What to Eat in Halong Bay: Top 6 Local Foods Every Visitor Should Try
Do you consider yourself a foodie? A gastronomy connoisseur, a gourmand? Travel to Halong Bay! The bay is famous for its fresher than fresh seafood, which is flavored with delicate bouquets of herbs. Halong Bay serves up the best of Northern Vietnamese cuisine with zero pretentiousness. Don’t miss out on the following specialties.
Cha Muc (Grilled Chopped Squid)
Cha Muc is a renowned dish hailing from Quang Ninh province, recognized as one of Vietnam's premier regional specialties. This delicacy consists of squid cakes, with the finest versions crafted from squid sourced specifically from Halong Bay. The preparation process involves finely grinding squid meat by hand, followed by frying it over medium heat until the cakes achieve a delectable golden brown color.
Cha Muc (Grilled Chopped Squid) can be found at local markets and food establishments. It continues to be celebrated as one of the country's top 10 tastiest dishes. (Photo: Shutterstock)
As you take a bite of Cha Muc, you will first experience the delightfully crunchy exterior, which gives way to the succulent squid meat inside. Traditionally, Cha Muc is paired with sticky rice and fish sauce or served alongside Banh Cuon, a type of rice roll. Today, you can find Cha Muc at numerous food stalls throughout Halong City, typically priced around 30,000 VND (approximately $1.30) per serving.
Sam (Horseshoe crab)
Sam, commonly known as Horseshoe Crab, primarily inhabits shallow ocean waters, making Halong Bay an ideal environment for these fascinating creatures. Consequently, Halong Bay is home to a plentiful population of Sam! This unique seafood can be prepared in a variety of delectable dishes that highlight the crab as the main ingredient.
Fresh Sam
Popular dishes featuring Sam include crab salad, sweet and sour crab, sautéed crab with lemongrass and pepper, steamed crab, and fried crab with glass noodles, among others. Each of these dishes showcases the versatility of Sam in Vietnamese cuisine.
Drunken Prawn and Lobster
Fresh prawns and lobster remain two of the greatest culinary delights of Halong Bay in 2025. Sourced directly from local waters and served fresh, you won’t find tastier seafood anywhere else!
Grilled prawn dish
There are numerous techniques to prepare both prawns and lobster, but steaming with lemongrass, beer, or vodka continues to be among the most favored methods in Halong Bay as of 2025. This cooking approach not only speeds up the cooking process but also eliminates any fishy odors, allowing diners to fully appreciate the seafood's natural flavors.
Lobster hotpot - a luxurious local delicacy.
Oyster
Oysters have gained international acclaim as a sumptuous delicacy, and Halong Bay remains one of the premier destinations to savor them fresh.
Fresh oysters, a highly sought-after dish in Halong. Be sure to enjoy this delicacy at renowned restaurants for your safety and satisfaction.
Fresh oysters are harvested daily, expertly cleaned and grilled over charcoal, then seasoned with salt, pepper, and lemon or accompanied by grilled onions. For those who prefer a more traditional experience, they are also served raw, featuring just a slice of lemon – truly delightful!
Ngan (Austriella Corrugata)
In Vietnamese, “Ngan” traditionally means tasteless, but in reality, these hard shell clams are exceptionally flavorful. If you visit Halong Bay and enjoy seafood, trying Ngan is a must. This ingredient is quite versatile, and it can be prepared in various ways, including grilled, steamed, or incorporated into a stir-fry.
Grilled Ngan - A must-try specialty when in Halong Bay (Photo: Orientalsails.com)
A special delicacy made from Ngan is Ngan wine, which possesses a unique and complex flavor profile. This distinctive beverage is crafted from a blend of Ngan blood and rice wine. You can find Ngan wine at Cai Ram Market, located in Halong City.
Sá Sùng (Sipunculus Nudus)
Sa Sung remains one of the most intriguing foods available today. It refers to a type of sea worm predominantly found around Quan Lan Island. These worms thrive beneath the top layer of sand in clean waters, making them a delicacy sought after by many.
Dried Sa Sung, commonly used in hotpot dishes to enhance the soup's sweetness (Photo: sasung.com.vn)
Although Sa Sung can be challenging to source, it has become more accessible over time. In 2025, prices typically range from 3.000.000 VND to 5.000.000 VND per kilogram (approximately 2.2 pounds), making it still a valuable addition to any meal.
Sa Sung is often prepared by grilling, frying, or consuming it raw. It pairs wonderfully with ingredients such as garlic, chili salt, and mustard.
Where to eat?
The wide variety of delectable dishes highlighted above can easily be enjoyed at numerous seafood restaurants scattered throughout Halong City and on the inhabited islands within Halong Bay. For more dining suggestions, be sure to check out our Best Restaurants in Halong Bay article.
In Halong City, the Bai Chay district offers a vibrant selection of seafood eateries, street food vendors, and bustling night markets. Many local restaurants feature specialty cuisines, often proudly displaying photographs of their signature dishes outside, so be on the lookout for enticing images of meals that spark your interest!
