Ninh Binh is not only famous for its breathtaking landscapes but also its unique and mouthwatering local specialties. Join us on a culinary journey through Ninh Binh and discover the top 10 must-try dishes of this charming province.
1 Bun Cha Quat
Bun Cha Quat: Grilled pork with rice noodles
Bun Cha Quat is a unique dish from Ninh Binh, featuring grilled pork patties made from a large piece of minced meat cooked on a special grill. The patties are seasoned with a blend of spices and char-grilled to perfection, creating a mouthwatering aroma. The dish is served with fresh rice noodles and a slightly spicy sweet and sour dipping sauce, offering a delightful culinary experience.
Estimated price: From 50,000 VND per serving
Recommended place: Bun Cha Quat Tinh Mai: 16 Pham Hong Thai, Thanh Binh, Ninh Binh
2 Xoi Trung Kien
Xoi Trung Kien: Ant egg rice
Xoi Trung Kien, or ant egg rice, is a unique delicacy in Ninh Binh. The dish is made with eggs from brown ants that live in limestone mountains. These eggs are carefully collected, cleaned, and seasoned before being cooked with sticky rice and fried shallots. The result is a delicious blend of creamy ant egg flavors, crispy shallots, and fluffy sticky rice that will leave you craving more.
Estimated price: 50,000 – 100,000 VND
Recommended places: Restaurants in Ngoc Luong commune, Nho Quan district, are famous for this specialty.
3 Banh Da Ca Ro
Banh Da Ca Ro: Rice vermicelli with carp
Ninh Binh is known for its limestone mountains, and the carp raised in these waters have a distinct flavor. The fish is carefully cleaned, scaled, and deboned, preserving its freshness. The deboned carp is then mixed with a variety of spices, including , and , and stewed with shallots until the flavors meld beautifully. The dish is best enjoyed with herbs and vegetables, such as or .
Estimated price: 35,000 – 45,000 VND
Recommended place: House of Huyen Linh: Ngo 52 Pham Van Nghi, Dong Thanh, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
4 Bun Moc
Bun Moc is a signature dish of Ninh Binh and a must-try for visitors. The rice noodles are made through a meticulous process, resulting in white, chewy strands. Unlike the meat and wood ear mushroom meatballs commonly found in Hanoi, the meatballs in Ninh Binh’s Bun Moc are made from finely ground mung beans. Some places even add cartilage to the mixture, creating a unique crunchy texture. The meatballs are larger than usual, and the dish is served with hot broth, scallions, and scallion oil, making it a comforting and flavorful meal.
Estimated price: 20,000 – 30,000 VND
Recommended places:
– Bun Moc To Nhu: Quoc Lo 10, Kim Son, Ninh Binh
– Bun Moc Bien Ha: 05 Le Hong Phong, Dong Thanh, Ninh Binh
5 Ga Doi
Ga Doi: Mountain chicken
Ga Doi, or mountain chicken, is a specialty of Ninh Binh. These chickens are raised freely in the mountains of Cuc Phuong, resulting in firmer and more flavorful meat. Whether boiled and dipped in salt and pepper, grilled over charcoal, or cooked in a stir-fry or soup, Ga Doi is a delicious treat. It is also a popular choice for souvenirs, as many visitors buy it as a gift for their loved ones back home.
Estimated price: 190,000 – 200,000 VND per kg
Recommended places:
– House of Luong Thuong 7: 5 Ngo 2, Dong Thanh, Ngo Quyen, Ninh Binh (specializes in mountain goat and chicken)
– Tung Dung Chicken Restaurant: Trang An, Xuan Ang Ngoai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
6 Ca Kho Gao
Ca Kho Gao: Fish cooked with a type of fruit called “Gao”
Ca Kho Gao is a rustic dish unique to Ninh Binh. While fish stew is common, cooking it with “gao” fruit adds a special twist. “Gao” is a fruit known for its sour and sweet taste, often used as a seasoning in soups. In this dish, the fish is stewed with a blend of spices and the sour “gao” fruit, resulting in a delicious combination of flavors that has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Recommended place: House of Nhu Y – Fresh Czech Beer: Tan Trung residential area, Tan Thanh ward, Ninh Binh city, Ninh Binh province
7 Thit De Nui
Thit De Nui, or mountain goat meat, is a delicacy in Ninh Binh. The goats are raised on limestone mountains, resulting in lean and firm meat. Visitors to Ninh Binh should not miss the opportunity to try this specialty, which is prepared in various mouthwatering dishes. From goat nem to steamed, grilled, or braised goat, each dish is a flavorful experience. Goat meat is also believed to have medicinal properties, making it a popular choice for health-conscious diners.
Estimated price: 50,000 – 500,000 VND
Recommended places:
– House of Chinh Thu: Khe Thuong, Ninh Thuan commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh.
– Ninh Binh Vu Tuan Mountain Goat Meat: Ngo 42 Pham Hong Thai, Thanh Binh, Ninh Binh
8 Goi Ca Nhech
Goi Ca Nhech: Catfish salad
Goi Ca Nhech, or catfish salad, is a famous dish in Ninh Binh that has captivated both locals and visitors. The preparation of this dish is quite intricate, involving multiple steps to remove any fishy smell and enhance its sweetness. The dressing is a complex blend of chili, lemongrass, and pepper, carefully balanced to create a harmonious flavor profile. Once you try this dish, its unique taste will linger in your memory.
Recommended places:
– House of Vu Bao Ninh Binh: 37 Nguyen Hue, Nam Binh, Ninh Binh.
– Tinh Catfish Salad Restaurant: Ngo Gia Tu, Van Gia, Ninh Binh.
9 Mien Luon
Mien Luon: Glass noodle soup with eel
Mien Luon, or glass noodle soup with eel, is a beloved dish in Ninh Binh. The eels used in this dish are of a specific variety called “com eel,” known for their brown-pink backs and golden bellies. While smaller in size than regular eels, their meat is firmer and more flavorful. The dish is served with banana flowers and bamboo shoots, creating a delicate balance of flavors. A hint of chili adds a subtle kick to this comforting soup.
Recommended places:
– Mien Luon Thai Lua: 13 D. Ng. Thi Nhậm, Trung Son, Tam Diep, Ninh Binh.
– Mien Luon Tan Hien: Van Gia, Ninh Binh.
10 Com Chay
Com Chay Ninh Binh: Ninh Binh-style rice crust
While rice crust is available in many places, Com Chay Ninh Binh has a special place in the hearts of food lovers. Made from 100% high-quality round grain rice, the rice is cooked in a cast-iron pot over a charcoal fire, resulting in a perfectly crispy texture and golden color. The rice is then sun-dried for two to three days or dehydrated for easy preservation. Com Chay Ninh Binh is crunchy, savory, and often served with savory shrimp or scallion oil, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Estimated price: 130,000 – 150,000 VND per serving
Recommended place: Thang Long Restaurant: Trang An, Chi Phong, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh.
Embark on a culinary adventure through the ancient capital of Ninh Binh and discover its diverse and delectable specialties. From grilled pork and ant egg rice to mountain chicken and rice crust, there’s something for everyone in this charming province. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to indulge in the unique flavors of Ninh Binh!
