If you ever have the chance to visit Ha Long, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on trying the delicious local specialties. Here are 15 Ha Long specialties that you can buy as meaningful gifts for your loved ones.
1. Introduction to Ha Long Tourism
Ha Long tourism is a perfect choice, as you will get to admire many beautiful landscapes and enjoy delicious seafood. Ha Long Bay is a must-visit destination in your lifetime. This place has been recognized by UNESCO multiple times as a world natural wonder.
Introduction to Ha Long Tourism
2. Top 15 Ha Long Specialties to Try
Specialties to Try in Ha Long
Minced Squid
When it comes to Ha Long, minced squid is a must-try delicacy. The squid is hand-pounded to achieve a chewy and crispy texture. It is then fried to a golden brown and served with sticky rice, creating a perfect combination with a unique flavor.
Recommended restaurant:
- Hai San Ong Ba (Mr. Ba Seafood): Sunworld Ha Long pedestrian street, lot C122, Ha Long road, Bai Chay ward, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province
Reference price: 350,000 – 400,000 VND/kg (14.8 – 19.1 USD)
See also:
Squid Paste with Rice Rolls
Squid paste is not only delicious when combined with sticky rice but also goes well with rice rolls. It is a nutritious dish for breakfast. The filling includes minced squid, mushrooms, and carrots, wrapped in thin rice rolls. The unique feature is that the dish is made only after the customer orders, ensuring that the rice rolls are always served hot.
Enjoy the crispy squid paste with the sweet and sour dipping sauce, along with a little spiciness from chili peppers, and you will have a dish that you will never get tired of. Try it now!
Recommended restaurant:
- Banh Cuon Nóng Ba Ngân (Mrs. Ngân’s Hot Rice Rolls): 34 Doan Thi Diem, Bach Dang ward, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province
Reference price: 30,000 – 55,000 VND/serving (1.3 – 2.4 USD)
See also:
Wedge Shell
Its name is “Ngán” in Vietnamese, but you won’t get tired of eating it! Wedge shell is a mollusk that resembles a clam but is larger in size. It is considered one of the most delicious specialties in Quang Ninh province. Wedge shell can be cooked in various ways, such as grilling, steaming, making soup, or stir-frying with vegetables. It can also be used to make a delicious pickle.
Recommended restaurant:
- Hai San Thiên Anh (Thien Anh Seafood): Cai Dam urban area, Phan Boi Chau, Bai Chay ward, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province
Reference price: 100,000 – 440,000 VND/person (4.3 – 19.1 USD)
Sá Sùng (Manila Clam Worm)
This is another specialty that you must try when visiting Ha Long. Sá sùng, also known as geoduck clam, is a type of sandworm that lives only in the Ha Long sea. Simply stir-fry it, and you will have a super attractive dish to enjoy with rice.
Recommended restaurant:
- Huong Duyên Hòn Gai Restaurant: 66 Tran Hung Dao, Cao Thang ward, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province
Reference price: 120,000 – 350,000 VND/person (5.2 – 15.2 USD)
Sam Sea (Sea Cucumber)
Sam Sea is another suggestion for your food tour in Ha Long. Sea cucumber has naturally sweet and chewy meat. You can find it on the menu of almost any restaurant in Ha Long. There are several ways to cook sea cucumber, such as making soup, frying it, or using it in salads. If you have the opportunity, you should definitely try it!
Recommended restaurant:
- Sam Bà Tỵ Restaurant: Group 7, neighborhood 4, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province
Reference price: 50,000 – 220,000 VND/dish (2.2 – 9.5 USD)
Tiên Yên Hill Chicken
As the name suggests, this chicken is raised on the hills of Tiên Yên. They are allowed to roam and forage freely, resulting in firm and flavorful meat. Moreover, the chickens are selected from flocks to ensure the meat is just right, not too old. Simply boil the chicken and serve it with traditional dipping sauce, and you will have a memorable meal.
Recommended restaurant:
- Cỏ Xanh 3 Restaurant: Gieng Day, Hung Thang ward, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province
Reference price: 100,000 – 300,000 VND/serving (4.3 – 13 USD)
Bún Bề Bề (Slipper Lobster Noodle Soup)
Slipper lobsters in Ha Long are especially delicious and fresh. After cleaning, the shells are used to make a sweet broth. The dish is served with rice noodles, minced squid, and shrimp, resulting in a flavorful and irresistible bowl of noodle soup. The slipper lobster meat is firm and fresh; just one bite, and you will understand why this dish is so popular!
Recommended restaurant:
- Bún Bề Bề Huy Chiên: Group 2, neighborhood 6C, Thuc Thoai, Hong Hai ward, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province
Reference price: 30,000 – 40,000 VND/bowl (1.3 – 1.7 USD)
See also:
Hedgehog Cockle Porridge
This is a famous specialty that you should try, especially if you love porridge. Although hedgehog cockles are small in size, they are highly nutritious. The unique feature when cooking this porridge is that the rice is stir-fried first, ensuring that it doesn’t get too soft. It goes well with shrimp paste, and you can also eat it with fried dough sticks, which is equally delicious.
Recommended restaurant:
- Co Hang Restaurant: 42 Tran Hung Dao, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province
Reference price: 40,000 VND/bowl (1.7 USD)
Bánh Gật Gù (Nodding Cake)
The name is quite unique, and this dish attracts both tourists and locals. The name comes from the shape of the cake, which is long and soft, and when picked up, it nods in multiple directions, hence the name “Nodding Cake.”
Its shape is similar to rice rolls, and it is usually served with chicken fat, mushrooms, and other ingredients. If you have the opportunity to visit Ha Long, don’t miss out on trying this dish!
Where to buy:
- Ha Long Night Market: Ha Long, Bai Chay ward, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province
- Ha Long Market 1: Bach Dang, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province
Reference price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/serving (1.3 – 2.2 USD)
Gà Lôi Âm (Lôi Âm Chicken) Barbecue
Gà Lôi Âm originates from the foothills of Lôi Âm Temple, located 15km from Ha Long city. Since these chickens are allowed to roam freely, their meat is firm, and the fat and meat are well-proportioned. A unique feature is that the chickens are slaughtered only after an order is placed, ensuring the freshest possible meat.
Gà Lôi Âm can be barbecued in the traditional way or with ngải cứu (a type of herb). However, if you don’t like the strong smell of herbs, you should choose the regular barbecue option.
Where to buy:
- Along the road at the foot of Lôi Âm Temple: Dai Yen, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province
Reference price: 300,000 – 350,000 VND/chicken (13 – 15.2 USD)
Pig Offal Soup with Ngải Cứu (Herb)
This is a unique dish that you should try. You will taste a hint of the herb’s pungency infused into the offal, creating an unforgettable flavor. Some restaurants also offer duck eggs instead of offal, served with a specially prepared chili sauce.
This dish is not only delicious but also a traditional medicine that helps regulate blood circulation and treat headaches. Since it is high in protein, remember not to overeat!
Where to buy:
- Ha Long Market 1: Bach Dang, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province
Reference price: 15,000 – 25,000 VND/bowl (0.6 – 1.1 USD)
See also:
Bánh Trôi Tàu (Floating Cake)