Top 10 iconic dishes you must try when visiting the homeland of Uncle Ho

When you think of bánh bèo, you might associate it with the famous dish from Hue. However, Nghệ An's version is made from tapioca flour instead of rice flour. The dough is carefully kneaded to ensure a perfect batch of bánh bèo. The dumplings are shaped like lotus petals to enhance their appearance. Shrimp is used as the filling, which is cleaned, seasoned with fried onions, and sautéed until fragrant, filling the air with its delicious aroma.

The shrimp is cooked to perfection, giving it a rich flavor. Fried onions and a sprinkle of cilantro are added to complete the dish, giving it an authentic taste. If you enjoy spicy food, you can also add chili paste. The chewy texture of the tapioca dough melts in your mouth, combining perfectly with the savory shrimp and crispy fried onions. This dish has become a must-try specialty of Nghệ An that no traveler should miss.

Recommended places to try: Local markets and roadside eateries in Nghệ An city.

Estimated price: 20,000 VND per plate.

At first glance, Bánh mướt may seem similar to the Northern Vietnam's bánh cuốn, but it carries its own distinctive and delightful flavor. Bánh mướt is typically rolled up, soft, smooth, and translucent, roughly the length of an adult's finger. The dish is made from rice flour, where the rice is soaked for hours, then ground into a fine paste and left to ferment for several hours.

In the early morning, people rise early to prepare the bánh mướt. To enjoy it, all you need is a bowl of fish sauce with some lime, just the right amount of sugar, and a few thinly sliced chili peppers—simple, yet satisfying. Over time, bánh mướt has been creatively adapted, but its distinctive Nghệ An flavor remains, something unique to this region. Bánh mướt is considered a signature dish of Nghệ An, and if you're traveling to the homeland of Uncle Ho, don't miss out on this delicious treat.

Recommended place to try: Mrs. Mận’s bánh mướt shop - 36 Trần Hưng Đạo, Vinh City, Nghệ An.

Estimated price: 60,000 VND per portion.

Grilled Squid, or 'jumping squid,' refers to the squid that fishermen catch fresh from the sea, still full of life and brought straight to be prepared and enjoyed. Cửa Lò, a peaceful coastal area, is known not only for its natural beauty and the friendly hospitality of its people but also for this delicious grilled squid. The squid here is incredibly fresh, with a translucent white color right after being caught.

This mouthwatering dish has led to the creation of a unique squid-catching experience using basket boats in Cửa Lò, with squid catching prices ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 VND per hour.

After cleaning, the squid is skewered and grilled over hot charcoal. This specialty from Nghệ An is not to be missed when visiting the region. The distinct and aromatic flavor of the grilled squid will surely leave a memorable impression. The price for Cửa Lò's fresh squid is approximately 300,000 VND per kilogram.

Recommended location: Cửa Lò Beach

Estimated price: 120,000 VND per serving

Nam Đàn Soy Sauce is a staple in the daily meals of locals in Nghệ An. This unique sauce is an essential condiment when enjoying dishes like goat meat, boiled vegetables, or other simple local dishes in every household's meal.

Made primarily from soybeans, glutinous rice, and corn grown in Nam Đàn, the process of creating the perfect jar of soy sauce is a meticulous art. The soy sauce is traditionally fermented for one and a half to two months, allowing its fragrance to fully develop and spread when the jar is opened.

Unlike other soy sauces like Bần, Nam Đàn Soy Sauce has a beautiful golden color with floating soybean grains in its thick, rich liquid. Tasting this soy sauce, one will experience a balanced sweetness and saltiness with an unforgettable aroma that lingers on the palate. This is what makes Nam Đàn Soy Sauce a cherished delicacy among visitors. If you have the chance to visit Nghệ An, don't forget to pick up a bottle of this authentic local sauce.

Suggested purchase location: Nam Đàn Market, Nghệ An.

Estimated price: 50,000 VND per liter

When buying Nghệ An specialties as gifts for family, don't forget Nghệ An Tamarind Sausage. This delicacy makes for a perfect gift during holidays and celebrations, simple yet full of warmth and affection.

To make a delicious tamarind sausage, locals choose young, tender pieces of beef (often tenderloin), ensuring the meat is firm, lean, and flavorful. The meat is marinated with a blend of spices, cardamom, seasoning, monosodium glutamate, and pepper to enhance its taste. The skin is ground to a smooth consistency like that of sausage, and then prepared for cooking.

Nghệ An Tamarind Sausage offers a uniquely sweet and savory flavor with a hint of spice from the pepper and the aromatic herbs. Thin, pink slices of the sausage are served on a plate, often paired with chili sauce or pure fish sauce. Enjoying it with a glass of wine creates a delightful and unexpected taste experience. This is a fantastic dish for family meals and a meaningful gift for friends and loved ones.

Suggested Purchase Location: Tamarind Sausage Nam Nghĩa - Xóm 4, Ngã ba chợ Nam Nghĩa, Nam Đàn, Nghệ An

Estimated Price: 220,000 VND per kg

A trip to Nghệ An wouldn't be complete without sampling Coconut Grove Sticky Rice Cake. This beloved snack is a must-try for any food lover and a highly sought-after souvenir for many visitors.

Coconut Grove Sticky Rice Cake is a long-standing specialty from Tường Sơn village in Anh Sơn district. It's made with simple yet flavorful ingredients: glutinous rice flour, molasses, mung bean paste, coconut flesh, and finely ground gai leaves. The filling is carefully mixed and shaped into small balls, then wrapped in dried banana leaves. The wrapped cakes are boiled and left to drain.

This cake is famous for its delicate sweetness, fragrant aroma, and rich, nutty flavor that’s surprisingly addictive, making it the perfect snack for any occasion. It's also a thoughtful and meaningful gift to bring back for friends and family after visiting Nghệ An.

Suggested Purchase Location: Hà Lương Sticky Rice Cakes - Tường Sơn, Anh Sơn, Nghệ An.

Estimated Price: 2,000 – 3,500 VND per pair

When visiting a new region, many travelers like to bring home local agricultural products as gifts, and in Nghệ An, one such item to consider is the distinctive bitter bamboo shoots. These shoots are a regular feature in the local cuisine, often appearing in family meals or special gatherings. Unlike sweet bamboo shoots, these have a slight bitterness that may be difficult for some to appreciate at first. However, as you chew, the bitterness gradually fades, revealing a subtle sweetness with a hint of spice.

Once harvested, the bitter bamboo shoots are cleaned and prepared in various ways: stir-fried with tamarind, cooked with pork bones in soup, boiled, or grilled. The most popular preparation is boiled bitter bamboo shoots served with shrimp paste or grilled shoots paired with spicy salt. These shoots grow year-round, with the highest yield during the rainy season. After touring the scenic spots of Nghệ An, visitors can take a break and enjoy this unique dish, or even buy a few kilograms to take home as a special gift for loved ones.

Suggested Purchase Locations: Available at roadside stands, local markets, and various districts like Tân Kỳ and Tương Dương, Nghệ An.

Estimated Price: 25,000 VND per kilogram

Thanh Chương's Pickled Jackfruit may be an unfamiliar name to many, but when you mention unripe jackfruit, everyone will recognize it, right? These young jackfruits are harvested, boiled, and then eaten with salt and chili. The salty, bitter taste that lingers in the throat is irresistible to children. In Thanh Chương, Nghệ An, turning green jackfruit into a type of preserved dish is considered a culinary art.

Thanh Chương's Pickled Jackfruit is a delicacy made from unripe jackfruit. To prepare it, the jackfruits are peeled, cleaned, and soaked to remove the sap, then sliced or chopped into small pieces and left to ferment. This pickled jackfruit is often served in everyday meals, providing a crunchy, tangy accompaniment to rice. Just a bit of fish sauce for dipping is enough to enhance the flavor. If you visit Nghệ An, don't forget to buy some Thanh Chương pickled jackfruit to enjoy with your family.

Suggested Purchase Locations: Markets in Thanh Chương district, Nghệ An.

Estimated Price: 35,000 VND

Visiting Nghệ An and not trying the Xã Đoài Oranges would be a big mistake. This fruit, hailing from Nghi Diên village (also known as Xã Đoài), Nghi Lộc district, Nghệ An province, is a local specialty that has become quite famous. Its unique fragrance and sweetness have captivated many, earning it a place in poetry and songs. Xã Đoài oranges are renowned for their thin skin, abundant juice, and sweet, refreshing taste. To produce the best oranges, local farmers carefully select the right varieties for cultivation.

If you visit during the Lunar New Year, you’ll be amazed by the vibrant orange orchards. The fragrance of the fruit fills the air, making it hard to resist. However, these oranges are so rare during this time that they can fetch up to 100,000 VND each! The scarcity of Xã Đoài oranges makes them a premium fruit, with prices starting at around 50,000 VND for one orange. Most buyers have to place their orders months in advance. Despite the high price, the exceptional flavor of these oranges makes them well worth it.

Suggested Purchase Locations: Directly from local farmers or reputable stores in Nghi Lộc district, Nghệ An.

Estimated Price: 80,000 VND per kilogram.

Eels are a common freshwater delicacy, but in Nghệ An, they are transformed into a range of dishes, each more mouth-watering than the last. The rich culinary traditions of the region give eels a unique twist, and when it comes to local specialties, it’s impossible to leave out eel from the conversation.

The aromatic scent of grilled eel fills the air, drawing people in from all directions. Another local favorite is the crispy fried dried eel, which is prepared using a special recipe that leaves visitors craving more. Made from wild-caught eels, this dish is deep-fried in oil without the use of preservatives, ensuring a natural and crispy crunch. The price of dried eel is around 1,350,000 VND per kilogram.

Suggested Purchase Location: Ba Liễu Restaurant: 87 Mai Hắc Đế, Quán Bàu, Vinh City.

Estimated Price: 50,000 VND per serving.