When traveling to Ha Long, make sure to try all the specialties on this list

1 Ha Long Specialty - Mantis Shrimp Noodle Soup (Bún Bề Bề)

Mantis shrimp noodle soup (bún bề bề, also known as bún tôm tít) is a dish that leaves diners yearning for more right from their very first taste. This Ha Long specialty has a distinctive aroma, served in a crystal-clear, subtly sweet broth simmered from bones and various vegetables. The mantis shrimp is meticulously prepped, with heads trimmed, veins removed, and shells peeled; in many eateries, the shrimp shells and heads are simmered with the broth to enhance its natural sweetness. Toppings served with bún bề bề include Ha Long squid patties, fried tofu, and fresh shrimp, creating a truly exquisite local delicacy. Enjoying a piping hot bowl of mantis shrimp noodle soup during autumn or winter is an unbeatable experience. Here is a recommended spot to savor delicious bún bề bề in Quang Ninh.

Address: Huy Chien Mantis Shrimp Noodle Soup - Group 2, Zone 6C, Thuc Thoai Street, Hong Hai Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.

Price range: 30,000 VND to 40,000 VND.

See also: This article compiles reputable places to buy squid patties in Ha Long

2 Steamed Rice Rolls with Squid Patties (Bánh Cuốn Chả Mực)

When traveling to Ha Long, trying Ha Long squid patties is an absolute must, as it is a one-of-a-kind specialty of this coastal region. Made exclusively from cuttlefish caught in the waters off Quang Ninh and hand-pounded by skilled artisans, Ha Long squid patties possess a distinct texture and flavor that set them apart from those of any other region.

Steamed rice rolls with squid patties is one of the most popular breakfast choices for both Quang Ninh locals and tourists. Hot steamed rice rolls dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce, paired with chewy, aromatic, and flavorful squid patties—be sure to try this hearty breakfast.

Alternatively, you can opt for sticky rice with squid patties, featuring fragrant and chewy rice made from carefully selected glutinous grains. It is served with golden-fried, bite-sized squid patties. Just the sight or mention of it is enough to make your mouth water.

While Ha Long has many eateries, Goc Cay Bang Steamed Rice Rolls attracts the largest crowd of locals and has become widely renowned among tourists. Notably, the shop is situated right near Bai Tho Mountain—famed as the poetic mountain in the heart of Ha Long Bay with a breathtaking view over Bai Chay. What could be better than enjoying breakfast while admiring panoramic mountain views?

Address: No. 189 Alley 1, Nha Hat Street, Le Thanh Tong Road, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.

Price range: 30,000 VND to 60,000 VND

3 Cantonese Fried Rice

Ha Long’s culinary scene also features many other distinct dishes, such as Cantonese fried rice, prepared with a variety of ingredients and cherished by both tourists and locals. What makes this fried rice truly top-notch is the harmonious combination of fragrant rice, greasyback shrimp, fresh coconut water, premium dried shrimp, salted duck egg yolk, and green peas. Balanced seasonings enhance the dish, making it rich, delicious, and nutritious.

You can also pair it with honey-glazed grilled pork skewers for a truly perfect combination.

Address: 8 Tran Hung Dao, Cao Thang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.

Price range: 30,000 VND to 50,000 VND.

4 Tien Yen Hill Chicken

Chicken enthusiasts definitely cannot miss Tien Yen hill chicken, a famous Quang Ninh specialty. This chicken is renowned for its firm, fragrant, and succulent meat without being mushy, as the chickens roam freely across the hilly terrain. Among Quang Ninh specialties, boiled chicken served with rice and a secret traditional dipping sauce is a combo that draws countless travelers. When boiled, it boasts a glistening golden skin and well-seasoned flavor—a delectable treat you simply must try.

Address: Co Xanh 3 - Ca Song Da, Ga Tien Yen & Ruoi Tu Ky - 16 Zone 4B, Hung Thang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.

Price: 100,000 VND to 300,000 VND.

5 Horseshoe Crab (Sam Biển)

If you are still wondering what to eat when visiting Ha Long, horseshoe crab is the next recommendation. Horseshoe crab features fragrant, naturally sweet, and pleasantly chewy meat, making it a familiar staple at most good eateries in Ha Long. Horseshoe crab can be prepared into a variety of specialty dishes, such as horseshoe crab soup, patties, sweet and sour stir-fry, salad, stir-fried glass noodles, and crispy fried roe. Its sweet, tender-chewy, and flavorful meat is sure to satisfy even the most discerning diners.

Address: Ba Ty Horseshoe Crab Restaurant in Hon Gai - Alley 6 Cao Thang or Alley 7D Cao Thang, Group 7, Zone 4, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.

Price: 50,000 VND to 250,000 VND

6 Tien Yen Ca Say (Mule Duck)

Many first-time diners are intrigued upon hearing the name Tien Yen cà sáy, wondering what kind of dish possesses such a unique name that leaves listeners unable to imagine what it looks or tastes like. In fact, this Ha Long specialty is the meat of a hybrid waterfowl bred between a duck and a Muscovy duck. The meat is typically boiled tender and sliced into bite-sized pieces. Chewy and flavorful, it is also fried in some places to achieve crispy skin and served with hot rice or bread.

Address: Ca Say Restaurant in Cao Xanh Area, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province

Reference price: 120,000 VND to 220,000 VND per kilogram.

7 “Gat Gu” Steamed Rice Cake (Nodding Cake)

Another dish with an intriguing name that sparks curiosity among visitors exploring Ha Long’s specialties is Gat Gu cake. This popular local breakfast dish features long, exceptionally soft rolls reminiscent of Hanoi’s Ngu Xa rolled pho. Many explain that its whimsical name comes from how the soft roll nods and sways in all directions when held in hand, like someone nodding off to sleep. Hence, the name “Gat Gu” (Nodding) cake was born and has won the hearts of many food lovers. Gat Gu cake is served with a dipping sauce made from rendered chicken fat, minced pork, fried shallots, and a dash of fish sauce, creating an irresistibly rich and savory flavor.

Places to enjoy Gat Gu cake: Ha Long Night Market, Ha Long Market 1, and Ha Long Market 2

Reference price: 30,000 VND to 50,000 VND per portion.

8 Peanut Worm (Sá Sùng)

A prized specialty of Ha Long - Van Don - Mong Cai, sá sùng (peanut worm) is a signature marine delicacy of this region. It is also known by other names such as earthworm, sea worm, earth ginseng, or bibi. Sá sùng is packed with nutritional value and thrives along the coastal waters of Ha Long. You can savor various dishes prepared from peanut worms, such as stir-fried sá sùng with garlic or stir-fried sá sùng with celery—both guaranteed to make you finish your rice bowl in no time.

Recommended address: Huong Duyen Hon Gai Restaurant - 66 Tran Hung Dao, Cao Thang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.

Approximate cost: 120,000 VND to 350,000 VND.

9 Ha Long Tapioca Pearl Yogurt

A Ha Long specialty that sparked a nationwide culinary sensation in recent years, with franchises sprouting up across Vietnam, is Ha Long tapioca pearl yogurt. Visiting Ha Long without enjoying the authentic, original version here would be a true pity. Ha Long tapioca pearl yogurt is served in small or large cups, with the warm coconut milk tapioca pearls served separately as a signature touch. The yogurt is creamy, smooth, and delicately sweet, while the tapioca pearls are cooked to perfection—tender, chewy, and coated in rich, fragrant coconut cream. A delightful Ha Long treat that you definitely should not miss.

Above is a compilation of Ha Long specialties that you can seek out and enjoy whenever you have the opportunity to visit Ha Long. Hopefully, the information above is helpful to you. Wishing you a wonderful trip, and remember to share your memorable moments with MIA.vn!