1. Introduction to Ninh Binh Specialties
1.1. Characteristics of Ninh Binh Cuisine
The ancient capital land of Hoa Lu not only captivates tourists with its poetic scenery but also with its rich and distinctive cuisine, where the traditional flavors of the North blend with the rustic charm of the rolling limestone mountains.
Ninh Binh cuisine is a sophisticated fusion of delta produce and mountain specialties, creating a rich source of ingredients: from firm mountain goat meat, mineral-infused mountain snails, fresh and sweet field eels, to simple yet rare wild vegetables.
Ninh Binh mountain snails are a famous rustic specialty known for their sweet, crispy taste and the aroma of natural herbs. (Source: Collected)
1.2. Why tourists must try Ninh Binh specialties?
Although simple and rustic, Ninh Binh cuisine possesses a refined flavor that makes anyone who has tasted it unforgettable. From the crispy rice crust, the sour and spicy lime-blanched goat meat to the rich eel vermicelli soup, all carry a distinctive flavor that few places can match. This refinement does not come from elaborate recipes, but from the careful selection of ingredients and the meticulous preparation by the people of the ancient capital region.
What makes the cuisine here so appealing is its connection to local products and traditional cooking methods. Each dish tells a story: Yen Mac fermented pork rolls wrapped in guava leaves with a distinctive aroma; braised fish using wild fruits for natural odor removal; or Nho Quan ant egg sticky rice with unique ingredients from the mountains.
All blend together to create a unique culinary identity for the ancient Hoa Lu region – where the flavors not only captivate diners but also evoke the ingenuity, sincerity, and sophistication of the people here.
2. Top 10 most famous Ninh Binh specialties
2.1. Ninh Binh Crispy Rice Crust
When mentioning Ninh Binh specialties, one cannot fail to mention crispy rice crust – a dish that has become synonymous with the image of the ancient capital. Crispy rice crust is made from selected glutinous rice, with the rice at the bottom of the pot fried until it reaches the perfect crispiness. Then, the crispy rice crust is topped with a rich meat floss, seasoned with a sweet and spicy sauce, or served with braised goat meat, creating an unforgettable characteristic flavor.
Ninh Binh crispy rice is crispy, fragrant, and golden yellow, carrying the deep flavor of the ancient capital's homeland. (Source: Collected)
The highlight of Ninh Binh crispy rice is its exceptionally crispy texture, the light creamy taste of glutinous rice blended with a harmonious sweet and savory sauce. Tourists can enjoy it at local eateries or buy it as a gift in various packaging forms. Some famous addresses to choose authentic crispy rice are Dai Long store, specialty stores in the center of Ninh Binh city, and Rong market.
2.2. Ninh Binh Mountain Goat
Goats raised naturally on the limestone mountains in Ninh Binh have a special flavor, different from penned goats. The goats living on the mountains, eating grass and forest leaves, result in firm, chewy meat with a characteristic sweetness. Ninh Binh's unique terrain has produced this precious food source, making goat meat one of the most beloved Ninh Binh specialties.
Lime-blanched Goat, tender and attractive, blended with the rich, spicy and sour taste characteristic of the Ninh Binh mountains. (Source: Collected)
Especially, the lime-blanched goat dish is considered a typical representative of goat meat preparation in Ninh Binh. The goat meat is thinly sliced, blanched briefly in boiling water, then mixed with fresh lime, galangal, garlic, lime leaves, and fragrant roasted sesame seeds. When eating, it is often served with fig leaves, Polyscias fruticosa leaves, sour starfruit, and green banana to balance the palate. In addition, goat meat is also processed into many attractive dishes such as steamed goat, goat hot pot, grilled goat, and stir-fried goat.
2.3. Ninh Binh Eel Glass Noodle Soup
Ninh Binh eel glass noodle soup is a rustic dish but embodies the full countryside culinary spirit of the ancient capital region. The eels are selected from clean swamps, with firm bodies, sweet meat, and almost no fishy smell. The traditional, lightly chewy dong glass noodles, combined with broth simmered from bones for a naturally sweet and clear taste – all blend together to create a distinctive, hard-to-imitate flavor.
To make a delicious and authentic bowl of eel glass noodle soup, the cook must be meticulous in every step. After cleaning, the eels are stir-fried with onions and fresh turmeric, which not only creates an attractive golden color but also effectively removes the fishy odor. The glass noodles are blanched just right to maintain their chewiness, then hot broth is poured over, sprinkled with Vietnamese coriander, scallions, and a little black pepper for aroma.
Eel noodle soup Ninh Binh with rich traditional flavor(Source: Collected)
When enjoying, diners will feel the exquisite blend between the rich sweetness of eel, the fragrant aroma of herbs, and a slight spiciness on the tip of the tongue. Although it's a simple dish, eel noodle soup Ninh Binh still makes people remember it forever, not just for its flavor, but also for the rustic countryside soul woven into every strand of noodle, every warm sip of broth.
2.4. Kim Son Nyach Fish Salad
Kim Son Nyach fish salad is a unique specialty of the brackish water region of Kim Son, Ninh Binh. The Nyach fish here have long bodies, few small bones, sweet and tender meat, and no unpleasant fishy odor. This species of fish only lives in the characteristic brackish water, creating a unique flavor that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Thanks to this, Nyach fish salad has become one of the Ninh Binh specialties that attract diners.
The fresh and delicious Nhệch fish salad from Kim Son is a famous specialty of the Ninh Binh coastal region. (Source: Collected)
Preparing Nhệch fish salad requires skill and experience. Fresh fish, after being washed with diluted saltwater, is thinly sliced to bite-size pieces and then mixed with fragrant roasted rice powder. When served, the dish is accompanied by various wild vegetables such as fig leaves, Dinh Lang leaves, sour starfruit, green banana, along with a spicy dipping sauce made from traditional spices. The blend of the fish's sweetness, the nutty flavor of the rice powder, the sourness of the vegetables, and the mild spiciness of the dipping sauce creates a unique flavor profile.
2.5. Nho Quan Ant Egg Sticky Rice
Nho Quan ant egg sticky rice is a rare Ninh Binh specialty that sparks curiosity among many tourists due to its unique ingredient. High-quality golden flower glutinous rice is carefully selected and cooked into soft, chewy, and fragrant sticky rice. The black mountain ant eggs from Nho Quan, which can only be harvested at specific times of the year, are an extremely precious ingredient.
Nho Quan ant egg sticky rice is made from forest ant eggs and fragrant, chewy sticky rice. (Source: Collected)
Ant eggs, after being cleaned and prepared, are stir-fried with onions, emitting an attractive aroma. Then, golden ant eggs are spread over hot sticky rice, creating a dish that is both visually appealing and novel. The rich, creamy taste of ant eggs combined with chewy sticky rice creates a unique and distinctive flavor. Only when you visit Nho Quan, Ninh Binh, will you have the opportunity to enjoy this novel and attractive flavor.
2.6. Kim Son Sticky Rice Wine
Kim Son sticky rice wine is a typical product of the traditional wine-making art in the ancient capital. The main ingredient is high-quality Kim Son sticky rice, fermented with a secret leaf yeast and then distilled using a traditional method. The leaf yeast used in the fermentation process is a unique characteristic of Kim Son, imparting a distinctive aroma and taste. The meticulous fermentation and brewing process passed down through generations has made this Ninh Binh specialty famous.
Traditional Kim Son glutinous rice wine from the Ninh Binh coastal region. (Source: Collected)
The wine is clear, with a pleasant sweet aftertaste and a strong, characteristic aroma. It has a moderate alcohol content, providing a warm sensation when drunk without causing a burning feeling. Kim Son glutinous rice wine often appears at family reunion meals or traditional holidays and Tet. Especially, when paired with Ninh Binh mountain goat meat, the flavors of both become more complete, creating an ideal duo for gatherings. Many people choose Kim Son glutinous rice wine as a gift due to its traditional value and meaning.
2.7. Ninh Binh Mountain Snails
Ninh Binh mountain snails are a specialty gift bestowed by nature upon the lands of Tam Diep, Nho Quan, and Hoa Lu. These snails live naturally in rock crevices, absorbing the essence of the mountains, resulting in meat that is both crispy, chewy, and richly sweet. The most ideal time for harvesting is from April to August annually, when the snails reach standard size and their meat is at its fattest and firmest. The harsh living conditions on the limestone mountains make Ninh Binh mountain snails special, not only delicious but also rich in nutrients, considered by locals as a culinary treasure of the region.
Ninh Binh mountain snails are fragrant, delicious, crispy, and sweet. (Source: Collected)
The most attractive point of mountain snails lies in their natural flavor, crispy texture, delicate sweetness, and a faint aroma of the forest herbs they consume. Therefore, no matter how they are prepared – steamed with ginger, stir-fried with lemongrass and chili, or made into sweet and sour salad – the snails retain their characteristic taste, imbued with the essence of the mountains. Each bite of snail is a piece of Ninh Binh's rustic charm, simple yet captivating, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
2.8. Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll
Yen Mac fermented pork roll is famous for its traditional recipe passed down through generations. Fresh lean pork thigh is carefully selected and combined with boiled pork skin to create its characteristic chewy and crispy texture. The Yen Mac recipe is inspired by Hue fermented pork rolls but adjusted to better suit local tastes and ingredients. The rolls are wrapped in guava leaves and fresh banana leaves, imparting a unique aroma to this Ninh Binh specialty.
Yen Mac fermented pork roll has a mild sour taste. (Source: Collected)
When enjoyed, Yen Mac fermented pork roll has a mild sour taste, natural fragrance, and a refreshing feeling from forest leaves. The nem meat is both chewy and soft, not dry or tough. Locals often eat it with fig leaves, Dinh Lang leaves, Mo leaves, and dip it in chili sauce. This combination creates a diverse flavor profile, both sour and spicy, with the aroma of forest leaves. Tourists can buy Yen Mac fermented pork roll at Rong Market or production facilities in Yen Mac.
2.9. Gia Vien Shrimp Paste
Gia Vien shrimp paste is made from fresh shrimp caught in the rivers of the Gia Vien region. Shrimp are selected during peak season to ensure the best quality. Then, the shrimp are salted according to the traditional secret of each family, passed down through generations, to create a standard shrimp paste. Jarred shrimp paste is easy to preserve, convenient to use, and is a Ninh Binh specialty that many people love.
Gia Vien shrimp paste is rich with the flavor of home. (Source: Collected)
The flavor of Gia Vien shrimp paste harmonizes salty, natural sweetness, and a characteristic aroma. Shrimp paste is used flexibly in daily meals such as dipping boiled meat, boiled vegetables, or used as a seasoning for braised fish, braised meat. Not only does it make dishes richer, but it also adds nutritional value. Many families when going far away all bring Gia Vien shrimp paste to keep the flavor of their homeland.
2.10. Gao Fruit Braised Fish
Gao fruit braised fish is a rustic dish with the rich flavor of Ninh Binh homeland, associated with the meals of the river and stream region here. The main ingredients are usually fresh river fish such as carp, snakehead fish, carefully selected to ensure firm, sweet, and fragrant meat. The soul of the dish lies in the gao fruit, a characteristic wild fruit found only in the Ninh Binh stream and hill region. When braised with fish, gao not only helps to remove the fishy smell but also brings a natural, refreshing sour taste, creating a unique flavor that cannot be confused with any other braised fish dish.
Braised fish with gao fruit, rich in traditional flavor. (Source: Collected)
Cooking ca kho gao is not simple, as the cook must truly understand the ingredients and know how to manage the heat and water so that the fish is tender yet retains its texture. Each piece of fish is evenly infused with the slight sourness of the gao fruit, blending with the savory taste of the braising liquid, creating a simple yet refined dish. For the people of Ninh Binh, ca kho gao is not just a delicious dish but also a flavor that evokes memories of home. If you want to taste this unique specialty, visit family-run eateries or ask the locals, and you will be directed to the place with the most "authentic Ninh Binh" flavor.
3. Suggested Famous Eateries and Restaurants to Enjoy Ninh Binh Specialties
3.1. Hoang Giang Restaurant
Address: Núi Hang Cá, Tây Hoa Lư Ward, Ninh Binh City
Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Hotline: 098 892 12 34
Hoang Giang Restaurant is a reliable destination for those who want to enjoy authentic Ninh Binh specialties. The menu focuses on prominent dishes such as mountain goat meat, crispy rice crackers, and eel noodles, all prepared according to traditional flavors. The space here is spacious and airy, providing a comfortable experience for guests. The professional staff, knowledgeable about each dish, always enthusiastically advises first-time visitors to Ninh Binh cuisine.
3.2. Cho Que Quan
Address: Trang An 2 Street, Hoa Lư Ward, Ninh Binh City
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Hotline: 094 194 86 66
Cho Que Quan offers an experience of enjoying Ninh Binh specialties in a familiar atmosphere, recreating the traditional village life. The restaurant is decorated with familiar items such as baskets, bamboo blinds, and oil lamps, creating a cozy feeling. The menu mainly consists of rural dishes like diverse mountain goat preparations, various wild vegetables, and other local specialties.
3.3. Thang Long Restaurant
Address: Trang An, Chi Phong Hamlet, Tay Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh City.
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM.
Hotline: 097 515 54 58
Thang Long Restaurant is famous for its diverse menu of Ninh Binh specialties, from sweet eel noodles, fresh snakehead fish salad to crispy rice crackers. The spacious area is suitable for large tour groups or family meals. The chefs are locals, knowledgeable and adhere to traditional preparation methods.
3.4. Tam Gia Trang Restaurant
Address: 35 Trang An 2, Hoa Lư Ward, Ninh Binh City.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Hotline: 0229 6555 556
Tam Gia Trang Restaurant attracts tourists with its traditional architecture deeply rooted in ancient Hoa Lư. The restaurant's space is built in an ancient Vietnamese style, creating an atmosphere of enjoying Ninh Binh specialties in a characteristic cultural environment. The menu highlights dishes such as mountain goat, mountain snails, and Yen Mac fermented pork rolls, all preserving their traditional flavors.
During your trip to explore Ninh Binh specialties, you can extend your journey with a visit to Sun World Ha Nam, which offers modern entertainment games, a theme park, and a diverse culinary area. After enjoying traditional cuisine amidst the majestic mountains, there's nothing more enjoyable than immersing yourself in a vibrant, fun atmosphere, relaxing and experiencing new entertainment culture. Combining Ninh Binh cuisine with Sun World Ha Nam makes the trip complete, satisfying your taste buds and providing memorable entertainment moments.
When exploring Ninh Binh specialties, visitors not only savor unique flavors but also experience the rich culinary culture of the ancient capital region. Take your time to slowly enjoy each dish and feel the story that each flavor wants to tell!
