Ninh Binh cuisine, an indispensable part of the journey to explore this land, has long attracted tourists with its diversity and delicious taste. Ninh Binh is famous for its unique delicacies with rich flavors of the plains and mountains. Ninh Binh cuisine not only satisfies the taste buds but is also a journey to discover the unique culinary culture of this land.
With a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and delicate preparation, Ninh Binh cuisine will definitely be the highlight of any trip to explore this land.
1. Mountain Goat Meat in Ninh Binh cuisine
Among the treasures of Ninh Binh cuisine, Ula Travel wishes to highlight Ninh Binh’s mountain goat meat.
In Ninh Binh, goats roam the mountain slopes freely, resulting in tender and aromatic meat. With distinctive preparation methods, visitors can relish delectable goat dishes such as grilled, steamed, lime-infused, spring rolls, stir-fried, and ginger-sauced goat. Grazed on rocky terrain, Ninh Binh’s moutain goat meat is remarkably firm and resilient, urging tourists to savor this delicacy at least once during their visit.
To truly savor the flavors of moutain goat meat, diners are encouraged to sample the lime-infused goat dish, a favored choice among connoisseurs and local eateries. The meat is tenderly cooked and combined with lime juice, lemongrass, galangal, and toasted sesame seeds, delicately balanced to complement the meat’s natural taste without overpowering it with excessive spices.
Accompanying dipping sauces include fermented bean sauce and ginger fish sauce. A favorite among patrons, the fermented bean sauce presents a well-balanced combination of aromatic soybean essence and saltiness, complemented by a faint floral note. It highlights the goat flesh to perfection and makes for a revitalizing taste experience.
It is not surprising that mountain goat meat is at the top of the list of specialties in Ninh Binh cuisine. If you have not tried dishes made from Ninh Binh mountain goats, you have missed out on something extremely interesting.
2. Ninh Binh’s scorched rice in Ninh Binh cuisine
The next dish in the list of specialties of Ninh Binh cuisine is burnt rice.
Ninh Binh’s Scorched Rice is renowned for its deliciousness, made from 100% pure rice combined with a rich blend of aromatic spices. It never fails to capturethe attention of tourists visiting the area because it is a beloved local attraction that offers an alluring culinary excursion.
While scorched rice may appear simple at first glance, its creation process is intricate. From meticulously selecting the rice to using a thick-bottomed cast iron pot and ensuring constant stirring during cooking, every step is crucial. After cooking, the rice is pressed into pieces, dried, and then fried until golden and crispy.
Ninh Binh’s Scorched Rice isn’t just a dish; it’s a flavorful journey, offering a variety of tastes from the smooth texture of shredded pork to the fragrant aroma of the rice grains.
3. Grilled snakehead in Ninh Binh cuisine
Another delightful rustic dish from Ninh Binh cuisine that you simply can’t overlook is grilled snakehead. With its plump and round body, the fish boasts firm, sweet, and flavorful flesh, which is especially delightful when grilled immediately after being caught. What makes this dish special is its simplicity; no additional seasoning is needed, allowing diners to relish the fish’s natural sweetness.
To enjoy, simply combine some grilled fish with fresh vermicelli, raw vegetables, and a rich dipping sauce, creating a satisfying culinary experience that will linger on your palate all day long.
4. Mountain Snails in Ninh Binh cuisine
Mountain snails in Ninh Binh cuisine are extremely prominent with their unique, unforgettable, but also very simple flavor.
Mountain snails are present in various regions of Ninh Binh province, but they are most abundant in the limestone mountain areas of Tam Diep, Yen Mo, and Nho Quan. For the locals of Ninh Binh, the term “mountain snails” is a familiar one. It’s a regional delicacy crafted into delectable dishes that tantalize the taste buds.
Unlike typical snails, mountain snails, also known as rock snails, grow horizontally to about two finger-widths, with a wide opening and a milky white color around the mouth. They thrive in mountainous terrain and are only visible from April to August, when the weather is damp. Therefore, finding mountain snails outside of this period can be challenging.
To relish this unique delicacy, one must visit during the appropriate season. With their crisp texture, natural sweetness, and subtle herbal notes, steamed mountain snails are simply irresistible. Alternatively, they can be prepared in salads, steamed with ginger, or stir-fried with tamarind sauce.
5. Eel Vermicelli in Ninh Binh cuisine
Eel vermicelli stands out as one of the delectable dishes in Ninh Binh cuisine, cherished by both local and international visitors alike.
The eel used in this dish must be the rice paddy eel, characterized by its reddish-brown back and vibrant yellow belly. This particular eel appears smaller and boasts firmer flesh compared to other varieties. When prepared, the eel is simmered alongside vermicelli and served with banana flowers, resulting in an incredibly memorable flavor combination for the dish.
6. Vietnamese rice paddy eel salad in Ninh Binh cuisine
Vietnamese rice paddy eel salad is a must-try dish when experiencing Ninh Binh cuisine. Renowned for its unique flavor and accompanied by a diverse array of vegetables, this dish is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Hailing from the coastal region of Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province, Vietnamese rice paddy eel salad requires meticulous preparation, with the fish meat meticulously cleaned to ensure the removal of any undesirable flavors.
Despite its resemblance to eels in appearance, the Vietnamese rice paddy eel boasts a distinctively light skin tone. However, it is the delectable combination of its sweet, fragrant meat and the variety of fresh vegetables that truly delights diners, making it an unforgettable culinary experience.
7. Grilled Straw Fish in Ninh Binh cuisine
During the harvest season in Ninh Binh, a dish known as “Grilled Straw Fish” captivates the senses of countless locals, exuding the essence of the countryside. Its simple yet deeply flavorful taste, reminiscent of rural charm, has become ingrained in the hearts of Ninh Binh natives.
Across the Vietnamese countryside, each region boasts its own unique delicacy, leaving a lasting impression on its inhabitants. If you’re experiencing Ninh Binh cuisine, don’t forget to bring along some grilled straw fish, the quintessential delicacy of the region, to share and savor—a truly delightful experience awaits!
8. Braised Fish with Gao Fruit in Ninh Binh cuisine
Braised fish with Gao fruit is a distinctive dish that encapsulates the essence of Ninh Binh cuisine.
The Gao fruit, a plant whose fruit grows in riverbanks, streams, or caves and is utilized both in cooking and traditional medicine, plays a central role in this recipe. This meal is distinguished by its unusual preparation technique, which consists of layering thinly sliced Gao fruit on the clay pot’s bottom, fish on top, and an additional layer of thinly sliced gourd on top.
The flavor of the dish varies depending on the gao fruit’s taste, resulting in nuances of sourness or bitterness. This Ninh Binh specialty is a delightful surprise for the palate, with its captivating appearance and the distinct tanginess of the Gao fruit enhancing the overall culinary experience.
9. Field Crab Stir-fried with Betel Leaves in Ninh Binh cuisine
Field crab stir-fried with betel leaves is a specialty dish from Ninh Binh cuisine that has gained widespread acclaim, both locally and internationally. The flavor of this dish not only captivates diners upon first taste but also leaves a lasting impression. Field crabs are typically harvested by locals from the rice fields of Ninh Binh.
Known for its firm texture and enhanced aroma compared to other crab varieties, the field crab becomes delightfully crispy when stir-fried. Combined with the aromatic and slightly spicy flavor of betel leaves, it creates a truly irresistible culinary experience. Despite its simple preparation, this dish of field crab stir-fried with betel leaves is one that diners will fondly remember.
10. Ninh Binh’s Fan-Shaped Vermicelli with Grilled Pork Patties in Ninh Binh cuisine
Exploring Ninh Binh wouldn’t be complete without savoring the robust flavors of fan-shaped vermicelli with grilled pork patties. Locals often say that to truly enjoy this dish, one must return to the historic land of the former capital, where the cooking technique differs entirely from other regions.
What sets it apart are the grilled pork patties. Unlike the cylindrical patties of Hanoi-style vermicelli, fan-shaped vermicelli with grilled pork patties in Ninh Binh cuisine features finely minced pork mixed with flavorful spices, formed into large, flat patties, and grilled to perfection over charcoal. These patties develop a crisp, golden exterior while retaining their juiciness and emitting an enticing aroma.
Accompanied by vermicelli made from shredded leaves rather than the typical variety, fan-shaped vermicelli with grilled pork patties is served with a dipping sauce that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and sour. Enjoyed alongside crunchy pickled vegetables, it offers a unique culinary experience distinct from the Hanoi version.
11. Shrimp Paste in Ninh Binh cuisine
Ninh Binh cuisine always has a strange appeal. And one of such specialties is Ninh Binh’s shrimp paste. It’s undoubtedly a dish deeply embedded in the culinary culture of the ancient capital. You shouldn’t miss out on this unique local gift, as it’s guaranteed to exceed your expectations.
Despite the numerous brands producing shrimp paste on the market, Ninh Binh’s shrimp paste still holds its own charm. Crafting a batch of delicious shrimp paste requires careful selection of high-quality shrimp sourced from the marshes. Despite being handmade, the production process ensures strict hygiene standards, ensuring top-notch quality that you can trust.
Shrimp paste is made throughout the year, but it’s widely believed to reach its peak flavor during the winter, thanks to the optimal temperature conditions that facilitate the fermentation process, resulting in the most fragrant and flavorful paste. Ninh Binh’s signature shrimp paste is recognizable by its rich red color and irresistibly pleasant aroma, making it incredibly enjoyable to savor.
12. Stone Bowl Goat Pho in Ninh Binh cuisine
For those who relish the fragrant and savory flavors of pho, Stone Bowl Goat Pho is a culinary delight of Ninh Binh cuisine that needs no introduction. However, the fusion of traditional pho noodles with Ninh Binh’s mountain goat specialty creates a dish that stands out in its uniqueness.
The heart of this pho in Ninh Binh cuisine lies in the thinly sliced, renowned Ninh Binh mountain goat meat, which exudes freshness in every bite. During its preparation, chefs employ a special marination process using traditional ingredients to eliminate any gaminess, replacing it with a delightful aroma and tender, sweet flavor.
The broth for the goat pho is meticulously simmered from goat bones and selected traditional ingredients for 6–8 hours, resulting in a perfectly harmonized blend of flavors. Served in stone bowls, these vessels retain heat exceptionally well, ensuring the broth remains steaming hot. Accompanied by fresh pho noodles and goat meat in separate dishes, alongside vibrant fresh vegetables, the experience is complete.
Diners are encouraged to add the pho noodles to the broth first, followed by the goat meat. Depending on preferences, the meat can be cooked to varying degrees, but the optimal balance of flavors emerges when it is gently cooked, releasing its sweetness to mingle with the rich broth, leaving a memorable impression from the very first taste. Therefore, this dish is always at the top of the listof the list of the most outstanding dishes in Ninh Binh cuisine.
13. Ninh Binh Glutinous Rice Balls in Ninh Binh cuisine
Glutinous rice balls are a culinary tradition deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, especially during the Cold Food Festival. In Ninh Binh cuisine, these rice balls are a delectable snack with a hint of fragrant chrysanthemum leaves and pomelo flowers, evoking a refreshing sensation when enjoyed.
The filling is a combination of sugar, honey, and finely ground peanuts. When you bite into one, you’ll taste the sweetness of sugar and the nuttiness of peanuts, all wrapped in a chewy layer of glutinous rice dough. It’s this rustic flavor that captivates the hearts of countless diners.
14. Stir-fried Honey Bee Larvae in Ninh Binh cuisine
Considered a “rare delicacy” in Ninh Binh cuisine, honey bee larvae stand out as a unique insect specialty from the mountainous forests of Cuc Phuong, in Nho Quan district.
The preparation of honey bee larvae begins with the careful collection of wild bee hives, followed by the meticulous selection of small eggs and larvae nestled inside. Subsequently, these larvae are transformed into enticing specialty dishes. Typically, they are stir-fried or deep-fried, then delicately wrapped in betel leaves and fragrant herbs, offering diners the bold flavors of the mountainous wilderness.
The way to enjoy stir-fried honey bee Larvae is also very special and interesting. Those who are familiar with it can dip it in fish sauce and eat it raw right away, feeling the pupae still wiggling when put in their mouth. That way visitors can feel the unique flavor of fresh, succulent bees.
Many diners are quite surprised by the greasy, delicious taste. Bee pupae dish is also very picky to enjoy, but anyone who has tried it once and suits their taste will be impressed with the stirring flavor of the mountains and forests that makes them not forget.
15. Nho Quan Rice Wine in Ninh Binh cuisine
In addition to the rich variety of traditional dishes in Ninh Binh cuisine, Nho Quan rice wine stands out as a renowned favorite among connoisseurs. This special brew originates from the Muong people inhabiting the Nho Quan region. What distinguishes this wine is its unique production process, which skips the distillation stage commonly found in other types of spirits.
The ingredients for crafting Nho Quan rice wine include rice, sweet potatoes, glutinous rice, or ground glutinous rice. However, what truly sets it apart is the careful selection of yeast. This yeast, derived from fruits, tubers, and forest leaves—such as fig leaves, guava leaves, galangal, and ginger, among others—is finely mashed and blended with ground rice flour.
After undergoing fermentation for a period of time, the wine develops its distinct flavor profile. Notably, it achieves a balance where it doesn’t overwhelm drinkers with intoxication but rather leaves them enchanted by its nuanced taste. The flavor of this wine is what is missing, making Ninh Binh cuisine more complete every time visitors experience it.
The list of 15 Ninh Binh cuisine specialties is shown above. Get ready for an amazing gastronomic adventure with Ula Travel!
