Food & Receipts

The Tasty Treasures of Cat Ba: A Gourmet’s Guide to the Island’s Top 10 Delicacies and Souvenirs

Cat Ba Island is renowned for its delectable specialties, offering a unique culinary experience for visitors. Immerse yourself in the local flavors and discover the top 10 must-try delicacies of Cat Ba, a true gastronomic adventure awaiting your exploration.

Administrator

3 August, 2024

Cat Ba Island is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, abundant delicious specialties, and captivating attractions. Join us as we explore the top 10 Cat Ba specialties to try and buy as souvenirs in the article below.

1 Introduction to Cat Ba Island Tourism

Introduction to Cat Ba Island Tourism

Cat Ba Island, also known as Pearl Island, is a district of Cat Hai, Hai Phong City. It has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the world’s biosphere reserves. Surrounded by emerald waters and lush forests, Cat Ba Island offers a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere for visitors to unwind.

The best time to visit Cat Ba Island is from April to August, when visitors can enjoy a range of exciting activities such as boating, surfing, skydiving, or simply chilling with friends and family on the beach.

2 Top 10 Cat Ba Specialties to Try

Delicacies to Try in Cat Ba

Sea Cucumber

Sea Cucumber

Sea cucumber is considered a delicacy and a specialty of Cat Ba Island. It is not always readily available, and even if it is, it may not be fresh enough. Fresh sea cucumber is often prepared in various delicious dishes such as soup, salad, stir-fry with lemongrass and chili, sweet and sour stir-fry, and more, ensuring a fresh, chewy, and mouthwatering experience.

Address: Yummy Restaurant (140 Nui Ngoc, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong)
Price: About 500,000 – 700,000 VND per pair of sea cucumbers

Abalone

Abalone

Abalone is a rare and nutritious delicacy found in Cat Ba Island. Despite its unusual name, abalone is prepared in various dishes such as grilled, steamed, porridge, and salad, among others. It is believed to improve bone and joint health and support increased strength for men.

Reference:

Address: Vien Duong Restaurant (12 Nui Ngoc, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong)
Price: About 220,000 – 250,000 VND per kg

Shrimp

Shrimp

Address: Quan Cat Ba Restaurant

Shrimp, also known as mantis shrimp, is a common seafood in Cat Ba Island, known for its larger size than tiger shrimp, sweet meat, and reasonable price, making it a favorite among tourists. Shrimp is often cooked in seafood hot pot, tamarind stir-fry, or grilled, preserving its natural sweetness.

Reference:

Lobster

Lobster

When it comes to the king of shrimp, lobster takes the crown, especially in Cat Ba Island. Lobster here is always fresh and sweet, with high nutritional value, and is commonly prepared by steaming, grilling, or cooking with various sauces.

Reference:

Address: Quang Anh Floating Restaurant (Cai Beo, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong)
Price: About 600,000 – 1,800,000 VND per kg

Shrimp Noodle Soup

Shrimp Noodle Soup

If you find yourself on Cat Ba Island, you must try a bowl of shrimp noodle soup loaded with toppings. Shrimp noodle soup is a specialty unique to Cat Ba, known for its rich broth and fresh seafood ingredients.

Reference:

Address: Lang Chai 2 Restaurant (Mot Thang Tu, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong)
Price: About 50,000 VND

Cat Ba Specialties to Buy as Souvenirs

Dried Sea Snake or Snake Wine

Snake Wine

Dried sea snake or snake wine is considered a precious remedy for joint pain. While the thought of snakes may be unappealing to some, the sea snakes used for this purpose have had their internal organs removed, keeping only the gallbladder and skin. They are then cleaned with 90-degree alcohol and either sun-dried or oven-dried to create a rare and valuable product.

As this specialty is quite rare, there are no specific locations or prices provided for tourists to purchase it. Visitors will need to ask local residents for guidance.

Cat Hai Fish Sauce

Cat Hai Fish Sauce

When it comes to buying souvenirs from Cat Ba Island, fish sauce from Cat Hai is a must-buy. This specialty is mainly made from nhâm fish, a local delicacy, and undergoes a meticulous distillation process, including cleaning, removing impurities, mixing with salt, and finally fermenting in jars.

Cat Hai fish sauce is refined through multiple steps to deliver a delicious and flavorful product that enhances the taste of any dish. You can find it at various grocery stores on Cat Ba Island.

Price: About 140,000 VND per liter

Dried Squid and Dried Yellowtail

Dried Squid and Dried Yellowtail

In addition to fresh seafood, visitors can also purchase dried seafood products such as dried squid and dried yellowtail. The unique feature of these dried seafood items is that they are typically grilled over charcoal or alcohol and dipped in chí chương, a type of sauce local to Hai Phong, for the full experience.

Reference:
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Address: Hai San Kho Huy Ha (60 P. Ton Dan, Pham Hong Thai, Hong Bang, Hai Phong)
Price:
– Dried squid (cau variety): about 1,350,000 VND per kg
– Dried squid (cao variety): about 1,150,000 VND per kg
– Dried yellowtail: about 230,000 VND per kg

Cat Ba National Park Honey

Cat Ba National Park Honey

Cat Ba Island is not only famous for its seafood but also for its renowned honey. The honey is sourced from the flowers in the Cat Ba National Park and is known for its dark golden color, thick consistency, natural fragrance, and high nutritional value. You can find it at various local shops on the island.

Price: About 350,000 VND per liter

One-Sun Dried Mackerel

One-Sun Dried Mackerel

Unlike typical one-sun dried mackerel, this specialty is made from mackerel caught in the waters of Cat Ba. This type of mackerel is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, known for their health benefits, including the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and breast cancer.

When enjoying one-sun dried mackerel on Cat Ba Island, you won’t experience any fishy smell, only the distinct salty taste, sweet fat, and rich flavor in each slice of mackerel. It is readily available at various shops on the island.

Reference:

Price: About 260,000 VND per kg

Frequently asked questions

The island offers a unique blend of Vietnamese and seafood cuisine. Some must-try dishes include ‘Hai Phong Crab Noodle Soup’, a local favorite with a tangy broth and fresh crab; ‘Grilled Squid with Lemon Salt’, a simple yet delicious dish with a zesty twist; and ‘Steamed Garlic Clams’, a flavorful and juicy treat. For a true local experience, sample the ‘Cat Ba Island Goat Meat Hotpot’, a hearty and spicy dish.

Yes, there are some vegetarian and vegan options available on the island. While seafood and meat dishes are prominent, you can find vegetarian-friendly dishes like ‘Stir-fried Morning Glory with Garlic’, ‘Fried Tofu with Tomato Sauce’, and ‘Steamed Rice with Fresh Herbs’. These dishes often feature local produce and are full of flavor.

Cat Ba offers a range of culinary-themed souvenirs. Look for locally produced fish sauces, a key ingredient in many Vietnamese dishes, or purchase a bottle of ‘Ruou Can’, a strong rice wine unique to the region. Dried seafood snacks, such as shrimp or squid, are also popular choices. For a sweet treat, consider buying local honey or the famous ‘Kem Dau Be’, a unique ice cream made from local fruit.

The best seafood restaurants can be found along the waterfront, particularly in Ben Beo and Cai Beo fishing villages. These villages offer a wide variety of fresh seafood, often caught that day. For a more upscale experience, head to the town of Cat Ba, where you’ll find restaurants with sea views serving high-quality seafood dishes.

Yes, Cat Ba has a vibrant food market culture. Visit the Cat Ba Central Market, a bustling hub where you can find fresh produce, local specialties, and street food stalls. For a more seaside-focused market, try the Ben Beo Market, which offers a variety of seafood snacks and souvenirs. Street food is also abundant along the main roads, especially in the evening, with options like grilled seafood skewers and banh mi sandwiches.