Thanh Hoa a land of rich cultural heritage and heroic traditions is not only known for its historical significance but also revered as a culinary paradise of North Central Vietnam. Travellers coming here are not only treated to stunning natural scenery but also have the opportunity to savour a wide variety of rustic yet refined and irresistible local delicacies.
Thanh Hoa a land of rich cultural heritage and heroic traditions is not only known for its historical significance but also revered as a culinary paradise of North Central Vietnam. Travellers coming here are not only treated to stunning natural scenery but also have the opportunity to savour a wide variety of rustic yet refined and irresistible local delicacies.
Let's join bdatrip to learn about delicious dishes in Thanh Hoa
Nem chua is synonymous with Thanh Hoa cuisine. Though this dish can be found in many parts of Vietnam, Thanh Hoa’s version stands out with its distinct, unforgettable flavour and meticulous preparation.
The rolls are made from fermented pork with a beautiful pink hue, combined with aromatic herbs like đinh lăng leaves, garlic, and chilli creating a slightly sour, spicy, and crunchy delight. Variations include long rolls, square rolls, roasted rice rolls, and fried nem.
Where to buy: Nem Thang Tuyen, Nem Cuong Dung
Price range: 3,000 – 5,000 VND/piece
Grilled shrimp cake is a grilled shrimp cake closely associated with the coastal town of Sam Son. The dish is visually appealing with its golden color and irresistible aroma from charcoal grilling. Crispy outside, soft and savory inside made from shrimp, pork, and traditional spices.
Usually served with fresh herbs and sweet-sour dipping sauce, the combined flavors of sweet shrimp, subtle spice, and tangy fish sauce create a lasting impression.
Recommended spots: Ba That shrimp cake, Thao Muoi shrimp cake
Price range: 10,000 - 50,000 VND/serving
Coc Nhi is a unique local fish salad that you should not miss. Unlike other regions, Thanh Hoa does not use shrimp paste or fish sauce, but instead uses a thick dipping sauce made from ground fish bones cooked with fermented rice and spices.
The fish salad is wrapped in herbs in fig leaves, topped with shallots, chili and ginger. The sour, spicy, rich and salty flavors create an unforgettable taste.
Where to try: Vu Bao Restaurant
A humble yet beloved specialty from Vinh Loc district, Phu Quang’s che lam is golden, crispy, and fragrant. Made from glutinous rice flour, molasses, ginger, and peanuts, it strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Enjoyed with a cup of hot green tea an ideal pairing for a quiet afternoon in Thanh Hoa.
Where to buy: Traditional markets in Thanh Hoa City
Price: 20,000 VND per piece
Ha Yen shrimp paste is a famous condiment with deep flavors and high nutritional value. It’s made by fermenting fresh shrimp with roasted rice powder for several weeks.
Best served with stir-fried pork belly and shallots, this dish is so flavourful it was once offered to the royal court.
Where to buy: Ba Lang Shrimp Paste, Hai Tien Shrimp Paste
Price: 100,000 VND/bottle
Despite its pungent aroma, fish sauce is a cherished dipping sauce in Thanh Hoa household. Made from fermented freshwater crabs, it's high in protein and pairs excellently with boiled pork or raw vegetables.
Its bold flavor sour, umami, nutty lingers long after the first taste.
Where to buy: Ba Lan fish sauce, Tinh Gia
Price: 90,000 VND/bottle
Grown in Tho Xuong this pomelo variety features a red rind and juicy, sweet, fragrant segments. Once reserved for royalty due to its auspicious color symbolizing prosperity.
Where to buy: Chua Market, orchards in Tho Xuan
Price: 100,000 – 200,000 VND/fruit
Unlike the fresh version, grilled nem is wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over charcoal. The result is smoky, savoury meat and pork skin, spiced with black pepper and herbs.
Where to buy: Nem Thanh Nghia, Nem 62 Tô Vinh Dien
Price: 15,000 – 20,000 VND/piece
Made with delicate rice sheets filled with pork, shrimp, wood ear mushrooms, and fried shallots. Served with sweet-sour fish sauce and crispy fried shallots simple yet flavourful.
Where to eat: Banh Cuon Ba Lanh, Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Chich
Price: 10,000 – 15,000 VND/plate
With a shiny black outer layer made from gai leaves and a sweet filling of mung bean and candied pork fat, this chewy cake is fragrant and satisfying. It keeps well for several days, making it an ideal gift.
Where to buy: Tu Tru craft villages, Tho Xuan district
Price: 10,000 - 15,000 VND/piece
Named for its rake-like shape, this cake is made from rice flour, filled with pork and mushrooms, then wrapped in dong leaves and steamed. Best enjoyed hot with spicy fish sauce.
Where to find: Dien Bien Market
Price: 10,000 VND/piece
Soft, white glutinous rice exterior filled with seasoned shrimp and pork. Topped with scallion oil and paired with fresh herbs and cucumber for the best experience.
Where to eat: Tay Thanh Market, Mai's Stall - Tan An Market
Price: From 15,000 VND/plate
Cooked in traditional clay pots, these cakes are crispy on the outside with a rich filling of pork and eggs. Best eaten wrapped in herbs and dipped in tangy fish sauce.
Where to eat: Tong Duy Tan Street
Price: 10,000 - 15,000 VND/piece
A hot, greenish pudding-like dish made from rice flour, mung beans, crispy shallots, and pork cracklings. Soft, rich and full of nostalgia for many Thanh Hoa locals.
Where to try: Traditional snack stalls around local markets
Thanh Hoa cuisine is a harmonious blend of tradition and creativity, reflecting the essence of both inland and coastal life. Each dish is more than just flavor it's a cultural story, a symbol of identity, and the pride of this heroic land.
If you ever visit Thanh Hoa, don't miss the opportunity to indulge in these culinary treasures and bring home some as heart-warming gifts from
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