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Top 06 Best Dishes In Quang Binh You Should Try

1. Soft sweet potatoes (khoai dẻo)

Among the Quang Binh specialties that travelers often remember most, soft sweet potatoes stands out for its simplicity and depth of flavor. Made from locally grown sweet potatoes rich in vitamins A and C, this snack reflects both the region’s fertile land and its thoughtful food traditions. For those asking Quang Binh what to eat?, soft sweet potatoes offers a healthy and authentic answer. The potatoes are sliced and patiently dried under sun and wind for 10 to 12 days, a process that preserves nutrients while intensifying natural sweetness. Even after repeated drying, the slices remain aromatic and flexible, never losing their original character.

• Đặc sản Quảng Bình: Khoai deo QB - 18 Linh Giang, Bac Ly, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh +84 349 792 066 -
• Siêu thị đặc sản miền Trung Xứ Quảng - 185 Truong Phap, Bac Ly, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh +84 335 809 758

2. Brown rice pancakes (Bánh xèo gạo lứt)

Although banh xeo is widely known across Vietnam, the Quang Binh version surprises many visitors with its unconventional approach. When travelers wonder what to eat in Quang Binh, this local pancake often becomes an unexpected highlight. Instead of white rice flour, the banh xeo Quang Binh is made from red rice flour, giving it a deeper color and a nutty aroma. Chopped shallots are added directly to the batter, enhancing flavor without relying on fillings. Unlike other regional versions, this pancake contains no shrimp, pork, or seafood inside, an intentional difference that sets it apart.

• Quán Bánh Xèo Cô Năm - 13 Tran Hung Dao, Hai Thinh Ward, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh +84 385 704 219 -
• Bánh Bèo Cô Vân - 80 Le Thanh Dong Street, Bac Ly, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh +84 232 371 7999 -

3. Grilled chicken with local salt dip (Gà chấm muối cheo)

For travelers searching for must try food in Quang Binh, grilled chicken with cheo salt delivers an unforgettable experience. This dish uses free-range "walking chickens", known for their firm texture and naturally sweet meat. The chicken is flattened and grilled until golden, allowing its original aroma to shine without heavy seasoning. What truly elevates the dish, however, is the cheo salt dipping sauce. Carefully prepared with basil, wafer leaves, soup leaves, green chili, and salt, it creates a bold yet balanced flavor.

• East Hill Phong Nha - Bung Bridge, Hill Coffee, Khuong Ha, Quang Binh - +84 948 953 925 -
• Ồ Ồ Lake Silence - Khuong Ha, Bo Trach, Quang Binh - +84 975 390 102

4. Tarpon hotpot (Lẩu cá khoai)

Among the many Quang Binh specialties, tarpen fish hotpot leaves a strong first impression thanks to its bold, layered flavors. The dish begins with the careful selection of the freshest, thick-fleshed tarpen fish, an essential step that determines its final taste. After cleaning and trimming the head and tail, the fish is either kept whole or cut into pieces, then lightly marinated with salt, pepper, chili, and spices before being pounded and chopped. What truly defines this hotpot is the broth, built from tomatoes, tamarind juice, star fruit, sauerkraut, sour bamboo shoots, and shiitake mushrooms.

• Thanh Mai Restaurant - Truong Phap, Bac Ly, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh +84 768 878 999
• Minh Ha Restaurant - 45 Truong Phap, Bac Ly, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh +84 976 580 620

5. Filter cake (bánh bột lọc)

Have you ever tried the famous Filter Cake, or as they call it, "Banh Bot Loc" in Quang Binh? Ask locals Quang Binh what to eat?, and Banh Bot Loc is almost always part of the answer. These beloved cakes may look simple, but their appeal lies in thoughtful preparation and balanced flavors. The outer layer, made from boiled tapioca starch, becomes translucent and pleasantly chewy once cooked. Inside, a savory filling of shrimp, pork, wood ear mushrooms, and optional bamboo shoots adds richness and aroma. What makes this dish even more special is its variety. In Quang Binh, Banh Bot Loc appears in three distinct forms: leaf-wrapped cakes with gentle herbal notes, tray-style steamed cakes with a soft texture, and crispy fried versions for those who enjoy contrast.

• Bánh Bột Lọc Dì Thái - 13 Dong Hai, Dong My, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
• Bánh lọc Hương Hoài - 2 Le Thanh Dong Street, Bac Ly, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh +84 383 618 818
• Bánh lọc Mẹ Như - 10 Dong Hai, Dong My, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh +84 914 741 987
  

6. Water Fern Cake (bánh bèo)

Banh Beo may appear across Vietnam, but its identity changes dramatically from one region to another. In Hue, Da Nang, or Saigon, it is typically served in small bowls topped with dried shrimp, while in southern areas, sweet mung bean paste adds a gentle contrast. Yet when travelers arrive in Dong Hoi and ask what to eat in Quang Binh, they discover a version shaped by the sea. As a coastal city rich in seafood, Dong Hoi uses fresh shrimp to create golden burnt shrimp topping that defines its Banh Beo. The cake itself is soft, lightly fragrant with the aroma of new rice, and delicate in texture. When paired with sweet-and-savory fish sauce, each bite delivers depth without heaviness.

• Bánh Bèo Cô Vân - 80 Le Thanh Dong Street, Bac Ly, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh +84 232 371 7999
• Quán Bánh Bèo Ngã Tư Đường Tránh 123 Ha Huy Tap, Nam Ly, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh +84 232 383 8016
• Đặc sản bánh bèo Thúy Nga - 21 Ha Huy Tap, Nam Ly, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh - +84 906 556 887