1 An introduction to Ha Long squid patties
The secret behind the renowned taste of Ha Long squid patties lies in using cuttlefish caught specifically in the waters around Ha Long Bay. Only cuttlefish from this area can create this "national" specialty with its distinctive aroma and natural sweetness. According to experienced artisans, squid harvested from different sea areas yields different flavors. For instance, squid caught in Central and Southern waters tends to be saltier and not quite as naturally sweet as that from Ha Long Bay. This is precisely what creates the unique allure found only in authentic Ha Long squid patties.
After being brought ashore, whole cuttlefish are cut into pieces, placed in large mortars, and pounded by hand. Pounding continues until everything is thoroughly mashed and blended together; the longer and more evenly it is pounded, the chewier and more delectable the squid patties become. During pounding, yellow flower sticky rice flour, ground pepper, and seasonings are steadily mixed in so the flavors seep deep into the meat. Many people choose hand-pounded Ha Long squid patties to enjoy during Tet feasts, as it stands among the finest culinary specialties in Vietnam.
The finished patty is firm, chewy, and tender without being mushy or crumbly. Of course, given the massive volume of products produced today, local processing shops no longer pound everything 100% by hand, but partial mortar-and-pestle pounding remains an essential step that delivers the remarkably delicious texture of Ha Long squid patties.
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Ha Long Squid Patty Specialty - The most famous delicacy in the Ha Long Bay region
2 Reputable places where you can buy Ha Long squid patties
2.1 Ong Ba Seafood
Ong Ba Seafood is one of the largest and most reputable seafood stores in Ha Long City. In addition to seafood specialties such as sun-dried mackerel, dried fish, and dried squid, the Ha Long squid patties here are highly trusted and frequently purchased as gifts by tourists visiting Ha Long. Each bag of Ha Long squid patties at Ong Ba Seafood is vacuum-sealed and meticulously packaged, ensuring that long-distance travel will not compromise product quality.
– Address: Sunworld Ha Long Park Old Quarter, Lot C122, Ha Long 1 Street, Hung Thang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province
– Phone number: 0947 211 899
– Price range: 200,000 VNĐ – 500,000 VNĐ
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Ong Ba Seafood - Specializing in Ha Long delicacies
2.2 Ha Long Squid Patties - Dasavina Store
Dasavina Store is a well-known spot selling famous, delicious Ha Long squid patties favored by many food lovers. Dasavina has its headquarters in Ha Long City along with a major store in Hanoi. The squid patties here are prepared from carefully selected fresh ingredients with balanced seasoning.
– Address: Kiosks 46 – 47, Ha Long 1 Market, Le Quy Don Street, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.
– Phone numbers: 0962 08 3232 – 0915 08 5151
– Price range: 300,000 VNĐ – 400,000 VNĐ
Hand-pounding squid with mortar and pestle at the Dasavina facility
2.3 Lang Chai Ha Long Squid Patties
The Lang Chai Ha Long squid patty brand is a long-standing establishment in the tourist city of Ha Long, with multiple branches in major cities. In Ha Long, you only need to visit Ha Long 1 Market to find Lang Chai squid patties. The patties impress diners with their distinctive flavor and are crafted completely by hand by skilled workers. In particular, the cuttlefish must be completely fresh and sourced directly from fishing grounds to guarantee high quality.
– Address: Ha Long 1 Market, Hon Gai, Cao Xanh Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.
– Phone number: 0976 885 888
– Price range: approximately 200,000 VNĐ – 300,000 VNĐ
Lang Chai Ha Long squid patties - A reputable brand trusted by customers
2.4 Hien Nhung Squid Patties
Another highly reputable address worth visiting for hand-pounded Ha Long squid patties is Hien Nhung Squid Patties. The Ha Long 1 Market area brings together many stores offering this specialty, and Hien Nhung is no exception. Visitors praise the squid patties here for their fragrant aroma, chewiness, and sweet seafood flavor.
– Address: 228 – 229 – 230 adjacent to Ha Long 1 Market, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.
– Phone numbers: 0333 525 799 – 0333 515 899
– Price range: approximately 270,000 VNĐ – 370,000 VNĐ
Ha Long squid patty specialty - Hien Nhung production facility
2.5 Minh Phuc Squid Patties
Minh Phuc Squid Patties is also well-loved by visitors traveling to Ha Long, and locals frequently come here to dine as well. Notably, the shop has a spacious dining area for guests wishing to eat on-site, and products are carefully packaged for in-person purchases or delivery to other provinces.
– Address: Lot 12/B12, Km 5 – Km 8 Urban Area, Hong Ha Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province
– Phone number: 0393 933 604
– Price range: approximately 300,000 VNĐ – 350,000 VNĐ
Squid patties at Minh Phuc are conveniently boxed for customers
2.6 Ba Nu Squid Patties
Ba Nu Squid Patties is a fairly prominent name in the Ha Long squid patty scene, supplying both wholesale and retail to numerous shops within and outside the province. The brand possesses a long-standing traditional recipe, retaining an authentic heritage flavor and irresistible taste.
– Address: 499 Ly Anh Tong Street, Zone 7, Cai Rong Commune, Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province.
– Phone number: 0902 183 138
– Price range: approximately 300,000 VNĐ – 380,000 VNĐ
The Ba Nu squid patty brand has been present in the market for a long time and is highly reputable
2.7 Quang Phong Hand-Pounded Squid Patties
Another establishment on this list is Quang Phong Hand-Pounded Squid Patties, offering exceptionally delicious and appealing patties. It also operates multiple branches across Quang Ninh Province. You can choose whichever location is closest to buy from; Quang Phong squid patties are praised for being fresh, flavorful, well-seasoned, crispy, and chewy.
– Address: Lot C112A, Old Quarter, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.
– Phone number: 097 864 6300
– Price range: 260,000 VNĐ – 350,000 VNĐ
Quang Phong squid patties - A reputable address in Quang Ninh
2.8 Ba Kien Squid Patties
The final name mentioned is Ba Kien Squid Patties. The name of this brand is likely familiar to many travelers as well as residents of Ha Long City. This is among the most favored shops for purchasing gifts, thanks to its careful packaging with securely vacuum-sealed bags of Ha Long squid patties.
– Address: Lot 41, Group 1, Zone 6, Yet Kieu Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.
– Phone number: 091 508 5151
– Price range: 250,000 VNĐ – 300,000 VNĐ
Fresh, delicious squid patties fried to a golden brown
3 Tips when purchasing Ha Long squid patties
Tips for preserving vacuum-packed squid patties for a long time
After purchasing squid patties, if you plan to consume them immediately, you can keep them at room temperature; however, if you wish to preserve them for long-term use, follow these instructions:
+ Place the squid patties directly in the freezer at temperatures below -40C for long-term storage. If you only use a portion of the patties, remove all pieces from the bag, place them in a lidded container, and put it back into the freezer.
+ If there are leftovers after use, you can store the product in the refrigerator compartment for subsequent meals.
+ If you consume the squid patties within the day, you only need to store them in the refrigerator compartment, but make sure they are tightly covered to prevent absorbing odors from other foods.
Above is a compilation of reputable places selling Ha Long squid patties frequented by many food enthusiasts. Hopefully, the information above proves helpful to you. Wishing you a wonderful trip, and remember to share your moments with MIA.VN!