Top 10 Must-Try Food & Local Specialties in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, a picturesque province in northern Vietnam, is renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its unique and delectable cuisine. Therefore, let’s explore the top 10 must-try food and local specialties with Sun Getaways Travel that every food lover should experience when visiting Ninh Binh.

1. Goat Meat: A Must-Try Food in Ninh Binh

Goat meat is arguably the most famous must-try food in Ninh Binh because goats are raised on rocky mountains so the meat has a unique flavor and is soft. Popular dishes include grilled goat, steamed goat with ginger, and goat hotpot. Each dish, therefore, showcases the rich and savory taste that locals and tourists alike adore.

For example, the grilled goat is often marinated with a blend of spices that are native to the region, contributing to its complex taste. Moreover, the steamed goat with ginger offers a delicate balance of spiciness and freshness, making it a favorite among many. In essence, goat meat dishes in Ninh Binh not only highlight the culinary skills of the locals but also provide a memorable gastronomic experience.

🍽️ Where to Eat?

• Cuong De Restaurant: Trang An, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu.
• Thang Long Restaurant: Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An and Truong Yen, Hoa Lu.
• Hoang Giang Restaurant: Hang Ca mountain in Truong Yen, Hoa Lu.
• Duc De Restaurant: 446 Nguyen Hue Street, Ninh Binh City.

2. Mountain Snails: Discover the Unique Food of Ninh Binh

Locals find mountain snails, or “ốc núi,” a rare delicacy, in the limestone mountains of Ninh Binh. Known for their sweet, firm flesh, people often prepare these snails with lemongrass, chili, and garlic. They are usually steamed or stir-fried, offering a delightful texture and flavor.

In addition, mountain snails are not only delicious but also a nutritious food option. They are rich in protein and low in fat, making them a healthy choice for those looking to enjoy gourmet dishes without compromising on health. Furthermore, the harvesting of these snails is an interesting process. For instance, locals often venture into the mountains early in the morning to collect the snails, ensuring they are fresh and of the highest quality. This is a must-try food when you come to Ninh Binh.

Overall, mountain snails are more than just a dish; they represent the culinary traditions and natural bounty of Ninh Binh. As such, they are a must-try food for anyone visiting the region of Ninh Binh, providing a unique and memorable gastronomic adventure.

Popular Preparations

• Stir-fried with Tamarind: A tangy and savory delight.
• Steamed with Ginger: Enhances the natural sweetness of the snails.
• Boiled: Simple yet flavorful.
• Snail Salad: A refreshing and light option.

🍽️ Where to Eat?

• Thung Sen Tam Coc Glamping & Restaurant: Road to Thai Vi temple, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh.
• Vu Bao Ninh Binh Restaurant: 37 Nguyen Hue Street, Nam Binh Ward.

3. Grilled Fish with Straw: Local Specialties of Ninh Binh

Grilled fish with straw is a unique and traditional food in Ninh Binh. Freshwater fish, typically caught from the local rivers, is marinated with herbs and spices, then wrapped in straw and grilled over an open flame. This method infuses the fish with a smoky aroma and a unique taste that is simply unforgettable.

🍽️ Where to Eat?

• Thung Sen Tam Coc Glamping & Restaurant: Road to Thai Vi temple, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh.

💡 You might want to check out: Ninh Binh: Top 3 Significant Records Today or Experience the Beauty of Lotus Season in Ninh Binh

4. Nhech Fish Salad: Authentic Food Experience in Ninh Binh

People make Nhech fish salad, a traditional food, from a type of eel found in the local rivers of Ninh Binh. They thinly slice the fish and mix it with lime juice, herbs, and spices, creating a refreshing and tangy salad. Additionally, the combination of ingredients ensures a burst of flavor with every bite. It’s often served with rice paper and fresh vegetables, making it a light and healthy option.

Furthermore, the dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, with vibrant colors from the fresh herbs and vegetables. The preparation process is meticulous, as each ingredient is carefully selected and combined to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Consequently, Nhech fish salad is not just a dish, but a representation of the region’s rich culinary heritage.

🍽️ Where to Eat?

• Tinh Goi Restaurant: 248 Ngo Gia Tu, Van Gia, Ninh Binh
• Vu Bao Restaurant: 6A, Phat Diem Dong Street, Phat Diem Town, Kim Son District, TT. Phat Diem, Kim Son, Ninh Binh
• Goi Nhech Restaurant: Ngo Gia Tu, Van Gia, Ninh Binh

5. Sticky Rice with Ant’s Eggs: Traditional Food of Ninh Binh

Sticky rice with ant’s eggs is a rare and unfamiliar food that adventurous foodies must try in Ninh Binh. Specifically, people steam the sticky rice with ant eggs, giving it a unique nutty flavor and an interesting texture. Additionally, the dish is often enjoyed with a sprinkle of fried shallots and a side of fresh herbs, which add layers of flavor and complexity.

The ant eggs, though unconventional, provide a rich and slightly creamy taste that complements the sticky rice perfectly. Moreover, the preparation of this dish requires skill and precision, as the delicate ant eggs need to be handled carefully to maintain their integrity. Consequently, sticky rice with ant’s eggs offers a distinctive culinary adventure that is both exciting and satisfying. In essence, it is a dish that embodies the adventurous spirit of Vietnamese cuisine.

🍽️ Where to Eat?

• Thang Long Restaurant: Trang An, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Cuc Phuong Restaurant: Dong Tam, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh.
• Ba Cua Restaurant: Trang An village, commune, Truong Yen district, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Hung Xuyen Cuc Phuong Restaurant: Lap Cap Bridge, Highway 12B, Ngoc Luong, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
• Thanh Long Restaurant: Ngo Quyen, Dong Thanh, Ninh Binh

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6. Vermicelli Noodles with Pork: Local Specialties of Ninh Binh

Cooks make Bun Cha Quat, a delicious dish of vermicelli noodles served with grilled pork, famous as a specialty of the Northern regions in Vietnam, including Ninh Binh. They marinate the pork with spices and grill it to perfection, offering a smoky and savory flavor. Typically, they serve it with fresh herbs, vegetables, and a tangy dipping sauce, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

🍽️ Where to Eat?

• Tình Mai Restaurant: 07 Pham Hong Thai, Thanh Binh, Ninh Binh
• Bun Cha Chung An: Lane 9, Pham Hong Thai Street, Thanh Binh, Ninh Binh
• Bun Cha The Ngoc: 16 Pham Hong Thai, Thanh Binh, Ninh Binh

7. Braised Fish with Gao Fruit

Cooks prepare Cá Kho Gáo, a traditional braised fish dish, using the unique gao fruit known for its tangy and slightly sweet flavor. They slow-cook the fish with gao fruit, spices, and herbs, resulting in a tender and flavorful food that has been famous in Ninh Binh for generations. Enjoy it best with steamed rice and fresh vegetables.

🍽️ Where to Eat?

• Lien Dong restaurant: 94 Hoang Dieu, Thanh Binh, Ninh Binh
• Ba Cua restaurant: Truong An, Hoa Lu, Truong Yen
• BS Sea: No.4, 1 Street, Khanh Thanh, Tan Thanh

8. Fermented Pork Roll

Nem Chua Yên Mạc is a famous food from Yên Mạc village, Ninh Binh. Fermented pork roll is made by fermenting minced pork with garlic, chili, and spices, then wrapping it in banana leaves. Consequently, the fermentation process gives the pork a tangy flavor and a unique texture, making it a popular appetizer or snack. Moreover, the banana leaves add a subtle aroma that enhances the overall taste.

The process of making Nem Chua Yên Mạc is a testament to the traditional culinary practices of the village through generations. Furthermore, the roll is often enjoyed with a side of pickled vegetables, providing a delightful contrast of flavors. In summary, Nem Chua Yên Mạc is not just a food, but a cultural experience that reflects the ingenuity and heritage of Yên Mạc village, Ninh Binh.

🛍️ Where to Buy?

• Rong Market – Ninh Binh: 71 Van Giang.
• Anh Quan Fermented Pork Roll Production Facility: Yen Mac, Yen Mo.
• Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll Production Facility: 70, Street 11, Van Giang Ward, Ninh Binh City.

9. Burnt Rice

Cơm Cháy, or burnt rice, is a beloved snack in Ninh Binh. It’s made from the crispy, golden-brown layer of rice that sticks to the bottom of the pot during cooking. This rice is then deep-fried and often served with a savory dipping sauce made from pork floss, mushrooms, and soy sauce. The result is a crunchy, flavorful treat that’s hard to resist. Don’t hesitate to give this food a try when you come to this land of Ninh Binh!

🛍️ Where to Buy?

• Burnt Rice of Ninh Binh Co Do: Trang An wharf, so you can combine traveling to Trang An Scenic Landscape and buying specialty gifts for your family.
• Ninh Binh Burnt Rice: Cau Huyen Street, Thien Ton Town, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh.

10. Nho Quan Can Wine

Nho Quan Can Wine (Ruou Can) is a traditional rice wine from Nho Quan district. This wine is made using a traditional fermentation process and is enjoyed by sipping through long bamboo straws. As a result, it has a sweet and aromatic flavor, making it a perfect complement to the rich and savory dishes of Ninh Binh. Therefore, you must definitely taste this local specialty if you come to Ninh Binh.

🛍️ Where to Buy?

• Thăng Long Restaurant: Tràng An, Chi Phong, Ninh Bình.

💡 You might want to check out: Discovering Ninh Binh: Vietnam’s Hidden Gem

Conclusion

Exploring the local specialties of Ninh Binh is a culinary adventure that every food enthusiast should embark on. From the savory mountain goat to the unique sticky rice with ant’s eggs, each dish tells a story of the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural bounty. So, pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to savor the unforgettable flavors of Ninh Binh.

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