Top 10 Famous Ha Long Specialties You Must Try

Ha Long is not only known for the magnificent beauty of Ha Long Bay but also attracts visitors with its rich, ocean-flavored culinary scene. Ha Long specialties impress with fresh ingredients, diverse preparation methods, and the unique characteristics of Quang Ninh province. From hand-pounded squid cakes, peanut worms, and ocean mud clams to "gat gu" cake, each dish offers a unique experience on your journey to discover this coastal city.

If you are planning a trip to Ha Long and wondering what to eat, let's explore the 10 famous specialties below to add more ideas to your itinerary.

1. Ha Long Squid Cake – A famous specialty of the Quang Ninh sea

When mentioning Ha Long specialties, squid cake is often the first dish that comes to mind for many travelers. This dish stands out for its rich flavor, natural chewiness, and the tempting aroma of fresh squid.

Traditional Ha Long squid cake is usually made from fresh squid, pounded or ground using appropriate methods, then seasoned and deep-fried to a golden brown. Among these, hand-pounded squid cake is highly favored for its chewy, crispy texture that still retains distinct pieces of squid.

Squid cake can be enjoyed with steamed sticky rice, steamed rice rolls, hot rice, or served with dipping sauce. This is also a popular gift chosen by many visitors when leaving Ha Long.

When buying squid cake as a gift, you should prioritize reputable establishments, check the origin, expiration date, and storage instructions to ensure product quality.

2. Peanut Worms (Sa Sung) – A precious seafood of the Quang Ninh sea

Peanut worms are one of the signature seafood varieties of the Quang Ninh sea, particularly associated with the Van Don and Quan Lan areas. This seafood has an elongated shape and is often used in premium dishes or as an ingredient to add natural sweetness to broths.

Fresh peanut worms can be prepared in stir-fries, grilled, or cooked with other ingredients. Meanwhile, dried peanut worms are commonly used to make broth due to their rich flavor and signature sweetness.

Due to their high economic value and relatively elaborate harvesting and processing procedures, peanut worms are usually much more expensive than common seafood. If you wish to enjoy this specialty, you should check the price before ordering and choose a reliable establishment.

3. Ocean Mud Clams (Ngan) – A unique flavor of Ha Long cuisine

Ocean mud clams are a familiar mollusk in Quang Ninh cuisine. Despite their unusual name in Vietnamese (which means "boring"), they are highly favored for their fragrant, naturally sweet meat and can be prepared in many different ways.

In Ha Long, mud clams are usually steamed, grilled, or cooked in porridge. Steaming helps retain the original flavor of the seafood, while grilling brings out an enticing aroma. Mud clam porridge is also a suitable choice for those who want to enjoy a warm, soft dish rich in ocean flavors.

When enjoying mud clams, visitors should choose restaurants with clear sourcing that ensure food safety and hygiene. Seafood should be thoroughly cooked, especially for those with sensitive digestive systems.

4. Mantis Shrimp (Be Be) – A favorite seafood in Ha Long

Mantis shrimp, also known as "tom tit" in some regions, is a popular seafood at restaurants and eateries along the coast of Ha Long. Mantis shrimp meat is sweet, firm, and flavorful, making it suitable for various cooking methods.

Some popular mantis shrimp dishes loved by diners include steamed mantis shrimp, salt-roasted mantis shrimp, tamarind-glazed mantis shrimp, and mantis shrimp noodle soup. Each preparation method brings a different flavor, from the natural sweetness of the steamed dish to the rich, savory taste of the roasted ones.

For first-time visitors to Ha Long, mantis shrimp is a highly recommended option when looking to enjoy local seafood. You can order by portion or combine it with other seafood for a more diverse meal.

5. Stone Crab (Cu Ky) – A coastal specialty with its own flavor

Stone crab is a crustacean related to the crab family, known for its large claws and sweet-flavored meat. This is one of the seafood varieties that frequently appears on menus in Quang Ninh.

In Ha Long, stone crab can be prepared as steamed, stir-fried with tamarind, grilled, or used to cook noodle soup. Among these, stone crab noodle soup is highly popular among diners due to the combination of stone crab meat, noodles, and hot broth.

If you love exploring local cuisine, you can try stone crab at seafood stalls or restaurants specializing in ocean dishes. When ordering, it is advisable to ask about the weight, portion size, and pricing to easily choose according to your budget.

6. Steamed Rice Rolls with Squid Cake – An appealing combination of Ha Long cuisine

Steamed rice rolls with squid cake is a dish that combines soft, thin rice sheets with golden, fragrant squid cakes. This is a perfect choice for breakfast or a light meal while exploring the coastal city.

The rice rolls are usually thinly spread, soft, and lightly fragrant, served with fried squid cakes, fresh herbs, and a well-balanced dipping sauce. The combination of the soft texture of the rice rolls and the chewy, crispy bite of the squid cake creates a unique appeal for the dish.

Without being overly elaborate in presentation, steamed rice rolls with squid cake remain a favorite for many due to the harmony of its ingredients. Visitors can find this dish at local rice roll eateries and specialty food spots.

7. "Gat Gu" Cake – A rustic cake of Quang Ninh

"Gat Gu" cake is a famous traditional dish from the Tien Yen area of Quang Ninh. Although it does not originate solely from Ha Long, this cake is still a must-try recommendation when exploring the cuisine of the entire province.

The cake is made mainly from rice flour, featuring a long, soft, and pliable shape. When held up, the cake naturally nods downward, which gives it its interesting name (meaning "nodding"). "Gat Gu" cake is usually eaten with a dipping sauce or fish sauce prepared in the local style; some places serve it with braised pork to enhance the flavor.

With familiar ingredients and a simple preparation method, gat gu cake offers a distinct experience compared to the seafood dishes commonly found on a Ha Long trip. It is also a suitable choice for those wishing to discover more of Quang Ninh's culinary identity.

8. Ha Long Shrimp Floss – A convenient specialty to buy as a gift

Shrimp floss is one of the products chosen by many tourists when looking for Ha Long specialties. The dish is usually prepared from shrimp and spices, creating a product with a rich flavor that is easy to use in daily meals.

Shrimp floss can be eaten with hot rice, plain porridge, bread, or used as a side dish. Thanks to its convenience, the product is suitable for families who want to bring the taste of the sea back home without the complex preservation required for fresh seafood.

When buying shrimp floss, you should check the ingredients, labels, expiry date, and storage conditions. Products that are carefully packaged with clear manufacturer information will be more convenient for long-distance transport.

9. Grilled Oysters – A delicious dish for seafood lovers

Oysters are a popular seafood used in many restaurants in Ha Long. With their natural sweetness and soft texture, oysters can be prepared in many ways, such as steamed, grilled with scallion oil, grilled with cheese, or cooked in porridge.

Among these, grilled oysters are a favorite choice for many diners. Once cleaned and cooked, the oysters are combined with various spices to create a delicious dish, perfect for enjoying with family or friends.

When enjoying oysters in Ha Long, you should choose establishments that ensure hygiene, fresh ingredients, and proper preparation processes. Oysters need to be thoroughly cooked to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses from raw or undercooked food.

10. Tai long ep cake – A traditional cake of the San Diu people

Tai long ep cake is a traditional cake associated with the culinary culture of the San Diu community in Quang Ninh. The cake is usually made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and other ingredients depending on local recipes.

The cake has a chewy texture, sweet taste, and a distinctive aroma. The traditional preparation method creates a unique texture compared to many other common cakes, making the dish an interesting choice for those who love to learn about local culture.

When exploring places selling Quang Ninh specialties, visitors can look for tai long ep cake to enjoy or buy as gifts. This is not only a rustic dish but also contributes to showcasing the diversity of the culinary culture of the Northeast region.

Tips for enjoying and buying Ha Long specialties

To have a complete culinary experience when traveling to Ha Long, you should keep the following tips in mind:

Check prices before ordering: Seafood can be priced by the kilogram, by the piece, or by the portion. Please ask about the price and how it is calculated before making your choice.

Prioritize fresh ingredients and proper preparation: Choose restaurants and eateries with appropriate food storage processes, especially when enjoying seafood.

Choose suitable specialties as gifts: Squid paste, shrimp floss, dried squid, and packaged products with clear origins are options worth considering. For perishable foods, pay attention to transport time and storage conditions.

Explore both traditional cuisine and seafood: Besides the famous dishes from the sea, take time to try rustic cakes to understand more about Quang Ninh's culinary culture.

Plan your dining reasonably: If traveling in a group, you can choose multiple dishes in moderate portions to enjoy a variety of flavors while keeping costs under control.

Conclusion

Ha Long cuisine is a combination of rich seafood resources and traditional dishes deeply imbued with Quang Ninh's cultural identity. From hand-pounded squid paste, peanut worms, and mud clams to squid paste rolls and gat gu cake, each specialty contributes to the unique appeal of the coastal city.

During your trip to Ha Long, take time to discover the signature dishes, learn about their preparation, and choose a few specialties as gifts for your loved ones. This will be a delightful way to preserve the flavors of the sea and make your journey to explore Quang Ninh even more memorable.