Top Northern Vietnam delicacies you must try

Every region possesses its own unique culinary imprints. Moreover, Northern Vietnam’s specialties embody the essence of an ancient culture with unmistakable characteristics. Depending on the time of year, Vietnam’s three regions offer travel programs suitable to the weather, cultural, and culinary traits of each area. For the North, the allure of tourism comes not only from famous landmarks but also from its cuisine. The following top Northern specialties are the clearest evidence of that. Let’s explore this list together in the article below!

Pho (Hanoi)

When mentioning Northern specialties, many people immediately think of pho Hanoi – a dish that represents Vietnamese culinary culture and is honored in the list of the world’s top 50 delicious dishes. The soul of Phở comes from its sweet, aromatic broth, soft rice noodles combined with tender slices of beef, bean sprouts, and green onions.

Bun Cha (Hanoi)

Bun cha is a long-standing specialty of Hanoi. Fragrant grilled meat patties made from minced pork shoulder and slices of pork belly are served with rice vermicelli and diluted fish sauce. The dish also features pickled vegetables, garlic, and refreshing herbs, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Cha Ca (La Vong)

Legend has it that cha ca La Vong originated from the Đoàn family during the French colonial period. This Northern specialty captivates visitors with the flavorful, crispy texture of marinated hemibagrus fish, grilled over charcoal and then fried in a pan of oil. The hot fish is served with vermicelli, herbs, roasted peanuts, and a mixture of shrimp paste.

Com (Vong Village)

A gift associated with Hanoi’s autumn is Com. This flattened, green rice is made from young sticky rice harvested during the milky stage. Wrapped in lotus leaves, diners savor small pinches to experience the light sweetness of young rice combined with the gentle fragrance of lotus.

Braised Fish (Vu Dai Village)

Vu Dai Village in Ha Nam is famous for its braised fish. This Northern specialty uses black carp, meticulously marinated with a variety of ingredients and a traditional recipe. The fish is slowly cooked in clay pots for hours, resulting in tender, flavorful meat with an irresistible aroma.

Bun Ca Ro Dong (Ha Nam)

This Ha Nam specialty leaves a rustic impression with its crispy freshwater perch combined with the freshness of greens, tomatoes, and taro stems. The broth, made from fish bones, brings out a naturally sweet and delicate flavor.

Banh Chung (Dam Village)

Banh Chung is a traditional dish essential for Tet and special occasions in Ha Nam. Made from glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, the cake undergoes a meticulous process of wrapping and boiling. Its rich, chewy, and aromatic taste makes it a Northern specialty worth savoring.

Banh Da (Kien Khue)

While visiting Hà Nam, don’t miss Bánh Đa from Kiện Khê, a rustic snack made from rice, peanuts, sesame, coconut, or gấc fruit. Loved for its crispiness and rich, nutty flavor, this treat is also a popular gift.

Bun Ca (Hai Phong)

This Hai Phong dish offers a blend of rustic countryside and coastal flavors. Golden fried fish pieces are served with vermicelli, banana blossoms, water spinach, and aromatic herbs. Its vibrant presentation and rich taste have won over countless diners.

Banh Da Cua (Hai Phong)

Banh da cua is one of the most famous dishes in the region. This unique dish features red rice noodles, crab meat, bề bề (mantis shrimp), fish cakes, and more, creating a distinct and delicious flavor.

Nem Cua Be

Nem Cua Be is a must-try when visiting Hai Phong. This Northern specialty combines fresh crab meat with pork, carrots, bean sprouts, and wood ear mushrooms. The ingredients are harmoniously blended and deep-fried, delivering a delightful taste.

Xoi Cha Muc (Quang Ninh)

Start your day in Quang Ninh with Xoi Cha Muc – a combination of soft, fragrant sticky rice and crispy squid patties. This hot, savory breakfast is an unmissable culinary experience.

Cha Muc (Ha Long)

Hạ Long Cha Muc boasts an irresistible chewy-crispy texture and rich sea flavor. Made from fresh squid, hand-pounded and seasoned with a traditional recipe, the patties are fried until golden and served with fish sauce or chili sauce.

Free-Range Chicken (Tien Yen)

Tien Yen chicken, raised naturally on hills, has firm, sweet meat and golden, crispy skin. While it can be cooked in various ways, boiling is the simplest method to appreciate its unique flavor.

Nem Chua (Quang Yen)

Quảng Yên Nem Chua stands out with its balanced blend of sour, savory, and sweet flavors. This famous specialty requires skillful preparation following traditional recipes.

Dried Sa Sung

Dried Sa Sung, also known as sea worms, are valued for their nutritional benefits and unique flavor. They can be cooked into soups, stir-fried, or roasted, making them a prized specialty of Quan Lan Island.

Plum Wine (Yen Tu)

Yen Tu Plum Wine, made by soaking ripe plums in traditional rice wine for at least a year, is beloved for its fragrant aroma, sweet aftertaste, and natural amber color.

Ha Long Pearl Yogurt

This refreshing snack combines creamy yogurt with chewy pearls and rich coconut milk, creating a uniquely addictive flavor.

Smoked Buffalo Meat – Tay Bac

Smoked buffalo meat, prepared from marinated buffalo shank, is smoked with wood from mountain caves. This specialty boasts a distinctive smoky aroma and rich flavor.

Khau Nhuc

A famous dish from Lang Son, Khau Nhuc features marinated pork belly steamed with taro and various spices like five-spice powder and honey.

Roasted Pork (Lang Son)

Lang Son roasted pork is cooked whole, achieving crispy skin and tender meat. It is seasoned with mac mat leaves and fruits, giving it a distinctive flavor.

Com Lam (Bac Kan)

Bac Kan Com Lam is made from sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes lined with banana leaves, creating a subtle, fragrant taste. It pairs perfectly with grilled meat or sesame salt.

Banh Gai (Ninh Giang)

This Hai Duong specialty has a smooth, black glutinous rice shell filled with mung bean, pork fat, sesame, and coconut, offering a sweet, nutty flavor.

Banh Dau Xanh (Hai Duong)

These mung bean cakes are loved for their delicate, mildly sweet flavor and subtle pomelo blossom fragrance, best enjoyed with hot tea.

Banh Cay (Thai Binh)

Banh Cay, a rustic treat from Thai Binh, combines glutinous rice, ginger, sesame, and lard with an intricate preparation process, resulting in a fragrant, chewy snack.

Traveling is not just about sightseeing but also exploring the culinary essence of each region. The list above showcases the unique specialties of Northern Vietnam that you shouldn’t miss on your journey!