Hai Phong, a bustling port city in Northern Vietnam, is renowned not just for its vibrant enrgy but also for its rich culinary culture. Hai Phong local food offers a unique mix of flavors, textures, and ingredients, influenced by both the city’s coastal location and its rural surroundings. Whether you are a food enthusiast or simply a traveler seeking to explore the authentic tastes of Vietnam, the Hai Phong local food scene is bound to leave you wanting more. In this guide, we will dive deep into the must-try dishes that define the essence of Hai Phong local food and will provide a glimpse into the city’s rich gastronomic heritage.

1. Bánh Đa Cua (Crab Red Rice Noodle Soup) – The Heart and Soul of Hai Phong Local Food

Arguably the most iconic of all Hai Phong local food, Bánh Đa Cua is a vibrant and hearty soup that is the epitome of street food in the city. The dish features chewy red rice noodles soaked in a flavorful crab-based broth. The broth, made from simmering crab shells and pork bones, is rich and aromatic, perfectly complemented by the addition of crab cakes, shrimp, pork belly, fried shallots, and fish. What makes this dish truly unforgettable is the combination of its textures – the chewy noodles, succulent crab meat, and crispy shallots come together in perfect harmony. Each spoonful is a burst of flavor, showcasing the deep connection Hai Phong has with the sea and its rich local ingredients.

Bánh Đa Cua Cầu Đất

Address: 195 Cầu Đất, Lê Lợi, Ngô Quyền, Hải Phòng
Hours: Open 24 hours

Bánh Đa Cua Kỳ Đồng

Address: 16 P. Phan Chu Trinh, Hoàng Văn Thụ, Hồng Bàng, Hải Phòng
Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

2. Bún Cá Cay (Spicy Fish Noodle Soup) – A Bold and Flavorful Hai Phong Local Food Creation

Hai Phong’s spicy fish noodle soup is a perfect example of the harmony between the countryside and the ocean, blending the best of both worlds. This dish features fried grass carp and mackerel fish balls, simmered in a broth made from fish bones, fish heads, and pork bones. The resulting broth is rich, savory, and slightly sweet, with a hint of tamarind that adds a tangy depth. What truly makes this dish stand out is the vibrant presentation, with its yellow fried fish, red chili sauce, green herbs, and white noodles. It’s a visually appealing dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful, making it a must-try when experiencing Hai Phong local food.

Bún Cá Cay 66 Lê Lợi

Address: 66 Lê Lợi, Máy Tơ, Ngô Quyền, Hải Phong
Hours: Open 24 hours

Bún Cá Cay Thắng Tồ

Address: 47 Lạch Tray, Ngô Quyền, Hải Phòng
Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

3. Bún Chả Nem Cua Bể (Kebab Rice Noodles & Crab Spring Rolls) – A Savory Delight in Hai Phong Local Food

For a true taste of Hai Phong’s diverse culinary scene, don’t miss the kebab rice noodles and crab spring rolls. The crab spring rolls are made using crabs from Hai Phong’s coastal waters, ensuring a thick, flavorful filling made of crab roe, fresh shrimp, minced pork, mushrooms, and vermicelli. The rolls are fried to a crispy golden brown, making each bite a delightful crunch. Served alongside the kebab rice noodles, which are made with chewy rice noodles and grilled kebabs, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures. The combination of savory, crispy, and tender elements makes it a memorable part of Hai Phong local food.

Bún Chả Nem Cua Bể Tuyết Loan

Address: 32 Hàng Kênh, Trại Cau, Lê Chân, Hải Phòng
Hours: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Quán Nga Nem Cua Bể

Address: 92 P. Trần Nhật Duật, Cầu Đất, Ngô Quyền, Hải Phòng
Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

4. Bánh Bèo (Water Fern Cake) – A Traditional and Flavorful Hai Phong Local Food

Bánh Bèo is a traditional Vietnamese dish that has its own unique twist in Hai Phong. The cakes are rectangular, wrapped in banana leaves, and filled with a savory mixture of fried onions, wood ear mushrooms, and pork. They are served with a tangy dipping sauce made from pork bone broth, fish sauce, sugar, and lemon. The combination of textures – from the soft cake to the crispy fried onions – along with the sweet and sour dipping sauce, creates an unforgettable bite. It’s the perfect dish for those seeking to taste the heart of Hai Phong local food.

Bánh Bèo Bà Dung

Address: 41 Lê Đại Hành, Hoàng Văn Thụ, Hồng Bàng, Hải Phòng
Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Bánh Bèo Thanh Thảo Lạch Tray

Address: 294 Lạch Tray, Đổng Quốc Bình, Lê Chân, Hải Phòng
Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

5. Lẩu Cua Đồng (Freshwater Crab Hotpot) – A Hearty, Communal Hai Phong Local Food Experience

A quintessential dish for family-style dining, Hai Phong’s freshwater crab hotpot is the perfect representation of the city’s love for seafood. The broth, made from a combination of crab meat, crab paste, tomatoes, and green onions, is rich, flavorful, and slightly sour from the addition of vinegar. The hotpot comes with a variety of toppings, including beef, squid, shrimp, and fish cakes, along with red rice noodles that soak up all the flavors of the broth. Sharing this hotpot with friends or family is an experience in itself, making it an essential part of Hai Phong local food.

Bống+ Lẩu Cua Đồng

Address: 278B Lạch Tray, Đồng Quốc Bình, Ngô Quyền, Hải Phong
Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM

6. Bánh Cuốn (Steamed Rolled Rice Pancake) – A Long-standing Favorite in Hai Phong Local Food

Bánh cuốn is a beloved dish in Hai Phong, and the version from Ba Bay restaurant is considered one of the best. The dish consists of thin, steamed rice pancakes filled with stir-fried pork, wood ear mushrooms, and seasoning. Each serving is generously topped and served with a savory dipping sauce that enhances the flavor of the dish. Its combination of delicate flavors and textures makes it a must-try when indulging in Hai Phong local food.

Bánh Cuốn Bà Bẩy

Address: 66 Cát Cụt, An Biên, Lê Chân, Hải Phong
Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:30 AM | 3:00 PM – 10:30 PM

Bánh Cuốn Quyên

Address: 222 P. Hai Bà Trưng, An Biên, Lê Chân, Hải Phòng
Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM

7. Bánh Đa Xào Giòn (Crispy Stir-fried Rice Noodle) – A Late-Night Hai Phong Local Food Special

A popular late-night snack, crispy stir-fried rice noodles are made with small pieces of white rice paper that are stir-fried until crispy on the outside and soft inside. The filling includes stir-fried beef, mustard greens, or offal, and it’s all served with a sweet and sour fish sauce, along with fresh herbs and vegetables. The contrast between crispy noodles and savory beef or offal makes this dish a standout option in Hai Phong local food.

Address: 428 Tô Hiệu, Hồ Nam, Lê Chân, Hải Phong
Hours: 5:30 PM – 3:30 AM

8. Bánh Mì Que Pa-tê Cay (Spicy Pâté-filled Bánh Mì) – A Fiery Delight in Hai Phong Local Food

The bánh mì in Hai Phong takes on a fiery twist with a special pâté that is simmered for hours to create a rich, moist filling. The sandwich is then topped with shredded meat and spicy chili sauce, making it a perfect balance of soft, chewy, and spicy flavors. For anyone craving a savory and satisfying snack, this bánh mì is a must-try in the Hai Phong local food scene.

Bánh Mỳ Cay Ông Già Khánh Nạp

Address: 181 Hàng Kênh, Hàng Kênh, Lê Chân, Hải Phong
Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Tiệm Bánh Mì Cay Ông Cuông

Address: 184 Hàng Kênh, Hàng Kênh, Lê Chân, Hải Phòng
Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Tiệm Bánh Mì Cay Ông Bà Cụ

Address: 244 Hai Bà Trưng, An Biên, Lê Chân, Hải Phòng
Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

9. Bánh Đúc Tàu (Hot Plain Rice Flan) – A Sweet and Savory Hai Phong Local Food Treat

Bánh Đúc is a dish made from soft rice cakes topped with fried shrimp, pork belly, fried onions, and wood ear mushrooms. It’s served with a savory fish sauce that adds depth to the dish’s sour, sweet, and salty combination. This dish offers a unique flavor profile and texture, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore Hai Phong local food.

Bánh Đúc Tàu Cát Dài Cô Chuyền

Address: 159 Hai Bà Trưng, An Biên, Lê Chân, Hải Phong
Hours: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

10. Nem Chua (Sour Meat Pie) – A Tangy and Spicy Hai Phong Local Food Delight

Finally, no tour of Hai Phong local food would be complete without trying nem chua, a tangy and slightly spicy sour meat pie made with pork, pork skin, rice bran, and spices. Served with fruit vinegar sauce and fresh vegetables, this dish is perfect as a quick snack or appetizer, offering a tantalizing mix of sour, spicy, and savory flavors.

Nem Chua Bà Cụ

Address: 167 Phan Bội Châu, Phan Bội Châu, Hồng Bàng, Hải Phong
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Discover More with the HoodWink Map – Your Guide to the Best of Hai Phong Local Food

For more mouth-watering discoveries, the HoodWink Map is your ultimate guide to exploring the best Hai Phong local food, as well as cool bars, chic cafes, and unique local experiences. Stay tuned for the opening of Wink Hotel Hai Phong in June 2025, where you can enjoy a modern twist on the city’s culinary culture while indulging in the finest Hai Phong local food. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Hai Phong is waiting to take you on a flavorful journey you won’t soon forget!