Discovering the Best Food in Haiphong: A Culinary Adventure

In the northern part of Vietnam lies a city that is known for its stunning beaches, remarkable architecture, and rich history. However, what makes Haiphong truly unique is its delectable cuisine that reflects the city’s diverse cultural influences. With so many dishes to choose from, it can be challenging to determine the best dishes to try. In this article, we take you on a gastronomic journey to help you discover the best food in Haiphong that you should not miss.

The Best Food in Haiphong: Our Top Picks

🍜 Bun Ca: If you want to try the best fish noodle soup in Haiphong, then Bun Ca is your go-to dish. This dish features a flavorful broth made from fish bones and tomatoes, served with vermicelli noodles, fish cakes, and fresh herbs.

🍴 Banh Da Cua: Made from rice noodles, crab meat, tomatoes, and a touch of tamarind, Banh Da Cua is a must-try dish in Haiphong. The dish is served with a basket of aromatic herbs, along with chili and lime, allowing you to adjust the taste to your liking.

🍲 Lau Thai: A popular hot pot dish, Lau Thai is a flavorful soup that is cooked with an array of fresh seafood, including clams, crabs, and shrimp. The hot pot comes with a variety of vegetables, noodles, and herbs, making it a fun and interactive experience for diners.

🦐 Tom Chua: This sour shrimp dish is a signature in Haiphong. The shrimps are marinated in fermented rice for a few days to create a sour taste, and then served with fresh herbs and rice paper. Dip it in the fish sauce with chili and garlic for an added kick.

🍣 Nem Cua Be: If you love seafood, then you should try Nem Cua Be, which is a type of Vietnamese spring roll filled with crab meat, minced pork, and vegetables. The rolls are served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce, making it a perfect appetizer.

🍜 Banh Cuon: A Vietnamese steamed rice roll, Banh Cuon is filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms and served with a side of fish sauce. The dish is light and healthy, making it a great breakfast or snack option.

🍛 Com Chay: This vegetarian dish is made from fried rice, tofu, and vegetables, and is a perfect option for those who want to try something non-meaty. The dish is served with a side of soy sauce, chili, and pickled vegetables, adding an extra flavor to the dish.

Introduction

Haiphong is a coastal city located in northern Vietnam, and it is the third-largest city in the country. The city is known for its stunning beaches, French colonial architecture, and famous landmarks like the Du Hang Pagoda and the Hai Phong Opera House. However, one of the city’s most significant draws is its delectable cuisine that reflects the city’s diverse cultural influences. In this article, we explore the best food in Haiphong that you should not miss.

History of Haiphong Cuisine

Haiphong cuisine is a fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences, due to the city’s strategic location on the Gulf of Tonkin. The city was an important trading port in the 19th century, which led to the introduction of Chinese and French cuisine to the region. Over time, Vietnamese flavors melded with the French and Chinese influences, creating a unique culinary experience that is now synonymous with Haiphong.

Why Haiphong Cuisine is Unique

Haiphong cuisine is unique because it features fresh seafood that is locally sourced from the Gulf of Tonkin. The city’s cuisine also incorporates a wide variety of herbs and spices, including lemongrass, ginger, and garlic, that add an extra dimension to the dishes. Moreover, Haiphong cuisine is known for its healthy and fresh ingredients, with many dishes featuring vegetables and rice noodles.

How to Enjoy Haiphong Cuisine

The best way to enjoy Haiphong cuisine is to explore the city’s street food scene. Street vendors selling a variety of dishes can be found throughout the city, offering a chance to experience the flavors of the region without breaking the bank. Alternatively, if you prefer a more formal dining experience, many restaurants in Haiphong offer traditional dishes as well as fusion cuisine that incorporates local flavors.

The Best Time to Enjoy Haiphong Cuisine

The best time to enjoy Haiphong cuisine is in the evening when many street vendors set up shop. The seafood is typically caught fresh in the morning and prepared for the evening rush, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor. Moreover, the evening is a great time to immerse yourself in the local culture, as the streets come alive with people, music, and festivities.

The Best Food Markets in Haiphong

Haiphong has several food markets that offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and seafood. Here are some of the best markets to explore:

Market Name
Location
Specialty

Cho Sat Market
Sat Market Street
Seafood

Cho Hang Market
Hang Kenh Street
Street Food

Cho Cay Sung Market
Cay Sung Street
Fruits and Vegetables

Haiphong Cuisine and Culture

Haiphong cuisine is an essential part of the city’s rich cultural heritage. The city’s cuisine is a reflection of the region’s history, geography, and diverse cultural influences. The flavors and ingredients used in Haiphong cuisine are a testament to the city’s resilience and adaptability, as the cuisine has evolved over time to include various cultural influences.

Haiphong Cuisine and Sustainability

Haiphong cuisine is also focused on sustainability, as many dishes feature locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. The city’s seafood is harvested in a sustainable manner, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the flavors of the region. Moreover, the city’s cuisine emphasizes the use of fresh and healthy ingredients, making it a great choice for those who want to eat well while supporting sustainable practices.

Haiphong Cuisine and Tourism

Haiphong cuisine is an essential part of the city’s tourism industry, as many visitors come to the city to experience the unique flavors of the region. The city’s street food scene is a big draw, as visitors can enjoy authentic dishes while soaking up the local culture. Moreover, many restaurants in Haiphong offer traditional dishes, creating a unique dining experience for visitors.

FAQs About Haiphong Cuisine

What are the most popular Haiphong dishes?

Some of the most popular Haiphong dishes include Bun Ca, Banh Da Cua, Lau Thai, Tom Chua, Nem Cua Be, Banh Cuon, and Com Chay.

Is Haiphong cuisine spicy?

Haiphong cuisine can be spicy, as many dishes feature chili peppers as a key ingredient. However, the level of spiciness can be adjusted to your taste.

What is the best time to visit Haiphong for food?

The best time to visit Haiphong for food is in the evening when many street vendors set up shop. The seafood is typically caught fresh in the morning and prepared for the evening rush, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.

What is the best way to experience Haiphong cuisine?

The best way to experience Haiphong cuisine is to explore the city’s street food scene. Street vendors selling a variety of dishes can be found throughout the city, offering a chance to experience the flavors of the region without breaking the bank. Alternatively, many restaurants in Haiphong offer traditional dishes as well as fusion cuisine that incorporates local flavors.

Does Haiphong cuisine have vegetarian options?

Yes, Haiphong cuisine has several vegetarian options, including Com Chay, Banh Cuon, and vegetarian pho.

What is the signature dish of Haiphong?

The signature dish of Haiphong is Tom Chua, which is a sour shrimp dish that is marinated in fermented rice for a few days to create a sour taste.

What are the best food markets in Haiphong?

Some of the best food markets in Haiphong include Cho Sat Market, Cho Hang Market, and Cho Cay Sung Market.

What is the cost of food in Haiphong?

The cost of food in Haiphong can vary depending on where you eat. Street food is typically the most affordable, while restaurants can be more expensive.