What Seafood to Eat in Ha Long? 7 Must-Try Varieties and Ordering Tips
— Royal Ha Long Editorial Team
Coming to Ha Long, besides exploring the natural world wonder, enjoying seafood is one of the experiences most anticipated by travelers. The waters of Quang Ninh are famous for a diverse source of seafood, from familiar varieties like shrimp, crab, and flower crab to local specialty delicacies like mantis shrimp, stone crab, mud clam, and peanut worm.
However, amidst so many choices, many travelers still wonder what seafood is delicious in Ha Long, which dishes to order, and how to have a meal that is both to their taste and within budget?
The article below will help you discover 7 must-try seafood varieties when visiting Ha Long, suggest preparation methods, and share useful tips to fully enjoy the coastal cuisine.
Why Is Ha Long Seafood So Popular Among Tourists?
Ha Long not only possesses impressive marine and island landscapes but also has a culinary heritage closely linked to the lives of the bay's residents. Seafood is prepared in many different styles, from steamed dishes that retain their natural sweetness to salt-roasted, grilled with scallion oil, or cooked in rich congee.
One of the attractions of Ha Long cuisine is its diversity. In addition to familiar seafood dishes, diners have the opportunity to enjoy specialties of the Northeast sea that are not common in every locality.
For first-time visitors to Ha Long, choosing signature seafood dishes is an exciting way to learn more about the local culinary culture.
If you want to explore more of the flavors of Quang Ninh, you can refer to the article Top 10 Famous Ha Long Specialties You Must Try.
Top 7 Ha Long Seafood Varieties to Try When Traveling
1. Mantis Shrimp – A Coastal Specialty with Natural Sweetness
Mantis shrimp, also known as "be be", is a popular seafood choice for many tourists enjoying Ha Long cuisine. Its firm meat, natural sweetness, and distinctive aroma make mantis shrimp suitable for various cooking methods.
Favorite dishes include steamed mantis shrimp, salt-roasted mantis shrimp, and tamarind-glazed mantis shrimp. If you prefer a light dish, you can choose steamed mantis shrimp to clearly taste the sweetness of the meat. Meanwhile, salt-roasted or tamarind-glazed mantis shrimp is perfect for those who love rich flavors.
In addition to main dishes, mantis shrimp is also used in a signature noodle soup of the Quang Ninh coastal region.
At Royal Ha Long Hotel, Ha Long Mantis Shrimp Noodle Soup is also featured in our Heritage Cuisine Series, offering another option to enjoy this familiar ingredient.
2. Stone Crab – The Signature Sea Crab of Quang Ninh
Stone crab (cu ky) is one of the signature seafood varieties of the Quang Ninh sea. This crab has large claws, a hard shell, and firm meat, particularly loved for its natural sweetness and aroma.
Popular preparations include steamed stone crab, tamarind-glazed stone crab, and stone crab noodle soup. If you want to fully enjoy the original flavor, steamed stone crab is a choice worth considering. Conversely, tamarind-glazed stone crab offers a combination of mild sourness and the sweetness of the crab meat.
When ordering stone crab, diners should clearly ask about the weight, size, and price before preparation. This helps in choosing a portion size suitable for the number of people in the group.
3. Mud Clam – A Unique Flavor of the Ha Long Sea
Mud clam (ngan) is a bivalve mollusk, similar in appearance to clams but differing in size and flavor. This is one of the ingredients often mentioned when exploring the signature dishes of Quang Ninh.
Mud clam can be prepared by steaming, grilling, or cooking in congee. The meat has a sweet, slightly buttery taste and a very distinct ocean flavor, so not all diners get used to it on their first try.
If you want to experience a novel seafood dish, you can try steamed mud clam to feel the natural flavor, or mud clam congee for a warm, easy-to-enjoy meal.
4. Peanut Worm – A Coastal Specialty of High Culinary Value
Peanut worm (sa sung) is one of the famous specialties of the Quang Ninh sea, particularly associated with the Van Don area. This seafood is highly valued for its natural sweet flavor and is often used to sweeten broths.
Peanut worm can be prepared in many ways, among which crispy roasted dried peanut worm and peanut worm broth are quite familiar.
Due to its high commercial value, peanut worm usually has a significantly different price point compared to many common seafood types. Therefore, tourists should clearly ask about the price and portion size before ordering.
For those who love exploring local cuisine, peanut worm is a flavor worth considering on the journey to discover Ha Long and Quang Ninh specialties.
5. Flower Crab – A Familiar Choice for Family Seafood Meals
Flower crab is a dish chosen by many families when visiting Ha Long thanks to its sweet meat and diverse preparation methods.
Steamed flower crab with lemongrass is one of the simplest ways to enjoy it, helping to retain its natural flavor. In addition, tamarind-glazed or sauced flower crab also offers great options for those who love flavorful dishes.
When ordering flower crab, pay attention to freshness, size, and meat fullness. For family groups, choosing medium-sized flower crabs and ordering appropriate portions will help balance the cost.
6. Sea Oyster – An Easy-to-Combine Seafood Dish for Your Meal
Oysters are a suitable choice for tourists who want to add a seafood dish with a slightly buttery flavor to their meal.
Grilled oysters with scallion oil and grilled oysters with cheese are two familiar preparations, often appearing on the menus of many seafood restaurants.
If you prefer traditional flavors, grilled oysters with scallion oil are a must-try. The fragrant scallion oil combined with the tender oyster meat makes it a perfect dish for sharing.
Meanwhile, grilled oysters with cheese offer a richer and creamier flavor, particularly suited for diners who love the combination of seafood and modern culinary styles.
7. Sea Squid – A Familiar Ingredient in Ha Long Cuisine
Squid is an ingredient that appears in many dishes of the Ha Long sea, from steamed and grilled squid to fried squid and squid paste.
Among them, hand-pounded squid paste is one of the most famous local specialties. The golden-fried squid patties have a light crispness on the outside, while the meat remains chewy and retains its natural sweetness.
In addition to squid paste, visitors can choose steamed squid with ginger or grilled squid to enjoy the original flavor of fresh seafood.
If traveling in a group, combining a squid dish with crab, oysters, and green vegetables is a simple way to create a diverse meal without having to order too many types of seafood.
Tips for Choosing Fresh and Delicious Seafood When Visiting Ha Long
A great seafood meal depends not only on the preparation but also on the quality of the ingredients and how the dishes are selected.
Prioritize Seafood with Clear Origins
When choosing a restaurant or seafood vendor, visitors should prioritize places with transparent pricing and proper storage conditions.
For live seafood, pay attention to the activity level of the animal, its natural scent, and the storage conditions. For mollusks like clams, oysters, or peanut worms, avoid those showing signs of damage or unusual odors.
Ask for Prices Before Preparation
Some types of seafood are sold by the kilogram, while other dishes may be priced by the plate or portion.
To avoid unexpected costs, diners should clarify the price of the ingredients, the weight, and any preparation fees. For high-value seafood like peanut worms, confirming the price before ordering is even more important.
Choose the Right Preparation for Each Type
Not all types of seafood are suited for the same cooking method.
Items like flower crab, mantis shrimp, and stone crab are usually steamed to preserve their natural sweetness. Oysters can be grilled with scallion oil or cheese, while squid is ideal for steaming, grilling, or frying.
Choosing the appropriate cooking method will bring more layers of flavor to the meal, rather than having too many fried or heavily sauced dishes.
Eating Seafood in Ha Long: Should You Choose Bai Chay or Hon Gai?
Bai Chay and Hon Gai are both areas that visitors often consider when looking for dining options in Ha Long. Each area has its own characteristics, catering to different experience needs.
Bai Chay – Conveniently Combine Dining and Leisure
Bai Chay concentrates many hotels, entertainment spots, and tourist services. Therefore, this is a convenient area to combine enjoying seafood with sightseeing, relaxation, and entertainment activities.
Guests staying in Bai Chay can choose a seafood dinner at a restaurant, then continue to explore the vibrant atmosphere of the coastal city at night.
For more dining itinerary suggestions, you can refer to Ha Long Food Tour from Morning to Night – 6 Easy-to-Do Dining Experiences.
Hon Gai – Discover the Local Culinary Lifestyle
The Hon Gai area offers a different perspective on the life of Ha Long residents. Visitors can combine exploring traditional markets, shopping for seafood, and discovering the familiar dishes of the locals.
If you want to learn more about the markets, where to buy specialties and seafood, the article Top 6 Famous Markets in Ha Long You Should Visit on the Royal Ha Long website is a useful reference.
Suggested Ha Long Seafood Menu for Families and Groups of Friends
If traveling in a group, choosing the right menu will allow everyone to enjoy many dishes while keeping the budget under control.
For a group of four to six people, diners can consider combining dishes such as:
- Steamed or salt-roasted mantis shrimp to start the meal.
- Steamed flower crab or tamarind-glazed stone crab as the main course.
- Grilled oysters with scallion oil to vary the flavors.
- Grilled squid or Ha Long squid paste to share.
- Green vegetables, soup, and rice to balance the meal.
This is a suggested menu, not a fixed set menu of the restaurant. Actual portions should be adjusted based on the number of diners and the dining needs of each group.
For families with young children or the elderly, steamed dishes that are lightly seasoned and easy to shell are highly recommended. In particular, please ensure that hard shells, bones, and any parts that may cause choking are removed before eating.
Savor Ha Long Seafood at Phuc Vien Restaurant – Royal Ha Long Hotel
In addition to exploring local eateries, guests can also choose to enjoy seafood within the elegant setting of our hotel restaurant.
At Royal Ha Long Hotel, Phuc Vien Restaurant, located on the 2nd floor, offers a wide range of culinary options, from fresh Ha Long seafood to Asian favorites and Chinese cuisine.
With a seating capacity of approximately 250 guests and two VIP rooms, the restaurant is ideal for family meals, groups of friends, tour groups, or gatherings requiring a private space.
A highlight of Phuc Vien is its open kitchen area, where diners can watch their dishes being prepared. Alongside seafood, the menu features a variety of other options, such as Peking duck, Qianlong tofu, and Western dishes.
Guests can learn more about our dining spaces, menus, and services on the Royal Ha Long Hotel Restaurants & Bars page.
Combine Culinary Exploration and Relaxation at Royal Ha Long Hotel
A trip to Ha Long becomes truly memorable when guests have ample time to enjoy the scenery, the cuisine, and moments of pure relaxation.
Instead of cramming all your seafood dining into a single afternoon or evening, you can space out your itinerary: cruise the bay by day, savor local specialties by night, and dedicate time to unwinding at the hotel.
Located in the Bai Chay area, Royal Ha Long Hotel is the perfect base for guests to combine their exploration of the coastal city with diverse culinary experiences.
Beyond Phuc Vien Restaurant, the hotel's dining venues also include the Piano Bar, Pool Bar, and La Terrasse, offering even more options for relaxing moments during your stay.
Discover the Flavors of the Ha Long Sea on Your Upcoming Trip
From mantis shrimp, stone crab, and Ha Long clams to flower crab, oysters, and squid, each type of seafood offers a unique taste of the Quang Ninh sea.
To ensure your Ha Long seafood journey is complete, we recommend choosing dishes that suit your taste, balancing your portions, and prioritizing venues with clear menus and pricing.
If you are planning your vacation in Ha Long, take the time to discover the signature flavors of the sea and enjoy a comfortable dining experience at Royal Ha Long Hotel.
Explore Restaurants & Bars at Royal Ha Long Hotel
Visit Royal Ha Long Hotel Website
Contact Information:
Royal Ha Long Hotel
Hotline: +84 203 3848 777
Email: info@royalhalonghotel.com
Website: www.royalhalonghotel.com