Quang Ninh is a coastal province in the Northeast region of Vietnam, known for its coal mining industry and the stunning Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond these, Quang Ninh also boasts a plethora of delectable specialties that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Join us as we delve into the culinary delights of this province in the article below.
For more information: Delicious and easy-to-make dishes at home
1. An Introduction to Quang Ninh Tourism
Quang Ninh is renowned for its abundance of historical relics and scenic attractions, boasting over 600 sites, including the iconic Ha Long Bay, Bai Chay, and Yen Tu Mountain. In addition, the province offers a diverse range of mouthwatering specialties that have captivated the hearts of many visitors.
2. Top 15 Quang Ninh Specialties to Try
Must-Try Delicacies in Quang Ninh
Cha Muc Ha Long (Ha Long Squid Sausage)
One of the most famous specialties of Quang Ninh, Ha Long squid sausage has been ranked among the top 50 unique and delicious dishes in Vietnam.
Ha Long Squid Sausage
This delicacy is made from fresh squid caught from the sea and undergoes a unique preparation process, including hand-pounding the squid to achieve the perfect chewy and sweet texture. A trip to Ha Long would be incomplete without indulging in this specialty.
Reference price: Approximately 350,000 – 450,000 VND/kg
Recommended places to try:
Cha Muc Hien Nhung: Kiosk 228, 230 Next to Ha Long 1 Market, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam.
Cha Muc Thoan: Next to Ha Long 1 Market, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh 200000, Vietnam
Sam Quang Yen (Quang Yen Horseshoe Crab)
Horseshoe crab is a species of crab with a hard shell, and they usually live in pairs. When it comes to sampling this delicacy, Sam Quang Yen, a specialty of Ha Long Bay, is a must-try.
Quang Yen Horseshoe Crab
Quang Yen horseshoe crabs are large, with firm and nutritious meat, offering a delectable treat for seafood lovers.
Reference price: Approximately 100,000 – 300,000 VND/kg
Recommended place to try:
Hung Mit Horseshoe Crab Restaurant: 124 Gieng Don Street, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam.
Mrs. Ty’s Horseshoe Crab Restaurant: No. 7D Cao Thang, Cao Thang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh 200000, Vietnam
Banh Gat Gu Tien Yen (Tien Yen Nodding Cake)
A unique delicacy with an intriguing name, this cake is made from rice flour and leftover rice, which is the secret to its soft, fragrant, and chewy texture.
Tien Yen Nodding Cake
Banh Gat Gu is typically served with fermented shrimp paste and chicken fat, and you can add a dash of chili pepper for an extra kick. When visiting Quang Ninh, make sure to stop by Tien Yen to sample this novel treat.
Reference price: Approximately 15,000 – 25,000 VND/serving
Recommended place to try Banh Gat Gu Tien Yen: Hoa Binh Street, Tien Yen Town: Hoa Binh, Tien Yen, Quang Ninh
Ga Doi Tien Yen (Tien Yen Hill Chicken)
Tien Yen Hill Chicken is a local breed that is allowed to roam freely in the hills, foraging for their food. In the evenings, they return to the gardens and sleep on tree branches. This lifestyle results in tender and flavorful meat that is neither dry nor tough.
Tien Yen Hill Chicken
This chicken can be prepared in a variety of ways, including steaming, grilling, and making porridge. When cooked, the skin turns a golden brown, and the meat becomes juicy and tender. A bite into this chicken will reveal a delightful crunch and sweetness.
Reference price: Approximately 150,000 – 250,000 VND/kg
Recommended place to try: Ha Hien Restaurant – Tien Yen Chicken: 89HW+VRW, Tien Yen Town, Tien Yen, Quang Ninh, Vietnam
Nem Chao (Fermented Pork Roll)
Also known as nem thinh, this dish is a humble delicacy made primarily from pork skin and pork belly. The ingredients are simple: finely shredded pork skin mixed with roasted rice powder. However, it is the secret preparation techniques that make this dish so irresistible and memorable.
Fermented Pork Roll
Nem Chao is typically served with fresh herbs, especially sung leaves. Wrap a few slices of nem with the herbs and dip it into a sweet and sour sauce—a perfect treat for a chilly winter afternoon.
Reference price: Approximately 100,000 – 250,000 VND/serving
Recommended place to try: Nem Chao Gia Truyen Co Huu: No. 3 Le Quy Don, Quang Yen Town, Yen Hung, Quang Ninh 10000, Vietnam
Ngan (Pen Shell)
Quang Ninh is renowned for its fresh seafood, and ngan is a delicacy you shouldn’t miss. Ngan resembles a large clam with a more elongated shape. It can be prepared in various ways, such as steamed, stir-fried with rice vermicelli, or made into a salad.
Ngan is also used to make a distinctive pink-colored liquor that is favored by men as it is believed to boost virility and energy. Additionally, women who are breastfeeding are encouraged to drink ngan liquor as it is said to increase milk production.
Reference price: Approximately 300,000 – 500,000 VND/kg
Recommended place to try: Ha Long Seafood Market: No. 28 Tran Quoc Nghien, Hong Ha, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh 200000, Vietnam
Nom Sua Co To (Co To Jellyfish Salad)
A trip to Quang Ninh would be incomplete without trying this unique delicacy. Jellyfish, immediately processed after being caught, is soaked in alum water to maintain its crunch. It is commonly used to make refreshing salads.
Co To Jellyfish Salad
The crisp jellyfish, spicy chili peppers, and perfectly balanced sour notes from lime and vinegar create a delightful salad that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Don’t miss out on this treat when visiting Quang Ninh!
Reference price: Approximately 25,000 – 30,000 VND/300-gram package
Recommended place to buy: Co To Town: Co To District, Quang Ninh Province
Cha Ha – A Local Delicacy
Cha Ha may be unfamiliar to many, but it is a delicacy worth trying in Quang Ninh. Ha, similar to oysters, has a rough and spiky shell, but inside lies a soft and creamy flesh.
Cha Ha
It is especially delicious when cooked into a porridge, with the rice grains swelling and blending perfectly with the creamy ha.
Reference price: Approximately 40,000 VND/bowl
Recommended places to try: Cha Ha restaurants along Tran Hung Dao Street, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province
Bun Be Be (Spiny Lobster Noodle Soup)
Spiny Lobster Noodle Soup
There’s nothing quite like a hot bowl of bun be be on a chilly autumn or winter day in Quang Ninh. The firm and fresh meat of the spiny lobster, combined with the white and fragrant noodles and a broth made from, creates a dish that no visitor can resist.
Reference price: Approximately 100,000 – 250,000 VND/serving
Recommended places to try:
Bun Be Be Huy Chien: Thuc Thoai, Hong Hai, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh.
Bun Be Be Lang Chai Ha Long: 1 Le Thanh Tong, Hong Gai, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh, Vietnam
Banh Cuon Cha Muc (Rice Noodle Rolls with Squid Sausage)
Rice Noodle Rolls with Squid Sausage
Ha Long squid sausage, a specialty of Quang Ninh, is a perfect match for the chewy rice noodle rolls, creating a unique culinary experience for food connoisseurs. The warm rice noodle rolls, crispy squid sausage, and fresh herbs make for a delightful combination. Don’t forget to try this dish when visiting Ha Long.
Reference price: Approximately 30,000 – 55,000 VND/serving
Recommended places to try:
Banh Cuon Cha Muc Ba Yen: 36 Doan Thi Diem, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh, Vietnam.
Banh Cuon Cha Muc Goc Bang: Ngach Nha Hat, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh, Vietnam
Quang Ninh Specialties to Buy as Souvenirs
Banh Tai Long Ep (Long Ear Cake)
Similar to Banh Gat Gu, this cake has a unique name—Banh Tai Long Ep. It is a traditional delicacy of the San Diu ethnic group in the mountainous region of Quang Ninh and is often used as an offering to heaven and earth.
Long Ear Cake
The cake has a brown color from the cinnamon and a unique blend of sweetness from the sugar and spiciness from the chili peppers.
Reference price: Approximately 10,000 VND/small piece
Recommended place to try Banh Tai Long Ep: Vendors along the road leading to Tran Quoc Nghien Temple (or Den Cuu Ong): Tran Quoc Nghien, Hong Gai, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh, Vietnam
Ruou
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Are you ready to get creative in the kitchen? Asian Seabass, or Cá he, provides a unique flavor and delightful texture that cannot be matched. As this type of fish is part of the grouper family, it has a fatty and fragrant taste to it. All you need to do now is look to the 7 mouthwatering recipes we have for you to try! So, fire up the stove – it’s time to start cooking!