1. Kim Thoa Quang Ninh Squid Cake - A Symbol of Ha Long Cuisine
1.1. Development History and the Kim Thoa Quang Ninh Brand
Ha Long Market I is not only a bustling place for buying and selling but also the cradle of the traditional squid cake making craft since the 1940s. Within this squid cake village, Kim Thoa Quang Ninh squid cake has affirmed its position over decades with a wealth of experience and reputation accumulated daily. The Kim Thoa brand is not merely a production facility but has become a symbol of sophistication in processing and customer service spirit. Through generations, Kim Thoa has consistently maintained its original quality, contributing to placing Ha Long squid cake on the map of Vietnamese cuisine.
1.2. Why is Kim Thoa Squid Cake Sought After by Tourists in 2025?
The point that creates the special attraction of Kim Thoa Quang Ninh squid cake is the traditional hand-pounding method in stone mortars, completely manual without using a grinder. Artisan Kim Thoa selects only fresh, live squid from the Ha Long region with strict criteria: thick flesh, shiny black eyes, and absolute freshness. The service here is also highly rated with a dedicated consultation attitude, on-site processing, and careful packaging. Notably, Kim Thoa commits to a 100% refund if the product does not meet the promised quality. Compared to many other establishments that use grinders or unreliable squid sources, Kim Thoa persistently adheres to the manual method to preserve the original flavor that few can match.
The special attraction of Kim Thoa Quang Ninh squid cake is the traditional hand-pounding method. (Source: Collected)
2. Secrets to choosing ingredients that create exquisite flavor
2.1. Ha Long Bay cuttlefish, the heart of Kim Thoa squid cake
The Ha Long Bay sea area, with its rich ecosystem, has created a characteristic cuttlefish species with clear white flesh, shimmering skin, and a hard-to-find natural sweetness. Kim Thoa Quang Ninh squid cake only uses fresh cuttlefish caught on the same day, not frozen, to preserve the meat's structure and the taste of the sea. The selected squid must have shiny skin, elastic flesh when pressed, clear black eyes, and no strange fishy odor. This freshness and deliciousness create a piece of cake that is both chewy and crispy, with a rich sweetness when enjoyed, embodying the soul of the Northeast Vietnamese sea.
Kim Thoa Squid Cake Quang Ninh only uses fresh squid caught on the same day. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Strict Ingredient Control Process
Every morning, the owner personally selects squid at the Ha Long fishing ports with the keen eye of a long-time professional. Squid with scratches, loss of freshness, or signs of being kept too long are immediately discarded. After selecting quality squid, the processing is done meticulously: separating the body, completely removing the innards, skin, and ink to prevent mushiness. Kim Thoa Squid Cake Quang Ninh also pays special attention to completely drying the squid with a soft cloth, ensuring no excess water remains – a secret that helps the final product achieve perfect chewiness and crispness, which many other places overlook.
3. The Traditional Hand-Pounding Process: The Soul of Kim Thoa Squid Cake
3.1. Why Does Hand-Pounding in a Stone Mortar Preserve the Full Flavor?
While many modern establishments switch to using grinders to save time, Kim Thoa Squid Cake Quang Ninh persists with the traditional hand-pounding method using wooden pestles and stone mortars. This manual pounding process helps the squid fibers blend naturally without becoming mushy like when ground by machine. Grinders generate heat during operation, making the cake mushy and losing its characteristic chewy texture. In contrast, the hand-pounding method preserves each squid fiber, creating a chewy, firm texture and a pure sweet taste that only handmade squid cake can achieve.
3.2. Seasoning and Distinctive Golden Frying Stages
The traditional seasoning formula includes fine salt, premium anchovy fish sauce, ground pepper, and finely pounded shallots. Kim Thoa Squid Cake Quang Ninh absolutely commits to not using additives or preservatives, only using just enough glutinous rice flour to make the cake puff up beautifully when fried without overpowering the natural squid flavor.
The shaping into thin patties requires experience to ensure even thickness, then they are fried golden on both sides over medium heat. The result is cake pieces with a crispy exterior, retaining moisture and the rich sweet taste of sea squid inside.
4. Experiencing Kim Thoa Squid Cake Quang Ninh
4.1. Characteristic Flavor and the Best Ways to Enjoy It
When you bite into a piece of Kim Thoa Squid Cake Quang Ninh, you will experience its characteristic chewy crispness, the rich sweetness of fresh squid blended with the fragrant aroma of the sea. Each piece of cake has a springy texture, distinct squid fibers, and a mild peppery spice, creating an unforgettable taste experience. The most popular way to enjoy it is by dipping it in a sauce to highlight the natural sweetness of the squid. Tourists can also pair it with hot rolled rice cakes, fragrant sticky rice, crispy baguette, or simply enjoy it as a snack while sipping drinks with friends.
The most popular way to enjoy it is by dipping it in sauce to highlight the natural sweetness of the squid. (Source: Collected)
4.2. Actual reviews from customers and the press
On many culinary review sites and social media, Kim Thoa squid cake from Quang Ninh frequently receives praise from diners. A tourist from Ha Noi shared that they had tried squid cake in many places but only in Quang Ninh could they feel the standard chewy and crispy texture, and the home delivery service was also very thoughtful. Another diner from Ho Chi Minh City commented that the traditional flavor here is unforgettable and considered it a meaningful gift. Online newspapers about tourism and cuisine have also introduced squid cake many times as an unmissable specialty, trusted and chosen by both locals and tourists from all over.
Kim Thoa squid cake from Quang Ninh frequently receives praise from customers. (Source: QTV)
5. Pricing, Packaging, and Customer Service
5.1. Latest updated prices for Kim Thoa squid cake from Quang Ninh
The price for traditionally hand-pounded Kim Thoa squid cake from Quang Ninh currently ranges from 420,000 to 560,000 VND/kg depending on the type and quantity ordered. Customers purchasing in large quantities or wholesale groups will receive special preferential prices along with attractive gift combo packages. All products are vacuum-sealed according to food safety and hygiene standards, ensuring quality during long-distance transportation without bacterial contamination or deformation. This packaging method helps the squid cake retain its fresh flavor and characteristic chewy texture for a long time.
5.2. Delivery Policy and Quality Commitment
Kim Thoa supports same-day delivery within Ha Long city with prompt service; for other provinces and cities, shipping will follow professional cold storage standards. The establishment provides full VAT invoices in accordance with legal regulations and commits to a 100% refund if customers find the product does not meet the promised quality. Kim Thoa squid cake from Quang Ninh ensures clear traceability and strictly adheres to food safety and hygiene regulations. This thoughtful customer care policy has built trust and long-term loyalty with the Kim Thoa brand.
6. Guide to Buying and Preserving Authentic Kim Thoa Squid Cake
6.1. How to Choose Authentic Kim Thoa Squid Cake and Avoid Fakes
To choose genuine Kim Thoa squid cake from Quang Ninh, visitors should note that the product must have distinct packaging with anti-counterfeit labels, clearly stating the Kim Thoa brand name and the production facility's address.
It is advisable to buy from reputable large stalls in the Ha Long Market I area; do not hesitate to request an invoice or warranty card when necessary.
Visitors can consult with direct sales staff or research through social media reviews and press to ensure they choose a quality product.
Avoid buying from places with prices too low compared to the market or with unclear origins.
It is recommended to buy at reputable large stalls in the Ha Long I market area. (Source: Collected)
6.2. Experience in preserving and transporting squid cake for long distances
After purchasing Kim Thoa squid cake Quang Ninh, if not used immediately, it should be stored in the freezer at -18°C, it can be kept for 6 months from the production date while still tasting as good as the original.
If stored in the refrigerator compartment, it should only be preserved for a maximum of 3-4 days and used as soon as possible.
When needing to transport it to other provinces or for export, it is advisable to prepare an insulated bag or gel ice, and limit exposure to room temperature for more than 4-6 hours.
Note: when eating, it should only be thawed naturally, avoid soaking in water or using a microwave to preserve the characteristic flavor of the squid cake.
7. Combining the experience of visiting Ha Long and enjoying Kim Thoa squid cake
7.1. Suggested itinerary for 'eating – playing – buying specialties' in 1 day
A day exploring Ha Long can start with experiencing Sun World Ha Long in the morning, visiting the amusement park, taking photos and checking in at Bai Chay Bridge and the famous Dragon Park.
At noon, visitors can take a break and enjoy a meal right at the restaurant within the Sun World premises. Here, many fresh and delicious seafood dishes are served with a rich menu, convenient for eating and resting before continuing the journey.
In the afternoon, take time to stroll around Ha Long I market, visit specialty stalls to buy gifts, among which Kim Thoa squid cake Quang Ninh remains the top choice for many tourists.
Combine visiting the Quang Ninh Museum and checking in at the sea square to save beautiful photos. Additionally, nearby attractions to Sun World such as Queen Cable Car, Typhoon Water Park, or Ha Long Walking Street are also worth visiting, offering a diverse and complete experience in one day.
Kim Thoa squid cake Quang Ninh is not just a delicious dish but also represents traditional values and rich hometown memories. This is a sophisticated and meaningful gift that every tourist should experience and bring back to share with loved ones. Come to Kim Thoa to fully experience the taste of Ha Long's sea!
