Best Food in Halong Bay – Top 20 Must-Try

Halong Bay – a destination with a long-standing culinary tradition and many famous Halong Bay restaurants. They are ideal stops for travelers due to delicious and nutritious dishes. In this article, let’s explore with Ha Long Bay Cheers Tours the restaurants and food in Halong Bay that will “captivate every visitor.”  

1. Top 20 must-try food in Halong Bay 

Halong Bay is primarily renowned for its incredibly fresh and diverse seafood. Given its coastal location and the bay’s rich marine life, seafood is the star of the show. Beyond that, it has unique regional specialties that reflect the local culture and ingredients.

Below are some of the best foods in Halong Bay that you can check out!

1.1. Horseshoe Crab

• Reference price: About 20,000 – 100,000 VND/dish ($0.79 – $3.93 USD)
• Restaurant: Quan Sam Ba Ty

Horseshoe crab meat is high in protein, with a taste similar to crab meat but chewier and milder. It’s well-suited for stir-frying with spicy ingredients like sour bamboo shoots, garlic, chili, and wild betel leaves. Chefs can also separate the horseshoe crab meat to make a sweet and sour salad with scallions, Vietnamese coriander, and a touch of tangy rice vinegar to prevent it from becoming cloying.

From April to August each year, horseshoe crabs have a lot of eggs. This nutritious part is typically stuffed with minced meat and fried with spring onions and fat in hot oil until crispy. Horseshoe crab eggs have a rich, buttery taste and are often enjoyed with crispy rice crackers. 

1.2. Ngan Salad

• Reference price: About 520,000 VND/kg ($20.40 USD/kg).

• Restaurant: Hai San Van Don 399

Ngan or Austriella Corrugata is a precious seafood in Quang Ninh sea. The Ngan salad is a delightful combination of ngan meat and fresh banana blossoms, creating a refreshing sweet and sour flavor. During preparation, the Ngan meat is carefully removed from its shell, thoroughly washed, finely chopped, and then mixed evenly with banana blossoms and accompanying spices. 

Sea Ngan is a Halong specialty, rich in protein, carbohydrates, and lipids, along with many essential vitamins and minerals, making it very beneficial for your health.

1.3. Squid Cake

• Reference price: About 200,000 VND – 500,000 VND/kg ($7.86 – $19.65 USD/kg)

• Restaurant: Hai San Ong Ba

When you visit the specialized squid cake restaurants in Ha Long, you’ll see women deftly frying and removing hot squid cakes from the pan. Each piece of squid cake, crispy and sweet, dipped in rich seasoning, will strongly stimulate your taste buds.

To prepare a delicious squid cake dish, the people of Quang Ninh have gone through many changes and improvements to their recipes. The squid used for the cake must be carefully selected; it needs to be fresh cuttlefish. The thicker the cuttlefish, the more fragrant and delicious the finished cake will be.

1.4. Tien Yen Hill Chicken

• Reference price: About 350,000 VND – 550,000 VND/chicken ($13.75 – $21.60 USD/chicken)
• Restaurant: Khai Huong Restaurant Vietnam

Tien Yen hill chicken is free-ranged, resulting in flavorful, rich, and crispy skin. When boiled, the chicken skin turns a beautiful golden color, while the meat remains fragrant, succulent, and firm. With its distinctive taste, Tien Yen chicken can be prepared into many delicious and appealing dishes, suiting various palates. Here are some tasty dishes made from Tien Yen chicken:

• Boiled Tien Yen Hill Chicken: This is the simplest dish, yet it fully preserves the delicious flavor of the chicken. Boiled Tien Yen chicken has golden skin, firm, sweet meat, and a crispy texture.
• Steamed Tien Yen Chicken with Salt: This dish offers a richer flavor than boiled Tien Yen chicken. The meat retains its characteristic sweetness, with the savory taste of salt thoroughly infused into each fiber.
• Tien Yen Chicken Soup with Ginger Wine: This dish has a strong, aromatic ginger wine flavor, which helps warm the stomach and relieve colds. Tien Yen chicken soup with ginger wine features sweet chicken, crispy skin, and a rich broth.

1.5. Mantis Shrimp Noodles

• Reference price: About 30,000 VND to 100,000 VND/bowl ($1.18 – $3.93 USD/bowl)
• Restaurant: Bun Be Be Khanh Tuyen

The people of Ha Long are incredibly skillful in preparing a delicious bowl of mantis shrimp noodles, from selecting the freshest ingredients to more elaborate steps like preparing the broth and treating the mantis shrimp to avoid any fishy taste.

The broth for the mantis shrimp noodle soup is simmered using a special secret recipe, with stock made from bones and various seafood, dried shrimp, dried squid, tomatoes, and a touch of fermented rice vinegar, creating a delicate sweet and sour flavor. 

The mantis shrimp meat is separated from its shell, then stir-fried with onions and garlic until firm and well-seasoned. Enjoying a hearty bowl of these noodles, with tender, sweet mantis shrimp meat and an aromatic broth tasting of natural seafood, certainly won’t disappoint you.

1.6. Ha Clam Porridge

• Reference price: About 30,000 VND to 70,000 VND/bowl ($1.18 – $2.75 USD/bowl)
• Restaurant: Chao Hau – Gieng Don

Ha Clam porridge is widely popular because it’s packed with nutrients and offers a delicious, easy-to-enjoy flavor. The dish is prepared from:

• Fresh Ha Clam meat
• Plain rice and glutinous rice
• Shallots, green onions
• Various seasonings like fish sauce, MSG, salt, pepper,…

When you savor a spoonful of this porridge, you’ll experience the aromatic scent of glutinous rice and the sweetness from the ha clams, along with the subtle fragrance of onions and culantro.

1.7. Ca Say

• Reference price: About 400,000 VND – 700,000 VND/animal ($15.72 – $27.50 USD/animal)
• Restaurant: Cua Vang Restaurant Vietnam

“Ca say” is a hybrid breed between a Muscovy duck and a goose, resulting in firm, fragrant, and sweet meat without any gamey taste. Boiled “ca say” is always an ideal choice to fully appreciate the meat’s original flavor. 

When the meat touches your tongue, its tenderness and subtle sweetness, combined with a touch of the spicy ginger fish sauce, all melt and blend together, making its appeal utterly irresistible.

1.8. Oyster Porridge

• Reference price: About 30,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl ($1.18 – $1.96 USD/bowl).
• Restaurant: Khanh Ly Restaurant

This porridge has a natural, subtle sweetness from the oysters and toasted rice. Oysters in Halong Bay are fresh, rich seafood, typically caught in Ban Sen, part of the Van Don sea area in Quang Ninh. 

Chefs usually combine plain rice and glutinous rice to create a smooth, delicious consistency for the porridge. Oyster porridge is often served hot, garnished with crispy fried shallots, chopped green onions, Vietnamese coriander, ground pepper, and sometimes a bit of fresh chili to enhance the flavor.

1.9. Guangdong Fried Rice

• Reference price: About 40,000 VND to 80,000 VND/plate ($1.57 – $3.14 USD/plate)
• Restaurant: Com Rang Quang Dong

Guangdong fried rice requires quick stir-frying over high heat to ensure the rice grains are fluffy and dry on the outside yet soft and pliable inside, thoroughly infused with seasoning, and possessing a distinctive aroma. 

The chef typically tosses the wok and stirs the rice continuously to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. This dish is made from leftover rice, eggs, meat, and vegetables, allowing you to clearly taste its rich, fragrant, and savory flavors.

1.10. Halong Pearl Yogurt

• Reference price: About 20,000 VND to 40,000 VND/cup ($0.79 – $1.57 USD/cup)
• Restaurant: Sua Chua Tran Chau Ha Long

Yogurt in Halong typically has a thick, airy-smooth texture, somewhat resembling soft-serve ice cream. Its taste is refreshingly tangy, subtly sweet, and boasts a rich natural milk aroma. The pearls, made from tapioca starch (or cassava flour), are chewy and crispy, cooked with coconut milk and sugar.

The combination of the yogurt’s delicate sweetness, the creamy richness of coconut milk, the chewy resilience of the pearls, and sometimes the nutty flavor of toasted sesame creates a unique and unforgettable culinary experience.

1.11. Upside-Down Ice Cream

• Reference price: About 30,000 VND to 60,000 VND/cup ($1.18 – $2.36 USD/cup)
• Restaurant: Lotteria

Upside-down ice cream is a type of soft-serve or gelato, thoroughly mixed with various toppings like candies, Oreo cookies, fruits, sauces, and more. After mixing, the ice cream becomes so thick and smooth that the cup can be inverted without spilling. This feature sparks delight and curiosity in customers.

1.12. Nodding Cake

• Reference price: About 20,000 VND to 40,000 VND/serving ($0.79 – $1.57 USD/serving)
• Restaurant: Quan Ba Ngot

The name clearly describes the shape of the cake. When you hold a piece of the cake, its characteristic softness, flexibility, and chewiness make it slightly “nod” or sway as if nodding its head. This cake is made from rice flour and looks quite similar to pho noodles or steamed rice rolls. Since it has no filling, the dipping sauce is crucial in defining the dish’s flavor.

The dipping sauce for nodding cake is usually prepared meticulously, including:

• Fish sauce
• Steamed chicken fat
• Fragrant fried shallots

The combination of a rich, savory dipping sauce, fragrant with chicken fat and fried shallots, along with the mild spiciness of chili, significantly enhances the cake’s appeal.

1.13. Sa Sung

• Reference price: About 1,500,000 VND – 4,000,000 VND/kg ($58.96 – $157.24 USD/kg)
• Restaurant: Khai Huong Restaurant Vietnam

Sa Sung live in deep burrows under sand, in rock crevices, or on the nearshore seabed. They are not only a delicious food but also a precious medicinal ingredient, known for cooling the body, detoxifying the liver, and enriching blood. 

Fresh Sa Sung is cleaned of sand, then quickly stir-fried with garlic, celery, sour bamboo shoots, pineapple, or other vegetables. The dish boasts a rich sweet flavor, a satisfyingly chewy and crunchy texture, and a wonderful aroma.

1.14. Nem Chua

• Reference price: About 3,000 VND to 10,000 VND/piece ($0.12 – $0.39 USD/piece)
• Restaurant: Ha Long Market

Vietnamese fermented pork – Nem Chua is a traditional food in Halong Bay made from raw pork (lean thigh meat), boiled and thinly sliced pork skin, roasted rice powder, and various other seasonings. After being wrapped, the nem is fermented for several days.

The raw meat “cooks” through the fermentation process, resulting in a slightly sour taste. When eaten, you’ll experience the chewy and crunchy texture of the pork skin and the tenderness of the meat. Nem Chua is also a popular snack, often enjoyed with beer or alcohol.

1.15. Dried Shrimp Floss

• Reference price: About 300,000 VND to 800,000 VND/kg ($11.79 – $31.45 USD/kg)
• Restaurant: Hai San Ong Ba

The shrimp strands are fluffed and continuously stir-fried in a large pan over low heat until completely dry, resulting in loose, fluffy floss that turns an orange or golden hue. With just a hot bowl of white rice and a little soft dried shrimp floss, you’ll savor the distinctive savory taste of seafood in Halong Bay.

1.16. Tiet Ham La Ngai Cuu 

• Reference price: About 20,000 VND to 40,000 VND/bowl ($0.79 – $1.57 USD/bowl).
• Restaurant: Quan An Vat Moc

Tiet Ham La Ngai Cuu is sold at snack shops and traditional markets in Halong as a breakfast or light meal. This food in Halong Bay is typically served hot and can be enhanced with a sprinkle of ground pepper, fresh chili, or some hot, crispy fried dough sticks. 

The refreshing bitterness of mugwort leaves is the main highlight of the dish. This bitterness isn’t overpowering but rather mild, blending harmoniously with the sweetness of the broth and the blood pudding.

Tiet Ham La Ngai Cuu is popular not only for its delicious taste but also for the health benefits it offers:

• Pork blood is rich in iron, helping to replenish blood.
• Mugwort is renowned for its ability to regulate menstruation and alleviate menstrual pain in women.
• Mugwort has warming properties, which help reduce aches, pains, and numbness in the limbs, making it especially beneficial for the elderly or those with rheumatism.

1.17. Cu Ky

• Reference price: About 200,000 VND to 500,000 VND/dish ($7.86 – $19.65 USD/dish)
• Restaurant: Ngoc Phuong Nam Restaurant

Cu Ky is one of the most famous foods in Halong Bay. Cu Ky meat has a rich, intense sweetness, a distinctive chewiness and firmness, and a strong oceanic flavor. Its taste is an intriguing blend of crab and blue crab, sometimes even considered more fragrant and sweet blue crab. Cu Ky is typically cleaned and steamed with lemongrass, chili, or beer to fully preserve its natural, delicate sweetness.

1.18. Ngan Stir-fried Vermicelli

• Reference price: About 80,000 VND to 150,000 VND/serving ($3.14 – $5.89 USD/serving)
• Restaurant: Thien Anh Restaurant Vietnam

Ngan Stir-fried Vermicelli is a dish featuring vermicelli quickly stir-fried with fresh ngan meat, vegetables, and various seasonings. The thick vermicelli noodles are blanched in boiling water to loosen them. Ngan or Austriella Corrugata is cleaned with rice water or chili water to purge all mud and sand. Afterward, Ngan is shucked, and the meat is extracted.

The soft vermicelli noodles combine with the chewy ngan meat and crisp, fresh vegetables, all melding together in a rich sauce. The aroma of ngan, when stir-fried with sautéed garlic and vegetables, creates an irresistible allure. 

Ngan is considered a high-grade and expensive seafood in Halong Bay. Beyond its culinary value, this dish also offers numerous health benefits, notably in boosting vitality.

1.19. Grilled Oysters with Scallion Oil

• Reference price: About 15,000 VND – 30,000 VND/oyster ($0.59 – $1.18 USD/oyster)
• Restaurant: Khai Huong Restaurant Vietnam

With an abundant supply of fresh, delicious oysters from the sea, this dish has become an iconic part of Halong cuisine, captivating diners with its freshness, richness, and enticing flavor. 

Fresh oysters are cleaned on the outside, then their shells are pried open to expose the meat within. As they grill over hot charcoal, the aroma of cooked oysters blends with the fragrant sautéed scallion oil, stimulating all the senses.

1.20. Jellyfish Salad

• Reference price: About 50,000 VND to 120,000 VND/plate ($1.96 – $4.72 USD/plate)
• Restaurant: Cua Vang Restaurant Vietnam

Jellyfish Salad is a mixed salad featuring pre-processed jellyfish as its main ingredient, combined with various vegetables, meat, and a rich, sweet, and sour dressing. This food in Halong Bay stands out for its refreshing, crunchy texture and harmonious balance of sour and spicy flavors.

Jellyfish salad is often served as an appetizer during seafood meals or enjoyed as a palate cleanser. You can eat it with crispy grilled rice crackers or fried shrimp crackers to enhance its appeal.

2. Top 5 best restaurants in Halong Bay 

Below are some restaurants offering full amenities and a diverse range of food in Halong Bay that you can check out:

2.1. Ngoc Phuong Nam Restaurant 

• Address: Do Si Hoa, Bai Chay, Ha Long, Quang Ninh.
• Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00

Ngoc Phuong Nam Restaurant is known for its distinct East Asian cuisine, prepared by its most experienced head chef. With the philosophy that ingredients are the number one factor in creating delicious and nutritious dishes, they are always meticulously selected.

Seafood is sourced directly from fishing villages in the Halong area, bringing you the freshest dishes. The restaurant’s menu is extensive, featuring over 200 dishes. Some food in Halong Bay with rich flavors that you should try include: stir-fried sea bugs with garlic, salt-roasted crab, ca keo hotpot, abalone with oyster sauce, shiitake mushrooms, and shrimp coconut salad.

2.2. Bay View Restaurant

• Address: 88 Ha Long, Bai Chay, Ha Long, Quang Ninh.
• Opening hours: 24 hours/day

Bay View Restaurant is located in the heart of Halong City, part of the 4-star Halong Plaza Hotel system. The restaurant serves fresh local specialties such as Halong squid cake, horseshoe crab, and more. With its spacious setting and gentle decor, it frequently hosts large events like weddings and important parties, and offers buffet services for customers.

At night, Bay View Restaurant provides a perfect view of Bai Chay beach. The twinkling lights from buildings combined with boats gliding on the water create a magical and impressive scene. Enjoying hot food in Halong Bay while admiring the sea view will bring a romantic and relaxing feeling to any visitor. 

2.3. Hoa Son Restaurant

• Address: X23C+3HJ, Le Van Luong, Bai Chay, Ha Long, Quang Ninh.
• Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00

Hoa Son Restaurant offers a system of private rooms for guests seeking a secluded space to relax and enjoy delicious food in Halong Bay. The seafood is sourced directly from fishing villages, ensuring peak freshness. When you visit Hoa Son Restaurant, you absolutely cannot miss these special dishes: giant sea snail, grilled wild-caught fish platter, and stir-fried ngan vermicelli.

Beyond its strength in preparing seafood, diners can also savor Western dishes and other specialties such as grilled beef ribs, grilled beef tenderloin, grilled Tien Yen chicken, and foie gras pate. This could be an excellent option for guests with seafood allergies.

2.4. Talata Restaurant

• Address: W4R5+6X6, Hai Dong, Hong Ha, Ha Long, Quang Ninh.
• Opening hours: 10:00 – 23:00

Talata Halong has 30 private rooms, catering to a diverse range of customers. Its design maximizes natural light and ventilation, ensuring diners can enjoy the surrounding scenery while maintaining privacy.

Beyond its impressive spaciousness and stunning bay views, Talata is also recognized as one of the top places for specialized seafood preparation skills. Bringing together the culinary essence of the coastal region, Talata Halong continues to solidify its position in the hearts of customers with food in Halong Bay such as Tiger Grouper, Sapa Sturgeon, and Quang Yen Crab, among others.

2.5. Green Ha Long Restaurant

• Address: 02 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, New Urban Area, Cai Dam, Ward, Ha Long, Quang Ninh.
• Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00

Green Ha Long Restaurant leaves a lasting impression on diners with its diverse menu featuring over a hundred Asian and European dishes. Most notably, its seafood menu boasts food in Halong Bay prepared from shrimp, crab, ngan, grouper, and more.

Green Ha Long Restaurant offers a spacious environment, divided into several areas. The restaurant has a maximum capacity of 700 guests, with 5 VIP rooms accommodating from 6 to 30 people, making it suitable for parties, conferences, gatherings, birthdays, or large tour groups.

Green Ha Long Restaurant is ideally located on Hoang Quoc Viet street, quite close to the central Bai Chay area and famous tourist attractions and entertainment spots. This makes it very convenient for visitors to come and enjoy the cuisine.

>> Read more: When to visit Halong Bay? – Best travel guide for you 

3. Food in Halong Bay cruise 

Enjoying meals on a Halong Bay cruise is always a wonderful experience for anyone wanting to explore the wonder’s beauty and indulge in truly relaxing moments. With a diverse and rich menu, including both traditional and modern dishes, you’ll always find the food delicious throughout your journey exploring Halong Bay. 

3.1. Meals throughout the day

When embarking on a Halong Bay cruise, you’ll enjoy four diverse and abundant meals, offering a superb culinary experience amidst the majestic natural scenery.

• Breakfast: Start your new day with light dishes like bread, eggs, and fruit, paired with beverages such as tea and coffee, helping you stay energized to explore famous landmarks.
• Brunch: This is an excellent combination of breakfast and lunch. You’ll refuel with salads, pastries, and drinks.
• Lunch: Depending on the cruise, you can choose between traditional Vietnamese dishes or international cuisine. Lunch is typically served buffet-style, allowing you to freely select your favorite Halong Bay dishes.
• Dinner: With a romantic ambiance and warm lighting, you’ll savor exquisite dishes made from fresh seafood, meat, and vegetables. This is a wonderful time to relax and enjoy your meal in the tranquil atmosphere of Halong Bay.

3.2. Special Menus

For guests with dietary restrictions, such as specific diet needs or vegetarian Indian food in Halong Bay cruise, please remember to inform the cruise beforehand so that appropriate food in Halong Bay can be prepared. The professional culinary team will be ready to craft meals that are not only delicious but also align with your nutritional requirements.

Some cruise in Halong Bay with Indian food and a variety of fresh food in Halong Bay at an affordable cost; you can consider these options:

Get the best Halong Bay cruise deals with usIn this article, we’ve explored the Top 20 best food in Halong Bay and some famous restaurants to try. If you enjoy a unique experience dining in a restaurant on a cruise ship, visit our website to select a cruise that offers a diverse menu at an economical price. 

4. FAQ

Get the best cruise tours deals with us! 

Ha Long Bay Cheers Tours is a trustworthy booking cruises website specializing in Halong Bay Vietnam. As you visit our website, get ready for a virtual adventure through hundreds of luxury cruises, such as: 

• Halong Bay Cruise Tours
• Lan Ha Bay Cruise Tours
• Bai Tu Long Cruise Tours

We offer the BEST cruise deals with many special gifts, such as:

• Free car service to the airport
• High speed sim card internet,
• Well-designed T-shirts. Furthermore

Our qualified staff, who have worked with travellers from different nationalities, cultures, ages, genders and interests will give you recommendations so that you can make the best of your holiday. 

Contact us 24/7 via Whatsapp +84 926782368 or chat directly on https://halongbay.tours/ and have all your questions answered!