1. Steamed Rolled Rice Pancakes
Steamed Rolled Rice Pancakes are a familiar breakfast dish to Vietnamese people, with ingredients that reflect the rustic essence of Vietnam's countryside. However, nowadays, steamed rolled rice pancakes are not only served for breakfast but also available as an evening snack, an indispensable daily treat.
Steamed Rolled Rice Pancakes are made from thin sheets of steamed rice flour. The filling is quite diverse, including peeled shrimp, finely minced pork shoulder, wood ear mushrooms, shallots, or even scrambled eggs... All neatly rolled inside the warm rice sheets. According to the customer's preference, steamed rolled rice pancakes can be served with grilled meat, sausage, raw vegetables... The most special part is the dipping sauce, which varies from one place to another. Some places simply use diluted fish sauce with added sugar, lime, garlic, pepper, or a few slices of chili and a bit of fried shallots. Others use broth simmered from bone marrow, adding appropriate spices and a bit of scallion, coriander, pepper, chili… When eating, the pancakes are soft, chewy, refreshing, fragrant with the filling, all melting in your mouth. The best steamed rolled rice pancakes are found on streets such as Nguyen Chich, Hang Thanh, Tong Duy Tan, in Thanh Hoa City, priced at only 10,000 to 15,000 VND for a plate of 5 pieces.


2. Rice Pancake Dumplings
Rice Pancake Dumplings originate from the dreamy land of Hue. However, when it comes to Thanh Hoa, with skillful hands and the creativity of the locals, rice pancake dumplings have become a famous dish in the city and are loved by many young people. Every afternoon, the streets are bustling with people coming in and out to enjoy these delicious dumplings.
Rice pancake dumplings consist of three parts: the cake made from rice flour, the filling sprinkled on top of the cake made from ground shrimp, and the dipping sauce. Unlike steamed rice rolls or shrimp rice pancakes, the dipping sauce for rice pancake dumplings is poured directly onto the cake instead of dipping. People often add a little bit of fried shallots, crushed peanuts on top of the cake to create a distinctive aroma and rich flavor. Each type of cake will have its own separate and suitable dipping sauce. A bowl of tangy and spicy fish sauce contributes to the perfection of the dish. Adding a bit of spiciness from fresh chili leaves a lingering sensation in the mouth. In Thanh Hoa, rice pancake dumplings are slightly modified to suit the taste of the locals by adding a little bit of fried shallots and shrimp floss. You can easily find this dish at many street stalls on Dao Duy Tu Street, Vườn Hoa Market... with prices ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 VND per plate.


3. Shrimp Pancake
Shrimp pancake is a specialty dish unique to Thanh Hoa. For the locals here, just mentioning this type of cake will immediately evoke an image of a smoky, fragrant, and flavorful dish. The ingredients for making the cake include: ground rice soaked in water, fresh and delicious shrimp, sliced mustard greens, and corn. Shrimp is the soul of the cake, so it is meticulously selected. It must be fresh and delicious, washed clean, then marinated with spices. Making this cake is not too complicated. Heat the pan, add oil, add a layer of corn, mustard greens, evenly spread vegetables across the pan. Next, add the flour and finally sprinkle the shrimp on top, cover and fold the cake in less than a minute. You can display it on a plate and enjoy it immediately while it's still smoky.
The indispensable part of the cake is the dipping sauce. People in Thanh Hoa often choose a type of fish sauce from their hometown's coastal area to make the dipping sauce. It's not too sweet or too strong, just right, with the fragrance of kumquat, a bit of pepper, and a few slices of chili. The cake has the sweetness of vegetables, the richness of shrimp, and the crispiness of the outer flour layer, making it irresistible. Strolling around Thanh Hoa city in the late afternoon, you can enjoy a hot plate of shrimp pancake on streets like Trường Thi, Đào Duy Từ, Hàn Thuyên, Vườn Hoa Market... with prices ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 VND each.


4. Snails
Boiled snails, stir-fried snails are familiar delicacies for Vietnamese people. In Thanh Hoa, this dish is no exception. Snails are carefully selected, those with plenty of meat, fat are cleaned, soaked for a day to release mud and undesirable substances for diners' health. Thanh Hoa has many delicious dishes such as: stir-fried finger snails with tamarind sauce, steamed spicy sea snails, steamed grapefruit leaf stuffed snails, stewed stuffed snails, stir-fried tube snails with lemongrass and chili, stir-fried finger snails with water spinach, ... Not only small eateries, sidewalk eateries, but also some restaurants serve snail dishes along with crab, crab claw.
Snails are processed in many ways. Sucking snails are chopped tails, boiled with lemongrass and mixed with spices, when eating people suck snails to feel the rich flavor of the spices more clearly. Keel snails are whole snails, boiled until cooked, then keeled and dipped in dipping sauce made from fish sauce, chili, lime leaves, lemongrass... Or some places prefer stir-fried snails with tamarind, coconut... In Thanh Hoa city, there are 'snail streets' such as: Ben Ngu, Tan An, Le Lai with prices ranging from 10,000 VND for a bowl of boiled snails to 15,000 to 20,000 VND for a plate of stir-fried snails with tamarind sauce, coconut sauce.


5. Clear tapioca dumplings
Also a type of cake that comes to Thanh due to the hands of people from Hue. Clear tapioca dumplings are loved by many because they still retain the flavor of the ancient capital region.
Clear tapioca dumplings are made from cassava flour. Nowadays, people mainly use tapioca flour, and the filling is shrimp mixed with spices or finely ground pork mixed with wood ear mushrooms, shallots, bamboo shoots... The dumplings are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed or boiled until cooked, then quickly dipped in cold water. When cooked, the dumplings look transparent with the clear red color of the shrimp, which is very eye-catching. Shrimp and pork dumplings are sliced onto a plate and topped with chili fish sauce. There are also crispy shallots, shrimp floss, and delicious dipping sauce. Like elsewhere, clear tapioca dumplings come in two types: leaf dumplings and plain dumplings. Leaf dumplings are rectangular, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed. To eat, you have to peel off each layer of leaves to see the filling inside. The process of making the dumplings is extremely meticulous. Therefore, the quality of the dumplings is impeccable.
In Thanh Hoa city, you can find this dish on Dao Duy Tu Street, Vườn Hoa Market, Tay Thanh Market... for around 15,000 VND per plate.


6. Canh porridge
Along with sour fermented pork, nhè cake, thorn leaf cake… canh porridge is also one of the specialties of Thanh Hoa that many diners love.
This dish is also known as Thanh Hoa-style noodle soup porridge because it is made from familiar ingredients such as rice flour, noodle soup, bone broth, and accompanied by some coriander and chili powder to enhance the delicious flavor. The process of making canh porridge is not too difficult, however, achieving a smooth consistency in the final product is something not everyone knows how to do. Therefore, many people comment that Thanh Hoa canh porridge is truly the typical flavor of the Thanh homeland, making those who are far from home unable to help but miss it whenever mentioned. This is definitely a unique dish you must seek out and try when visiting this place.
Canh porridge has a very distinctive color and flavor, deeply imbued with the soul of the Thanh homeland. To eat canh porridge in Thanh Hoa city, you can go to the side of Vườn Hoa Market. The stall starts selling from 2 p.m., is always crowded, and usually sells out by 5 p.m. Prices range from 20,000 to 30,000 VND per bowl.


7. Nhè cake
Nhè cake is a specialty, rustic dish of the people of Thanh Hoa. It is similar to floating cake or molasses cake of Nghe An. The cake is the crystallization of the countryside products in this area. With coconut, green beans, and sugar wrapped in a layer of smooth sticky rice flour.
Nhè cake is one of the famous specialties of Thanh Hoa. Until now, no one remembers or can explain why nhè cake has such a unique name. It is only known that this cake has existed for a long time and has been passed down from generation to generation. The simple cake dish is the crystallization of the culture of fields and rivers of the spiritual land that makes anyone who goes far away cannot help but feel nostalgic when mentioned. Different from floating cake, the way of making Thanh Hoa nhè cake is also very simple. The cook needs to prepare: glutinous rice flour, green beans, cane sugar, ginger, shredded coconut, yellow sugar, and a little distilled water. When enjoying nhè cake, you should break each cake so that the green bean filling can blend with the sweet and sticky cane sugar syrup. The cake crust is chewy, smooth, the filling is chewy, and the aroma of ginger wafts, making you unable to stop after just one bite. Nhè cake is often sold on carts throughout the city for only about 5,000 VND/ 1 bowl.


8. Fermented pork roll
When it comes to Thanh Hoa, everyone knows about the famous fermented pork roll. This land of majestic mountains not only attracts tourists with interesting destinations but also leaves unforgettable tastes with its specialties like fermented pork roll. Therefore, it's a meaningful gift that many people choose to bring back after their trips. Thanh Hoa's fermented pork roll has a unique flavor, distinct from Hanoi-style or Hue-style fermented pork rolls, and even more different from fried or grilled ones. It's both sour and spicy, with a savory taste of spices. Plus, the sweetness of the meat makes you want to eat more. Thanh Hoa locals, whether traveling south or north, always make an effort to bring some rolls for their families or to give as gifts.
Fermented pork roll consists of sliced pigskin, lean pork, roasted rice powder, and is wrapped in fig leaves or guava leaves with distinctive spices. To make a delicious fermented pork roll in the traditional way, you need to have your own secret recipe passed down through generations. From the traditional roll, Thanh Hoa locals have created many different types and cooking methods to enjoy. You can stroll through Dinh Le, Ngoc Trao, To Vinh Dien streets... to taste this dish.


9. Shrimp Cake
Shrimp cake is a must-try dish when visiting Thanh Hoa. Its unique flavor is enough to leave a lasting impression on anyone who tastes it. The ingredients for making shrimp cake are not too complicated, including: rice paper, finely ground shrimp, some minced and sautéed pork, along with dried shallots sautéed with pepper.
The shrimp must be of good quality. It's best to choose Sam Son sea shrimp. After cleaning the shrimp and lightly steaming them to make peeling easier, they are mashed rather than ground for a better texture and taste. The pork, after being sautéed until golden, is mixed with the mashed shrimp and dried shallots, then seasoned to perfection before being wrapped in rice paper. The cakes are then grilled on charcoal, served with fresh vegetables. The dipping sauce is made from diluted fish sauce mixed with thinly sliced green papaya, julienne carrots, fresh chili, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. Famous places to find shrimp cake include: Nha Tho, Le Thi Hoa, Dao Duy Tu (from 3 p.m. onwards), with prices around 30,000 VND per plate.


10. Rice doughnut
Many tourists visiting Thanh Hoa never miss the opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine. Thanh Hoa is known for its rich and diverse culinary heritage, unlike any other region. Sometimes, it's the simple, rustic dishes that offer the most delightful experiences, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals.
The name rice doughnut is similar to traditional cakes found in many other regions. It carries with it a legendary story closely tied to this land. Previously, this cake was not called by this name. It was known as 'Ut ich,' made by Ut, the youngest sister of Lang Lieu, who named it so. However, over the years, through oral traditions and conversations among locals, it has evolved into this type of cake.
The rice doughnut may look small and humble, but making delicious and beautiful cakes requires skill. A delicious rice doughnut has a chewy texture without sticking to the teeth, and with the first bite, one can taste the sweetness of sugar, the aroma of glutinous rice, the richness of coconut, or the earthiness of mung beans, accompanied by the fragrant smell of banana leaves. Each corner of the cake must be meticulously wrapped. Poor wrapping will result in uneven shapes and unattractive appearances. However, skillful wrapping results in delicious and beautiful cakes.
Rice doughnuts are round, filled with a mixture of shrimp and meat, eaten with sweet and sour fish sauce, very soft and delicious. For only 7,000 VND, you can enjoy 2-3 pieces. This dish is widely available in Vườn Hoa Market, Tây Thành Market, or some sidewalk stalls on Đinh Lễ Street. Rice doughnuts always attract diners. It's also a popular dish for tourists visiting Thanh Hoa.


11. Wandering wheel cake
Leaf-wrapped rough tooth cake in Thanh Hoa, also known as rough tooth cake or 'te' cake, is one of the traditional dishes that cannot be missed when visiting Thanh Hoa. Made with coarse rice, pork filling mixed with wood ear mushrooms, dried onions, and wrapped in banana leaves, the people of Thanh have created a cake that leaves a lasting impression.
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The leaf-wrapped rough tooth cake originates from Trung Lap village, Xuan Lap commune, Tho Xuan district, Thanh Hoa province. This is one of the specialties of Thanh Hoa associated with a true story in Vietnamese history. In commemoration of the contribution of King Le Dai Hanh, who personally plowed and cultivated the fields during the New Year festival, villagers made the rough tooth-shaped leaves to present to the king.
Rough tooth cake is made from ground coarse rice, wrapped in banana leaves, with pork filling, dried onions, and wood ear mushrooms. Choosing the rice for the cake is also a meticulous step. The rice should not be too dry or too sticky to prevent the cake from breaking when boiled. The rice is soaked in cold water for a few hours and then ground finely. The finer the grinding, the better the cake tastes. Pork belly is chosen for the filling, with a bit of fat to ensure the savory aroma blends with the scent of cooked rice, banana leaves... making it irresistible for anyone who tries it.


For some time now, this simple cake has become a specialty of Thanh Hoa land. Sesame rice cracker uses rice, sesame, and tapioca starch as the main ingredients. In addition, salt, pumpkin, and sugar are used as additives. These extremely simple and natural ingredients contribute to the unique flavor of the cake. While other craft villages often use various ingredients such as sweet potato, cassava, turmeric powder, etc., to make the cake beautiful and impressive, it is the simplicity of peanuts and sesame that create its distinctive taste.
The rustic countryside gift is like that, but making the cake requires a lot of effort. The cake maker must be truly skillful. From soaking the rice, grinding the flour finely, skillfully spreading the cake, evenly sprinkling sesame seeds, carefully drying the cake on both sides, to baking the cake on a charcoal stove until it turns golden and evenly rises. It is this meticulous effort that produces the delicious and enticing sesame rice crackers. According to the bakers, the cakes made entirely of rice flour retain their crispiness and fragrance longer after baking. An important step that the bakers focus on is fanning the cake.


