The Tasty Delights of Quang Tri: 15 Mouth-watering Local Specialties to Try and Take Home as Gifts

Discover the delectable delights of Quang Tri as we uncover 15 mouth-watering specialties that this charming destination has to offer. From savory treats to sweet indulgences, these culinary treasures are a must-try when exploring this province, either as a delightful snack or a delicious souvenir to take home.

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When it comes to Quang Tri, one simply cannot miss out on trying the delicious local specialties and buying some as souvenirs.

1 Introduction to Quang Tri Tourism

Quang Tri is a land steeped in history, having witnessed many tragic events during the past anti-colonial wars. Thus, it attracts many Vietnamese from all over the country who come to reminisce about the heroic past and learn about the local lifestyle.

When visiting Quang Tri, don’t miss out on famous destinations such as Tram Tra Loc, Cam Lo Sunday Market, and Cua Tung Beach.

Introduction to Quang Tri Tourism

2 Top 15 Quang Tri Specialties to Try and Buy

Specialties to Try in Quang Tri

Chao Vac Giuong (Vac Giuong Porridge)

Cha Vac Giuong

Locals call this dish “chao ca” (fish porridge), but visitors often refer to it as “chao vac giuong” because the porridge noodles resemble the strings of a Vac Giuong, a traditional Vietnamese musical instrument.

Address: Quang Tri Market 

Price: 15,000 – 25,000 VND (~$0.62 – $1.04)

Banh Khoai (Quang Tri Pancake)

Banh Khoai

Banh Khoai is one of Quang Tri’s specialties. Its main ingredients include rice flour, arrowroot starch, and mung bean, served with herbs and a special fish sauce.

Address: Near the railway overpass in Dong Ha City, Quang Tri 

Price: 25,000 – 55,000 VND (~$1.04 – $2.29)

Bun nghe (Turmeric Noodles)

Bun Nghe

Bun Nghe is a unique dish made of rice noodles stir-fried with turmeric, offal, and other ingredients. It is cooked in a small aluminum pan over a low flame, resulting in a crispy texture. The taste of this dish is unforgettable.

Address: Dinh Am Thuc Cho Dong Ha (Dong Ha Market Food Court) and Cho Phuong 5 (Ward 5 Market) in Dong Ha 

Price: 20,000 – 25,000 VND (~$0.83 – $1.04)

Thit Trau La Trong (Water Buffalo Meat with La Trong Leaves)

Thit Trau La Trong

This specialty features tender water buffalo meat wrapped in La Trong leaves, creating a spicy and chewy sensation when eaten with green chili paste. It’s a dish that will captivate your taste buds.

Address: Song Chieu Restaurant – Khu Pho 1, Tran Nguyen Han, Dong Giang, Dong Ha, Quang Tri. 

Price: 120,000 VND/portion (~$4.98)

Banh Tu Huyt (Tu Huyt Cake)

Banh Tu Huyt

Banh Tu Huyt has a unique appearance and is made from carefully selected fresh cassava and sweet potatoes, which are then grated, mixed with other ingredients, and sun-dried. You can find this delicacy at many local markets.

Address: Quang Tri Market 

Price: 20,000 – 30,000 VND/portion (~$0.83 – $1.25)

Quang Tri Specialties to Buy as Souvenirs

Banh Tet Mat Trang (White Moon Sticky Rice Cake)

Banh Tet Mat Trang

Banh Tet Mat Trang is a specialty made from green beans, sticky rice, and pork belly, resulting in a rustic yet distinctive flavor and a unique aroma.

Address: Doi 4, Dai An Khe, Hai Lang, Quang Tri, Vietnam 

Price: 50,000 VND/cake (~$2.07)

Banh Loc (Cassava Cake)

Banh Loc

Banh Loc is made from a mixture of grated cassava and minced pork and shrimp wrapped in a cassava dough. It has a soft and chewy texture and is best enjoyed with spicy fish sauce, creating an explosion of flavors.

Address: Quang Tri Market – Tran Hung Dao, Ward 2, Quang Tri, Vietnam

Price: 25,000 – 55,000 VND/portion (~$1.04 – $2.29)

Rau Xa Lach Xoong (Lamb’s Lettuce)

Rau Xa Lach Xoong

Rau Xa Lach Xoong is a type of clean and fresh lettuce unique to Quang Tri, often used as a herb or mixed with beef. It has a distinctive flavor and is commonly found in many dishes in the region.

Address: Vung Hao Son, Gio An, Gio Linh 

Price: Varies seasonally

Cafe Khe Sanh (Khe Sanh Coffee)

Cafe Khe Sanh

Cafe Khe Sanh is a special type of coffee that can only be grown in Quang Tri, boasting a distinctive flavor that is hard to describe. It makes an excellent gift for loved ones.

Address: In Khe Sanh, you can find Hai Cafe; in Dong Ha, there’s Duy Cafe; and in Hai Lang, there’s Thomcafe. These brands all sell authentic Khe Sanh coffee. 

Price: 65,000 VND/250g (~$2.70)

Ho Tieu Den Vinh Linh (Vinh Linh Black Pepper)

Ho Tieu

Vinh Linh black pepper is known for its strong aroma and spicy flavor. It makes a unique gift for family and friends.

Address: Vinh Linh District

Price: 70,000 – 135,000 VND/500g (~$2.91 – $5.60)

Cao Che Vang Cam Lo (Cam Lo Che Vang Decoction)

Cao Che Vang

Cao Che Vang is a specialty of Quang Tri, usually diluted with boiling water and drunk as a tea. It has detoxifying, cooling, and liver-cleansing properties and is believed to treat various ailments.

Address: Cam Lo District, Quang Tri. 

Price: 149,000 VND/500g (~$6.19)

Ruou Kim Long (Kim Long Rice Wine)

Ruou Kim Long

Kim Long Rice Wine is well-known for its high quality and distinctive strong and spicy taste. It is an excellent gift for elders, especially uncles and grandfathers.

Address: Retailer of Kim Long Rice Wine – Provincial Road 68, Hai Que, Hai Lang, Quang Tri. 

Price: 65,000 VND/liter (~$2.70)

Banh It La Gai (La Gai Leaf Cakes)

Banh It La Gai

Banh It La Gai is a traditional Quang Tri specialty, commonly enjoyed during festivals and holidays. The cakes are sticky, nutty, and fragrant with the aroma of La Gai leaves, blended with the sweetness of mung bean and sticky rice.

Address: Cho Thuan, Thon Dai Hao, Xa Trieu Dai, Trieu Phong District. 

Price: 60,000 VND/10 cakes (~$2.49)

Banh Chi An My (An My Rice Cakes)

Banh Chi An My

Banh Chi An My has a similar appearance to traditional rice cakes, but the highlight is its unique filling made from roasted sesame and mung bean, black bean, and red bean paste. The soft and sticky texture, along with the sweet and nutty flavor, makes it

Frequently asked questions

There are several mouth-watering local specialties in Quang Tri that you should definitely try and consider taking home as gifts. These include Banh Khoai, a savory fried pancake made with rice flour and stuffed with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts; Cao Lau, a unique noodle dish with a chewy texture and a secret broth recipe; and Com Hen, a delicious rice dish made with tiny basket clams and a variety of herbs and spices.

Banh Khoai, or ‘cake flour’ in English, is a specialty of Quang Tri and is definitely worth tasting. What sets it apart is the combination of a crispy, golden outer layer with a soft and flavorful filling. The pork and shrimp are marinated in a special sauce, giving the dish a unique taste that is both sweet and savory.

Cao Lau is a special noodle dish native to Quang Tri. What makes it unique is the use of a secret broth recipe, which is said to include herbs and spices not found in any other dish. The noodles themselves are also distinctive, with a chewy texture that sets them apart from other types of rice noodles.

Com Hen, or ‘clam rice’, is a delicious and flavorful dish from Quang Tri. It is made by cooking tiny basket clams with a variety of spices and herbs, including lemongrass, chili, and kaffir lime leaves. The key to this dish is the freshness of the clams, which are usually sourced directly from the local fishermen.

Yes, in addition to the dishes mentioned above, Quang Tri is also known for its delicious seafood, including crab and shrimp dishes. Visitors should also try the local coffee, which is grown and roasted in the region, and the unique rice wine called ‘Ruou Can’, which is made from glutinous rice and has a strong, distinctive flavor.