1. Ha Long Breakfast Cuisine: Why Tourists Should Definitely Try It?
Breakfast in the coastal city of Ha Long offers a completely different experience compared to other regions in the country. The characteristic of Ha Long breakfast lies in its diversity and the optimal use of fresh seafood such as squid, mantis shrimp, crab, shrimp, combined with spices derived from local ingredients. Purple shallots, herbs, and coastal fish sauce create a harmonious flavor that is hard to find elsewhere.
The unique flavor of breakfast dishes here is expressed through the natural sweetness of the sea, blended with traditional accompaniments such as hand-pounded squid cakes, soft steamed rice rolls, and chewy sticky rice. Especially, the broth of noodle dishes is always simmered from seafood bones, creating a clear, sweet "authentic sea" taste that is unforgettable for diners.
The morning atmosphere in Ha Long comes alive very early with food streets, markets, and fishing villages. Eateries are crowded with locals and tourists alike, creating a bustling atmosphere characteristic of coastal breakfast culture. Ha Long breakfast becomes a highlight because this experience not only fills the stomach but also connects tourists with local life, leaving an indelible mark on every journey.
The trend of exploring breakfast cuisine in Ha Long is increasingly developing with many eateries constantly innovating their menus, adding new and unique dishes, and modern services. This meets the needs of young tourists who love culinary experiences, checking in at seaside eateries, and exploring "hot" spots.
The characteristic of Ha Long breakfast lies in its diversity and the optimal use of fresh seafood. (Source: Quang Ninh Newspaper)
2. Top Ha Long breakfast dishes you must try
2.1. Bun Be Be Ha Long
Bun be be, also known as bun tom tit, is a breakfast specialty that strongly impresses visitors with its delicate sweetness from seafood. This dish uses fresh be be (tom tit), shrimp, squid, and crab as its main ingredients. All are sourced fresh daily from the fish market or fishing village.
The special point of this noodle soup lies in its clear, sweet broth, simmered from tom tit bones and seafood, creating a "clear" yet very rich taste. This flavor is the essence of authentic seaside Ha Long breakfast, with each tender, sweet strand of be be meat and soft noodles absorbing the broth's flavor.
The reference price for a bowl of bun be be ranges from 35,000 – 40,000 VND depending on the location, usually increasing slightly during the tourist season. Famous places serving this dish include Bun be be Huy Chiên, Bun be be Chung Quyên, Ha Long Market 2, and Bun be be shop at 745 Vu Van Hieu street.
Mantis shrimp noodle soup, also known as bun tom tit, is a breakfast specialty that strongly impresses tourists. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Ha Long rolled rice cakes with squid cake
Fluffy, smooth hot rolled rice cakes eaten with golden brown, hand-pounded squid cake create a perfect combination unique to Quang Ninh. Squid cake is made from fresh squid with firm meat, finely pounded by hand, deep-fried until crispy, and cut into bite-sized pieces. The rolled rice cakes are made from fresh rice flour, thinly steamed, and rolled with a flavorful minced pork and wood ear mushroom filling.
Experience the unforgettable chewy and aromatic taste, a unique characteristic when enjoying this Ha Long breakfast. The dipping sauce is made from local sea fish sauce, with a bit of fried shallots and herbs, creating a harmonious sweet and sour taste. The combination of soft rolled rice cakes and chewy, crispy squid cake offers a unique culinary experience.
Prices range from 20,000 – 55,000 VND/portion depending on the eatery. Notable addresses serving this dish include Mrs. Yen's rolled rice cakes with squid cake at 36 Doan Thi Diem - a long-standing reputable eatery, rolled rice cake eateries at Ha Long Market 1, and the Goc Bang rolled rice cakes with squid cake eatery.
Hot, fluffy, smooth banh cuon served with golden, hand-pounded squid sausage creates a perfect combination. (Source: VnExpress)
2.3. Bun cu ky
Cu ky belongs to the sea crab family, with firm, naturally sweet meat. Bun cu ky has a refreshing broth with a "taste of the sea in your mouth", adding aromatic herbs, fresh scallions, and a pinch of pepper for a distinctive flavor. This dish embodies the rustic spirit of fishing villages, using readily available ingredients from the sea.
The experience of enjoying bun cu ky brings a feeling of "waking up to the salty taste of the sea", suitable for both locals and tourists wanting to explore new dishes. This is one of the lesser-known Ha Long breakfast dishes that leaves a deep impression on first-time tasters. Reference price: 35,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl. Suggested addresses include Huong Beo eatery (20 Tan Mai, Bai Chay), major markets, and local eateries in the fishing village.
Cu ky crab noodle soup has a refreshing broth with the flavor of "the sea in your mouth". (Source: Collected)
2.4. Sticky rice with squid cake, seafood noodle soup, and other breakfast dishes
Fragrant, chewy sticky rice served with crispy, chewy squid cake creates a convenient dish for early travelers and sightseers. The sticky rice is selected from new glutinous rice grains, cooked to perfection with a little sesame salt, squid cake cut into pieces, sprinkled with a little pepper and fragrant fried shallots.
Other types of seafood noodle soup such as squid noodle soup, shrimp noodle soup, and fish noodle soup are also popular for breakfast in Ha Long. The broth is clear and sweet with diverse toppings, suitable for all ages. These dishes are usually reasonably priced, easy to eat, and chosen by many families with children.
Reference price for these dishes is from 30,000 – 50,000 VND/serving. Popular selling points are at the breakfast stalls in Ha Long Market, fishing village cuisine, and eateries around the central tourist attractions.
3. Notable breakfast spots in Ha Long
3.1. Ha Long Fishing Village Cuisine
Located at Lot 20, Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Ha Long, this eatery embodies the fishing village style with a simple yet cozy atmosphere. Simple wooden tables and chairs, with views of the bay or a small harbor, create a sense of closeness to nature. The breakfast menu includes seafood noodle soup, sticky rice with squid cake, and mantis shrimp noodle soup, prepared according to traditional recipes.
The restaurant is open from 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM with reference prices from 40,000 – 60,000 VND/dish. This is an ideal place to experience a true Ha Long breakfast with an authentic fishing village atmosphere. Recommended dishes include mantis shrimp noodle soup, sticky rice with squid cake, and signature seafood noodle soup.
The cuisine of Ha Long fishing village carries the true style of a fishing village with a simple yet cozy space. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Ba Yen's Famous Long-Standing Banh Cuon Cha Muc Restaurant
Ba Yen's restaurant at 36 Doan Thi Diem, Bach Dang, Ha Long is a famous long-standing address for traditional banh cuon and hand-pounded cha muc. The restaurant space is small, clean, with friendly and attentive service from the owner.
Especially, the restaurant serves from very early (05:30–13:00) with prices ranging from 40,000 VND/portion. This is one of the Ha Long breakfast spots trusted by tourists thanks to its stable quality over many years. However, the restaurant is usually crowded from 07:00, so it's advisable to go early to get a seat and enjoy the delicious food while it's hot.
3.3. Ha Long Market: The Local "Breakfast Paradise"
Ha Long Market 2 is located in the city center, convenient to travel to and easy to find for both locals and tourists. This is where you can find a full range of seafood noodle soups, banh cuon, cha muc, and sticky rice at the most reasonable prices in the city.
The market operates from 05:00 AM, creating an opportunity for tourists to experience the bustling morning market culture with its characteristic local colors. The Ha Long breakfast space here offers a genuine feeling of local life, an unmissable experience.
3.4. New Eateries / "Chill" Seaside Spots
New eateries with beautiful sea views and large hotels often update Western-Asian brunch menus combined with traditional breakfast dishes. "Hot" addresses like Mapa Bistro European Restaurant at 409 Ha Long, Bai Chay offer a modern space and diverse menu.
Seaside cafes with spaces for check-in and photo opportunities also serve specialty Ha Long breakfast dishes. This trend meets the needs of young tourists who want to enjoy local cuisine and capture beautiful photos for their journey.
4. Complete Ha Long Breakfast Experience Tips for Tourists 2025
4.1. Suggested "Food Tour" Breakfast Itinerary Combined with Entertainment
An ideal Ha Long breakfast itinerary can start with waking up early to enjoy banh cuon cha muc at Ba Yen's restaurant or at stalls in Ha Long Market. Next, tourists can visit local markets and fish markets to feel the morning rhythm of local life.
After breakfast, tourists can move to Sun World Ha Long to visit and experience exciting entertainment games. By noon, instead of looking for a restaurant outside, you can rest and dine right at the restaurants within Sun World. Here, there are not only buffets and modern menus but also many specialties of Quang Ninh such as cha muc, sipunculid worms, sea snails, or seafood dishes prepared in various styles. Dining at Sun World is both convenient and helps tourists recharge, while not missing the opportunity to experience the essence of local cuisine right during the trip.
Tourists can rest and dine at the restaurant within the Sun World Ha Long complex. (Source: Collection)
4.2. Experience choosing breakfast spots in Ha Long
Prioritize places with many local customers as this is often a sign of good taste and reasonable prices.
Check reviews on Google or Tripadvisor to choose reputable places with positive feedback from diners.
View the menu beforehand to choose dishes that suit your family's or group's taste, allowing each person to try different dishes for a diverse Ha Long breakfast experience.
Pay attention to opening hours and it's advisable to go early on weekends or during peak tourist seasons.
When enjoying, use local spices such as coastal fish sauce, ground pepper, characteristic herbs, and specialties to fully appreciate the local flavors.
4.3. Reservations, takeaways, or delivery
Some large eateries and coastal restaurants in the center now support advance table reservations and delivery through apps like GrabFood, Baemin, and other updated local apps. Tourists can book via reservation websites or restaurant fan pages.
Note that you should confirm before arriving to avoid being fully booked, especially for popular places with large morning crowds.
5. The unique charm of Ha Long breakfast connecting cultural and travel experiences
Ha Long breakfast is not just about enjoying delicious food, but also an opportunity to experience local market culture and early fishing village life. Tourists have the chance to immerse themselves in the local rhythm of life and feel the sincere hospitality of the people here.
The significant difference of Ha Long compared to other coastal regions lies in the fact that specialty dishes are prepared from fresh seafood daily. The friendly, flexible service combined with a diverse combination from seafood noodles, banh cuon, sticky rice to light sweet dishes creates a rich breakfast.
After breakfast, tourists should visit the fish market and explore the fishing village. This is an interesting experience for groups who like to preserve travel memories and explore local culture.
Ha Long breakfast is an indispensable experience when exploring this coastal city. Try at least one breakfast specialty and visit the suggested places to fully appreciate the charm of the local cuisine. Don't forget to save this list for your upcoming trip and share your wonderful impressions!
