When one mentions Ninh Binh, most people conjure up images of the pristine beauty of Tam Coc Bich Dong, the tranquility of Trang An Bai Dinh, or the majestic historical relics of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. However, beyond these breathtaking landscapes, Ninh Binh is also a haven of diverse and rich culinary delights, with its specialties that captivate the hearts of many.
Crispy Rice of Ninh Binh
Crispy rice from Ninh Binh is one of the renowned delicacies that many travelers cherish when visiting this ancient land. Setting itself apart from other varieties of crispy rice, Ninh Binh’s version is crafted from a blend of two types of rice—dry and sticky—through a meticulous process of drying and deep frying. The result is golden, crispy rice pieces that are flavorful and aromatic.
Indulging in Ninh Binh’s crispy rice is not just about experiencing its taste but also delving into the unique culinary culture of this region. Often paired with fragrant shredded pork or crispy shallots, or accompanied by meats like goat, liver, and flavorful sauces, Ninh Binh’s crispy rice is sure to leave a lasting impression on diners.
If you wish to bring this flavor back as a gift for friends and family, you can easily purchase Ninh Binh’s crispy rice at local shops, traditional markets, and tourist spots. Prices range from 35,000 to 45,000 VND per serving, making it affordable for all budgets and easily accessible. Let the distinctive flavor of Ninh Binh’s crispy rice enchant you on your culinary exploration of this region.
Mountain Snails of Ninh Binh
Experiencing mountain snails in Ninh Binh is quite a special and rare treat for many, as these snails often hide within the limestone caves of Tam Diep. The window to enjoy this delicacy is also quite limited, only from April to August each year, while for most of the time they retreat deep into the crevices of rocks.
To have the chance to savor the unique flavor of mountain snails, timing is crucial. With their natural sweetness and characteristic crunchiness, coupled with the gentle aroma of herbs, a simple steamed snail dish is enough to captivate any diner. Additionally, you can also enjoy snails through various preparations such as salad, ginger steaming, tamarind stir-fry, which will offer diverse and impressive culinary experiences.
Grilled Banana Fish of Ninh Binh
Grilled banana fish from Ninh Binh is one of the famous specialties of this region, inhabiting the water-filled caves. With its slender, round shape and delicious flesh, banana fish is grilled over charcoal and topped with a fragrant layer of crispy fried shallots and flavorful onion oil.
Often served in small dishes, grilled banana fish dishes are usually accompanied by a bit of vermicelli and fresh herbs, along with roasted peanuts and rich dipping sauce. The distinctive flavor of the fish combined with the spiciness of the fried shallots and the richness of the dipping sauce makes this dish a must-try for those who love local cuisine.
Mountain Goat Meat
Ninh Binh is famous not only for its picturesque landscapes but also for its enticing specialties, including mountain goat meat. Goats are raised naturally on the mountains, resulting in firm and flavorful meat. Travelers can enjoy various delicious dishes made from mountain goat meat such as grilled goat, steamed goat, lemon goat, goat spring rolls, stir-fried goat, ginger goat, and many more.
Especially, the dish of crispy rice with goat sauce is a wonderful combination of goat meat and crispy rice, creating a unique flavor of this region. Both mountain and pasture-raised goats in Ninh Binh have their own distinct flavors—tender, chewy, and aromatic. Besides being delicious, goat meat also brings many health benefits. When visiting Ninh Binh, travelers cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy goat meat and savor a few glasses of local wine.
The price for each kilogram of Ninh Binh mountain goat meat ranges from 200,000 to 400,000 VND, depending on the type of meat such as ribs, neck, liver, and other parts.
Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll
Yen Mac fermented pork roll is a specialty of Ninh Binh, suitable for purchasing as a gift when traveling. Inspired by the royal fermented pork roll of Hue, Yen Mac fermented pork roll carries a unique and distinctive flavor of this region. The main ingredients of Yen Mac fermented pork roll include lean pork thigh thinly sliced, combined with boiled pork skin, seasoning, and salt. Then, the fermented pork roll is wrapped in guava leaves and banana leaves to enhance the natural flavor.
To truly enjoy the authentic flavor of Yen Mac fermented pork roll, it is best paired with fig leaves, sung leaves, or apricot leaves. This is a natural delicacy that you should enjoy on the spot and purchase as a gift. The price for each portion of Yen Mac fermented pork roll ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 VND.
Nho Quan Grape Wine
In the list of Ninh Binh specialties, Nho Quan grape wine is a standout that cannot be overlooked. Produced by the Muong people living in the Nho Quan region, this type of wine carries a special flavor from familiar ingredients such as glutinous rice, rice, sweet potatoes, along with wine yeast created from fruits and forest leaves such as guava leaves, ginger, and galangal. Through the fermentation process, Nho Quan grape wine brings a rich, flavorful taste without being overly strong.
The price for each bottle of Nho Quan grape wine ranges from 200,000 to 600,000 VND depending on the type and quality of the product.
Ninh Binh Clear Soup with Vermicelli
With its “giant-sized” vermicelli noodles, Ninh Binh clear soup with vermicelli promises to bring a new and exciting experience to your culinary journey. Fresh morning glory and fragrant broth make the dish attractive and flavorful. You can add dried shrimp, pork rolls, or other spices like peanuts to enhance the distinctive flavor. The price for each serving of clear soup with vermicelli ranges from 20,000 to 40,000 VND depending on the seller and additional ingredients.
Ninh Binh Glutinous Rice Balls
Traditional glutinous rice balls from Ninh Binh are made from rice flour, combined with honey, peanuts, and leaves of the “cuc moc” plant, creating a distinctive and captivating flavor. With its sweet and fragrant taste of “cuc moc” leaves and pomelo flowers, glutinous rice balls are an ideal choice for those who love sweets. The price for each portion of glutinous rice balls ranges from 25,000 to 50,000 VND depending on the size and accompanying ingredients.
Ninh Binh Savory Pancakes
Ninh Binh-style savory pancakes have a slight twist when served with hot, fragrant grilled pork skewers. With ingredients like wet rice paper, mustard leaves, pancakes, and grilled pork skewers, this dish promises to bring a distinctive and flavorful taste. When eating, you can add a bit of rich dipping sauce and pickled vegetables to create the characteristic spicy and delicious flavor of this region.
What could be better than indulging in the delicious specialties of Ninh Binh and exploring the impressive natural wonders of this ancient land? The nature and people of Ninh Binh will always welcome you with the most memorable experiences. Take the time to visit and savor these wonderful dishes when you have the opportunity to visit Ninh Binh!
