Top dishes in Ha Long
Ha Long’s cuisine is impressive not only for the freshness of its seafood but also for its refined and traditional preparation methods. Here’s a list of the top dishes that visitors should not miss when coming to Ha Long Bay.
1. Ha Long squid cake
When discussing Ha Long’s specialties, you cannot overlook squid cake, a dish that has made the region famous. Chefs require meticulousness and experience to make squid cake. After cleaning, they chop the squid into small pieces and pound it by hand to maintain its natural firmness and sweetness. This pounding step is crucial, as it determines the texture and taste of the squid cake. Once the squid reaches the right consistency, they add seasonings like pepper and high-quality fish sauce to enhance the flavor. The chefs then shape the squid cake into pieces and deep-fry them until golden and crispy. Enjoying squid cake with white sticky rice or steamed rice rolls offers a perfect culinary experience for every visitor.
2. Peanut worms
Peanut worms resemble large earthworms and typically live in sandy coastal areas. In Vietnam, fishermen primarily find sea worms in Quang Ninh, especially in Van Don, Mong Cai, and parts of Khanh Hoa. Known as “mòn món” or “earth ginseng,” locals regard sea worms as a rare seafood delicacy. Chefs often grill or stir-fry sea worms, delivering a rich, fatty, and intense ocean flavor. This nutritious dish, high in calcium and minerals, benefits health significantly.
3. Steamed clams
Clams are a type of bivalve mollusk that resembles cockles and primarily lives in the coastal areas of Quang Ninh, especially in the mudflats and coastal mangroves of Ha Long Bay. Clams have a grey-white shell and are slightly larger than cockles. The name “clams” might make some think it’s a rich dish, but in reality, clams have a sweet, aromatic flavour and are very versatile in preparation. Steamed clams retain the natural sweetness of the meat, combined with a touch of salt, pepper, and lime to make a light and flavorful dish.
4. Horseshoe crab
Horseshoe crabs have a round, hard shell and often live in pairs, hence the saying “sea urchins come in pairs.” They are typically found in coastal areas and deep-sea reefs. One unique feature of horseshoe crabs is that they are only edible when paired; cooking only sea urchin females without males can result in a dish that is unsafe and potentially toxic. Horseshoe crabs are not easily found in many places, but in Ha Long, visitors can enjoy them prepared in various enticing ways such as horseshoe crab salad, grilled horseshoe crab, or sweet and sour stir-fried horseshoe crab. The meat of horseshoe crab is chewy and crisp, offering a unique taste. Particularly, horseshoe crab salad with the tangy flavour of the dipping sauce combined with the fragrant horseshoe crab meat is a highly popular dish.
5. Grilled oysters with green onion
Oysters are bivalve mollusks that cling to rocks and shells on the seabed. In Ha Long, oysters are farmed in natural, clean saltwater, making them exceptionally fresh, with rich and naturally sweet meat. Oysters are not only delicious but also a nutritious food source, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals such as zinc, iron, and calcium, which are very beneficial for health. For those who love grilled dishes, grilled oysters with green onion is a must-try. Fresh oysters are grilled over charcoal, combined with green onion oil and crispy peanuts to create a rich, mouthwatering flavour. The natural sweetness of the oysters mixed with the aromatic green onion oil will certainly make this dish unforgettable.
6. Grouper
Grouper, also known as coral trout, is one of the most prized and popular fish in Ha Long. Furthermore, with its white, flavorful, firm, and nutritious meat, grouper has become the main ingredient in many high-end dishes at Ha Long’s seafood restaurants. As a result, dishes made from grouper attract not only local visitors but also many international diners visiting this coastal region. Additionally, visitors can enjoy grouper grilled, steamed, or in a hot pot. While each cooking method offers a unique taste, ultimately, all retain the fresh flavor of the fish.
7. Steamed flower crab
Flower crab is a famous seafood delicacy in Ha Long, cherished for its sweet, firm, and nutritious meat. Not only does it attract diners with its striking appearance with a distinctive green shell and prominent white spots, but it also offers a memorable ocean flavour that is hard to forget. For those who want to experience a simple yet refined dish, steamed flower crab is an excellent choice. Visitors can dip the crab in salt and pepper with lime to enhance the flavour, providing a delightful seafood experience.
8. Spotted babylon snails with salted egg sauce
Spotted babylon snails with salted egg sauce are a unique and much-loved dish in Ha Long’s seafood cuisine. The combination of the sweet taste of sea snails with the rich, savoury salted egg sauce creates a dish that is both unusual and appealing. It is a fantastic choice for those who want to enjoy seafood with a novel and diverse cooking style. The shells of sea snails are light brown with characteristic spiral patterns. The meat can be prepared in many ways but always retains its sweetness and firm texture.
9. Cu Ky noodles
Cu ky noodles are a unique dish from Ha Long. Crab meat is the main ingredient in this dish. It is finely ground to make the broth. Crab roe creates a rich and aromatic topping. The broth has a distinctive aroma from the crab. This makes the dish truly irresistible. The crab meat is cracked, and claws are arranged neatly. Although claw meat is drier, it is very fragrant. It is also not greasy, enhancing the flavor. The large crab claws provide more meat and a satisfying texture.
Traveling to Ha Long attracts visitors for its natural beauty. It also offers rich and distinctive coastal cuisine. The top nine featured dishes showcase the region’s flavors. Each dish tells a unique story of Ha Long’s culture. This culinary experience leaves a deep impression on visitors. Be sure to explore these delicious dishes in Ha Long. You won’t regret it!
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