Winter Cuisine Must Try in Quang Binh: Blessed with diverse terrains, Quang Binh boasts a plethora of fresh and delectable ingredients sourced from its lush forests and bountiful seas, leaving visitors from all corners of the globe captivated by its culinary offerings. These dishes reach new heights of flavor when savored amidst the chilly winter weather, as the ingredients are served fresh, piping hot, and ready to delight the taste buds. So, let’s explore the must-try specialty dishes of Quang Binh during the winter season through the following article.
1. Banh Bot Loc – Winter Cuisine Must Try in Quang Binh
Banh Bot Loc, a familiar dish found in many Central Vietnamese regions, comes with unique regional variations that showcase the distinct flavors of each locality.
These delicacies are either steamed in banana leaves, retaining the chewiness of the rice flour while infusing the sweetness of shrimp, wood ear mushrooms, and fatty pork. On the other hand, Banh Bot Loc can be served without wrapping, briefly blanched in boiling water, and accompanied by fish sauce, dried shallots, and fresh red chili, offering a tantalizing blend of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy tastes.
Notable establishments:
– Banh Bot Loc Mệ Xuân (Madame Xuan) stall, Le Thanh Dong Street, Dong Hoi City
– Banh Bot Loc Cô Thường (Miss Thuong) stall, 11 Ba Trieu Street, Dong Hoi City
2. Banh Xeo – Winter Cuisine Must Try in Quang Binh
Amidst the winter wonders of Quang Binh, Banh Xeo emerges as a sizzling sensation that warms both body and soul.
Indulging in this delightful dish, you’ll experience the steaming goodness of rice flour, the succulent taste of shrimp, and the flavorful, tender texture of the meat. To achieve the perfect crispiness when frying Banh Xeo, a touch of cornstarch, eggs, and a hint of turmeric are added, giving the pancakes an appealing color and enhanced nutritional value. The filling comprises finely minced lean pork, pre-prepared peeled shrimp, and a touch of bean sprouts. The accompanying dipping sauce must possess its distinctive flavors with a charming aroma, enriched with the combination of tomatoes, pineapples, and roasted peanuts. This dish encapsulates a symphony of textures and tastes that are sure to capture your heart.
Recommended spot: Tu Quy Restaurant, 18 Co Tam Street, Dong Hoi City
3. Chao Canh – Winter Cuisine Must Try in Quang Binh
Chao Canh, akin to Hanoi’s Pho or Hue’s Bun Bo, holds a special place in Quang Binh’s culinary repertoire.
This soul-warming soup, enriched with thick rice noodles and infused with the flavorful broth of simmered bones and rustic grilled local fish, exudes a pleasing aroma. When served, the Chao Canh comes adorned with a surprising medley of ingredients, including snakehead fish, shrimp, lean pork, and crab paste, complemented by a touch of spiciness from black pepper and red chili. In the midst of this remarkable experience, the expertly crafted crunchy fried spring rolls steal the show, made from minced pork belly, wood ear mushrooms, carrots, and a blend of aromatic spices. The combination of textures and flavors provides a truly gratifying experience, especially during the cold winter days.
For those eager to sample Chao Canh, various eateries and restaurants throughout Quang Binh, including markets and street vendors, offer this beloved dish.
4. Oyster Porridge – Winter Cuisine Must Try in Quang Binh
Quang Binh, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and intricate river systems, also boasts plenty reserves of oysters, with a town even named after this mollusk. Fresh oysters are transformed into a diverse array of dishes, including soups, grilled dishes, and so on. However, one dish that often entices travelers to Quang Binh is the oyster porridge.
The oysters, meticulously seasoned and marinated, are added to a pot of simmering rice porridge or alternatively cooked with thick rice noodles (Chao Canh’s noodles), creating an unforgettable and unique flavor.
The iconic oyster porridge of Quang Binh is the number one choice for families and tour groups visiting the region in search of an authentic and heartwarming culinary experience in the winter chill.
Notable spots:
– Chị Ngạnh (Miss Ngạnh) stall, 18 Hoang Dieu Street, Dong Hoi City
– Bao Phuc restaurant, Truong Phap Street, Dong Hoi City
5. Khoai Fish Hotpot – Winter Cuisine Must Try in Quang Binh
The Khoai fish, scientifically known as Harpadon Nehereus and belonging to the family Synodontidae, is a quintessential marine species found abundantly in Quang Binh province, particularly during the winter season. With its tender meat and bones, the Khoai fish is a sought-after delicacy, often utilized in creating delectable hotpot dishes.
There’s nothing quite like indulging in a steaming hot pot of Khoai fish and vegetables, where the delicate sweetness of the fish beautifully blends with the freshness of the greens, the subtle heat of chili, and the richness of the broth. This combination creates a symphony of flavors that is truly irresistible.
The Khoai fish hotpot holds a special place in the hearts of Quang Binh locals, not only for its luscious taste but also for its high protein content, and ease of consumption.
For those eager to savor this mouthwatering treat, numerous restaurants along Truong Phap Street in Dong Hoi City, offer exceptional renditions of the Khoai fish hotpot.
6. Roòn River Red Cockles – Winter Cuisine Must Try in Quang Binh
When you find yourself in the vicinity of Canh Duong market, Quang Trach district, near the Roòn River bridge, make sure to indulge in the renowned dish of blood cockles.
The blood cockles found here are skillfully prepared into numerous special dishes, including Blood Cockle Porridge, Blood Cockle with Tamarind Sauce, and Blood Cockle with Lemon Juice. Before cooking, the cockles are meticulously treated by soaking them in rice water or diluted salt solution, ensuring that any impurities are expelled. Furthermore, the outer shells are thoroughly cleaned with a brush and then rinsed with clean water. Subsequently, the blood cockles are gently boiled in water, ensuring they are perfectly cooked to retain their vibrant red hue and tender texture. The ultimate secret is that the Blood Cockle with lemon-lime infusion is an absolute must-try, especially during the winter season.
For an authentic experience, explore the restaurants along the banks of the Roòn River in Quang Trach district, Quang Binh province, or venture to some exceptional dining establishments on Truong Phap Street in Dong Hoi City.
7. Grilled Stingray
For seafood enthusiasts, savoring the delectable Grilled Stingray is sure to be a memorable highlight of your visit to Quang Binh.
At the heart of this superb dish lies the main ingredient – freshly caught stingrays, meticulously washed and expertly seasoned with spices. The seasoned stingrays are then carefully wrapped in foil or banana leaves before being grilled to perfection. Served piping hot, the grilled fish is accompanied by a appealing assortment of raw vegetables and rice paper, allowing you to create your own rolls.
From the very first bite, you will be enchanted by the crisp and refreshing taste of the raw vegetables, complementing the succulent sweetness of the fish meat. The addition of chopped chili lends a tantalizing pungency, culminating in a truly unique and exquisite flavor that lingers on the palate, leaving an indelible mark in the memories of those who have had the pleasure of experiencing it during the winter season.
To savor this gastronomic delight, head to the coastal restaurants lining Truong Phap Street in the charming city of Dong Hoi.
8. Crab cooked with Winter Melon
If you find yourself in Quang Binh on a chilly day, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the tempting Crab Cooked with Winter Melon, a dish that promises a symphony of senses.
The true charm of this dish lies in its harmonious blend of flavors. Picture the refreshing coolness of winter melon perfectly complementing the natural sweetness of sea crabs, resulting in an enchanting journey. Priced between approximately 300,000 to 500,000 VND per plate, this culinary masterpiece is perfect for sharing with the entire family.
To experience this mouthwatering delicacy, head over to Chang Chang Seafood restaurant, conveniently located on Pham Van Dong Street in the heart of Dong Hoi City.
9. Stir-fried Snails
While not as widely recognized among tourists as some of the other local delicacies, Stir-Fried Snails have won the hearts of young locals and food enthusiasts with their enchanting rustic taste.
The snails used for this dish are primarily apple snails, carefully sourced from pristine rivers to ensure the highest hygiene standards. The preparation begins by briefly boiling the snails until they are fully cooked, followed by a quick stir-fry in a sizzling pan of hot oil. Once the snails start to absorb the rich blend of spices, a medley of coconut, pineapple, chili, ginger, lemongrass, and lime leaves is added, creating a burst of flavors that dance in harmony with the snails.
Accompanied by a plate of prawn crackers or grilled rice paper – each bite of Quang Binh stir-fried snails offers a burst of richness that is simply irresistible, especially during the winter months.
For those eager to savor this wonderful dish, a noteworthy location is the renowned Dì Thái (Madame Thai) Fried Snail restaurant, nestled in alley 35 of Huu Nghi Street, Dong Hoi City. Considered the originator of this famed recipe, Madame Thai serves a version of Stir-Fried Snails that is celebrated for its authentic culinary mastery.
10. “Dancing” Squid
As its name suggests, the “Dancing” Squid derives its unique moniker from its captivating behavior while alive. Freshly caught squids display a fascinating dance, accompanied by fascinating clicking sounds, which add a touch of whimsy to the dining experience. Due to its limited occurrence, this mesmerizing spectacle can be exclusively enjoyed in the central provinces of Vietnam, including Quang Binh, Ha Tinh, and Nghe An.
Locals in Quang Binh carefully select the freshest squids and transform them into an array of extraordinary dishes, each offering an exceptional blend of flavors. From the exquisite simplicity of sashimi to the tantalizing spices of squid fried with satay, from the delectable harmony of squid fried with fish sauce to the heartwarming indulgence of squid hot pot or squid noodles – every dish promises a culinary journey like no other.
The dancing squid delights diners with its chewiness, sweetness, and the unmistakable taste of the sea, as it effortlessly melts in the mouth, providing a delightful reprieve on cold winter days.
Locations where the “Dancing” Squid can be experienced at its finest:
– La Co Beach Quang Binh Restaurant, Truong Phap Street, Dong Hoi City
– Binh Minh Floating Restaurant, Che Lan Vien Street, Dong Hoi City
Amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of Quang Binh’s landscapes, let your taste buds dance with joy, and create cherished memories with every delectable encounter. Whether you explore the bustling markets or savor the delicacies at quaint family-owned eateries, the flavors of Quang Binh will leave an indelible mark on your journey. So, as the winter chill sets in, gather your loved ones and embark on a food tour through Quang Binh, where each dish is a testament to the region’s culinary prowess and the warmth of its hospitality.