When talking about Hai Phong, Vietnam, besides Cat Ba Island, no trip is complete without a Hai Phong food tour. This vibrant city has become a must-visit culinary destination for food enthusiasts. Here are 10 must-try dishes and the top spots to savor them, perfect for planning your food tour.
Banh da cua stands out as a unique Vietnamese noodle dish and is the signature of Hai Phong cuisine. It's a top choice on any Hai Phong food tour, featuring tender crab noodles in a flavorful broth, topped with succulent crab meat, grilled pork, pork belly, greens, crispy shallots, and spices.
Where to try banh da cua in Hai Phong:
Banh mi cay is a beloved specialty in Hai Phong, available at numerous street stalls and local eateries. This small, crunchy baguette is filled with paté, pork floss, and a touch of spicy chili sauce, then grilled over charcoal to a crispy finish. The mix of warm, crunchy bread, creamy paté, and bold chili flavor makes for an irresistible treat.
Top spots to try banh mi cay in Hai Phong:
Bun ca cay adds a flavorful twist to your Hai Phong food tour with its unique coastal flavors. This dish combines tender, sweet fish with a spicy, rich broth. Unlike other Vietnamese noodle soups, bun ca cay is enjoyed with taro stems, morning glory, banana blossoms, and fragrant herbs for a deliciously balanced meal.
Where to enjoy bun ca cay in Hai Phong:
Sui din is a beloved snack in Hai Phong, known for its aromatic warmth from fresh ginger and the delicate sweetness of cane sugar broth. These small, round balls are soft, chewy, and fragrant, enhanced by roasted peanuts, which add a uniquely inviting flavor that many diners adore.
Top places to enjoy sui din in Hai Phong:
Nem cua be, also known as "nem vuong," captures the heart of Hai Phong's culinary scene. This exquisite dish features tender vermicelli, fresh crab meat, and crispy fried girdle cakes, all brought together by a tangy, spicy, and sweet dipping sauce that elevates the flavors to new heights.
Recommended spots to enjoy nem cua be in Hai Phong:
Crab hotpot is a standout dish on the Hai Phong food tour, featuring a generous pot filled with tender crab chunks, vibrant red tomatoes, and fresh green scallions. The broth strikes a perfect balance, infused with a hint of tanginess from vinegar and the natural sweetness of crab meat.
Recommended places to enjoy lau cua dong in Hai Phong:
Oc xao is a unique Hai Phong delicacy where the snail shells are kept intact, cleaned, and stir-fried with a blend of distinctive spices, including coconut, lemongrass, chili, ginger, tamarind, and lime leaves. These rich and creamy sea snails deliver a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
Where to try oc xao in Hai Phong:
The coconut dessert drink is a popular street food item found at many restaurants in Hai Phong. This refreshing beverage combines the rich creaminess of coconut milk with soft, chewy tapioca pearls and delightful coconut jelly.
Top spots to enjoy dua dam in Hai Phong:
Red jellyfish is a prized ingredient celebrated for its ability to alleviate headaches and itching. One of the most distinctive ways to enjoy this delicacy is in red jellyfish salad. Diners can wrap a piece of red jellyfish, grilled tofu, and coconut meat in a perilla or mint leaf, then dip it into a flavorful sauce for a truly delightful experience.
Where to try sua do in Hai Phong:
Hai Phong's coconut milk coffee is a delightful concoction that uniquely combines coffee with an array of toppings, including black jelly, tapioca pearls, shredded fresh coconut, and dried coconut. This Vietnamese specialty offers a creamy texture and a subtly sweet flavor, perfectly balanced with a hint of coffee bitterness.
Where to savor ca phe cot dua in Hai Phong:
After indulging in the mouthwatering array of traditional Hai Phong cuisine, why not extend your adventure to some of Vietnam's tourist destinations? Discover the unspoiled beaches of Nha Trang, soak in the coastal charm of Ha Long Bay, or stroll through the captivating ancient streets of Hoi An and Da Nang to enrich your Vietnam travel experience.
And if you're planning to visit Vietnam, make sure you have your visa ready! It's an essential step to ensure a smooth journey, so don't forget to apply for a visa in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
