Food tour in Halong: Exploring local culinary delights
If you are a food lover, then you will love this Halong City Tour. Explore the diverse culinary delights of Ha Long City on this immersive food tour. From bustling street food stalls to cozy local eateries, discover the rich flavors that define Ha Long's gastronomic scene.
1. Steamed rice paper rolls with squid cakes (Banh cuon cha muc)
In Ha Long, steamed rice rolls (banh cuon) are paired with squid cakes (cha muc), creating a unique culinary experience. These hot banh cuon, filled with minced meat, wood ear mushrooms, or prawns, are served with sweet and sour fish sauce and chewy squid cakes. The squid meat is ground or hand-pounded to retain its distinctive texture. The squid cakes, shaped and deep-fried to perfection, turn golden brown and emit a delightful aroma.
Popular spots:
- Mrs. Ngan’s (next to Bach Dang Theater).
- The Goc Bang vendor (Nha Hat Alley, Bach Dang).
- Various vendors in the local daytime markets.
The Price: approximately VND 40,000 per dish.
2. Seafood Rice Noodle Soup (Bun hai san)
Seafood rice noodle soup is a harmonious blend of broth, seafood, vegetables, and rice noodles. Its distinctive flavor comes from fresh ingredients like seawater shrimp, stomatopod, ocean crab, fish cake, squid cake, fried fish, scallop, and tofu. In Halong, seafood noodle soup is typically served with pickled bamboo shoots, a variety of vegetables (such as lettuce, bean sprouts, and herbs), and chili peppers.
Popular spots:
- Cham Huong Seafood Noodle Soup at the beginning of Tuyen Than Street.
- Hoang An Restaurant, Cai Dam, Group 9, Area 9, Halong.
The Price: VND 30.000 - VND50.000 per dish
3. Sipunculus Nudus (Sa Sung)
Sipunculus Nudus, also known as peanut worm or Sa Sung, is a unique seafood delicacy from Halong Bay. Measuring 10-14 cm in length, it is ivory-white and plump. Often called "Earth Ginseng" due to its high nutritional value, it comes in two forms: fresh and dried.
Fresh Sa Sung is soft, chewy, and crunchy, ideal for dishes like fried Sa Sung with kohlrabi, soups, and porridge. Dried Sa Sung, known for its crispiness and long shelf life, emits an enticing aroma when grilled and is a popular snack with liquor or beer.
Popular spots:
- Huong Duyen Hon Gai Restaurant, 66 Tran Hung Dao street, Cao Thang ward, Ha Long city.
The price:
- Fresh Sa Sung: VND 300,000-400,000 per kilogram.
- Dried Sa Sung: VND 4-7 million per kilogram
4. Horseshoe Crab (Sam)
Visitors to Ha Long are often recommended to savor horseshoe crab dishes, known for their deliciousness and nutritional benefits. Here are some popular horseshoe crab dishes: grilled horseshoe crab with egg, horseshoe crab salad, sweet and sour fried horseshoe crab legs, deep-fried horseshoe crab eggs, stir-fried horseshoe crab with chili, fried horseshoe crab, grilled horseshoe crab cartilage, and stir-fried horseshoe crab with vermicelli. These dishes are characterized by their enticing aroma and the rich, sweet flavors of horseshoe crab enhanced with various spices.
Popular spots:
- Mrs. Ty's Horseshoe Crab: Lane 6, Cao Thang, Hon Gai.
- Horseshoe Crab Restaurant: Ha Long Market.
- Dung Hoa Restaurant: 95 Group 5, Zone 8, Hong Hai Ward, Ha Long City.
The Price: VND 100.000 - VND500.000 per dish
5. Nodding Cake (Banh Gat Gu)
Another strange name of street foods is Gat Gu Cake, a special cake tasting like a steamed rolled rice pancake or Phở. The main ingredient is rice powder which is used to make Phở, but the cake has its own flavor to the local cuisine in Quang Ninh. In Vietnamese, Gat Gu means nodding repeatedly since the cake is so appetizing that everyone can’t help nodding. Gat Gu Cake is best served with fish sauce, minced pork, fresh chili, fried onion, and a meat storage vessel.
Popular spots:
- Mrs. Cuc’s (73 Hoa Binh Street).
- Mrs. Thia’s (30A Hoa Binh Street).
The Price: VND 30.000 - VND 50.000 per dish
6. Ha Long Pearl Yogurt
Ha Long Pearl Yogurt is a delightful dessert to enjoy after a satisfying main course. Served in a small, cool yogurt jar alongside a bowl of hot coconut milk with pearls, this treat offers a unique experience. Mixing the cold yogurt with coconut water and hot pearls creates a refreshing and intriguing combination.
Popular Spots:
- Mrs. Nghi's (10 Van Lang Street).
- Tuan Lien's (Tran Quoc Nghien Street).
The Price: Typically ranges from VND 10,000 to VND 30,000 per cup.
Above are some dishes you can try when visiting Ha Long. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply curious, Ha Long's diverse cuisine promises an unforgettable experience.
Halong Booking Tours
(Image Source: Internet)