Enjoy Hạ Long’s Famous Squid Patties at These 8 Trusted Addresses

1An introduction to Hạ Long’s famous squid patties

One secret behind Hạ Long’s famously delicious squid patties is that they are made from cuttlefish caught in the waters around Hạ Long Bay. Only this type of squid produces this “national” specialty with the distinctive fragrance and sweetness of Hạ Long squid patties. According to experienced local makers, squid caught in different waters produces different flavors. Squid caught in the Central and Southern coastal regions is saltier than squid caught in the waters around Hạ Long Bay, and its meat is also less sweet. This is probably what creates the appeal and unique character found only in Hạ Long squid patties.

After being caught, the whole squid is cut into pieces, placed in a large mortar, and pounded by hand. It is pounded until everything is finely crushed and blended together; the longer and more evenly it is pounded, the chewier the squid patties become, making them especially satisfying to eat. While pounding, makers add yellow-flower glutinous rice flour, ground pepper, and a little seasoning so the flavors can infuse more thoroughly. Many people choose Hạ Long hand-pounded squid patties as a snack at Tết gatherings, as this is considered one of Vietnam’s finest specialties.

The finished patties are firm, chewy, tender, and not mushy or crumbly. Of course, with the “enormous” quantities now being produced, local processing shops no longer pound everything entirely by hand, but pounding part of the mixture in a mortar remains essential, creating the remarkable deliciousness of Hạ Long squid patties.

See also: Hạ Long squid-patty rice rolls – A dish from the mining land that leaves a lasting impression

2 Trusted addresses where you can buy Hạ Long squid patties

2.1 Ông Ba Seafood

Ông Ba Seafood is one of the largest and most reputable seafood shops in Hạ Long City. In addition to seafood specialties such as one-sun-dried mackerel, dried fish, and dried squid, the Hạ Long squid patties sold at Ông Ba Seafood are a highly trusted purchase, attracting many tourists who stop by to buy gifts whenever they visit Hạ Long. Every bag of Hạ Long squid patties packaged at Ông Ba Seafood is carefully and securely vacuum-sealed, ensuring that it will not spoil or affect the quality of the product inside even when transported long distances.

– Address: Sunworld Ha Long Park Old Quarter, lot C122, Hạ Long 1 Street, Hùng Thắng Ward, Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province

– Phone number: 0947 211 899

– Price range: 200.000 VNĐ – 500.000 VNĐ

See also: Fall in love with Phúc Long squid-patty noodle soup, rich with the flavor of the sea

2.2 Hạ Long Squid Patties – Dasavina Store

Dasavina Store is a familiar destination selling famously delicious Hạ Long squid patties, known by many diners. Dasavina Store has its headquarters in Hạ Long City and a large shop in Hà Nội City. The squid patties here are carefully selected and made from fresh ingredients, with seasoning that is just right.

– Address: Kiosk No. 46 – 47, Hạ Long 1 Market, Lê Quý Đôn Street, Bạch Đằng Ward, Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province.

– Phone number: 0962 08 3232 – 0915 08 5151

– Price range: 300.000 VNĐ – 400.000 VNĐ

2.3 Làng Chài Hạ Long Squid Patties

Làng Chài-branded Hạ Long squid patties come from a long-established shop in the tourist city of Hạ Long, with several other locations in major cities. In Hạ Long, you only need to go to Hạ Long 1 Market to find Làng Chài Hạ Long squid patties. The dish impresses diners with its unique flavor and is made entirely by hand by skilled workers. In particular, the squid must be fresh cuttlefish sourced directly from the fishing grounds to ensure quality.

– Address: Hạ Long 1 Market, Hòn Gai, Cao Xanh Ward, Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province.

– Phone number: 0976 885 888

– Price: 200.000 VNĐ – 300.000 VNĐ

2.4 Hiền Nhung Squid Patties

Here is another highly reputable address worth visiting for hand-pounded Hạ Long squid patties: Hiền Nhung Squid Patties. Hạ Long 1 Market brings together many shops selling this specialty, and Hiền Nhung Squid Patties is no exception. Tourists describe the Hạ Long squid patties here as fragrant, delicious, chewy, and sweet.

– Address: 228 – 229 – 230 beside Hạ Long 1 Market, Bạch Đằng Ward, Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province.

– Phone number: 0333 525 799 – 0333 515 899

– Price: 270.000 VNĐ – 370.000 VNĐ

2.5 Minh Phúc Squid Patties

Minh Phúc Squid Patties is also well-liked by diners whenever they visit Hạ Long, and locals frequently come to enjoy it as well. The shop has a spacious dining area for visitors who want to eat on-site, while its products are carefully packaged for customers who buy directly or have them delivered to other provinces.

– Address: Lot 12/B12, Column 5 – Column 8 urban area, Hồng Hà Ward, Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province

– Phone number: 0393 933 604

– Price range: 300.000 VNĐ – 350.000 VNĐ

2.6 Bà Nụ Squid Patties

Bà Nụ Squid Patties is also a fairly famous name in the Hạ Long squid-patty scene, supplying both wholesale and retail products to many shops inside and outside the province. The shop has a long tradition of preparing Hạ Long squid patties, preserving an heirloom flavor from the past and an irresistible taste.

– Address: 499 Lý Anh Tông Street, Quarter 7, Cái Rồng Commune, Vân Đồn District, Quảng Ninh Province.

– Phone number: 0902 183 138

– Price range: 300.000 VNĐ – 380.000 VNĐ

2.7 Quang Phong Hand-Pounded Squid Patties

Another address on this list is Quang Phong Hand-Pounded Squid Patties, whose products are extremely delicious and appealing. The brand also has many locations throughout Quảng Ninh Province. You can choose the shop closest to you; Quang Phong squid patties are praised for being fragrant, fresh, richly seasoned, and chewy.

– Address: Lot C112A, Old Quarter, Bãi Cháy Ward, Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province.

– Phone number: 097 864 6300

– Price range: 260.000 VNĐ – 350.000 VNĐ

2.8 Bá Kiến Squid Patties

The final name on the list is Bá Kiến Squid Patties. This shop is probably no longer unfamiliar to many tourists or residents of Hạ Long City. It is the shop most favored by customers buying gifts, thanks to its careful packaging and the thorough vacuum-sealing of its Hạ Long squid-patty packages. 

– Address: Lot 41, Group 1, Quarter 6, Yết Kiêu Ward, Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province.

– Phone number: 091 508 5151

– Price range: 250.000 VNĐ – 300.000 VNĐ

3Things to note when buying Hạ Long squid specialties

Tips for storing vacuum-sealed squid patties for a long time

After ordering squid patties, you can keep them at room temperature if you plan to eat them immediately. However, if you want to store them for later, follow these steps:

  + Place the squid patties directly in a freezer at a temperature below -40C for long-term storage. If you use only part of the patties, take all the product out of the bag, place it in a lidded container, and return it to the freezer.

 + If there are leftovers after eating, you can place the product in the refrigerator to use next time.

  + If you plan to eat the squid patties the same day, simply store them in the refrigerator, but keep them tightly covered so they do not absorb odors from other foods.

The addresses above are trusted places selling Hạ Long squid specialties and are visited by many diners. We hope this information will be useful to you. Have a wonderful trip, and please share those moments with MIA.VN.