Buzz
Quảng Ninh isn't just famed for the breathtaking landscapes of Hạ Long Bay; it's also a gastronomic haven with an array of seafood delights that are simply 'top-notch.'
Indulge in the Culinary Wonders of Vịnh Hạ Long with These 5 Unmissable Delicacies
Traveling isn't just about sightseeing; it's also an opportunity to explore the local cuisine. Here are some dishes you shouldn't miss when visiting the coastal city of Hạ Long.
Seafood Noodles and Rice Cakes
Recently, seafood noodles have become a popular choice at restaurants in Hanoi. However, when you indulge in them in Hạ Long, you're in for a completely different experience. Seafood noodles or rice cakes in Hạ Long are perfect for breakfast. A bowl of seafood noodles or rice cakes, priced at around 40,000 VND, will include shrimp, cuttlefish (or jellyfish), clams, fish cakes, and various greens (or chives). The combination of seafood noodles or rice cakes with fresh greens creates a harmonious blend of the sweet broth and the refreshing taste of the raw vegetables. In Hạ Long, you can easily find seafood eateries. Some well-known spots for fresh and delicious seafood noodles that you might want to check out include Hai Van Restaurant at the beginning of the road leading to Dong Bac Company, and the seafood noodle place at the entrance of Cau Trang – Ha Tu...
Savory Sam Delights
In the past, people seldom indulged in sam, but over time, it has become a delicacy unexpectedly. Not every coastal region boasts sam. Coastal locals process sam by pairing them off, one male and one female, believing that processing only one could lead to allergies or upset stomach.
Sam is transformed into various dishes such as sweet and sour stir-fry, patties, and sam eggs – all uniquely flavorful. However, sam, being a seafood with cooling properties, is advised against for those with a history of seafood allergies or sensitivity. The most renowned sam spot in Hạ Long currently is Sam Mrs. Ty at Lane 6 Cao Thắng. In the evening at the snack area of Hạ Long Market 1, there's a stall offering sweet and sour sam feet, sam patties, and more, quite delectable. Another well-known spot is sam in Quảng Yên, along the route from Hạ Long to Hanoi. Sea sam is quite expensive nowadays, with an average plate costing around 150,000 VND.
Shellfish Porridge
Shellfish porridge is a popular snack, and the Hạ Long version involves porridge made with shellfish from the sea, giving it a distinct taste compared to the shellfish porridge in Hanoi, which uses freshwater clams. The porridge is accompanied by green onions, finely chopped coriander, dried onions, and crispy fried dough sticks, offering a fragrant and hearty experience. A recommended spot for delicious shellfish porridge is at Hạ Long Market 1. Walking from the main road, the first stall on the left, near the Vietcombank building, is the place. The stall also sells delicious patiso (pillow cakes). In Hạ Long Market 2, the snack area also has a long-standing shellfish porridge stall, available for quite some time. The price for a bowl of shellfish porridge with crispy fried dough sticks is around 15,000 – 20,000 VND.
Sautéed Snails
When in Hạ Long, the irresistible dish you can't miss is sautéed snails. A popular local snack, reasonably priced around 35,000 VND per plate, it's best enjoyed at sidewalk eateries for a cozy and authentic experience. Sautéed snails, infused with soy sauce, lemongrass, tamarind sauce, and coconut, are delicious and addictive. Hạ Long offers a variety of snail options, with common ones being pipe snails, bubble snails, and buffalo snails.
Explore these addresses for a snail feast: Snail stalls near the old Quảng Ninh Museum alley (Nguyễn Văn Cừ Street) – two bustling and equally quality spots mainly serving students, offering relatively affordable prices. Van Lang sidewalk snail stall, known for delicious sautéed snails, though slightly pricier than the average. Most snail joints in Hạ Long serve boiled, sautéed, and grilled snails. If you fancy oysters, you can enjoy them at these spots as well.
Rice Rolls with Hand-Pounded Squid Sausage
While rice rolls are ubiquitous, pairing them with hand-pounded squid sausage is a unique treat found only here. The goodness of this dish depends on the freshness and crispiness of the squid sausage, offering a satisfying texture. The dipping sauce, a blend of tangy lime and spicy chili, adds a zesty touch. The best rice rolls with hand-pounded squid sausage are served piping hot, sprinkled with a bit of dried shallots. A pioneering spot for this delicacy in Hạ Long is Mrs. Ngân's stall, located right next to the Bạch Đằng Cinema. Prices range around 40,000 VND per serving.
According to Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourApril 22, 2016
