Buzz
Culinary Delights of Hạ Long
Just wrapped up an unforgettable expedition in Hạ Long, filled with a plethora of emotions and remarkable experiences. Surpassing all expectations, this tourist paradise not only boasts breathtaking landscapes but also offers unique delicacies infused with the essence of the sea. If you're planning a trip to Hạ Long, make sure to jot down these top 10 delectable dishes to savor!
1. Squid Cake
2. Delicate Rice Rolls with Squid Filling
3. Cuttlefish
Belonging to the same family as crabs, cuttlefish are larger and often come with eggs and male counterparts attached. It's interesting to note that they usually travel in pairs, with the female carrying the male on her back, making it common for fishermen to catch them in pairs. I've heard from the restaurant owner that consuming just one cuttlefish might cause stomach discomfort, so they often prepare and sell them in pairs. Cuttlefish can be prepared in various ways, such as steaming, stir-frying with glass noodles, grilled cartilage, cuttlefish salad, stir-fried with lemongrass and chili, crispy fried cuttlefish eggs, and more.
4. Razor Clams
Razor Clams, also known as sea ginseng or sea worms, are highly favored despite their relatively high price in the list of must-try delicacies in Hạ Long's culinary scene. Initially hesitant due to their resemblance to worms or pinkish larvae, I finally mustered the courage to taste them, and I understood why this dish is so renowned. Razor clams have a sweet and fresh taste, and when stir-fried with garlic, they emanate a delightful aroma, rich with the essence of the sea.
5. Wobbly Cake
This peculiarly named cake sparks many debates regarding its appearance, with some likening it to pho noodles while others see it as wet cake. Rolled into a long roll, when picked up to eat, it wobbles up and down, hence its name. The cake is served with a dipping sauce made from fermented chicken fat and crispy shallots. Some eateries even offer it with meticulously marinated braised pork.
6. Vermicelli with Clams
Adding another intriguing name to the list of delicacies in Hạ Long's culinary repertoire. In fact, razor clams are also known as river shrimp by people from the South. The fresh razor clam meat is sourced from the waters of Quảng Ninh province. After preparation, the razor clam shells are boiled together with bone broth. A bowl of vermicelli with razor clams also includes other ingredients such as sweet cabbage, tomatoes, mantis shrimp, and various aromatic herbs to enhance the flavor of the dish.
7. Towering Steamed Cakes
These cakes are a specialty crafted by the skilled hands of the Sán Dìu people. At first glance, you might mistake towering steamed cakes for sponge cakes from the Mekong Delta, albeit slightly darker in color. Despite their seemingly simple appearance, the process of making these cakes is quite meticulous and elaborate. The fragrant, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor of towering steamed cakes is sure to linger in your memory whenever you think of Hạ Long.
8. Stir-fried Tired Noodles
Upon hearing my friend rave about the 'splendid prose' of tired noodle stir-fry, I was eager to give it a try. However, when the plate of noodles was placed before me, I was rather disappointed. The dish lacked any appealing colors, the presentation was uninviting, with only noodles, black tired meat, wood ear mushrooms, and onions. But after tasting it, my opinion completely changed. The tired meat had a unique spicy flavor, which paired wonderfully with the mushrooms and wood ear, enhancing the overall aroma and taste. Despite its name, this dish is anything but tiresome!
9. Fairy Hill Chicken
Mytour10. Tapioca Pearls Yogurt
Having been accustomed to bubble milk tea in Saigon, I was stubbornly insistent on trying tapioca pearls yogurt in Hạ Long upon my friends' recommendation. And as expected, this dish truly deserves to be a Hạ Long specialty not to be missed. When you order tapioca pearls yogurt, the owner will bring you a small jar of chilled yogurt and a bowl of steaming coconut milk with tapioca pearls inside. Mix them together and take a spoonful of cold yogurt blended with hot coconut milk and tapioca pearls, you'll have quite an intriguing experience with this dish!
10 dishes above are hoped to help you reduce your dilemma when choosing what to eat in the list of Hạ Long culinary specialties. Don't hesitate anymore, quickly pack your backpack and head to Hạ Long to enjoy delicious dishes. If you're still hesitating because your wallet isn't 'overflowing', let Mytour help you! The attractive deals when booking hotels along with incredibly affordable flights will surely bring you a budget-friendly yet enjoyable trip.
