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Discover The 7 Must-try Dishes In Cat Ba, Viet Nam

What to eat in Cat Ba? When coming to Cat Ba, in addition to swimming, enjoying the natural scenery, and breathing in the fresh air, you can also savor the specialties of the sea that will surely satisfy your taste buds, making your trip more enjoyable. Your excursion becomes more astonishing than ever. Cat Ba Island has many famous seafood dishes such as lobster, red snapper, grouper, cobia, sea turtle, sea snake, and many dishes with flavors of the sea such as jellyfish, grilled tu comédie ... A culinary experience that will make your journey even more wonderful. Below, Autour Asia, Hanoi travel agency, will introduce you to some delicious dishes not to be missed when visiting Cat Ba.

1. Bún Tôm (Shrimp vermicelli noodle)

Immerse yourself in the culinary experience of Cat Ba by savoring Bún Tôm (Shrimp vermicelli noodle), an idyllic and flavorful dish that cannot be missed. Considered a star of Cat Ba's culinary village, this iconic dish takes you on a whirlwind of delicious and irresistible flavors. The vermicelli noodles are bathed in a fragrant broth infused with subtle aromas of local spices. The delicate texture of the noodles harmoniously blends with generous slices of fish cake, adding a touch of richness and sweetness to each bite.

However, the true star of this dish is the succulent flesh of freshly caught shrimp from the surrounding sea, offering an explosion of marine flavors. Shrimp vermicelli is often served with crunchy raw vegetables, bringing balanced freshness to the entire dish. It is worth noting that this dish, although a staple for the residents of Cat Ba, has gained a reputation that transcends the island's borders. It is a culinary experience that embodies the essence of Cat Ba, skillfully blending tradition and exquisite flavors. Do not miss the opportunity to delight in this culinary delight during your visit to Cat Ba, as it is sure to delight your taste buds and create unforgettable gustatory memories.

Some recommended addresses :

• Cat Ba Vu Duong Seafood Restaurant

2. Súp Hải Sản (Seafood Soup)

Seafood soup Cat Ba, known as "canh hải sản Cát Bà" in Vietnamese, is a traditional dish that is an integral part of many menus in Cat Ba. Carefully prepared, this sweet and sour soup harmoniously combines ingredients such as fish, shrimp, tomatoes, pineapples, and aromatic herbs. Its subtle balance between sour, sweet, and spicy flavors makes it a culinary delight, perfect for refreshing palates on hot days. The preparation of this soup starts with a flavorful broth, usually made from fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and shrimp. Fresh fish pieces are added to the soup, giving it a delicate texture and exquisite seafood flavor. Tomatoes provide a slight acidity and a refreshing touch, while pineapple pieces add subtle sweetness and a pleasant contrast to the sweet and sour flavor of the soup.

To enhance the flavors, various aromatic herbs are added to the soup, such as coriander, mint, and lemongrass. These herbs bring fresh and fragrant aromas that blend with the other ingredients, creating a harmonious and delightful taste experience. Local spices, such as chili and turmeric, can also be used to enhance the taste and add a characteristic spiciness to the soup. Whether to refresh yourself on hot summer days or to savor an authentic Vietnamese specialty, seafood soup, "canh chua," is a must-try dish during your stay in Cat Ba. Its balanced blend of flavors and freshness make it a memorable culinary experience that will delight your taste buds.

Recommended addresses :

3. Bánh Đa Cua (Crab Noodle Soup)

• Bánh Đa Cua Thanh Huyền

4. Cá Song (Jack Mackerels or Saurels)

When you visit Cat Ba, you cannot miss tasting one of the most popular specialties of the region: Song fish (Jack Mackerels or Saurels). Song fish is a catfish with bold flavor, crispy fatty skin, and tender white meat that offers a true explosion of marine flavors. Its sweet flesh possesses a unique taste that few sea fishes can rival.

In addition to being delicious, Song fish is also recognized for its numerous health benefits, such as preventing cardiovascular diseases and promoting good digestion. There is a variety of delicious dishes made with Song fish that you can enjoy in Cat Ba, such as Song fish porridge - a comforting and nourishing dish where the fish is cooked in a flavorful broth and served with rice; Song fish hot pot - a stewed dish in a pot with vegetables and spices, resulting in a deep and delicious flavor; steamed grouper with beer - a cooking method that uses beer to bring a subtle flavor and enhance the texture of the fish. By visiting Cat Ba, you will be able to appreciate these delicious Song fish dishes, which reflect the local flavors and highlight fresh seafood ingredients.

Some recommended addresses :

5. Tôm Hùm (Lobster)

In Cat Ba, you can savor a variety of carefully prepared lobster specialties that showcase the unique flavors of this delicious crustacean. Here are some popular lobster specialties in Cat Ba. First is lobster curry. The lobster is cut into pieces and cooked in a fragrant curry sauce. This preparation offers an exquisite combination of the lobster's tenderness and the spicy flavors of the curry. It is usually accompanied by fragrant rice to complete the meal. Second is stir-fried lobster with ginger and onion. The lobster is sautéed with slices of fresh ginger, onions, and other crunchy vegetables. The fresh flavors of ginger perfectly complement the succulent lobster meat, creating a delightful taste experience. Next is lemongrass and pepper lobster. In this specialty, the lobster is prepared with finely chopped lemongrass, black pepper, and other aromatic spices.

The combination of fragrant lemongrass and pepper adds a delicate flavor to the lobster, awakening the taste buds. Lastly, there's grilled lobster with satay sauce. The lobster is slowly grilled and basted with a spicy and flavorful satay sauce. The satay sauce is made with peanuts, chili, soy sauce, and spices, adding an explosion of flavors to the delicate lobster meat. These lobster specialties in Cat Ba reflect Vietnamese culinary creativity and the use of fresh, local ingredients. Whether you prefer the spicy flavors of curry or the fragrant aromas of lemongrass, these delicious lobster preparations will surely satisfy your taste buds during your stay in Cat Ba.

Some recommended addresses :

6. Bề bề (Mantis shrimp)

Mantis shrimps Cat Ba (Bề bề Cát Bà), also known as mantis prawns or mantis shrimps, are a must-try specialty in Cat Ba. These seafood delicacies are cherished for their wide, firm, sweet, and flavorful bodies, which impart a unique and delicious taste to every bite. Mantis shrimps are often used in the preparation of traditional dishes that highlight their exceptional qualities. Among the popular dishes, roasted salted mantis shrimp stands out, where the shrimps are seasoned with salt and baked until tender and juicy.

Another common preparation is tamarind roasted mantis shrimp, where the shrimps are marinated in a tangy tamarind sauce before being grilled, resulting in an irresistible sweet and tangy flavor. Mantis shrimps are also delightful when steamed, preserving their tenderness and natural taste. They can be grilled with garlic butter to add a touch of aroma and richness, or cooked with onion fat for a deeper and more subtle flavor. Regardless of the chosen cooking method, mantis shrimps are appreciated for their exceptional taste and succulent texture.

During your visit to Cat Ba, don't miss the opportunity to taste mantis shrimps, a local specialty that reflects the richness of the region's seafood. Whether you enjoy them roasted, steamed, grilled, or in other traditional preparations, these shrimps will offer you a memorable and delightful culinary experience.

Some recommended addresses :

7. Mực khô (Dried squid)

To prepare this type of dried squid, it is crucial to capture the freshest specimens during early morning boat excursions. The fresh squids are opened, their intestines and ink sacs are carefully removed, and then they are sun-dried. At this stage, what is commonly known as sun-dried squid is obtained, which has a typically tender and chewy texture but does not have a long shelf life. To allow tourists from afar to bring generous quantities of this delicacy as gifts and enjoy it gradually, the squids undergo an additional drying process.

This famous dried squid stands out for its natural sweetness, tenderness, and complex aroma after cooking. The flesh inside the squid turns pink, becomes tender, non-brittle, and imparts the salty flavors of the sea. Dried squids can be used to prepare a variety of dishes, whether grilled, wrapped, braised, or fried. Squid-based dishes reach an even more delectable flavor when served with spicy chili sauce and accompanied by beer or wine. On rainy and cold days, savoring grilled dried squids while enjoying a glass of full-bodied wine in the fresh and fragrant air is a delightful experience you should definitely try. Dried squid has undoubtedly become the favorite dish of many diners whenever they have the opportunity to visit Cat Ba.

Some recommended addresses :

What to eat in Cat Ba? Cat Ba beckons you to embark on a gastronomic adventure, where every bite is a revelation and every meal a celebration of the rich maritime heritage. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the remarkable blend of stunning nature, thrilling experiences, and exceptional seafood cuisine that awaits you in Cat Ba. It is a destination where memories are forged, taste buds are awakened, and the beauty of the world unfolds before your eyes.