When talking about Ha Long’s specialties, it’s impossible not to mention squid cake – a dish that has made the region famous. The process of making squid cake requires meticulousness and the experience of the chef. After cleaning, the squid is chopped into small pieces and pounded by hand to maintain its natural firmness and sweetness. This pounding step is crucial, as it determines the texture and taste of the squid cake. Once the squid reaches the right consistency, seasonings such as pepper and high-quality fish sauce are added to enhance the flavor. The squid cake is then shaped into pieces and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Enjoying squid cake with white sticky rice or steamed rice rolls provides a perfect culinary experience for every visitor.

Peanut worms are a marine animal resembling large earthworms, typically found in sandy coastal areas. In Vietnam, sea worms are primarily concentrated in Quang Ninh, especially in Van Don, Mong Cai, and some areas in Khanh Hoa. Known also as “mòn món” or “earth ginseng,” sea worms have long been regarded as a rare seafood delicacy, not only for their taste but also for their high nutritional value. Sea worms are often grilled or stir-fried, delivering a rich, fatty, and intense ocean flavour. This nutritious dish, rich in calcium and minerals, is very good for health.

Clams are a type of bivalve mollusk that resembles cockles and primarily lives in the coastal areas of Quang Ninh, especially in the mudflats and coastal mangroves of Ha Long Bay. Clams have a grey-white shell and are slightly larger than cockles. The name “clams” might make some think it’s a rich dish, but in reality, clams have a sweet, aromatic flavour and are very versatile in preparation. Steamed clams retain the natural sweetness of the meat, combined with a touch of salt, pepper, and lime to make a light and flavorful dish.

Horseshoe crabs have a round, hard shell and often live in pairs, hence the saying “sea urchins come in pairs.” They are typically found in coastal areas and deep-sea reefs. One unique feature of horseshoe crabs is that they are only edible when paired; cooking only sea urchin females without males can result in a dish that is unsafe and potentially toxic. Horseshoe crabs are not easily found in many places, but in Ha Long, visitors can enjoy them prepared in various enticing ways such as horseshoe crab salad, grilled horseshoe crab, or sweet and sour stir-fried horseshoe crab. The meat of horseshoe crab is chewy and crisp, offering a unique taste. Particularly, horseshoe crab salad with the tangy flavour of the dipping sauce combined with the fragrant horseshoe crab meat is a highly popular dish.

Oysters are bivalve mollusks that cling to rocks and shells on the seabed. In Ha Long, oysters are farmed in natural, clean saltwater, making them exceptionally fresh, with rich and naturally sweet meat. Oysters are not only delicious but also a nutritious food source, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals such as zinc, iron, and calcium, which are very beneficial for health. For those who love grilled dishes, grilled oysters with green onion is a must-try. Fresh oysters are grilled over charcoal, combined with green onion oil and crispy peanuts to create a rich, mouthwatering flavour. The natural sweetness of the oysters mixed with the aromatic green onion oil will certainly make this dish unforgettable.

Grouper, also known as coral trout, is one of the most prized and popular fish in Ha Long. With its white, flavorful, firm, and nutritious meat, grouper has become the main ingredient in many high-end dishes at Ha Long’s seafood restaurants. Dishes made from grouper attract not only local visitors but also many international diners visiting this coastal region. Visitors can enjoy grouper grilled, steamed, or in a hot pot. Each cooking method offers a unique taste, but all retain the fresh flavor of the fish.

Flower crab is a famous seafood delicacy in Ha Long, cherished for its sweet, firm, and nutritious meat. Not only does it attract diners with its striking appearance with a distinctive green shell and prominent white spots, but it also offers a memorable ocean flavour that is hard to forget. For those who want to experience a simple yet refined dish, steamed flower crab is an excellent choice. The crab’s hard shell and firm, sweet meat are preserved after steaming. Visitors can dip the crab in salt and pepper with lime to enhance the flavour, providing a delightful seafood experience.

Spotted babylon snails with salted egg sauce are a unique and much-loved dish in Ha Long’s seafood cuisine. The combination of the sweet taste of sea snails with the rich, savoury salted egg sauce creates a dish that is both unusual and appealing. It is a fantastic choice for those who want to enjoy seafood with a novel and diverse cooking style. Sea snails are a precious seafood known for their thick, sweet, and nutritious meat. The shells of sea snails are light brown with characteristic spiral patterns. The meat can be prepared in many ways but always retains its sweetness and firm texture.

Cu ky noodles are a distinctive dish of Ha Long, characterised by the use of crab meat as the main ingredient. Crab meat is finely ground to make the broth, while crab roe is used to create a rich and aromatic topping. The broth of this dish has a distinctive aroma from the crab roe and meat, making it irresistible. The crab meat is cracked, and the claws are neatly arranged on the noodle bowl. Although the meat from the claws is not as sweet as that from the sea crab and is somewhat drier, it is very fragrant and not greasy. Especially with their large size, crab claws provide more meat and a satisfying texture.

Travelling to Ha Long not only attracts visitors with its natural beauty but also with its rich and distinctive coastal cuisine. With the top 9 featured dishes, visitors will have the opportunity to fully experience the flavours of the sea and the culinary essence of this region. Each dish tells its own story and reflects a unique cultural aspect of Ha Long’s people, promising to leave a deep impression on every visitor. Make sure to take the time to explore these delicious dishes when you visit Ha Long – you won’t regret it!