Hưng Yên, a serene and rustic province in northern Vietnam, still retains its traditional cultural charm. It’s no wonder that it has earned the title “Second only to the capital, followed by Pho Hien.” The region’s cuisine reflects this, offering a unique blend of traditional dishes, from rustic fare to delicacies once served to royalty. Join us as we explore the culinary delights of this enchanting province!
1 An Introduction to Hưng Yên’s Tourism
Hưng Yên is a province located in the heart of Vietnam’s Red River Delta, with its capital city about 54 km southeast of Hanoi. While it may not boast majestic mountain ranges or pristine beaches, Hưng Yên captivates visitors with its unique architectural wonders and serene rural charm, all set amid the fragrant fields of newly harvested rice.
An overview of Hưng Yên’s tourism attractions
2 Top 15 Hưng Yên Specialties to Try
Must-Try Delicacies in Hưng Yên
Tiểu Quan Chicken Ham
Tiểu Quan Chicken Ham
A trip to Hưng Yên is incomplete without indulging in a slice of Tiểu Quan chicken ham and a sip of the region’s famous rice wine. The ham’s delicate flavor comes from a meticulous preparation process, starting with selecting the finest chicken meat, grinding it with pork fat, and seasoning it with a unique blend of spices. To achieve the perfect texture, the mixture is traditionally pounded in a stone mortar and grilled over charcoal.
Estimated price: 370,000 VND/kg (approximately 15.80 USD)
Where to buy: Thôn Tiểu Quan, Phùng Hưng, Khoái Châu, Hưng Yên
Đông Tảo Chicken
Đông Tảo Chicken
Đông Tảo chicken is a unique breed found only in Hưng Yên’s Khoái Châu district. What sets it apart are its unusually large, scaly legs. Historically, this rare breed was reserved for royal consumption, a testament to its exceptional flavor. Whether you’re dining out or buying souvenirs, Đông Tảo chicken is a must-try.
Estimated price: 100,000 VND/serving (approximately 4.30 USD)
Where to buy: Khoái Châu district, Hưng Yên province
Phượng Tường Frog Stew
Phượng Tường Frog Stew
Phượng Tường Frog Stew is a delicacy that has put Hưng Yên on the culinary map. The dish is prepared with large, meaty frogs, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, savory sauce. It is best enjoyed with vermicelli noodles or sticky rice, absorbing the delicious flavors of the stew.
Estimated price: 50,000 VND/serving (approximately 2.15 USD)
Where to buy: Làng Phượng Tường, Nhật Tân, Tiên Lữ, Hưng Yên
Mòi Fish
Mòi Fish
Mòi fish is a source of great pride for the people of Hưng Yên. It is at its best from February to March in the lunar calendar, when the fish are plump and full of roe. The fish has a rich, nutty flavor and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including soup, stew, or grilled. Choose your favorite style and indulge!
Estimated price: 80,000 VND/serving (approximately 3.45 USD)
Where to buy: Tân Châu market or local restaurants in Hưng Yên
Gàu Village Sticky Rice Cakes
Gàu Village Sticky Rice Cakes
These sticky rice cakes are a staple in Hưng Yên’s Lunar New Year celebrations. Originating from Gàu Village in Văn Giang district, the cakes are made by steaming a mixture of glutinous rice and young rice. The filling, a blend of mộc nhĩ mushrooms and green beans, gives the cakes a chewy texture and a delightful aroma.
Estimated price: 50,000 VND/serving (approximately 2.15 USD)
Where to buy: Làng Gàu, Cửu Cao, Văn Giang, Hưng Yên
Phố Xuôi Pork and Pork Skin Roll
Phố Xuôi Pork and Pork Skin Roll
Another famous delicacy from Hưng Yên is the Phố Xuôi pork and pork skin roll. It’s an ideal souvenir, known for its perfect combination of tender pork and crispy pork skin. The entire process is done by hand, ensuring the freshest and most delicious experience.
Estimated price: 120,000 VND/serving (approximately 5.15 USD)
Where to buy: Chợ Xuôi, Phố Xuôi, Hưng Yên
Phố Hiến Eel Noodle Soup
Phố Hiến Eel Noodle Soup
When it comes to Hưng Yên’s specialties, the Phố Hiến eel noodle soup takes the crown. This colorful dish features white noodles, golden fried dough sticks, ivory-colored quail eggs, yellow fried shallots, and the star ingredient—stir-fried eel, creating a unique and mouthwatering flavor profile. It’s a dish that embodies the essence of Hưng Yên.
Estimated price: 30,000 VND/serving (approximately 1.30 USD)
Where to buy: 595 Nguyễn Văn Linh, Hưng Yên City
Longan and Lotus Seed Sweet Soup
Longan and Lotus Seed Sweet Soup
After indulging in the region’s savory delights, cool off with a bowl of sweet longan and lotus seed soup. While this dessert can be found across Vietnam, Hưng Yên’s version is considered the finest, once reserved for royalty. The longans are crisp and juicy, and the lotus seeds add a nutty flavor to the refreshing broth.
Estimated price: 140,000 VND/kg (approximately 6 USD)
Where to buy: Long nhãn Hưng Yên, Mrs. Xuyến
Phú Thị Rice Rolls
Phú Thị Rice Rolls
Simplicity at its best, the Phú Thị rice rolls are famous far and wide. The rolls have a thick yet soft and delicate wrapper, encasing a savory filling of ground pork and wood ear mushrooms, served with a side of dipping sauce. It’s a humble yet satisfying dish.
Estimated price: 30,000 VND/serving (approximately 1.30 USD)
Where to buy: Làng Phú Thị, Mễ Sở, Văn Giang, Hưng Yên
Canh Cá Rô Soup
Canh Cá Rô Soup
Canh Cá Rô soup embodies the essence of Hưng Yên’s rustic cuisine. Fried tofu, golden with turmeric, and crispy sesame rice crackers accompany the soup, made with fresh cá rô fish for a sweet and clear broth. In the morning, you’ll find locals flocking to the restaurants along the road from Kim Động to Hưng Yên City to enjoy this hearty dish.
Estimated price: 40,000 VND/serving (approximately 1.70 USD)
Where to buy: Restaurants along the road from Kim Động to Hưng Yên City
Bánh Khúc
Bánh Khúc
Bánh Khúc is a unique treat, combining banana leaves, glutinous rice, mung beans, pork belly, and a local herb called “lá khúc”. When unwrapped, the banana leaf releases a delightful aroma, revealing a two-toned cake: one side is white glutinous rice, and the other is a dark gray layer of the herb. It’s a delicious blend of flavors and textures, evoking the essence of rural Vietnam.
Estimated price: 10,000 VND/serving (approximately 0.43 USD)
Where to buy: Markets in Văn Giang district and Bình Minh, Khoái Châu district (formerly known as Mễ total)
Hưng Yên Specialties to Buy as Souvenirs
Bánh Răng Bừa
Bánh Răng Bừa
Bánh Răng Bừa is a traditional cake offered during festivals and holidays in Hưng Yên. Made from glutinous rice and green beans, it has a sweet and savory filling of pork and scallions. The cake is a local favorite and makes a great souvenir for friends and family.
Estimated price: 7,000 VND/piece (approximately 0.30 USD)
Where to buy: Làng Phụng Công, Văn Giang, Hưng Yên
Longan Fruit
Longan Fruit
While longan fruit is available throughout Vietnam, the variety grown in Hưng Yên is exceptional. The province’s longans are a source of great pride for the locals, known for their sweet yet mild flavor.
Estimated price: 50,000 VND/kg (approximately 2.15 USD)
Where to buy: Nhãn lồng Bà Mai, Hồng Nam
Bần Soy Sauce
