Top 15 Most Delicious Specialties of Quang Ninh Province

Tiên Yên Chicken is a local breed of free-range chicken that roams the hills of Tiên Yên, foraging for insects, crickets, ants, and termites. They only return to the coop at dusk to roost in the trees. As a result, the meat of Tiên Yên chicken is exceptionally tender, flavorful, and juicy without being greasy, with a perfect balance of lean and fatty textures. In some places, these chickens are also called 'bearded chickens' because the hens have a tuft of feathers beneath their beaks. Alongside the famous Tiên Yên chicken, the area is also known for other specialties like Gật Gù Cake.

Tiên Yên Chicken can be prepared in various ways, but my favorite is the boiled version. After boiling, the chicken skin turns a beautiful golden yellow and glistens. The skin is thick, so it looks fatty, but when you bite into it, it's crispy and deliciously sweet. It is often served with Gật Gù Cake, which is made from rice flour, thinly rolled, and then cut into spirals, accompanied by a dipping sauce made from fried chicken fat, fish sauce, garlic, shallots, and chili.

In addition to Tiên Yên Hill Chicken, don’t miss out on other remarkable dishes like Gật Gù Cake and Stir-fried Beef. If you ever visit Tiên Yên, make sure to try these exquisite local treats.

Location: Tiên Yên Town, Quang Ninh
Price: 150,000 - 200,000 VND per kilogram

Ruốc Lỗ is a small relative of the octopus, much smaller in size. The best time to harvest Ruốc is from July to October, when they are at their freshest and most flavorful. Ruốc can be prepared in various ways, but the boiled version with Mun leaves, paired with shrimp paste, is simply exquisite. The meat is chewy and crisp, and when enjoyed with a bit of homemade liquor, it’s a perfect combination.

From these fresh Ruốc, visitors can try a variety of dishes like boiled Ruốc with intense flavors, aromatic grilled Ruốc, or a deliciously sweet Ruốc soup made with flavorful broth and spices. When eating the soup, it’s best to cut the Ruốc into smaller pieces before enjoying to fully appreciate the taste. The warm Ruốc, combined with the refreshing, slightly sour broth, creates an irresistible flavor.

Location: Lot C122, Sunworld Ha Long Park, Bai Chay, Ha Long, Quang Ninh
Price: 350,000 - 500,000 VND per kilogram

Nem Chạo, also known as 'nem thính,' is a simple yet flavorful type of rolled Vietnamese spring roll made mainly from pig skin and roasted rice powder. The most famous version comes from Quang Yen. The ingredients are humble: finely shredded pig skin, which is as white as cotton, along with roasted beans or rice and crushed peanuts, all mixed together to create a fragrant, textured filling. Though the ingredients are simple, the secret preparation methods turn it into a truly memorable dish.

Typically, Nem Chạo is enjoyed with fresh herbs, especially young fig leaves, which give it a unique flavor. You take a small portion of the Nem, wrap it with herbs and thin rice crackers, and dip it in a tangy, sweet sauce. Eating Nem Chạo during a chilly winter evening is a delightful experience.

Location: Group 5 - Area 9A, Bai Chay, Ha Long, Quang Ninh
Price: 120,000 - 150,000 VND per kilogram

Quang Ninh is renowned for its fresh seafood, and missing out on Ngán would be a major oversight. This shellfish, similar in shape to clams and oysters but much larger in size, has a rich, sweet, and fragrant meat. Ngán is often featured in the feasts of Quang Ninh residents and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including steamed Ngán, Ngán noodle stir-fry, and even Ngán wine, which has a distinct taste unlike any other liquor. After trying it once, visitors are sure to remember the unique flavor of Quang Ninh's Ngán.

Ngán can be enjoyed in several dishes such as grilled Ngán, steamed Ngán served with aromatic herbs, Ngán porridge garnished with chopped onions, Vietnamese coriander, a sprinkle of black pepper, and golden fried shallots on top. Another tasty variation is stir-fried Ngán with noodles and leafy vegetables. However, what stands out most for me is the visually striking pink Ngán wine.

Location: Various restaurants at the intersection of Ha Long Street and Vuon Dao (near the Post Office)

Price: 300,000 - 500,000 VND per kilogram

Much like Gật Gù cake, Tài Lồng ệp is another dish with a distinctive name. This traditional cake comes from the San Diu people in the mountainous regions of Quang Ninh and is typically used in religious ceremonies to honor the heavens and the earth.

The Tài Lồng ệp cake has a brown hue from the sugar syrup, and its flavor is a harmonious blend of spicy ginger and sweet sugar, creating a unique taste that's unlike anything else. This cake can be found in various spots across Quang Ninh, especially along the road leading to the Trần Quốc Nghiễn Temple (also known as Cửa Ông Temple) in Cẩm Phả during festival times.

Location: Shops along the road leading to the Trần Quốc Nghiễn Temple (Cửa Ông Temple), Cẩm Phả, Quang Ninh

Price: 10,000 VND per small piece

It would be a real oversight to visit Quang Ninh without trying this refreshing dish. Jellyfish is carefully processed right after being caught and preserved in saltwater to maintain its crunchiness. Typically, jellyfish is made into a salad that’s perfect for cooling down on hot summer days. The salad is mixed with ingredients such as fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, lime vinegar, garlic, and chili.

Cô Tô Jellyfish Salad stands out for its delightful crunch and the perfect balance of flavors. The crispness of the jellyfish, the spiciness of the chili, and the tangy balance of lime and vinegar come together to create an exceptional dish. If you get the chance to visit Quang Ninh, be sure to try this unique treat.

Location: Area 1, Cô Tô Town, Quang Ninh

Price: 25,000 - 30,000 VND per 300g package

The sacred Yên Tử mountain is not only renowned for its stunning and spiritual scenery but also for a special wine made from local plums. Every year, during the peak plum season in March and April, people pick the soft, ripe plums that have a sweet fragrance and a golden hue. These plums are carefully cleaned and then fermented into a delightful wine. The recipe for making this wine can vary across different regions.

Yên Tử Plum Wine is loved for its smooth sweetness and aromatic flavor, making it easy to enjoy for people of all ages. Apart from its delicious taste, this wine has various health benefits, including aiding digestion, treating digestive issues, reducing anxiety and promoting sleep, and boosting the immune system. Imagine sipping a glass of this warm, fragrant wine while enjoying the breathtaking views of Yên Tử – an experience that is both relaxing and unforgettable.

Location: Thăng Long Brewery: Yên Thanh, Uông Bí City, Quang Ninh

Price: 200,000 - 500,000 VND per bottle

Yên Tử Bamboo Shoots are slender and firm on the outside, making them a unique delicacy. When preparing this dish, the bamboo shoots are sliced into thin pieces or cut into small chunks, about two finger lengths long. These pieces are then carefully washed and stir-fried with goat meat or veal. The only seasonings needed are a few stalks of celery, fresh onions, and a dash of pepper. While many types of bamboo shoots can be used, none are as sweet and flavorful as Yên Tử Bamboo Shoots.

However, Yên Tử Bamboo Shoots are not available year-round, so there’s a chance you may visit Yên Tử and miss out on this special treat.

Location: Yên Tử, Quang Ninh

Price: 30,000 - 70,000 VND per kilogram

If you’re a food lover eager to explore local flavors, Hà soup is a must-try specialty in Ha Long. The Hà crab, small as a fingertip, is affordably priced and, when made into soup, offers a high nutritional value.

The rich, smooth soup is infused with a seafood sweetness and the aromatic fragrance of eight-grain rice, complemented by herbs like Vietnamese coriander and cilantro. Fresh, plump Hà crabs are cleaned, seasoned with pepper and fish sauce, then stir-fried with onions to enhance the flavors and eliminate any fishy smell. Once the rice is fully cooked, the crabs are added and simmered until the soup thickens. It’s typically served with a sprinkling of green onions, extra pepper, and a side of fried dough sticks (quẩy) to complete the meal.

Location: 42 Tran Hung Dao, Bach Dang, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

Price: 40,000 VND per bowl

One travel tip for Ha Long is that during the cool autumn or winter months, there’s nothing better than enjoying a hot bowl of bề bề noodle soup, sipping the rich sweet and sour broth while savoring the fresh bề bề (mantis shrimp) that was just caught.

The bề bề is boiled, peeled, and spread over the top of a bowl of noodles. Then, the sweet and sour broth is poured over it, along with a few pieces of fried tofu, shrimp, squid cakes, and some leafy greens. The dish is loaded with seafood yet remains surprisingly free of any fishy taste, filling you up with delicious flavors. To complete the experience, enjoy it with crispy fried dough sticks, fresh herbs, and a bit of chili to add a kick.

Location: Group 2, Block 6C, Thuc Thoai Street, Hong Hai, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

Price: 30,000 - 40,000 VND per bowl

Squid Cake with Rolled Rice Cakes is a beloved specialty of Ha Long, perfect for a quick and satisfying breakfast. The combination of golden squid cakes and soft rolled rice cakes offers an unexpected treat: the crunchy texture of the squid cakes contrasts wonderfully with the warm, delicate rice cakes, all complemented by a flavorful dipping sauce.

The rice cakes are filled with fried onions, wood ear mushrooms, minced pork, shiitake mushrooms, and shrimp. Guests enjoy them with crispy squid cakes, some fresh herbs, and the dipping sauce. You can also pair them with pickled vegetables and add fresh chili if you prefer a little heat.

Location: 34 Doan Thi Diem, Bach Dang, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

Price: 30,000 - 55,000 VND per serving

When visiting Quang Ninh, aside from exploring the region’s famous tourist attractions, you definitely won't want to miss out on the amazing local cuisine. One of the must-try delicacies that Mytour recommends in this area is Ha Long Squid Cakes – a signature dish that's renowned not only in Ha Long but throughout Quang Ninh.

Ha Long Squid Cakes have even made it to the top 50 most famous Vietnamese specialties. The preparation process for these cakes is highly meticulous. Fresh squid is carefully cleaned and then hand-pounded, preserving its natural flavor and texture.

What makes these cakes so special is that the squid is pounded by hand, not machine, which ensures the cakes are firm yet tender. When fried, they turn a beautiful golden brown and are visually appealing. These squid cakes are often enjoyed with sticky rice, but they also pair wonderfully with hot rolled rice cakes, rice, or noodles. In Ha Long, you can easily find squid cakes at local shops like Thoan and Hien Nhung.

Location: Kiosk 36 - 37, Ha Long 1 Market, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

Price: 350,000 - 450,000 VND per kilogram

Sandworm is a type of marine creature in the annelid family, found abundantly in the waters of Van Don and Mong Cai. This rare seafood is not only highly nutritious but is also considered a natural remedy for boosting male vitality. After being harvested, sandworms are dried and can be prepared in various delicious dishes such as dry-roasted sandworm or stir-fried with aromatic leaves.

The texture of sandworm is both crunchy and sweet, making it unforgettable for anyone who has tasted it. However, sandworm has long been considered a luxury food due to its high price, sometimes reaching millions per kilogram, reflecting both its rarity and exceptional value.

Location: Ha Long Market or Quan Lan Island, Quang Ninh

Price: 2,500,000 VND - 4,000,000 VND per kilogram

Quang Yen Sam is known for its delicious taste and nutritional value. The large size of the sam makes it highly sought after in the market. This marine crustacean, which lives naturally in the wild, cannot be farmed and only survives for up to three days after being harvested. Being cold-blooded, sam needs careful handling during preparation. When cutting the sam, it is crucial to slice the bloodline in a specific way to preserve its delicate flavor. The legs, tail, and shell are discarded, and the liver and intestines must be removed as they can cause allergic reactions or stomach discomfort if left in the meat.

Sam can be made into a variety of dishes like stir-fried sam with lemongrass and chili, sam salad, or even sam blood pudding. Due to the meticulous preparation required, there are only a few restaurants that specialize in sam. The dishes made from sam meat are incredibly flavorful, making it a must-try when in the area.

Location: Sam restaurants in Ha Long:

• Sam restaurant at Ha Long 1 Market, Quang Ninh (opposite the noodle shop, open from 5 PM to 7 PM)
• Hung Mit Sam Restaurant: 128 Gieng Don, Ha Long, Quang Ninh
• Sam Restaurant: 25th April Road, Bạch Đằng Ward, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

Price: 100,000 - 300,000 VND per kilogram