Buzz
Ninh Binh boasts a rich natural landscape, attracting both local and international tourists. However, it's the delectable cuisine of Ninh Binh that truly captivates visitors and leaves a lasting impression on this region.
Indulge in the culinary wonders of Ninh Binh with these 8 dishes that will linger in your memory.
1. Mountain Goat Meat
When it comes to delicious dishes in Ninh Binh, the renowned specialty is mountain goat meat. Raised in the mountains, the meat is firm and tender. This exquisite meat is crafted into various delightful dishes such as steamed goat, goat spring rolls, grilled goat, and stir-fried goat, but the most impressive is the rare goat meat with lime. Each succulent piece is red, juicy, and fresh, offering a sweet and tender taste without any gamey flavor. Just one bite, and you'll experience the extraordinary and aromatic flavors of this dish.
Crispy burnt rice is one of the must-try dishes in Ninh Binh that no food enthusiast should miss when visiting. It's a dish that enchants countless diners with just one taste.
Experience the unique Ninh Binh burnt rice, a blend of dry and sticky rice meticulously processed through drying and deep frying. This results in crispy, fragrant burnt rice commonly enjoyed with shredded pork or aromatic spring onion, accompanied by a flavorful sauce that mesmerizes diners.
3. Mountain Snails
Mountain snails are found throughout Ninh Binh province, particularly in the limestone mountain areas of Tam Diep, Yen Mo, and Nho Quan. This local delicacy, also known as rock snails, is transformed into enticing dishes. Unlike typical snails, mountain snails grow horizontally, reaching about two fingers in size, with a wide opening and a milky white color. Thriving in mountainous terrain, they only appear from April to August during the damp weather. This makes them challenging to find during the rest of the year.
The meat of mountain snails is chewy, crispy, sweet, and carries a distinctive aroma. It is used to create various delicious dishes such as grilled, tamarind stir-fry, garlic stir-fry, satay stir-fry, ginger steaming, lemongrass boiling, sautéed with chili and lemongrass, or mixed in salads with spring onions. The most delectable, perhaps, is the steamed snails with lemongrass, which eliminates the gamey smell while retaining the sweet essence of the snail meat. When served, dipping in fish sauce and spices enhances the uniquely delightful experience.
4. Eel Vermicelli
Eel vermicelli is one of the delicious dishes in Ninh Binh that many local and international tourists savor when visiting. The eel used for this dish must be the ricefield eel, with a brownish-pink back and a deep yellow belly. Compared to other eel varieties, this eel looks smaller and has much firmer flesh. In this dish, the eel is cooked with vermicelli and served with banana flowers, creating an impressively flavorful combination.
5. Kim Son Snakehead Fish Salad
6. Grilled Banana Blossom Fish
A visit to Ninh Binh would be incomplete without savoring the delightful Grilled Banana Blossom Fish. These unique fish are often found in water-filled caves. The sweet and fragrant fish meat, when grilled, releases an enticing aroma that captivates diners. Served with fresh vegetables, sweet and tangy fish sauce, and a touch of fresh vermicelli, Grilled Banana Blossom Fish is a culinary experience to remember.
7. Fan-shaped Vermicelli with Grilled Pork
While Hanoi boasts the famous Bun Cha, Ninh Binh offers an equally delectable dish – Fan-shaped Vermicelli with Grilled Pork. The uniqueness lies in the pork, marinated with rich spices and evenly grilled until golden and aromatic. Served with neatly cut vermicelli, crunchy pickled vegetables, and perfectly grilled pork, the essence of this dish lies in its flavorful dipping sauce. A truly delightful experience requires a delicious dipping sauce that enhances the overall taste.
8. Grilled Field Crab with Wild Betel Leaf
Grilled Field Crab with Wild Betel Leaf is a Ninh Binh specialty that has gained fame far and wide, both domestically and internationally. The flavor of this dish not only captivates diners from the first taste but also leaves them with unforgettable impressions. Field crabs are typically caught in the rice fields by the locals of Ninh Binh. The meat of these crabs is firm and carries a more delightful fragrance compared to other crab varieties. When grilled, the crabs become exceptionally crispy, combined with the aromatic and spicy taste of wild betel leaf, creating a truly enticing dish. Despite its simple preparation, Grilled Field Crab with Wild Betel Leaf is a dish that lingers in the memory of every diner.
Source: Mytour
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourAugust 1, 2023
