Top 6 Unique Must-try Ninh Binh Specialties

Top 6 Unique Must-try Ninh Binh Specialties

Ninh Binh, nestled in northern Vietnam, is not just a haven for stunning landscapes but also a treasure trove of culinary delights. The region’s rich agricultural landscape and proximity to water bodies contribute to a unique array of flavors and dishes that define Ninh Binh’s gastronomic identity. Join us on a culinary voyage as we explore Top 6 Unique Must-try Ninh Binh Specialties.

1. Com Chay Ninh Binh – Scorched rice: A local favorite, Com Chay is a distinctive dish originating in Ninh Binh. Cooked in a clay pot until the bottom layer forms a deliciously crispy crust, this scorched rice delicacy is often paired with savory toppings such as shredded pork, spring onions, and peanuts. The combination of textures and flavors makes Com Chay a must-try culinary experience. You can find burned rice at many restaurants but below are a few famous ones:- Thang Long Restaurant (7 am to 10:30 pm) at Trang An, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh– Duc De Restaurant (6 am to 9 pm) at No. 29, Alley 458, Nguyen Hue St., Nam Binh, Ninh Binh- De Quy restaurant Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

   

2. Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll – Nem Chua Yen Mac: Yen Mac village in Ninh Binh is renowned for its unique take on Nem Chua, a fermented pork roll, one of Unique must-try Ninh Binh specialties. The combination of ground meat and sliced boiled pork skin is seasoned with powdered grilled rice garlic (thính gạo), chilies, and fish sauce before being wrapped in guava leaves and banana leaves. The result after 2-4 days is a flavorful and slightly tangy delicacy that has become a beloved snack across the region. You can check this out: Yen Mac Ninh Binh Nem Chua Supermarket

   Address: No. 70, Street 11, Van Giang Ward, Ninh Binh City

   

3. Goat Meat – De Ninh Binh: Ninh Binh is famous for its succulent goat meat dishes. Whether grilled, stir-fried, or simmered in a hot pot, the local goat meat is tender and flavorful. With a variety of cooking styles and accompanying herbs and spices, Ninh Binh’s goat meat dishes are a testament to the region’s culinary expertise. You can try Nha hang thit de Chinh Thu- Chinh Thu goat meat restaurant

   

4. Nhech Fish Salad – Goi Ca Nhech: Freshwater fish plays a significant role in Ninh Binh’s cuisine, and Goi Ca Nhech is a prime example. The Nhech fish looks similar to eel but is bigger and longer in size. This refreshing salad features thinly sliced Nhech fish combined with herbs, green mango, and a zesty fish sauce dressing. The result is a light and vibrant dish that showcases the region’s use of fresh, local ingredients.

   

5. Rocky Mountain Snail- Oc Nui Mountain snail is a kind of snail that lives mainly in limestone mountains, and in Ninh Binh they are distributed mostly in limestone mountains in districts such as Tam Diep, Nho Quan, and Yen Mo.Mountain snails only live in rock holes and caves. They are difficult to detect and, in the dry season, they are almost invisible. They only appear when the weather is wet, that is, in the rainy season from April to August every year. The rest of the year, they bury themselves in the ground, in rock crevices or in thick layers of leaves.Mountain snails can be processed into many dishes: steamed with ginger, fried with lemongrass and chili, mixed with salad… because they eat both medicinal plants, in addition to the sweet, chewy, crunchy taste, mountain snails also have the aroma of medicinal plants.Leading Mountain Snail Restaurants in Ninh Binh:Van Bao Ngoc – 86 Luong Van Tuy street, Tan Thanh ward, Ninh Binh city
   Quoc Quan – Trang An village, Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
   Thang Long – Chi Phong village, Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
   Hoang Giang – Hang Ca Mountain, Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province

   

    

   6. Ant egg sticky rice (Xoi trung kien)

   Don’t let the name of this dish creeps you out because if so, you are going to miss out on one of the best Ninh Binh dishes. Ant egg sticky rice is a traditional dish of the Tay people in the Northern mountainous part of Vietnam. The egg from black ants are fried with seasonings and then mixed with fried garlic and sticky rice for a unique taste of crispiness from the egg and fattiness from the garlic. There are many places that offer Ant Egg sticky rice in Nho Quan District of Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh’s culinary scene is a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and local traditions. As you explore the picturesque landscapes of this northern Vietnamese region, be sure to indulge in its unique specialties. Vietnamese foods walk you through the Top 6 unique must-try Ninh Binh specialties from the crispy delights of Com Chay to the savory goodness of Nem Chua Yen Mac, Ninh Binh’s culinary offerings promise a memorable and authentic taste of Vietnam’s diverse gastronomic heritage.