Saying that Hải Phòng is a 'food paradise' is no exaggeration, because here, you'll get to savor numerous dishes that are both delicious and unique.
When you travel to Hải Phòng, make sure to taste all these delicious dishes!
Hải Phòng is renowned as the city of red flamboyant flowers. But when it comes to Hải Phòng, one cannot overlook the culinary scene of this land.
It's no exaggeration to say that getting lost in the city of Hải Phòng means immersing yourself in a culinary wonderland because here, you'll be submerged in a plethora of delicious and tantalizing dishes, some of which are delightfully unfamiliar.
If you're not already familiar with these enticing dishes of Hải Phòng, then my advice is to embark on a culinary journey here immediately, as every experience will leave you with no regrets.
1. Crab noodle crackers

Crab noodle crackers are practically the most famous specialty in Hải Phòng, and they are also one of the dishes that contribute to the culinary reputation of this port city.
The noodles have a characteristic brown color, they're chewy, so even if you eat them slowly, they won't get mushy. Crab noodle crackers come in both mixed and broth versions, differing only in the addition of broth, but still featuring toppings such as crab meat, mantis shrimp, etc.
2. Crab hotpot

Crab hotpot in Hải Phòng, especially the river crab hotpot, is also very famous. What sets it apart is the cooking method, making the hotpot here have a unique flavor that can't be found elsewhere.
The broth is extremely flavorful, with plenty of crab meat and roe. In addition to various meats, you can also enjoy hotpot with fresh seafood because it's readily available in Hải Phòng.
Apart from its delicious flavor, crab hotpot in Hải Phòng is also notable for being much cheaper compared to many other places.
3. Seafood

It would be a great loss to visit Hải Phòng for tourism without trying the seafood. Being a coastal area, seafood is also a specialty of this region.
There are numerous seafood stalls in Hải Phòng, but young people still whisper about one seafood stall located in a small alley across from the Maritime University on Lạch Tray Street.
Despite the student-friendly prices, the quality is exceptional. Moreover, the female owner of the stall is very enthusiastic and hospitable. If you go with a group of about 5 – 6 people, you'll only need to spend a little over a hundred thousand for a meal with a variety of delicacies such as crab claws, oysters, blood cockles, razor clams, and various types of snails...
4. Spicy bread

The spicy bread in Hải Phòng is also incredibly famous. When in Hải Phòng, one must indulge in spicy bread, and upon returning, it's customary to buy several dozen to give as gifts.
In the city of Hải Phòng, there are numerous stalls selling spicy bread. The differences between them are not significant, mainly in the secret recipe for making pate. After the bread is crispy baked, pate is stuffed inside, with some places even adding shredded pork, then dipped in chili sauce. Particularly, the chili sauce accompanying this spicy bread is not the usual type but homemade chili sauce. The sauce is slightly thinner, with a stronger spicy flavor, carrying a distinctive taste that not every place has.
5. Chinese-style Tofu Pudding

Unusual from its name to its appearance, but Chinese-style tofu pudding is a very familiar snack for people in Hải Phòng.
A bowl of Chinese-style tofu pudding consists of small cubes of tofu, finely fried meat and shrimp, diced papaya, then drizzled with chili vinegar fish sauce. Depending on individual taste, you can choose from non-spicy, mildly spicy, or very spicy.
6. Pond Crab Spring Rolls

Still using the Northern recipe for spring rolls, but pond crab spring rolls are mainly filled with seafood (such as shrimp, crab...), along with bean sprouts and glass noodles. The filling is rolled into a firm and visually appealing square block. The outer layer of the spring rolls is thicker, often consisting of several layers to prevent them from bursting when fried.
Because Hải Phòng is very close to the sea, the seafood used for making spring rolls is usually fresh. When eaten, the spring rolls still retain the rich flavors of shrimp, crab, mantis shrimp... and are very fresh.
7. Stir-Fried Pond Algae

Stir-fried pond algae – a name that sounds intriguing enough to make people curious and want to try it.
In fact, this stir-fried pond algae dish is not extravagant, but if you're in Hải Phòng, you should give it a try. This dish is quite common and is often sold in food areas at markets.
Pond algae has a shape quite similar to small intestines, and when separated, the inner part looks like a bundle of algae, perhaps that's why it's called pond algae. Stir-fried pond algae is crispy, chewy, soaked in sauce, and the fragrance of Vietnamese balm sprinkled on top will be an unforgettable experience.
8. Water Fern Cake

Completely different from the water fern cake of Central Vietnam, Hải Phòng's water fern cake is made from finely minced lean meat, stir-fried with wood ear mushrooms, mung bean sprouts, finely chopped fried shallots..., mixed with rice flour and steamed in banana leaves.
Water fern cake is served with a dipping sauce made from bone broth, mixed with fish sauce and various spices. Especially, you can also order additional pork sausage to accompany the water fern cake for a richer flavor and more satisfying meal.
9. Coconut Jelly

For people in Hải Phòng, coconut jelly brings back many childhood memories. The soft, green coconut jelly pieces, eaten with sweet syrup, will make you feel like melting on the tip of your tongue.
After indulging in rich dishes, you'll definitely need a cup of coconut jelly to quench your thirst. When eating, if you want to add pearls or any other topping, feel free to request them from the shop owner!
10. Beef Salad

Visit the culinary area of Cát Bi market and ask anyone about a must-try dish, they'll definitely recommend you to try beef salad.
Beef salad is a dish that is both... unfamiliar and familiar. The preparation is very simple, just thinly sliced beef and beef skin mixed with lemongrass and toasted rice powder, then rolled with herbs and dipped in shrimp paste or soy sauce, depending on each person's taste.
In addition, the market areas also sell many other snacks such as Vietnamese crepes, tapioca dumplings, various types of skewered sausages...

Source: Afamily
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourMay 26, 2017