Discover the Irresistible Flavors of Quang Ngai's Top 12 Delicacies

While not the focal point on Vietnam's tourism map, Quang Ngai exerts a peculiar allure. Its most notable feature? The delectable specialties of Quang Ngai, unforgettable to many a diner. Situated along the coast, Quang Ngai is blessed with abundant seafood, providing the region with rustic, affordable delicacies. Join Mytour as we explore 12 renowned specialties of Quang Ngai in the following article.

Introduction to Quang Ngai Tourism

Quang Ngai is a coastal province in the South Central Coast region. With its picturesque coastline, ecotourism areas, and unique resorts, this destination holds vast potential for tourism development. Visitors to Quang Ngai can immerse themselves in nature, from the dense forests to the renowned My Khe beach and Ly Son island.

Quang Ngai's climate is divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the sunny season. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 27°C. The terrain consists mainly of high hills, valleys, and coastline. Two-thirds of the area is covered by hills and mountains, while the rest is sandy alluvial soil.

Ly Son Island is one of the most famous landmarks in Quang Ngai province (Source: Collection)

In addition to its stunning landscapes, this central coastal region is renowned for its delectable cuisine. After each trip to Quang Ngai, travelers can purchase Quang Ngai's specialties as gifts for their loved ones.

Top 12 Quang Ngai specialties you should try at least once

Quang Ngai is blessed with fresh and delicious natural ingredients. Therefore, Quang Ngai's specialties are irresistibly enticing. If you have the opportunity to travel to Quang Ngai, you must indulge in local specialties and buy them as gifts. Here are the top 12 Quang Ngai specialties that many tourists love.

Quang Ngai specialties to try on the spot

Grilled Ram Meat

If you're a meat lover, you can't miss the grilled ram meat. This renowned specialty is made from minced meat, shrimp, and finely chopped onions. Chefs mix all the ingredients with just the right spices. Then, they wrap the filling in rice paper. After rolling, the ram is skewered on sturdy bamboo sticks and grilled over charcoal until cooked evenly and fragrant.

Grilled ram meat rolled with thin rice paper and fresh vegetables is one of the culinary experiences in Quang Ngai favored by many diners (Source: Collection)

People in Quang Ngai often eat grilled ram meat together with beef wrapped in betel leaves. When enjoying, diners roll the grilled ram meat and beef onto a piece of thin rice paper. Then, you can add some fresh vegetables and roll tightly by hand. Finally, simply dip the rolled rice paper into the divine sauce to fully experience the unique flavor.

• Price range: Starting from 30,000 VND per serving.

• Reference address: Grilled ram meat stall - No. 98, Nguyen Tu Tan Street, Quang Ngai City. 

Con don - Quang Ngai specialty

Don is one of the most unique specialties of Quang Ngai that you can hardly find anywhere else. Don is a type of mollusk with characteristic pale yellow color, thin and crispy shell, only as big as the little finger. They are often found in the Ve and Tra rivers in Quang Ngai province.

After being caught, don is prepared by boiling until cooked. Then, the chef will sauté the don meat with onions, minced garlic, and ground pepper. When enjoying, diners will taste the sweet flavor from the boiled don water, along with the naturally tender and chewy don meat, which is extremely attractive.

• Price range: From about 140,000 VND per 0.5kg package.

• Reference locations: Food stalls, markets in Quang Ngai.

Trà River carp

If there were a vote for the most delicious specialty of Quang Ngai, Tra River carp would be a strong contender. Although Tra River carp can be prepared in various ways, braised Tra River carp still holds a special place in the hearts of diners. Braised carp combines all the rich, spicy, salty, and fragrant flavors, making it extremely delicious and enticing.

Tra River carp is often eaten with white rice to stimulate the taste buds of diners (Image source: Collected)

To make the perfect Tra River carp dish, the fish must be marinated with fish sauce and sugar until it becomes firm and fragrant. Then, just add a little pepper and chili to create the perfect level of spiciness. People in Quang Ngai often enjoy carp with a bowl of hot white rice in family meals.

Fish cake noodles

Bun cha fish has become a familiar breakfast dish sold everywhere in Quang Ngai. Every coastal region has bun cha fish, but Quang Ngai's bun cha has its own unique characteristics. The smooth white vermicelli noodles are paired with crispy golden fried fish cakes. The broth has a sweet and savory flavor profile.

• Price range: 20,000 VND - 35,000 VND/bowl

• Reference address: Tam Lan Bun Cha Fish Restaurant - Phan Dang Luu Street, Quang Ngai City

Seaweed from Sa Huynh

Another Quang Ngai specialty that captivates many travelers is Sa Huynh seaweed. Sa Huynh seaweed is a marine species abundant in the Sa Huynh area of Quang Ngai. This crustacean resembles a crab but is richer in nutrients. After being caught, the seaweed is cleaned with water and grilled over charcoal.

Sa Huynh sea cucumber is a luxurious, expensive seafood dish favored by many tourists (Image source: Collected)

Since Sa Huynh sea cucumber only appears during certain seasons, this specialty dish often comes with a high price tag. A portion of grilled sea cucumber ranges from 200,000 VND to 300,000 VND per kilogram.

• Reference address: Thành Cá Seafood - 1 To Huu, Tran Phu Ward, Quang Ngai City.

Suck Snails

Suck snails are a rustic Quang Ngai specialty, beloved by locals and sought after by many tourists visiting Quang Ngai. These snails have just the right amount of fatness and sweetness, paired perfectly with sweet and sour fish sauce, making them irresistible.

• Price range: 20,000 VND - 35,000 VND/portion

• Reference address: Tu Muoi Suck Snail Restaurant - 190 Phan Boi Chau Street, Quang Ngai City

Quang-style Noodles

When in Quang, one cannot overlook the renowned Quang-style noodles. This famous dish is a unique combination of rich broth and large, chewy noodles. Not to mention, when topped with slices of rice crackers, shrimp, quail eggs, meat, and more, it becomes simply delightful. Just a sip of the broth, and diners will experience the rich, creamy flavor spreading in their mouths.

When in Quang Ngai, you must warm your belly with a bowl of famous Quang-style noodles! (Image Source: Collection)

• Price range: 30,000 VND - 50,000 VND/bowl

• Reference address: Delicious Quang-style Noodles - 324 Nguyen Cong Phuong, Nghia Lo, Quang Ngai Province

Quang Ngai specialties for gifting

In addition to enjoying local specialties on the spot, travelers can also buy Quang Ngai specialty gifts for their loved ones. So, where to buy Quang Ngai specialties? Mytour suggests 5 specialty gifts that you may consider.

Quế Trà Bồng

Leading the list of Quang Ngai specialties favored by many travelers as gifts is Trà Bồng cinnamon. This is also one of 8 rare Vietnamese specialties that set an Asian record. Although not a food, Trà Bồng cinnamon can become a valuable gift for relatives and friends. With its intense fragrance, creating a sense of relaxation, Trà Bồng cinnamon can be processed into essential oil or used as a spice for dishes.

• Price range: 10,000 VND - 20,000 VND/item

Popcorn cake

Bánh nổ, a traditional specialty of Quang Ngai, evokes nostalgia for many locals. This rectangular-shaped cake has a white color and offers a natural crispy fragrance of glutinous rice, sweetness of sugar, and a spicy kick of ginger. It is often enjoyed with hot tea on special occasions.

Bánh nổ boasts a crispy texture and natural sweetness, perfect for pairing with hot tea. (Image Source: Collection)

• Price range: Around 30,000 VND/250 grams

• Reference address: Vietnamese Cake Shop - 257 Hung Vuong, Tran Phu District, Quang Ngai Province

Mirror candy

If you visit Quang Ngai and don't buy mirror candy as a gift, it's truly a missed opportunity. Known as mirror candy because of its shiny, translucent appearance resembling crystal. This type of candy is made from sugar, peanuts, and malt. When tasted, guests will experience the crispiness, sweetness of sugar combined with the creamy taste of peanuts. You can buy mirror candy at production facilities or candy stores in Quang Ngai.

• Reference address: Phuong Hoang Store - 245 Tran Hung Dao, Nghia Lo, Quang Ngai

Lung sugar

Lung sugar is a renowned specialty of Quang Ngai, requiring skilled craftsmanship and meticulousness in every stage of production. Sugarcane juice is the only ingredient used to make lung sugar, and absolutely no preservatives are added. As a result, the sugar maintains its crispiness, crunchiness, and distinctive aroma of sugarcane.

Lung candy is often used to make sweet desserts or dishes that require sweetness. (Image Source: Collection)

Not only for direct consumption, but lung candy can also be used to make sweet desserts or dishes. This is undoubtedly a valuable gift for housewives after visiting Quang Ngai.

• Reference address: Thanh Thuy Lung Candy Manufacturing Facility - Nghia Phuong, Quang Ngai

Quang Ngai rice ball cake

Rice ball cake is one of the most popular Quang Ngai specialties, often seen during Lunar New Year celebrations. It comes in various shapes and vibrant colors. When enjoyed, the cake is sliced thinly, made from a blend of different vegetables and glutinous rice flour. Hence, rice ball cakes often carry the natural fragrance of glutinous rice flour. Currently, they are commonly sold in Quang Ngai markets or confectionery stores.

Rice ball cakes are typically served to guests during Lunar New Year celebrations. (Image Source: Collection)

• Reference address: Main Street, Son Tinh, Quang Ngai

Some tips when buying Quang Ngai specialties

For the best experience when buying Quang Ngai specialties, pay attention to the following tips:

• Choose reputable stores in the market

• Inquire about prices beforehand to avoid overpaying

• Inspect the goods and products before making payment.

• Take care of personal belongings while shopping in markets and stores.

Above are 12 renowned Quang Ngai specialties that Mytour has shared. With these useful tips, you can discover more enticing dishes. If you need to book a tour to Quang Ngai, call the Mytour hotline for free itinerary and tour price advice!