If you’ve ever visited Haiphong, the famous port city of Northern Vietnam, also known as the “city of red phoenix flowers”, you’ll know that its delicious specialties are not to be missed. Here are 15 must-try Haiphong specialties that will make perfect gifts for your loved ones.
1. About Haiphong Tourism
Haiphong is a vibrant port city in Northern Vietnam, renowned for its charming coastal scenery and mouthwatering local specialties. When visiting, be sure to indulge in delicacies such as nem cua be (crab spring rolls) and cha chia Ha Lung (Ha Lung grilled chopped meat).
2. Top 15 Haiphong Specialties to Try
Must-Try Haiphong Delicacies
Nem Cua Be
Speaking of Haiphong specialties, one cannot forget the famous nem cua be, which has become a trademark of this port city.
Nem Cua Be
This dish is meticulously crafted with carefully selected ingredients such as crab, pork, and eggs, wrapped in unique square nem packages and seasoned to perfection. It’s a must-try for all visitors to Haiphong.
Nem cua be makes an excellent gift for your loved ones, allowing them to savor the irresistible flavors of Haiphong.
Price: Approximately 160,000 to 190,000 VND per 800g box (10 rolls), depending on the brand.
Address:
+ Nem Nga: 92 Tran Nhat Duat, Cau Dat, Ngo Quyen, Haiphong
+ Inside Co Dao Market: Tran Nhat Duat, Cau Dat, Ngo Quyen, Haiphong
Cha Chia Ha Lung
Ha Lung is renowned for its long-standing tradition of making delicious grilled chopped meat, and cha chia is the signature dish that leaves a lasting impression on visitors to Haiphong.
Cha Chia Ha Lung
Cha chia is made from a combination of fatback, lean pork, and especially squid dried in the sun of Cat Ba Island, along with various spices. The ingredients are skillfully mixed, ground, and then molded around small split bamboo sticks. This gives the dish a unique aroma, a soft texture, and a natural sweetness that captivates the palate.
If you’re looking for a unique gift, cha chia Ha Lung is an excellent choice that will surely delight your loved ones.
Price: Approximately 230,000 to 270,000 VND per kg
Address: Cha Chia Ha Lung Bac Hoat: 130 Cho Lung, Dang Hai, Hai An, Haiphong
Com Chay Hai San
Com chay hai san, or “burnt rice with seafood sauce,” is a Haiphong specialty with a unique twist. The highlight of this dish is the savory seafood sauce, made with fresh ingredients like shrimp, crab, squid, and clams, ensuring both nutritional value and irresistible flavor.
Com Chay Hai San
This dish is a wonderful option to consider as a gift for your loved ones, offering them a taste of Haiphong’s unique cuisine.
Price: Approximately 60,000 to 70,000 VND per plate
Address: Various stalls along Tam Bac Street, Haiphong
Banh Mi Cay
Banh mi cay, or “spicy bread,” is a famous Haiphong specialty that has won the hearts of many. What sets it apart is the distinctive pate filling, unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. The small bread, about two fingers wide, is filled with pate and a spicy sauce, making it an ideal snack to enjoy during your visit to Haiphong.
Banh Mi Cay
Price: Approximately 2,000 to 5,000 VND per piece
Address:
+ Banh Mi Cay Ba Gia – 57 Le Loi, May To, Ngo Quyen, Haiphong
+ Banh Mi Cay Ong Cuong – 184 Hang Kenh, Le Chan, Haiphong
Banh Beo
Banh beo Haiphong is a delicious variation of the famous banh beo Hue. The soft and fragrant rice cakes are topped with minced shrimp, fried shallots, and pork belly, and served with a special dipping sauce.
Banh Beo
Price: Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 VND per bowl
Address: Banh Beo and Banh Do Restaurant – 294 Lach Tray, Dang Giang, Ngo Quyen, Haiphong
Bun Ca Cay
Haiphong’s bun ca cay, or “spicy fish vermicelli,” is renowned for its delicious broth, which is both sweet and fragrant. The dish is a feast for the eyes and the palate, with colorful ingredients like green vegetables, golden fried fish, fish cakes, and pink shrimp cakes.
Bun Ca Cay
Price: Approximately 20,000 to 30,000 VND per bowl
Address: Bun Ca Cay Thang To – 49 Lach Tray, Ngo Quyen District, Haiphong
Sui Din
Sui din is a familiar dish in Haiphong, with a unique name and a delightful taste. The glutinous rice cakes have a chewy texture and an appealing yellow color. They are sweetened with syrup, spiced with ginger, and topped with crushed peanuts and grated coconut, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Sui Din
Price: Approximately 10,000 to 20,000 VND per serving
Address:
+ Dong Dung Restaurant – 163 Cau Dat, Ngo Quyen District, Haiphong
+ Co Ut Restaurant – 161 Cau Dat, Ngo Quyen District, Haiphong
Haiphong is a beautiful and thriving city, serving as the economic, cultural, educational, and scientific center of the Northern Coastal region of Vietnam. Discover the city’s breathtaking attractions and fall in love with its unique charm.
Haiphong Specialties to Buy as Gifts
Nem Chua An Tho
Nem chua, or “sour fermented pork,” is a specialty that originated in the village of An Tho. It is meticulously crafted by the locals, with carefully selected ingredients such as pork belly, pork leg, and various spices, following a secret family recipe. The result is a mouthwatering delicacy with a tangy flavor that leaves a lasting impression.
Nem Chua An Tho
If you’re visiting Haiphong, don’t miss the chance to try this delicacy and bring some home as gifts for your loved ones.
Price: Approximately 35,000 to 40,000 VND per piece
Address:
+ Nem Chua 3 Sach: Lane 115 Lam Ha, Quan Tru, Kien An, Haiphong
+ Nem Chua – Phan Boi Chau: 167 Phan Boi Chau, Hong Bang, Haiphong
Ruou Nep Cai Hoa Vang Haiphong
When it comes to renowned Haiphong specialties, ruou nep cai hoa vang, or “glutinous rice wine with golden flowers,” is a must-mention. This wine gets its name from its key ingredient—a type of glutinous rice that, when in bloom, has golden flowers instead of the typical white ones.
Ruou Nep Cai Hoa Vang
The wine is crafted with a unique type of yeast called “men trau” and aged for an extended period, resulting in a distinct flavor.
If you’re looking for a unique gift from Haiphong, consider this delicious wine.
Price: Approximately 150,000 VND per 750ml bottle
Address: Ruou “Nep Cai Hoa Vang Dai Thang” Production Facility: Team 4, Giang Khau, Tien Lang, Haiphong
Muc Kho Cat Ba
When it comes to Haiphong’s seafood specialties, muc kho Cat Ba, or “dried squid from Cat Ba,” is a must-try. Freshly caught by local fishermen, the squid is carefully processed and sun-dried to retain its freshness. When grilled, it releases a delightful aroma, and its sweet, natural flavor will tantalize your taste buds.
Muc Kho Cat Ba
Muc kho Cat Ba makes an excellent gift for your friends and family, allowing them to savor the flavors of Haiphong’s seafood specialties.
Price: Approximately 600,000 to 1,000,000 VND per kg
Address: Thu Hoai Dried Squid Shop: 154 Nguyen Huu Cau Street, Ngoc Hai, Do Son, Haiphong
Mat Ong Cat Ba
Another renowned Haiphong specialty is mat ong Cat Ba, or “Cat Ba honey.” The honey is produced by experienced beekeepers who harvest it naturally, ensuring its high nutritional value and preserving its natural sweetness.
Mat Ong Cat Ba
This specialty makes a thoughtful and healthy gift for your loved ones.
Price: Approximately 200,000 to 600,000 VND per liter, depending on the type
Address:
+ Mat Ong – Hai Phong: 301 Tran Tat Van, Trang Minh, Kien An, Haiphong
+ Dai Ly Mat Ong, Phan Hoa: 245 Cho Hang, Dong Hai, Le Chan, Haiphong
Sa Sung Kho
Sa sung, or “sandworm,” is a delicacy that was once reserved for royalty due to its nutritional value. With its natural sweetness and versatility, sa sung can be used in various dishes, such as sa sung soup or sa sung pho (rice noodle soup).
Sa Sung Kho
Ca Thu Mot Nang
Ca thu mot nang, or “one-sun dried mackerel,” is a nutritious and healthy Haiphong specialty. Fresh mackerel is carefully selected, processed, and sun-dried until it turns a golden color. This process preserves the fish’s freshness, resulting in tender and moist meat.
