Explore the culinary delights of Hai Phong with its famous signature dishes.

Crab noodle soup, river crab hotpot, rolled cake, baguette sticks... have become enticing dishes with unique preparation, sophistication, and rich flavors, easily captivating diners.

Discover the gastronomic wonders of Hai Phong, renowned for its distinctive cuisine.

In this familiar port land, there are many dishes not only favored by locals but also renowned across regions, bringing pride to the people of the city of flamboyant flowers. Below are the must-try Hai Phong delicacies that visitors cannot miss when they have the opportunity to visit this place.

Crab noodle soup

Crab noodle soup is a dish that has made a name for Hai Phong's cuisine. Each bowl of crab noodle soup is a harmonious blend of rich colors - the dark red of the noodles, the pinkish-brown of the crab claws, the fresh red of tomatoes, the lush green of water spinach and morning glory, the deep green of fried betel leaves, and the golden hue of fish cakes and fried shallots.

To truly savor the exquisite taste of crab noodle soup, one must indulge in the renowned specialty from Dư Hàng Kênh village (Lê Chân district, Hải Phòng), famous for its resilient rice noodles that withstand prolonged soaking without losing their firmness. The accompanying chili sauce, though considered a mere condiment, holds its own charm, prepared through traditional methods passed down through generations.

Hai Phong locals relish crab noodle soup at any time of the day, elevating it to a dish celebrated far and wide, a source of pride akin to Hanoi's pho or the robust flavors of Hue's beef noodles.

Breadsticks

Breadsticks, also known as spicy bread, are a culinary highlight of Hai Phong. These slender, elongated treats, only one-third to one-fifth the size of regular bread, are famed for their uniquely crisp texture. Authentic breadsticks are typically enjoyed with liver pate, finely chopped herbs, and the indispensable 'fiery' chili sauce – an essential element that contributes to Hai Phong's spicy bread's distinctive taste.

Rice Rolls

A renowned delicacy in Hai Phong, rice rolls are easily found in establishments serving fragrant, delectable offerings, particularly during breakfast hours. A delectable rice roll must boast a thin, flavorful exterior, topped with dried shrimp and fried shallots. When consumed, it's accompanied by a dipping sauce made from simmered fish sauce, optionally with a dash of chili vinegar. For those preferring a meaty variant, minced pork filling can be added for a richer flavor, served with pork sausage or meatballs.

Shrimp Vermicelli

Shrimp Vermicelli is a signature dish of Hai Phong cuisine, made with vermicelli and seafood (usually shrimp). The vermicelli should be thick noodles, and the shrimp are typically fresh tiger prawns or giant freshwater prawns. Depending on preference, you can add pork ribs, pork knuckles, or both. Common accompanying vegetables include water spinach, mustard greens, water dropwort, shiitake mushrooms, perilla leaves, and scallions. While there are variations in different places, essential ingredients must include some dishes originating from the sea of Hai Phong to be considered authentic shrimp vermicelli.

Crab Spring Rolls

This is also one of the enticing specialties of Hai Phong with a flavor unique to nowhere else. In addition to the usual ingredients of northern spring rolls, crab spring rolls feature the presence of freshwater crab meat, another specialty of the coastal region.

The banh da nem, though simple, must be a type of rice paper produced using traditional local methods, wrapping the nem filling and folding it into neatly squared pieces. When fried, it retains the distinctive flavor of freshwater crab. The nem can be dipped in sauce or eaten with vermicelli and raw vegetables.

Field Crab Hotpot

While not a coastal delicacy, the Dong crab hotpot, prepared in the style of Hai Phong, still retains unique characteristics that set it apart. The broth is rich and hearty, generously filled with crab meat, accompanied by red rice noodles and seafood cakes, all authentic to this port city. Not only delicious, but Hai Phong's crab hotpot is also relatively affordable compared to similar dishes in Hanoi or elsewhere.

As reported by Zing News

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour