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Hai Phong the vibrant port city of northern Vietnam captivates visitors not only with its poetic natural beauty and warm-hearted locals but also with its rich and diverse culinary scene, especially the street food. The street food of Hai Phong is a delicate blend of rustic flavours, familiar ingredients, and skilful preparation techniques that reflect the authentic soul of the region.
Wander along bustling streets like Cat Dai, Lach Tray, Hang Kenh, or Tam Bac, and you'll easily come across humble food stalls, pushcarts, and vendors offering a kaleidoscope of mouth-watering snacks. Each dish tells a story a piece of Hai Phong’s soul that is simple, down to earth, yet irresistibly memorable.
From crab noodle soup and mini fried crab spring rolls to spicy baguettes and sweet jellies, Hai Phong's street food bears a distinctive character that’s hard to find elsewhere. Though considered "snacks," these dishes are crafted with care and pride by the locals, creating an unforgettable culinary identity.
Street food in Hai Phong is not just something to nibble on it’s a piece of local memory, culture, and pride. If you visit Hai Phong, be sure to spend time savouring these local delicacies and truly experience the unique flavour rustic, bold, and full of life of this port city.
Although not a street snack in the traditional sense, banh da cua is undoubtedly the culinary symbol of Hai Phong. This beloved dish features a harmonious combination of simple yet refined ingredients: a rich, savoury broth made from freshwater crab roe, chewy red rice noodles, aromatic beef patties wrapped in betel leaves, fatty crab meatballs, blanched water spinach, crispy shallots, and crunchy pork cracklings. Some vendors even add spicy vinegar to enhance the flavour and awaken your palate.
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Affordable and comforting, this dish encapsulates the subtle sophistication of Hai Phong cuisine. One taste and you're likely to fall in love.
If banh da cua represents Hai Phong's culinary pride, banh mi cay is the nostalgic taste of generations of students and locals. Small and crispy, these baguettes are filled with rich, aromatic pate made from liver and butter. The standout element is the "chi chuong" chilli sauce – a spicy, fragrant condiment unique to Hai Phong that perfectly complements the sandwich.
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Simple yet unforgettable, this snack is a treasured symbol of Hai Phong’s street food culture – a must-try for all visitors.
Nem chua ran is a crispy, addictive street snack, especially popular during cool afternoons or gatherings. While common in many regions, Hai Phong’s version boasts its own distinct taste. Golden-brown and crispy on the outside, the rolls remain soft and slightly tangy inside.
Often served with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and spicy dipping sauce, these little delights strike a perfect balance of flavours and textures.
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Unpretentious yet delicious, nem chua ran is a local favourite, loved by students, adults, and travellers alike.
Any street food tour of Hai Phong would be incomplete without sampling its famed snail dishes. The city has earned a reputation as a "snail paradise" thanks to its wide variety, unique preparations, and vibrant flavours.
From tamarind stir-fried razor clams and coconut-braised mud creepers to steamed lemongrass clams and grilled blood cockles with scallion oil – every dish is meticulously cooked to highlight the seafood’s freshness. The dipping sauces, made with a blend of salt, chilli, lemongrass, lime, and ginger, add the perfect punch.
Gathering with friends over hot snail dishes is a quintessential Hai Phong experience, blending food, fun, and lively local vibes.
Under the scorching sun or breezy evenings by the sea, a chilled glass of che is a perfect refresher. Hai Phong’s dessert scene is just as delightful as its savoury offerings, with a wide array of sweet treats.
Options include chewy pomelo sweet soup, creamy durian Thai-style che, traditional black or red bean soup, and silky smooth caramel pudding with toppings like tapioca pearls, jelly, and dried coconut. The local caramel (caramen) is particularly loved for its rich, smooth texture that never feels too heavy.
A cup of che is more than just a dessert – it’s a beloved cultural ritual that reflects the warmth and simplicity of everyday life in Hai Phong.
These rice-based treats may appear humble but they are undeniably enticing. Banh beo features savoury fillings of minced shrimp, pork, and wood ear mushrooms, served with light fish sauce and crispy shallots. Unlike the Central Vietnam version, Hai Phong’s banh beo is steamed in small round moulds, offering a soft, springy bite.
Banh cuon is a comforting breakfast with thin, delicate sheets wrapped around egg, served hot with pork sausage and dipping sauce. Meanwhile, banh gio pyramid-shaped rice cakes filled with minced pork and mushrooms – is soft, warm, and perfect for a quick snack.
Simple yet heartfelt, these dishes bring back memories of school days and busy mornings all wrapped in fragrant, steaming bites.
As night falls, the city comes alive with sizzling skewers on glowing charcoal grills. These affordable, flavourful treats are a favourite among the youth, perfect for relaxed evenings with friends.
From sausages and fish balls to enoki mushroom beef rolls and grilled octopus, each skewer is carefully marinated and grilled to perfection. The highlight? The spicy-sweet dipping sauces that elevate every bite.
Grilled skewers are more than just snacks – they’re a slice of everyday life in Hai Phong, full of warmth, laughter, and flavour.
Hai Phong enchants visitors not just with its dynamic charm but also with a street food scene that reflects its cultural richness and local pride. If you ever set foot in this Red Flamboyant city, don’t miss the chance to explore its vibrant food stalls – because every bite carries the heartfelt soul of its people and land.
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