If you are planning a trip to Quang Binh, a beautiful land in the central region of Vietnam, then you should definitely explore the local cuisine here. With more than 20+ specialties, Quang Binh cuisine is a perfect blend of regional flavors and ingredients, making it a culinary heaven for food lovers. So if you are wondering what to eat in Quang Binh, read on to discover the must-try Quang Binh local foods that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
What to eat in Quang Binh? Diverse delicacies that delight all visitors
1.1 Cakes
1.1.1 Tapioca dumpling cake (Bánh bột lọc)
If you’re interested in experiencing Quang Binh cuisine, tapioca dumpling cake is a must-try dish. It’s a popular and delicious dish made of Vietnamese tapioca dumpling mix, shrimp, and wood ear. Tourists usually opt for the traditional banana leaf rice dumpling cake. In Quang Binh, there is also a fried version of the cake made with boiling oil, giving it a delectable taste.
The dipping sauce is a crucial part of the tapioca dumpling cake’s deliciousness. The banana leaf wrapped cake is typically dipped in a mildly sweet sauce to balance its flavors, while the fried tapioca dumpling cake is eaten with a sweet and sour sauce. All types of tapioca dumpling cakes are considered a local delicacy in Quang Binh and a must-try when visiting this area.
If you’re looking for famous tapioca dumpling cake eateries, Me Nhu rice dumpling cake and Co Thuong rice dumpling cake are excellent choices.
1.1.2 Water Fern Cake (Bánh bèo)
Most localities in the Central Region have delicious water fern cake dishes. You can enjoy this dish in many places; however, in Quang Binh, visitors will surely find a different, delicious, and unique taste.
Water fern cake is a thin, soft, and chewy cake topped with marinated fresh sea shrimp. It’s usually served with chili sauce to add a spicy kick, making it a unique and delicious choice among the various dishes available in the Central region.
You can enjoy this Quang Binh local food at Co Van Eatery, located at 82 Le Thanh Don, Dong Hoi – the most famous place for water fern cake in Quang Binh.
1.1.3. Crispy pancake
If you’re still unsure about what to eat in Quang Binh, then crispy pancakes are another must-try dish. It looks similar to the North’s pillow-shaped cake (bánh gối), but the processing method is imbued with regional culinary culture, giving it a unique and distinctive flavor in Quang Binh.
When you taste crispy pancakes, you’ll experience the hot and aromatic flavor of rice, the greasiness of shrimp, and the richness and toughness of meat. Raw vegetables are served alongside the delicious cake, adding freshness to the dish. This rustic dish is a favorite among many tourists visiting Quang Binh.
If you’re in Dong Hoi city, then you must visit Tu Quy eatery, located at 18 Co Tam, which is a popular spot for crispy pancakes.
1.1.4. Flat rice dumpling (Bánh nậm)
One of the interesting choices for foodies visiting Quang Binh is flat rice dumplings, which allow you to enjoy a unique and delicious cake while learning more about the local culinary culture. A flat rice dumpling is made from rice flour and steamed in water for about 15-20 minutes. It’s then wrapped with dong leaves and filled with shrimp, spices, and other ingredients, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish.
To try some of the best flat rice dumplings in Quang Binh, you can visit famous restaurants such as Mu Xuan flat rice dumpling or Huong Hoai rice dumpling cake eatery.
1.1.5 Steamed rolled rice pancake with shrimp paste (Bánh cuốn ruốc tôm)
If you’re looking for something to eat in Quang Binh for breakfast, try the steamed rolled rice pancake with shrimp paste. Unlike the popular steamed rolled rice pancake in Hanoi, the one in Quang Binh is made with rice flour with no filling. The main side dish is shrimp paste, thinly sliced cucumber, and herbs. This dish is quite simple but still a famous Quang Binh local food.
1.1.6 Crispy Vietnamese pancake (Bánh xèo)
Another Quang Binh local food is Quang Hoa crispy Vietnamese pancake. This cake is made from red rice with various accompanying dishes like raw vegetables, salad, snakehead fish, dry rice wafers, and dipping sauces. The rice used to make the pancakes is special because it’s a red type of rice that needs to be soaked for about 5 hours, then ground with water in a mortar.
You can find many crispy Vietnamese pancake eateries when looking for places to eat in Quang Binh. In the past, nearly every household made this dish. But now it’s mostly made by famous eateries. Crispy Vietnamese pancakes are best eaten when the aroma of brown rice combined with many other spices is at its peak.
1.2. Seafood
1.2.1. Dried Squid with Mango (Mực khô bóp xoài)
In Quang Binh, you can easily find dried squid with mango at any restaurant near Bao Ninh and Nhat Le beaches. With an abundance of fresh seafood dishes prepared in various ways, you won’t have to worry about what to eat in Quang Binh.
Dried squid with mango is a popular choice among tourists due to its crispy texture, sour green mango flavor, and savory salad sauce. It is also a quick and affordable seafood dish that you can order while in Quang Binh.
1.2.2. Roon River blood clam
When visiting the Canh Duong market near the Roon River’s bridge, be sure to try the famous blood clam. This seafood is not only delicious but also nutritious, which is why locals love it.
Blood clams are prepared in a variety of ways, including blood clam porridge, blood clam with tamarind sauce, and blood clam with lemon. With so many dishes to choose from, you won’t have to worry about what to eat in Quang Binh. Trust me, the blood clam with lemon is the best in the area.
1.2.3. Son River’s Fish at Phong Nha
Phong Nha is a popular tourist destination in Quang Binh known for its scenic beauty. Tourists often wonder what to eat in Quang Binh while visiting Phong Nha. At Son River, you can find a variety of fish, such as carp and catfish.
Among all, the grilled eel is highly recommended by many visitors. It has a delicious, savory taste and is rich in spices. This is a Quang Binh local food that you must try during your trip.
If you’re looking for a restaurant close to the Phong Nha tourist spot, check out Son Doong Quang Binh restaurant.
1.2.4. Crab steamed with wax gourd
Finding a good Quang Binh local food to enjoy is easy because the locality has many affordable and delicious dishes. Among all, one highly recommend is crab steamed with wax gourd.
The dish costs around 300,000 – 500,000 VND per plate, which can feed the entire family. The unique blend of flavors from the sweet crab and wax gourd offers an interesting culinary experience.
For more seafood options, visit Chang Chang seafood restaurant at No. 198 Tran Hung Dao, Dong Hoi.
1.2.5. Grilled ray fish
If you’re a fan of seafood, you must be familiar with the fact that ray fish is a popular ingredient that can be processed into many delicious and tempting dishes. In Quang Binh, tourists usually enjoy dishes made from ray fish, particularly grilled ray fish.
You can easily find this dish in any restaurant around Cua Nhat Le. It’s also known as a specialty dish in Dong Hoi, Quang Binh, which you should definitely try.
The main ingredient is fresh, delicious ray fish, which are washed and seasoned with spices before being wrapped in foil or banana leaves and grilled. Grilled ray fish is best eaten hot and is often served with raw vegetables and rice paper. The appeal of this dish will definitely stay with you long after your trip.
1.2.6. Den Bien
If you ask the locals what to eat in Quang Binh, they will most likely recommend the signature dish, which is Den Bien. Many people call this dish by different names, such as sea snake – a small snake found in the sea.
The locals here use this ingredient to create many unique and delicious dishes, such as Den Bien stir-fried with lemongrass and chili peppers, Den Bien with dry rice wafers, and Den Bien porridge. This dish is even more special because the locals are very creative in the way they prepare it. Dishes like black blood mixed with white wine and black ram are also highlights of this area.
1.3. Quang Binh Snacks
1.3.1. Banh Mi with tapioca dumpling cake (Bánh mì bột lọc)
If you’re looking for something to eat in Quang Binh as a snack, head to the Dong Hoi market to try the delicious Banh Mi with tapioca dumpling cake. Although this bread is sold at a small stall in the market, its quality is extremely tasty and not inferior to other famous breads.
When you buy this bread, you’ll witness the process of making this delicious cake firsthand. The crispy bread is paired with the softness of the tapioca dumpling cake, the sweetness of the shrimp, as well as various sauces and condiments.
This famous Quang Binh snack is a must-try during your trip. Knowing what to eat in Quang Binh won’t be difficult if you explore the markets or ask the locals, who will introduce you to countless attractive local dishes.
1.3.2. Rice paper with chat chat (Chắt chắt bánh tráng)
Rice paper with chat chat, a rustic dish in Quang Binh, is a familiar dish for many locals and is something that many children who live far from home remember. Chat chat is a type of baby basket clam that lives in rivers.
This dish is prepared simply by stir-frying and seasoning the chat chat with spices. It is served with vegetables and herbs. You can scoop up the chat chat with rice paper and enjoy it slowly.
Chat chat is loved by many tourists who visit this area. In addition, the people of Quang Binh have many unique ways to prepare this dish, such as stir-fried it with jackfruit, which is also quite delicious and unique.
1.3.3. Lemongrass grilled with pork lemongrass skewers (Nem lụi nướng sả)
For backpackers, finding a delicious meal in Quang Binh is easy, as they can easily find lemongrass grilled with pork lemongrass skewers sold every afternoon in Dong Hoi. These pork lemongrass skewers are made with pureed pork, pork skin, and various spices, then grilled over charcoal until cooked to a light yellow color.
The dipping sauce is also a key component of the dish, and each restaurant has its own special recipe to make the sauce. Some common ingredients include peanuts, meat, and ground liver. Served with fresh vegetables, these pork lemongrass skewers are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
1.3.4. Fried Snails
While you may have tried fried snails in other parts of Vietnam, the unique preparation in Quang Binh makes them a must-try dish during your visit. One recommended restaurant is Di Thai Fried Snail, known as the first place to create the famous recipe for this dish.
There are two types of snails used in the dish: whelks and apple snails, with the latter being the more popular choice among tourists. After boiling, the snails are fried in hot oil with a variety of spices, including coconut, pineapple, chili, and lemon leaves.
The aroma of this dish is sure to tantalize your senses. If you’re wondering where to eat in Quang Binh, be sure to check out Di Thai Fried Snail for a taste of this unique dish.
1.3.5. Fried Sticky Rice with Eggs
Looking for a delicious midnight snack in Quang Binh? You won’t want to miss out on the tasty fried sticky rice with eggs. The sticky, fragrant rice is fried with eggs following Quang Binh recipe, giving it a unique flavor that sets it apart from other regions.
Although it may sound simple, the way the eggs are whipped and spread evenly over the rice is what makes this dish special. The thin, soft layer of egg on top of the rice is satisfying, making it a must-try dish for anyone visiting this area, especially those traveling at night.
1.4. Delicious Porridge
1.4.1. Eel porridge
Eel porridge is a popular dish in the central provinces. The eel used in this dish is usually field eel, which is both nutritious and delicious. In addition to porridge, eel is used to make many other specialty dishes, such as eel soup, eel vermicelli, and vermicelli fried with eel.
The porridge is cooked simply, but the rich, fatty flavor of the eel meat and moderate sweetness make it a delight to eat. Visitors can easily find many restaurants in Dong Hoi, Quang Binh that serve this eel porridge.
However, if you want to try the best of the best, check out famous eel porridge restaurants like Chi Ngang and Xu Nghe. Try this and you won’t have to think twice about what to eat in Quang Binh because these dishes made with eel are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
1.4.2. Soup porridge
Soup porridge is a popular Quang Binh local food that goes by many names, including tapioca flour soup cake (bánh canh bột lọc) and thick rice noodle soup (bánh canh bột gạo). If you’re wondering what to eat in Quang Binh, this is definitely a delicious option to consider.
This dish features slightly yellowish water with tasty rice noodles, along with a variety of ingredients such as fish, shrimp, lean meat, and spring rolls. The dish is also garnished with green onions, vegetables, and herbs, which add freshness to the meal. You can find this dish easily at many restaurants in Quang Binh, as well as in markets or at various tourist destinations.
1.4.3. Snakehead Fish Porridge
If you want to explore the unique culinary culture of Quang Binh, you must try snakehead fish porridge. Though the name might sound strange, for locals, it is a dish that represents the bold flavors of their homeland and is a must-try for anyone visiting this region. Despite its simplicity, this porridge has a delicious aftertaste that will make you want more.
The main ingredients for this porridge are brown and red rice cooked with snakehead fish. The fish is boiled, and only the meat is used for the dish. The broth for this porridge is made from the broth used to boil the fish, which gives it a fresh and delicious flavor.
Many visitors enjoy this porridge with a side of ram or a little fish sauce for added flavor. It is also a great option for families looking for a dish that both children and adults can enjoy.
You can try this Quang Binh local food at Snakehead Fish Porridge Eatery.
1.4.4. Bau Fish Porridge (Cháo cá bàu)
When traveling along National Highway 1A and passing through Bau Sen Le Thuy, visitors will come across many street food stalls that offer delicious dishes. One of the must-try dishes here is Bau fish porridge.
This dish is easy to make, and the secret to its deliciousness lies in the freshness of the fish and the aromatic flavor of the rice. A hearty bowl of Bau fish porridge will leave a pleasant aftertaste for you to savor.
If you’re wondering what to eat in Quang Binh, visiting the popular eateries and ordering a bowl of hot Bau fish porridge will solve your problem. The greasy fish will make you forget about the fatigue of the day.
1.4.5. Oyster Porridge
Another Quang Binh local food worth trying is oyster porridge. Fresh and delicious oysters are often prepared in different ways, such as oysters cooked with crab soup, oysters cooked with rice porridge, grilled oysters with scallion oil, or grilled oysters with cheese. However, many tourists choose to enjoy oyster porridge when they visit Quang Binh.
To make this dish, the oysters are marinated in savory spices before being added to the boiling porridge pot, resulting in a fragrant and rich taste that suits many palates.
You can try this Quang Binh local food at Oyster Porridge and Soup.
Some other restaurants to enjoy Quang Binh local foods
2.1. Nhat Le Restaurant
- Location: 6th floor, Quach Xuan Ky street, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
- Opening Hours: 06:30 – 22:00
- Price Range: 80,000 – 550,000 VND
Nhat Le Restaurant is a luxurious restaurant located within the Melia Vinpearl hotel system in Quang Binh. It serves a variety of cuisines, including buffet and a la carte, prepared by leading experts using carefully selected fresh ingredients. The restaurant offers a luxurious atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding area from its location on the 6th floor of the hotel.
2.2. Sunset Lounge
- Location: Quach Xuan Ky Street, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
- Opening Hours: 06:00 – 22:00
The modern Sunset Lounge restaurant system will give you the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of delicious food. The restaurant boasts a delicate and luxurious design and a panoramic view of the city, making it an ideal place to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Quang Binh while dining. The menu features hundreds of famous dishes, along with a selection of refreshing drinks and a bar serving snacks and coffee. Sunset Lounge Restaurant is one of the best choices for those looking for delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere in Quang Binh.
With over 20+ delicious dishes and numerous luxury restaurant systems we share above, hopefully deciding what to eat in Quang Binh will no longer be a problem for you. The culinary culture of Quang Binh is something that travelers should not miss when exploring this region. So, don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in the savory flavors of Quang Binh cuisine during your next visit to this beautiful land.
Read more Quang Binh travel guides
- TOP 18 Quang Binh Tourist Attractions To Explore
- The Best 22 Quang Binh Restaurants For Your Next Trip
- Quang Binh Travel Guide – To The Land Of Hidden Gems
