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Top 6 Perfect Souvenirs from Ninh Binh
Rice Crackers
When it comes to Ninh Binh's specialty gifts, most people immediately think of rice crackers. These traditional rice crackers are made from fragrant sticky rice, cooked on a charcoal stove until crispy, then sun-dried for extra flavor. After that, they are fried in fresh oil, ensuring a perfect crunch without being too oily.
To meet the increasing demand, rice crackers are now available in various flavors such as shallot fat, spicy shredded pork, chili fish sauce, and more. Besides enjoying this Ninh Binh specialty at restaurants, you can also purchase neatly packaged rice crackers as gifts.
Rice Crackers - Ninh Binh's Special Gift
Nho Quan grape wine
Rượu cần, a distinctive type of wine among ethnic minorities, but few have a nationally renowned brand, and Nho Quan rice wine is among those few. Made by the Muong ethnic group, its unique brewing process yields a fragrant, spicy, and robust flavor without the need for fire distillation. You can enjoy this wine at restaurants or purchase it as a Ninh Binh specialty gift for your family.
Nho Quan Rice Wine
Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll
One ideal Ninh Binh specialty gift is Yen Mac fermented pork roll. Made from sour pork mixed with a hint of spiciness, it pairs perfectly with chili sauce. Wrapped in green banana leaves, it not only tastes delicious but also looks beautiful.
Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll, from Yen Mac commune, Yen Mo district, was once a delicacy highly favored by kings. Unlike traditional round fermented pork rolls, Yen Mac's version is made from finely minced meat, rolled in fig leaves, and served with fish sauce or chili sauce and sesame salt.
Gia Vien Shrimp Paste
For centuries, Gia Vien shrimp paste has been a specialty, a traditional dish of the ancient land of Hoa Lu. Also known as sour shrimp paste or fermented shrimp paste, it's made from delicious, fatty freshwater shrimp from the Gia Vien marshes in Ninh Binh. The paste has a distinctive sour taste and a rich aroma of shrimp.
Gia Vien Shrimp Paste
Shrimp paste can be used to prepare dishes such as shrimp paste stir-fry, or as a dipping sauce for boiled vegetables and meats. It's an easy-to-eat, easy-to-make dish, suitable even for those who are not fond of cooking. You can find this specialty sold at local specialty shops or in markets in Ninh Binh.
Kim Son Bamboo Mat
Kim Son bamboo mats and products made from bamboo have been a traditional craft for centuries in Kim Son, known for their high quality, uniqueness, and close connection to life and nature. Making a bamboo mat involves several stages including selecting, splitting, drying, and dyeing the bamboo to achieve a vibrant and durable red color.
The final step is weaving the bamboo, with each strand meticulously woven by skilled artisans to create durable and beautiful bamboo mats that embody the rich cultural heritage of the local people. Kim Son bamboo mats are an ideal Ninh Binh specialty gift for grandmothers and mothers during the hot summer months.
Kim Son Bamboo Mat
Bamboo Crafts
Bamboo crafts are among the top souvenirs of Ninh Binh that you should buy to cherish memories of your trip. Environmentally friendly and available in various styles and practical items for daily use, bamboo products are a popular choice. Typical bamboo products include mats, curtains, baskets, carpets, trays, boxes, and dishes, all with vibrant colors and exquisite patterns. You can find bamboo crafts at traditional markets, traditional craft villages, or souvenir shops in Ninh Binh.
Famous Places to Buy Gifts in Ninh Binh
Dragon Market
Dragon Market, located in Van Giang Ward, Ninh Binh City, is one of the most famous wholesale markets in Ninh Binh. It's a place where you can buy specialty gifts from Ninh Binh. Situated at the confluence of rivers, it used to be a seafood trading hub. Today, it boasts a large-scale layout with Zone A consisting of a three-story building and Zone B along the Van River bank.
Zone A sells household goods, while Zone B, adjacent to the Van River, sells food items. Essential items such as fruits, vegetables, fresh and live foods, and electrical appliances are conveniently arranged for shoppers. Goods catering to visitors who spend extended periods at the market, such as fabrics, clothing, bedding, pillows, and mattresses, are located on the second floor.
Dragon Market Ninh Binh
Van Giang Neighborhood
Van Giang Neighborhood, located in Van Giang Ward, Ninh Binh City, is bounded by Le Hong Phong Street, Tran Hung Dao Street, and the Van River. It's the busiest neighborhood in Ninh Binh, strategically positioned near major road and waterway transportation hubs. Here, you can find large furniture and specialty shops.
Dong Thanh Plaza Supermarket
Another place to buy specialty gifts from Ninh Binh is Dong Thanh Plaza Supermarket. Located in Dong Thanh Ward, Ninh Binh City, Dong Thanh Plaza Supermarket offers over 20,000 different products including food, agricultural products, seafood, consumer goods, and fashionable clothing. Additionally, the supermarket features a playground for children with various attractions such as merry-go-rounds, bouncing animals, and electric toy machines.
Shopping Tips in Ninh Binh
When shopping in Ninh Binh, keep the following points in mind:
- When shopping at crowded markets, be sure to keep your belongings and personal belongings carefully stored to prevent theft or pickpocketing.
- Specialty items usually have fixed prices, so it's best not to haggle unreasonably to avoid discomfort for the seller. Especially, avoid bargaining in the morning when stores open, as this may affect their sales throughout the day.
- To get the best prices, search for information, products, and prices on the market beforehand.
- When buying food items, pay attention to the expiration date to avoid purchasing expired goods that cannot be used.
- To have the most convenient shopping trip, be informed about the weather in Ninh Binh and choose the best season to visit.
Here are some Ninh Binh specialties for gifts that Mytour has compiled. We hope this article will help with your Ninh Binh trip. If you're interested in Ninh Binh tours with Mytour, please call the hotline 1900 2083 for specific advice.
Hannah
Image Source: Internet.
