Top 15 famous Ha Long specialties that enchant every visitor

1 Ha Long pearl yogurt

- Address: Cai Dam shop - 585 Ha Long, Bai Chay, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

- Reference price: 10,000 – 50,000 VNĐ/glass

First on the list of 15 Ha Long specialties that delight everyone is Ha Long pearl yogurt. The gentle, rich sweetness of coconut milk combined with soft, chewy tapioca pearls brings a feeling that is both novel and familiar. Do not miss the crispy aloe vera cubes, cool jelly, or a bit of nutty dried coconut. This harmonious combination will make you fondly remember this beloved land forever.

2 Grilled chopped squid (Cha muc)

- Address: Quang Phong restaurant – Lot C112A, Old Town area, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

- Reference price: 35,000 – 50,000 VNĐ/portion

Want to know what makes Ha Long specialties so delicious? Just pack your backpack, come over, and try a bite of cha muc to find out. Fresh squid is hand-pounded or finely ground, shaped into round patties, and deep-fried to a crispy golden hue. The distinctive, natural sweetness of the local sea makes this dish truly unique, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.

If you prefer a more filling option, order a serving of sticky rice with squid patties (xoi cha muc). The fragrant, chewy, plump grains of glutinous rice are carefully selected to pair perfectly with golden-brown, bite-sized pieces of squid patties.

Alternatively, don't miss out on steamed rice rolls with squid patties (banh cuon cha muc). Thin, delicately chewy rice sheets envelop a filling of minced meat and wood ear mushrooms, neatly arranged on a plate alongside fragrant, golden squid patties that are unimaginably delicious.

3 Tien Yen hill chicken

- Address: Co Xanh 2 Restaurant, Gieng Day, Hung Thang, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

- Reference price: 120,000 – 200,000 VNĐ/kg

One of the specialty dishes of Ha Long, Quang Ninh is Tien Yen hill chicken. The unique quality of this chicken is its firm, sweet, and chewy meat, resulting from being free-range and foraging naturally in the mountains and forests. When cooked, the thin skin turns a honey-like golden yellow, infused evenly with well-balanced seasonings, creating an unforgettable flavor for anyone who tastes it.

4 Acorn barnacle congee (Chao ha)

- Address: Night seafood restaurant 170 – Gieng Don Street, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

- Reference price: 30,000 – 50,000 VNĐ/bowl

When coming to Ha Long Bay, do not forget to order a piping hot bowl of chao ha. Although rustic, the porridge is delicately sweet, fragrant, and packed with nutrients. Just a few spoonfuls are enough to satisfy an empty stomach and recharge your energy for an exciting journey exploring Ha Long.

5 Horseshoe crab (Sam bien)

- Address: Hung Mit restaurant - 7-course horseshoe crab, Bach Dang, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

- Reference price: 50,000 – 75,000 VNĐ/crab

Ha Long Bay is not only scenic but also leaves a lasting impression with its unique horseshoe crab specialties. The horseshoe crab is prepared in various ways: sweet and sour stir-fry, salad, stir-fried glass noodles, grilled, crispy fried roe, or fragrant cartilage. The meat is deeply savory, moderately chewy, and palatable, pleasing even the most discerning gourmets.

6 Milk oyster congee

- Address: Khanh Ly Restaurant – Hung Vuong Street, Ka Long, Mong Cai, Quang Ninh

- Reference price: 30,000 – 50,000 VNĐ/bowl

Milk oyster congee is a Ha Long specialty that is not only rich in flavor but also packed with nutritional value. A hot bowl of congee helps the body absorb essential vitamins and minerals. This dish is also considered beneficial for people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or frequent headaches.

7 Austriella corrugata clam (Ngan bien)

- Address: Thien Anh Seafood Restaurant in Cai Dam urban area (Bai Chay)

- Reference price: 100,000 – 440,000 VNĐ/person

Its name literally means "boring" (ngan), but eating it makes people fall in love. Resembling a common clam but much larger, the ngan clam is a renowned Ha Long specialty. According to experienced travelers, this seafood can be grilled, steamed, cooked in soup, or stir-fried with noodles. Each preparation method yields an irresistibly delicious flavor.

8 Upside-down ice cream

- Address: The Gioi Kem - No. 947 Ha Long, Bai Chay, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

- Reference price: 20,000 – 30,000 VNĐ/cup

The upside-down ice cream specialty of Ha Long has caused a sensation among youngsters thanks to its eye-catching appearance and distinctive quality. The special feature of this ice cream cup is that even when flipped upside down, the ice cream stays in place without dripping or falling. The secret lies in its soft, dense texture that holds cold well and does not melt as quickly as ordinary ice cream.

9 Nodding cake (Banh gat gu)

- Address: Ha Long Night Market – Ha Long Marine Boulevard, Bai Chay, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

- Reference price: 15,000 – 25,000 VNĐ/portion

Banh gat gu is a familiar breakfast specialty in Ha Long, beloved by locals and tourists alike. The rolled steamed cake is soft, chewy, and subtly fragrant, delivering rich flavor with every bite. When eating, diners dip it into hot chicken-fat dipping sauce that is deeply savory and thoroughly satisfying.

1 0 Dried shrimp floss (Ruoc tom kho)

- Address: Ha Long Market 2 – No. 433 Le Loi, Tran Hung Dao, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

- Reference price: 350,000 – 500,000 VNĐ/kg

Looking for a gift brimming with Quang Ninh flavor? Shrimp floss is a choice you shouldn't overlook. This specialty is made from fresh shrimp and lean pork shoulder, stir-fried until golden brown and intensely fragrant. This Ha Long specialty is both convenient to take home and rich in the essence of the sea.

1 1 Ha Long dried squid

- Address: Ha Long Market 1 – Bach Dang Street, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

- Reference price: 900,000 – 1,500,000 VNĐ/kg

Dried squid is readily available in many coastal areas, but Ha Long squid is distinct. Thick, firm meat and a deep oceanic aroma are the biggest highlights of this Ha Long specialty. Connoisseurs need only one bite to immediately recognize the difference.

Shred the squid into strips, grill it until the aroma rises, dip it in chili sauce, and enjoy it with a cold beer. The smoky fragrance combined with the sweetness lingering on the tip of the tongue makes it irresistible from the very first taste.

1 2 Dried peanut worms (Sa sung kho)

- Address: Ong Ba Seafood Store – Halong Park, Lot C122, Sun World, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

- Reference price: 2,000,000 – 5,000,000 VNĐ/kg

Dried peanut worms are a worthy gift to bring home from Ha Long. Compact and easy to preserve, there is no worry of spoilage during long journeys. When cooked in porridge or simmered for broth, dried peanut worms release a rich, naturally sweet flavor. Each bowl is a precious source of nutrition that few delicacies can match.

1 3 Mantis shrimp noodle soup (Bun be be)

- Address: Lang Chai mantis shrimp noodle eatery – No. 1 Le Thanh Tong, Hon Gai, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

- Reference price: 20,000 – 50,000 VNĐ/bowl

Bun be be is a renowned Ha Long specialty. Sweet mantis shrimp meat, tender noodles, and fresh crisp herbs create a delightful combination. The broth is lightly seasoned yet deeply imbued with the sea's flavor. Every spoonful is an opportunity to savor a complete culinary experience.

1 4 Yen Tu apricot wine

- Address: Apricot wine manufacturing plant in Yen Thanh, Uong Bi, Quang Ninh

- Reference price: 85,000 VNĐ/bottle

Yen Tu apricot wine is fermented from traditional rice wine and seasonal fresh apricots. Take a sip, and the mild tartness interwoven with gentle sweetness spreads over the tip of the tongue, warming the throat with a potent yet smooth aroma. This wine also meets strict food safety standards, making it completely reassuring to give as a gift or savor yourself.

1 5 Cantonese fried rice

- Address: No. 8 Tran Hung Dao Street, Cao Thang, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

- Reference price: 20,000 – 30,000 VNĐ/bowl

Cantonese fried rice is a beloved Ha Long specialty that creates nostalgia out of simple pleasures. Fragrant, tender rice is fried with fresh local shrimp, coconut flesh, dried shrimp, salted duck egg, and green peas. Each ingredient blends skillfully with balanced seasoning, leaving anyone who tries it with lingering memories.

With the above suggestions of 15 Ha Long specialties, you can plan your itinerary, grab your suitcase, and embark on a journey to conquer this flavorful coastal land. These delicacies will not only satisfy your hunger, but also help you bring home a piece of unforgettable memories.