Top 9 best local dishes in Ha Long

Ha Long, located in northern Vietnam, is not only known for its gorgeous limestone islands and tranquil waters, but also for being a vibrant cultural and culinary hub. While cruising through its scenic beauty is a must-do, tasting the local food is an equally essential part of the experience.

This blog will take you through 9 of the best local dishes in Ha Long - highlighting what makes them special, where to try them, and how to enjoy them like a local. From street vendors to popular seafood restaurants, you’ll find everything you need to savor the best flavors of the region.

Ready to plan your food adventure? Let’s dive into Ha Long’s culinary treasures with Hanoi Voyages!

Top 9 must-try dishes in Ha Long

Ha Long cuisine is famous for its rich flavors, elegant presentation, and royal influence. If you're wondering what to eat in Ha Long, these 9 local dishes are must-tries for any food lover visiting the city.

Cha Muc Ha Long - Grilled chopped squid

Among the top dishes in Ha Long, Cha Muc is a signature treat that captures the essence of Halong cuisine. This grilled chopped squid is famous for its chewy texture, golden crispy crust, and naturally sweet flavor.

Made from fresh squid caught in HaLong Bay, it's finely chopped by hand, seasoned with pepper and fish sauce, then shaped into patties and deep-fried. Locals often enjoy it with sticky rice (xôi) or vermicelli (bún), served with fresh herbs and a sweet-sour fish sauce dip.

📍 If you're wondering where to try this dish, head to a local Ha Long restaurant for authentic taste:

• Cha Muc Ba Kien – 36 Nguyen Van Cu Street

• Cha Muc Hoai Phuong – 633 Le Thanh Tong

• Cha Muc Co Le – 66 Cao Thang Street

• Ha Long Market (Cho Ha Long 1)

💸 Prices: Cha Muc typically costs between 70,000 – 100,000 VND (~$3 – $4 USD) per portion, depending on the restaurant and accompaniments.

Sa sung - Sea worms jelly

When you have a trip to Ha Long, Vietnam, don’t skip Sa Sung (dried sea worms) – a rare and treasured seafood delicacy that represents the unique coastal flavors of Ha Long cuisine. Sa Sung is often stir-fried with garlic and herbs or grilled over charcoal to bring out its rich, umami taste and slightly chewy texture. When dried and toasted, it releases a naturally sweet and fragrant aroma, often used to flavor pho broth or enjoyed as a drinking snack.

The proper way to enjoy Sa Sung is to dip it in chili lime salt or fish sauce, then pair it with a cold beer or rice wine – a popular choice among locals. It’s considered one of the best foods in Ha Long for adventurous foodies.

📍 Some Ha Long restaurants to try Sa Sung you shouldn’t miss:

• Sa Sung Ba Kien – Yet Kieu, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

• Huong Duyen restaurant – 66 Vuon Dao Street, Bai Chay

• Cua Vang restaurant – 32 Phan Chu Trinh, Bai Chay

• Sa Sung Quang Yen specialty shop – National Highway 18, Quang Yen

💸 Price: Fresh Sa Sung dishes usually cost from 200,000–400,000 VND ($8–$16), while dried Sa Sung for takeaway may range from 3,000,000–4,500,000 VND/kg ($120–$180/kg).

Bun be be - Noodle soup with mantis shrimp

Craving something unique from Ha Long cuisine? Try Bun be be – noodle soup with mantis shrimp, a hearty and flavorful dish that seafood lovers shouldn’t miss. Be be (mantis shrimp) has sweet, firm meat and is packed with nutrients. In this dish, it’s served in a steaming bowl of light yet rich broth, alongside vermicelli noodles, tomatoes, green onions, and fresh herbs.

The taste of bun be be is a perfect balance of natural sweetness from the shrimp, a hint of sourness from tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Locals often enjoy it with chili paste, lime juice, and a side of crunchy fried dough sticks (quẩy). It’s one of the best foods in Ha Long for a nourishing, satisfying meal.

📍 Where to try Noodle soup with mantis shrimp in Ha Long:

• Bun Be Be Ba Tuyet – 21 Gieng Don Street, Ha Long

• Bun Be Be Hanh – 55 Vuon Dao Street, Bai Chay

• Bun Be Be Co Ly – Ha Tu Ward, Ha Long City

• Ha Long 2 market – Ha Long Market Area

💸 Price: A bowl of bun be be typically ranges from 40,000 – 70,000 VND ($1.60–$3), making it an affordable and delicious choice when searching for what to eat in Ha Long.

Banh gat gu - Nodding cake

Looking for something fun and uniquely local in Ha Long cuisine? Don’t miss Banh gat gu – or nodding cake, a soft steamed rice roll that “nods” when lifted due to its silky, flexible texture. This simple yet delightful dish is often served with crispy fried onions and a bowl of rich dipping sauce made from fish sauce, chicken fat, and sautéed meat or liver pâté.

Despite its humble ingredients, Banh gat gu delivers a satisfying balance of texture and flavor: the smooth rice sheet melts in your mouth, while the savory sauce adds depth and richness. It’s a comforting dish that reflects the warmth of northern coastal food culture and ranks among the most memorable dishes in Ha Long.

📍 Where to try banh gat gu in Ha Long:

• Banh gat gu Co Tuyen – Tien Yen Town, about 70 km from Ha Long City

• Ha Long 1 market – Street food section

• Banh gat gu Quang Ninh – 88 Cao Thang Street, Ha Long

💸 Price: A portion of banh gat gu usually costs 30,000–50,000 VND ($1.20–$2), making it a great option if you're exploring what to eat in Ha Long on a budget.

Goi sam - Horseshoe crab salad

If you're exploring what to eat in Ha Long, don’t miss Goi sam – or horseshoe crab salad – a truly distinctive seafood dish that stands out in Ha Long cuisine for its bold flavors and rare ingredients. Made from the meat and roe of the horseshoe crab (sam), this salad is typically mixed with shredded green mango, herbs, roasted peanuts, chili, and aromatic spices. Because horseshoe crabs are not commonly found everywhere, this salad is considered one of the more exotic dishes in Ha Long.

📍 Where to try goi sam in Ha Long:

• Sam Quang Yen Restaurant – Quang Yen Town (about 1 hour from Ha Long)

• Huong Duyen seafood restaurant – 66 25/4 Street, Ha Long

• Ha Long 1 market – Local seafood stalls

💸 Price: A dish of goi sam usually ranges from 100,000–200,000 VND ($4–$8), depending on the portion and location, making it a premium item among the best food in Ha Long.

Lau hai san - Seafood hotpot

If you’re searching for what to eat in Ha Long that’s perfect for sharing with family or friends, Lau hai san – or seafood hotpot – is a must-try experience in Ha Long cuisine. This beloved dish brings together the freshest local seafood like shrimp, squid, clams, fish, crab, and mantis shrimp, all simmered in a fragrant, slightly sour broth made with tomatoes, lemongrass, tamarind, and herbs.

Diners cook their seafood right at the table, adding vegetables, mushrooms, and noodles as they go. It’s not just a meal - it’s a warm, flavorful gathering that locals often enjoy on cooler evenings or weekend get-togethers.

📍 Where to enjoy seafood hotpot in Ha Long:

• Phuong Nam restaurant – 51 Ha Long Street, Bai Chay

• Linh Dan restaurant – 104 Bai Chay

• Lau hai san Huong Bien – 662 Gieng Don Street, Ha Long

💸 Price: A seafood hotpot set typically costs 300,000–700,000 VND ($12–$28), depending on the size and variety of seafood, making it one of the most satisfying and shareable options when exploring the best food in Ha Long.

You can also read: Vietnamese Food: Top 30 Must-try Dishes In Vietnam

Chao ha - Clam porridge

Chao ha – or clam porridge – is a simple yet satisfying dish in Ha Long cuisine that locals often enjoy for breakfast or a light evening meal. This warm rice porridge is cooked slowly until smooth and creamy, then topped with tender baby clams sautéed with garlic, shallots, and a hint of pepper.

📍 Where to try clam porridge in Ha Long:

• Chao Ha Co Hue – 48 Gieng Don Street, Ha Long

• Quan hen – 66 Vuon Dao Street, Bai Chay

• Chao Hen Ngon – 112 Le Thanh Tong, Hon Gai

💸 Price: A bowl of clam porridge typically costs 25,000–40,000 VND ($1–$1.60), making it one of the most affordable and comforting choices when trying the best food in Ha Long.

Ngan nuong - Grilled blood cockles

Traveling to Ha Long, let’s try Ngan nuong – or grilled blood cockles – a standout among the most unique and flavorful dishes in Ha Long. Ngan - a type of local mollusk resembling a large clam, is prized for its briny, mineral-rich taste and chewy texture.

When grilled over charcoal, ngan releases a distinct aroma and develops a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with its natural saltiness. Some versions are topped with scallion oil and crushed peanuts, while others are simply served with a side of spicy green chili salt or lime dipping sauce. As a part of Ha Long cuisine, ngan is not only a delicacy but also a favorite bar snack.

📍 Where to try grilled blood cockles in Ha Long:

• Ngan Ha Long – 163A Le Thanh Tong, Ha Long City

• Bien Dong Restaurant – 3 Ben Doan Street, Hon Gai

• Ngan Co Huong – 89 Gieng Don Street, Ha Long

💸 Price: A portion of grilled ngán usually costs around 80,000–150,000 VND ($3.20–$6), depending on size and preparation.

Hau nuong mo hanh - Grilled oyster with scallion oil

Hau nuong mo hanh – or grilled oysters with scallion oil is a staple in many seafood eateries and a popular pick when locals think about what to eat in Ha Long.

Fresh oysters are placed on the grill and topped with hot scallion oil, crushed peanuts, and sometimes a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots. The result is a smoky, savory bite with a perfect balance of briny oyster flavor and the richness of the toppings. Some places even add a quail egg for extra creaminess. It’s a simple dish, but it perfectly reflects the freshness and flavor of Ha Long cuisine.

📍 Where to try grilled oysters with scallion oil in Ha Long:

• Oc Co Tuyet – 66 25/4 Street, Ha Long City

• Huong Duyen restaurant – Zone 5B, Bai Chay Ward

• Seafood Phuong Loan – 442 Ha Long Street, Bai Chay

💸 Price: A plate of grilled oysters ranges from 60,000–120,000 VND ($2.40–$4.80), depending on size and quantity.

Tips for enjoying the best local cuisine in Ha Long

To fully enjoy the rich and diverse flavors of Ha Long cuisine, it’s not just about what to eat, but also how and where you experience it. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning foodie, here are some practical tips to make the most of your culinary adventure in this coastal city.

Explore the local markets for authentic dishes

If you want to try truly local dishes in Ha Long, let’s head to street food stalls and markets like Ha Long 1 market or Ha Long Night Market. These spots offer freshly prepared food at reasonable prices, from grilled seafood to noodle soups like bun be be. Eating where the locals eat guarantees a more authentic and flavorful experience.

Pair your meal with local drinks

Enhance your meal by trying regional beverages like bia hoi (local draft beer), sugarcane juice, or kumquat tea. These drinks not only complement the flavors of Ha Long's seafood dishes but also give you a taste of the local dining culture. A glass of ice-cold beer goes especially well with spicy tamarind snails or grilled oysters.

Bring cash or be ready for online banking

Many small eateries, especially street vendors, may not accept cards. Bring enough cash (Vietnamese dong) for small purchases, or be prepared to pay using local online methods. This ensures a smooth experience when sampling the best food in Ha Long, especially at food stalls or local restaurants off the tourist trail.

The dishes in Ha Long offer a vibrant taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage, from fresh seafood to unique local specialties. Whether you're a food lover or a curious traveler, these top 9 must-try dishes in Ha Long promise an unforgettable dining experience.

Don’t miss out on this incredible culinary experience - plan your food journey now with Hanoi Voyages and enjoy the best of dishes in Ha Long!