm and hospitable nature of the people of central Vietnam.

The baby clams are sourced from the Lam River and stir-fried with fatty, fragrant shallots. This savory mixture is then served with crispy rice crackers, creating a combination that never gets old.

Reference price: 30,000 – 60,000 VND/serving

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Cua Be (Crab Meat in Crab Shell)

Cua Be

This dish requires a great deal of effort and skill from the chef. The crab meat is carefully picked, shredded, and mixed with wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and shallots, seasoned just right, and then stuffed back into the crab shell and steamed. This unique and flavorful dish will leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.

Reference price: 12,000 – 15,000 VND/piece

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Nghe An Banh Beo (Steamed Rice Cakes)

Nghe An Banh Beo

Banh Beo is made entirely from tapioca flour, resulting in a translucent and delicate texture. It is served with shrimp and shallots, drizzled with a spicy fish sauce, and is truly irresistible. One bite, and you’ll be hooked for life!

Reference price: 15,000 –20,000 VND/plate

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Cua Lo Clam Porridge

Cua Lo Clam Porridge

A delightful treat for visitors to Cua Lo in the evening is a hot bowl of clam porridge. The subtle fragrance of the clams blends beautifully with their natural sweetness, creating a refined and elegant dish. A bowl of this porridge before bed will warm your stomach and nourish your body.

Reference price: 15,000 – 25,000 VND/bowl

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Nam Dan Betel Salad

Nam Dan Betel Salad

Betel salad, or “goi be,” is actually a type of betel roll from Nam Dan, made famous by Tan Loc Restaurant. The main ingredients are tender betel meat, betel skin, secret spices, pepper, and pure fish sauce from Cua Lo, with absolutely no preservatives or additives. All of these ingredients are rolled together and wrapped to create a delicious treat.

Reference price: 200,000 – 300,000 VND/kg

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Nghe An Specialties to Buy as Gifts

Xa Dua Sticky Rice Cakes

Xa Dua Sticky Rice Cakes

Preparing the ingredients for these sticky rice cakes is a laborious process, requiring fresh leaves, glutinous rice, and dried coconut. The cakes are infused with the aroma of fresh leaves and the sweet, nutty flavor of the bean filling, creating a unique and delicious treat.

Reference price: 2,000 – 5,000 VND/cake

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For more information:  delicious and easy-to-make at home

Banh Cu Do (Peanut Candy)

Frequently asked questions

The province of Nghe An in Vietnam boasts a diverse range of delicious specialties that are worth tasting and purchasing as souvenirs. Here are the top 15 treats to look out for: Phuong Hoang Green Rice, Vinh Milk Cake, Nghe An Sour Soup, Quy Hop Sticky Rice, Quy Chau Wine, Keo Rice Noodles, Nghe An Sesame Candy, Yen Ly Sesame Cake, Quynh Doi Wine, Nghe An Pork Roll, Vinh Rice Pancake, Nghe Rice, Do Luong Pork Pie, Nghe An Young Rice Cake, and Nghia Dan Chicken.

Phuong Hoang Green Rice is a renowned specialty of Nghe An, known for its distinct green color and fragrant aroma. This variety of rice is cultivated in the Phuong Hoang commune, and its unique color is attributed to the local soil and water conditions. The rice is not only delicious but also believed to have health benefits.

Vinh Milk Cake, or Banh Sua Vinh, is a beloved delicacy in Nghe An. It is made with condensed milk, giving it a rich and creamy flavor. The cake has a soft and fluffy texture, and it often features a beautiful pattern on top, making it a delightful treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Nghe An Sour Soup, or Canh Chua Nghe An, is a signature dish of the region. It is made with a variety of local herbs and vegetables, giving it a distinct sour and slightly spicy taste. The soup is often cooked with fish or shrimp, adding to its delicious flavor and making it a refreshing and healthy choice.

Quy Hop Sticky Rice, or Xoi Quy Hop, is a famous delicacy from the Quy Hop district in Nghe An. It is known for its unique fragrance and soft texture. The rice is carefully cultivated and processed, resulting in a sticky rice that is not only delicious but also has a beautiful golden color.

Quy Chau Wine, or Ruou Quy Chau, is a well-known alcoholic beverage produced in the Quy Chau district. It is made from high-quality glutinous rice and natural herbs, giving it a smooth and mellow flavor. The wine is often aged in earthenware pots, contributing to its unique taste and making it a popular choice for gifts.

Keo Rice Noodles, or Bun Keo, are a type of rice noodle originating from the Keo village in Nghe An. These noodles are known for their delicate texture and are often used in dishes such as ‘Bun Thang’ (a rice noodle soup with chicken and pork) and ‘Bun Oc’ (rice noodle with snail soup).

Nghe An Sesame Candy, or Keo Giong, is a traditional treat made with roasted sesame seeds and malt syrup. It is a beloved snack in Nghe An and is often enjoyed during festivals and family gatherings. The candy is believed to have health benefits and is also given as a gift during the Lunar New Year.

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