By Evelyn Nguyen, Sep 27, 2024
When people think of Halong Bay, tourists often imagine luxurious Halong Bay cruises gliding through emerald waters, and exploring limestone islands and pristine beaches. But beyond the breathtaking scenery, the Halong Bay food scene is a highlight that completes any vacation.
The region's fresh seafood and unique local specialties make dining here an unforgettable experience. Let Halong Bay Cruise Trip guide you through the top 6 best food in Halong Bay that you should try on your trip.
Have a meal in Halong Bay Cruise
What to eat in Halong Bay isn’t your worry after you read our list of food to eat in Halong Bay in the below!
Cha Muc, or grilled squid, is the most famous specialty of Halong Bay and is even recognized as one of Vietnam’s top 50 dishes. What makes Cha Muc special is the process, locals still prepare it by hand, using fresh squid caught from the bay. The squid is pounded into a paste, seasoned, and grilled or fried to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
To enjoy Cha Muc to the fullest, it’s often served with sticky rice (Xoi Trang) or steamed rice rolls (Banh Cuon). This dish is perfect for seafood lovers who want to experience the local flavors which are served in restaurants in Halong Bay Vietnam. Be sure to dip the squid in the traditional dipping sauce made of fish sauce, chili, and lime for an extra kick.
Grilled squid (Cha Muc) with steamed rice rolls
If you're looking for something adventurous, try the fried sea snails in Halong Bay. This dish is a favorite among locals, who love to enjoy it as a snack or a side dish. The sea snails are stir-fried with lemongrass, garlic, chili, and a splash of fish sauce, creating a fragrant and spicy dish that bursts with flavors.
Eating sea snails requires a bit of effort and skill, you’ll need a small pick to extract the meat from the shells, which can be part of the fun. Oc Xao pairs wonderfully with a cold beer for “1, 2, 3 dzo” drink party. This dish is perfect for travelers who are keen to try unique seafood and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.
Fried sea snails and shrimps
One of the most exotic dishes you’ll find in Halong Bay is horseshoe crab (Sam Bien). These prehistoric-looking creatures are harvested from the shallow waters around the bay and are considered a delicacy by the locals. The crab is prepared in a variety of ways, such as grilling, steaming, or stir-frying with tamarind sauce. One popular way to enjoy it is in a salad (Goi Sam), where the crab is mixed with young mango, herbs, peanuts, and a tangy fish sauce dressing.
However, this dish might not be for everyone, its bold flavor and texture are best suited for adventurous eaters who want to try something different in Halong Bay.
Grilled horseshoe crab
Halong Bay is home to an abundance of fresh fish, and the best way to enjoy the delicate flavors of the local catch is through a simple yet delicious steamed fish dish. The fish is typically caught daily from the bay for freshness. It’s steamed with a mix of fresh herbs, ginger, and soy sauce, allowing the natural sweetness of the fish to shine through. The light, fragrant flavors make this dish a must-try for those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Steamed fish is often served with a side of rice and a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime, and chili. This dish is ideal for those who enjoy lighter meals and want to taste the essence of seafood in Halong Bay.
Steamed Fish
The sea crab of Halong Bay is another famous local specialty, known for its sweet and succulent meat. These crabs are typically steamed or grilled to preserve their natural flavor and are best enjoyed with a side of salt, pepper, and lime dipping sauce. For an extra treat, try crab prepared in tamarind sauce (Cua Rang Me), where the tangy sweetness of the sauce complements the rich flavor of the crab.
If you’re visiting with family or friends, ordering a platter of steamed or grilled crabs is the perfect way to share a delicious meal. Just be prepared for a bit of work as you crack open the shells!
Sea Crab
While seafood dominates the food scene in Halong Bay, one of the region’s lesser-known but equally famous food in Halong Bay is Halong Bay Yogurt (Sua Chua Ha Long). This local yogurt is famous for its smooth, creamy texture and slightly tangy taste for a refreshing dessert after a seafood feast.
What makes Sua Chua Ha Long special is its simplicity, it’s often served plain or with toppings like fresh fruit, which makes it a perfect choice for a light and healthy snack. It’s a great way to cool down after a day spent exploring the bay or enjoying the sun on the beaches. This dessert is ideal for all types of travelers, especially families with children, as it’s both delicious and nutritious.
Halong Bay Yogurt
With developing tourism services in Halong Bay, you can find many places to eat in Halong Bay, tourists are recommended to enjoy Halong Bay food the best in Halong Night Market and on cruises.
For those looking for an authentic local dining experience, the Halong Night Market is the place to go for street food in Halong Bay. This bustling market has many seafood dishes at affordable prices, including many of the specialties mentioned above. You can sample everything from grilled squid to stir-fried sea snails, all while soaking in the lively atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for adventurous eaters who want to try a bit of everything.
Halong Bay cruises have restaurants onboard for dining
Most Halong Bay cruises have restaurants onboard dining with a focus on fresh, local seafood. You’ll have the chance to try the signature best food Halong Bay cruise in a buffet or set menu while enjoying the stunning scenery.
The dining experience on the cruise is thoughtfully planned to suit different tastes. For example, some cruises like Omkara Halong Indian Cruises offer Indian food in Halong Bay, and most cruises also have vegetarian food in Halong Bay options. Cruise dining is perfect for travelers who want to combine great food with an unforgettable view.
Hope that you can savor the dishes that Halong Bay Cruise Trip suggests above. If you have other specialties that you think are good to try in Halong Bay, feel free to share them with us.
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