1. Introduction: Why is Quang Ninh seafood an ideal gift?
Have you ever heard of Quang Ninh seafood – treasures from the rich Quang Ninh sea? Famous not only for the magnificent Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh is also a "paradise" of delicious Quang Ninh specialties, full of the rich flavor of the sea. From fresh Quang Ninh seafood like green crabs and tu hai (a type of shellfish), to processed dishes like chả mực (squid cake) or sun-dried mackerel, everything offers richness and nutrition that any tourist would want to take home as a gift. What makes Quang Ninh seafood so attractive? It's the freshness from clean water sources, the diversity of seafood species, and the skillful preparation of the local people. Let's explore the top 7 best Quang Ninh seafood to buy as gifts!
2. Top 7 must-buy Quang Ninh seafood
2.1. Ha Long Squid Cake – The number one specialty of Quang Ninh
If you ask what the "king" of Quang Ninh specialties is, the answer is definitely Ha Long squid cake. Made from fresh squid caught from Ha Long Bay, the squid cake here stands out with its chewy texture, fragrant aroma, and natural sweetness. The locals hand-pound it, adding a bit of secret seasoning, then fry it until golden brown, making each piece rich and irresistible.
Characteristic flavor: Fragrant aroma of fresh squid, chewy but not tough, goes well with rice or enjoyed with beer.
Cooking methods: Frying, steaming, or grilling are all delicious.
Where to buy: Cai Dam Market, Ha Long Market 1, or Ba Kien Squid Cake shop (18 Ha Long, Bai Chay) – a place that sells authentic squid cake, conveniently vacuum-packed.
This is a must-have Quang Ninh seafood gift!
2.2. Quan Lan Sea Worm – Rare and nutritious seafood
Quan Lan sa sung, known as the "sea ginseng", is prized for its high nutritional value and rarity. This tube-shaped seafood lives beneath the sand in the Quan Lan waters of Quang Ninh province and is often sun-dried as a gift. Dried sa sung offers a sweet taste when used in broth, serving as a "secret" ingredient to enhance the flavor of pho.
Uses: Enhances broth flavor, provides nutrition, and is good for health.
Preparation: Grill and enjoy, stir-fry with salt, or cook into porridge.
Selection: Choose light brown, firm, and dry sa sung without mold. Purchase from Ha Long 2 Market or Vung Vieng fishing village to ensure quality.
This is a premium choice among Quang Ninh seafood gifts.
2.3. Quang Ninh Cu Ky – The King of Affordable Seafood
Quang Ninh cu ky are small crabs with a hard shell and firm, sweet meat. While not as expensive as lobster, cu ky remains popular due to its affordability and delicious flavor.
Characteristic Flavor: White meat, rich roe, and a rich sweet taste.
Best Preparation: Steam with lemongrass and chili, grill with salt and chili, or use in hot pot.
Tips for Buying: Choose live crabs with active legs and shiny shells. Buy from Bai Chay Market or Cam Pha Market for fresh seafood.
This delicious Quang Ninh seafood is perfect as a gift for the family!
2.4. Quang Ninh Sea Ngan – Unique Seafood
Quang Ninh sea ngan are giant clams found in few places, with large shells and thick meat, offering a unique flavor. Ngan is not only delicious but also considered a "treasure" for making ngan wine – a special drink of the coastal region.
Characteristics: Soft, sweet, slightly fatty meat, different from regular clams.
Preparation: Steam with lemongrass and chili, grill with scallions and oil, or make ngan wine (soak in white wine).
Where to Buy: Ha Long 1 Market, Hon Gai area – where freshly caught live ngan is sold.
Try bringing this fresh Quang Ninh seafood home to change up your meal!
2.5. Van Don Tu Hai – Premium Seafood Specialty
Van Don tu hai is a "star" among Quang Ninh seafood, known for its large size, crisp white meat, and elegant sweet taste. Cultivated in the Van Don waters, tu hai is not only delicious but also nutritious, often appearing at upscale banquets.
Reason for popularity: Thick, crunchy meat, unmatched by many.
Price: 400,000-700,000 VND/kg depending on size.
How to buy: Choose live scallops with tightly closed shells, buy at Van Don Market or farms on Quan Lan Island.
This is a high-end Quang Ninh seafood gift for special occasions.
2.6. Quang Ninh Green Crab – Firm Meat, Rich Sweet Taste
Quang Ninh green crab is a common type but special thanks to its firm meat, rich roe, and naturally sweet taste from clean waters. Crabs here are usually smaller than those in Central Vietnam, but their flavor is unforgettable.
How to choose good crabs: Choose heavy crabs with quickly moving legs and firm aprons.
Delicious dishes: Beer-steamed, salt-pepper grilled, or sour and spicy crab hotpot.
Storage tips: Pack in styrofoam boxes with ice to keep fresh when bringing home, buy at Cai Dam Market or Ha Long 1 Market.
This fresh Quang Ninh seafood is a perfect choice for crab lovers!
2.7. One-Sun-Dried Mackerel – Special Dried Seafood
One-sun-dried mackerel is a ready-made Quang Ninh seafood product, sun-dried for one day to retain the freshness and sweetness of ocean mackerel. This type of fish is famous for its chewy, fragrant meat, few bones, and is perfect for grilling or frying.
Reasons for popularity: Convenient, easy to store, retains the delicious taste of fresh fish.
Price: 300,000-500,000 VND/kg.
Where to buy: Ha Long Night Market or Anh Duc Dried Seafood shop (Hon Gai) – where authentic one-sun-dried mackerel is sold.
This is a top-notch gift in the list of Quang Ninh seafood gifts.
3. Notes when buying Quang Ninh seafood as gifts
3.1. How to choose fresh Quang Ninh seafood
Observe: Choose seafood that is still alive, swims strongly, has a shiny shell, and does not have a strong fishy smell.
Smell: Fresh seafood has a light sea smell, not pungent or sour.
Touch: Firm, elastic flesh is a sign of quality goods.
3.2. Reputable places to buy
Ha Long: Ha Long Market 1, Cai Dam Market - a variety of delicious Quang Ninh seafood such as Ha Long squid cakes, green crabs.
Cam Pha: Cam Pha Market - famous for Quang Ninh sea cucumbers and sea snails.
Van Don: Van Don Market, Quan Lan Island - an ideal place to buy Van Don tu hai and Quan Lan sa sung.
3.3. Tips for preservation during long-distance transport
Fresh seafood: Pack in a styrofoam box with ice, keep fresh for 24-36 hours (packaging service 20,000-50,000 VND/box).
Dried seafood: Pack in sealed bags or vacuum-sealed bags, store in a dry place, avoid direct sunlight.
Suggestion: Ask the seller to pre-process (clean, pack) for easy transport.
4. Conclusion & Call to Action
Quang Ninh seafood is a wonderful souvenir to bring back from your trip, with a variety from delicious Ha Long squid cakes, nutritious Quan Lan sea cucumber, to high-class Van Don sea urchin and convenient sun-dried tuna. If you prefer fresh seafood, don't miss the green crabs, sea urchins, or sea snails; if you want dried seafood that's easy to transport, squid cakes and tuna are perfect choices. Visit famous markets like Ha Long Market 1 and Cai Dam Market to choose the highest quality Quang Ninh seafood as gifts!
Which Quang Ninh seafood from the list above have you tried? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
