Top local halong bay cuisine you need to try at least once

\When people think of Ha Long Bay, they often picture the majestic natural scenery, with towering limestone islands rising from emerald green waters. But few realize that Halong Bay cuisine is also a soulful part of the experience that makes any journey more complete. Especially when these delicious dishes are enjoyed right on a cruise in the middle of the bay, the experience becomes an unforgettable feast for all the senses.

Introduction to Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is located in Quang Ninh Province and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site for its breathtaking beauty, featuring over 1,900 limestone islands and islets. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and Vietnamese culture. What’s more, Ha Long Bay is not just about stunning landscapes. It’s also a culinary paradise of Northern Vietnam.

Why HaLong Bay cuisine makes tourists fascinated

Ha Long Bay Vietnamese cuisine is more than just delicious food. It embodies the unique culture of Vietnam’s coastal regions with its fresh ingredients and distinct flavors:

Fresh ingredients, prepared on the spot: Seafood is caught daily, preserving its natural sweetness and freshness.
Rich in ocean flavor: Every dish carries the signature taste of the sea, delighting both local and international visitors.
A perfect blend of cruising and dining: Enjoying gourmet dishes while sailing through the breathtaking seascape is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Signature Dishes in Hakka Cuisine

Ha Long Bay, renowned for its majestic natural beauty, is also a culinary paradise filled with signature dishes that capture the rich and savory flavors of the sea. Let’s explore some must-try local delicacies when visiting this breathtaking destination.

Ha Long Squid Cakes

Ha Long squid cakes are a famous specialty of Ha Long City, located in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam.
This dish is make from freshly caught squid that is finely pounded by hand, seasoned with traditional spices, shaped into small patties, and deep-fried to a golden crisp.
Ha Long Bay cuisine is famous for its distinctive flavor, deliciously fragrant, chewy yet crispy, and unlike squid cakes from other regions. They have a golden-brown color with a slightly rugged surface that adds to their rustic appeal.
Each bite offers a rich taste of fresh squid sweetness blended with the briny essence of the sea, a true representation of Ha Long’s coastal cuisine.

Sa sung

This dish is make from fresh or dried peanut worms, grilled over charcoal or on a barbecue, delivering a delicious and uniquely rich flavor.
Ha Long Bay cuisine is famous for its fresh and delicious flavors.
Fresh peanut worms have a naturally sweet taste, while the dried ones offer a more intense, savory flavor.
The texture of grilled peanut worms is pleasantly chewy and slightly crunchy, with a distinctive aroma and natural sweetness.
They are typically serve with fresh herbs and dipped in a mixture of lime juice with salt and pepper or chili sauce for added flavor.

This dish is made from fresh or dried peanut worms, grilled over charcoal or on a barbecue, delivering a delicious and uniquely rich flavor. — Sa sung

Sam’s sign

Sea cucumber is a unique type of seafood and one of the most well-known delicacies in Halong Bay cuisine.
Despite its rather intimidating appearance, the sea cucumber holds a surprisingly rich, flavorful, and nutritious taste that intrigues many visitors and inspires them to try it.
Sea cucumber meat is sweet, chewy, and contains many nutrients.
Sea cucumber salad: An attractive appetizer, with sea cucumber meat mixed with raw vegetables, creating a sweet and sour, refreshing flavor.
Stir-fried sea cucumber with vermicelli: A rich dish, with sea cucumber meat stir-fried with vermicelli and vegetables, bringing a delicious and nutritious flavor.
Grilled sea cucumber cartilage: A dish loved by many people, with crispy, fragrant grilled sea cucumber cartilage dipped in salt, pepper, and lemon.
Sweet and sour stir-fried sea cucumber: This is a dish with a harmonious flavor, very attractive to diners.
In addition, sea cucumber is also processed into many other dishes such as steamed sea cucumber, salt-fried sea cucumber, sea cucumber porridge…

Sea cucumber is a unique type of seafood and one of the most well-known delicacies in Halong Bay cuisine. — Sam’s sign

Mantis Shrimp Noodle Soup

This renowned dish from Halong Bay Vietnamese cuisine is make with fresh rice noodles, mantis shrimp (also known as stomatopods), and a rich, flavorful seafood broth.
Ha Long cuisine mantis shrimp noodle soup is well-loved for its delicious taste; the natural sweetness of the fresh mantis shrimp blends perfectly with the light, savory broth.
The shrimp meat is firm and sweet, the noodles are soft, and when with fresh herbs and vegetables, the dish becomes even more enticing.
The broth is packed with deep, umami flavors from the sea.

This renowned dish from Halong Bay Vietnamese cuisine is made with fresh rice noodles, mantis shrimp (also known as stomatopods), and a rich, flavorful seafood broth. — Mantis Shrimp Noodle Soup

Fresh Seafood Dishes

Ha Long Bay cuisine is famous for its freshness, where you can indulge in a wide variety of fresh and flavorful dishes that capture the essence of the sea.
From plump shrimp, crabs, and firm-flesh mantis shrimp to freshly caught clams, snails, and oysters, everything is sourced and prepared on the same day.
Visitors to Ha Long can easily find fresh seafood at seaside restaurants, bustling seafood markets, or even on floating boats scattered across the bay.

Yogurt with Tapioca Pearls—Halong Bay Cuisine

Yogurt with tapioca pearls is a unique and beloved dessert in Hạ Long.
This dish offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy yogurt with the chewy texture of tapioca pearls, creating a delightful culinary experience.
The combination of cool yogurt and warm pearls brings an interesting contrast in both temperature and flavor.

This dish offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy yogurt with the chewy texture of tapioca pearls, creating a delightful culinary experience. — Yogurt with Tapioca Pearls—Halong Bay Cuisine

Nudging Cake

Bánh gật gù is a famous specialty from the Ha Long cuisine.
This unique cake gets its quirky name from both its shape and the way it’s eaten.
When you pick it up, the cake naturally nods back and forth, creating a fun and playful image.

Tiên Yên Hill Chicken

Tiên Yên hill chicken is a well-known specialty breed from Tiên Yên district.
The meat is naturally sweet, tender, and packed with flavor.
Raised in free-range conditions, these chickens feed on natural food sources such as insects and wild plants, resulting in richly flavored meat with a distinctive aroma.

Hoanh Bo Fermented Sticky Rice Wine

Hoanh Bo fermented sticky rice wine is a specialty of Ha Long Bay Vietnamese cuisine, known for its unique flavor that sets it apart from other types of rice wine. Its distinct taste comes from a traditional preparation method and special local ingredients.
This wine is make from Nep Cai Hoa Vang, a fragrant, glutinous rice variety native to the region, known for its soft texture and natural sweetness. The rice is first cooked into sticky rice, then fermented with Hoanh Bo forest leaf yeast. This special yeast is make from a mix of rare medicinal leaves found in the mountains of Hoanh Bo.
After fermentation, the wine is aged in ceramic jars for several months or even years, allowing the flavors to fully develop and mature.

Hot Glutinous Rice Dumplings in Ginger Syrup

Hot glutinous rice dumplings in ginger syrup (known in Vietnamese as bánh trôi tàu) is a traditional Vietnamese dessert, especially popular during chilly days.
The dish consists of two main parts: the dumpling shell and the filling. The shell is make from glutinous rice flour, resulting in a soft, fragrant, and smooth texture. The fillings commonly include mung bean paste or black sesame paste.
Once cooked by boiling, the dumplings are serve in a bowl of hot ginger syrup. The syrup has a mildly sweet and spicy flavor that warms the body and soothes the senses.

Enjoy Halong Bay Cuisine Right on a Cruise

Experiencing Halong Bay Vietnamese cuisine aboard a cruise is a unique journey that combines exploring the bay’s breathtaking scenery with savoring refined local dishes. Here are some of the highlights of this culinary adventure.

Savor Delicious Dishes in an Elegant Setting

Modern cruises in Halong Bay are equipped with high-end restaurants, offering guests a luxurious and romantic atmosphere.
Travelers can indulge in fresh local specialties and seafood while enjoying stunning sunset views over the bay.
The onboard dining areas are often design with large glass windows, providing panoramic views of the magnificent natural surroundings.

Outdoor Seafood BBQ Party

Some high-end cruises even host seafood BBQ parties right on the deck, offering a unique and memorable dining experience.
Guests can handpick and enjoy freshly caught seafood such as shrimp, crab, and squid, grilled on the spot.
The outdoor BBQ space is often beautifully decorated with sparkling lights and soft music, creating a romantic and cozy atmosphere.

Some high-end cruises even host seafood BBQ parties right on the deck, offering a unique and memorable dining experience. — Outdoor Seafood BBQ Party

Diverse and Flavorful Menu

The dining menu on Halong Bay cruises is diverse and flavorful, catering to a wide range of tastes.
In addition to fresh seafood dishes, guests can also enjoy local specialties such as grilled squid patties, horseshoe crab, mantis shrimp noodles, and bánh gật gù (a traditional Ha Long cuisine).
All dishes are prepar by professional chefs using the freshest ingredients and presented with care.
Moreover, cruises often serve both Asian and Western-style meals to accommodate international travelers.

Tips for Enjoying HaLong Bay Cuisine to the Fullest on a Cruise

To make the most of your culinary experience while cruising through Ha Long Bay, here are a few simple yet helpful tips:

Choose the right cruise.

Take time to explore the different types of cruises and the dining services they offer.
Prioritize cruises that feature elegant restaurants, diverse menus, and experienced chefs.
If you enjoy outdoor dining, consider choosing a cruise that offers seafood BBQ parties on the deck.

Book in Advance

Especially during peak travel seasons, booking early ensures you get a seat and have more options when it comes to choosing your menu.
You can also request special dishes or meals tailored to your dietary preferences or restrictions.

Enjoy Fresh Seafood

Fresh seafood is one of Ha Long Bay’s most famous specialties.
Don’t miss out on dishes like grilled lobster, steamed crab, tamarind fried crab, snails, clams, and oysters; they offer a true taste of the sea.

Fresh seafood is one of Ha Long Bay’s most famous specialties. — Enjoy Fresh Seafood

Discover local Halong Bay cuisine.

Beyond seafood, try other regional specialties such as squid cakes (chả mực), horseshoe crab dishes (sam biển), mantis shrimp noodles (bún bề bề), and bánh gật gù (steamed rolled rice cakes).
It’s a great opportunity to dive into the unique food culture of the region.

Pair It With Scenic Views

Opt for a sunset or evening cruise for the most atmospheric dining experience.
The sparkling lights on the bay, combined with a luxurious dining setting, create a romantic and unforgettable memory.

Gourmet Cruise Tour Suggestions in Ha Long Bay

Ha Long is not only famous for its breathtaking natural beauty but also renowned as a paradise of seafood cuisine. To fully enjoy this unique culinary experience, a cruise is the perfect choice. In particular, Ha Long Bay Lux Cruises offers a five-star dining experience right in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Ha Long Bay Lux Cruises: A Premium Culinary Journey

Luxurious Ambience

Ha Long Bay Lux Cruises is elegantly and modernly designed, offering a warm and sophisticated dining space.
The onboard restaurant features panoramic views of Ha Long Bay, allowing guests to savor delicious dishes while admiring the natural wonder around them.

Diverse and Refined Menu

The menu on board is curated by professional chefs, harmoniously blending Vietnamese flavors with international cuisine.
Fresh seafood is the highlight, expertly prepared to preserve the rich taste of the ocean.
Guests can also enjoy local Ha Long specialties such as grilled squid cakes, horseshoe crab, and bánh gật gù (a unique local rice roll dish).

Outdoor Seafood BBQ Party

Select tours by Ha Long Bay Lux Cruises include a seafood BBQ party on the deck, creating a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Guests can personally choose and enjoy freshly grilled seafood right on the spot.
The BBQ setting is romantic and cozy, accompanied by soft music and shimmering lights under the stars.

Attentive and Professional Service

The crew of Ha Long Bay Lux Cruises is well-train and always ready to serve with professionalism and care.
Guests will receive full support and thoughtful guidance throughout their culinary journey.

Recommended Culinary Cruise Tours with Ha Long Bay Lux Cruises

2-Day, 1-Night Tour

Day 1: Visit iconic attractions in the bay; enjoy lunch and dinner on board.
Day 2: Join activities such as kayaking, swimming, and cave exploration. Breakfast and lunch are on the cruise.

Recommended Culinary Cruise Tours with Ha Long Bay Lux Cruises

3 Day 2 Night Tour

Day 1: Explore famous sites around the bay, with lunch and dinner on board.
Day 2: Discover less crowded areas, experience local culture, and enjoy regional delicacies.
Day 3: Participate in kayaking, swimming, and cave adventures. Breakfast and lunch are provided on the cruise.

Conclusion

The Halong Bay cuisine is more than just food. It’s a journey through culture, flavors, and emotions. Whether you’re drawn to rustic local dishes or seeking a luxurious feast aboard a cruise, Ha Long has something to satisfy your cravings. Come, taste, and experience the fresh and famous cuisine of Ha Long, an essential part of any unforgettable getaway to Vietnam’s most beautiful bay.

If you’re planning a trip to Ha Long but aren’t sure where to start, contact us today for a detailed consultation and pricing.