Ha Long Cuisine Review – What to Eat in Ha Long?

Ha Long is not only famous for its majestic bay and stunning landscapes but also a culinary paradise for seafood lovers. If you’re wondering “What to eat in Ha Long?” or looking for must-try local specialties, check out this list to ensure you don’t miss out on Ha Long’s best flavors!

1. Ha Long Squid Cake (Chả Mực) – The No.1 Specialty

📍 Famous places: Hong Hanh Restaurant, Lang Chai Squid Cake Shop
💰 Price: 350,000 – 500,000 VND/kg

Ha Long squid cake is made from fresh cuttlefish, hand-pounded in a stone mortar to achieve a naturally chewy and crispy texture. This is Ha Long’s signature dish that every visitor must try.

🍽️ How to enjoy:

Eat it with steamed rice rolls (bánh cuốn) or sticky rice.

Dip in chili sauce or garlic fish sauce for an extra kick.

👉 Tip: Buy squid cake from trusted stores to ensure freshness and quality.

2. Mantis Shrimp Noodle Soup (Bún Bề Bề) – The Taste of the Sea

📍 Famous places: Ba Lua Mantis Shrimp Noodle, Huong Duyen Seafood Restaurant
💰 Price: 40,000 – 70,000 VND/bowl

Mantis shrimp (bề bề) is a sweet and firm-textured seafood, creating a naturally rich and flavorful broth when cooked. This dish is a must-try breakfast in Ha Long.

🍽️ What makes it special?

The broth is sweet and aromatic, made from mantis shrimp, prawns, crabs, and clams.

Served with fresh herbs and crispy fried dough sticks.

👉 Recommendation: Best enjoyed early in the morning for the freshest taste.

3. Sa Sung (Sipunculus Worm) – A Luxurious Delicacy

📍 Famous places: Thien Anh Restaurant, Phuong Nam Seafood
💰 Price: 1,500,000 – 4,000,000 VND/kg (depending on quality)

Sa Sung is a rare and highly prized seafood, found only in a few coastal areas of Quang Ninh. It has a naturally sweet and rich umami flavor, making it a premium ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine.

🍽️ Popular dishes:

Grilled Sa Sung with salt & chili – crispy and aromatic, best with fresh herbs.

Sa Sung stir-fried with garlic – chewy and full of ocean flavors.

Dried Sa Sung – often used to enhance the sweetness of pho broth.

👉 Tip: Due to its high price, buy from reputable sources to ensure authenticity.

4. Steamed “Ngan” Clam – A Nutritious Seafood Dish

📍 Famous places: Huong Duyen Restaurant, Kim Quy Seafood
💰 Price: 300,000 – 500,000 VND/kg

“Ngan” clam is a unique shellfish found in Ha Long, known for its rich, fatty, and sweet taste. Besides steaming, Ngan clams are also used to make Ngan liquor, a special Ha Long drink.

🍽️ How to enjoy:

Steamed Ngan clams with lemongrass or grilled with scallion oil.

Ngan liquor – a local specialty with an unmistakable oceanic flavor.

👉 Tip: If trying Ngan liquor for the first time, sip slowly to adjust to its strong ocean taste.

5. Horseshoe Crab (Sam Bien) – A Seafood Lover’s Delight

📍 Famous places: Gio Bien Restaurant, Ba Ty Horseshoe Crab Restaurant
💰 Price: 200,000 – 400,000 VND/portion

Horseshoe crab is a sweet and chewy seafood, rich in nutrients. In Ha Long, it is cooked in various delicious ways.

🍽️ Must-try dishes:

Horseshoe crab salad – mixed with green mango, fresh herbs, and roasted peanuts.

Sweet and sour stir-fried horseshoe crab – crispy and full of flavor.

Grilled horseshoe crab eggs – creamy, aromatic, and uniquely delicious.

👉 Tip: Horseshoe crabs are usually sold in pairs (male and female). Choose restaurants specializing in horseshoe crab dishes for the freshest seafood.

6. Tien Yen Chicken – The Legendary Local Dish

📍 Famous places: Hong Hanh Restaurant, Lao Mo Tien Yen Chicken Shop
💰 Price: 250,000 – 400,000 VND/half chicken

Tien Yen chicken is famous for its golden crispy skin, sweet and chewy meat, often boiled or honey-roasted to enhance its natural flavors.

🍽️ How to enjoy:

Boiled chicken – served with sticky rice.

Honey-roasted chicken – crispy on the outside, juicy inside.

👉 Tip: For the most authentic taste, choose well-established restaurants with a long-standing reputation.

7. Grilled Oysters with Scallion Oil – The Perfect Budget-Friendly Seafood

📍 Famous places: Ha Long Market, Hoang Quynh Seafood
💰 Price: 50,000 – 100,000 VND/portion

Ha Long oysters are larger than usual, with sweet and creamy flesh, making them perfect for grilling.

🍽️ Best ways to enjoy:

Grilled oysters with scallion oil – rich and smoky, best with lime & salt-pepper dip.

Grilled oysters with cheese – creamy, flavorful, and indulgent.

👉 Tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lime to enhance the oysters’ natural sweetness.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Foodie Guide to Ha Long

If you’re a food enthusiast, Ha Long is a must-visit destination with an incredible selection of fresh seafood, regional specialties, and unique delicacies. From grilled oysters and mantis shrimp noodles to luxurious Sa Sung and horseshoe crabs, there’s something for every taste.

📌 Save this list and make sure you don’t miss any of these amazing dishes on your next trip to Ha Long! 🚢🍴

🔥 Are you ready to explore Ha Long’s cuisine? Start planning your trip today and experience the best flavors of the sea!