1. Overview of Tien Yen Quang Ninh Specialties
1.1. Where is Tien Yen?
Located on National Highway 18A, Tien Yen is about 90 km northeast of Ha Long and is considered an important connecting point between the coastal and mountainous regions of the Northeast. The terrain here is diverse, including hills, rivers, and coastal lagoons, creating ideal conditions for agricultural development, hill farming, and aquaculture. The climate is tropical monsoon with cold winters and hot, humid summers. Abundant natural food sources such as corn, rice, vegetables, fish, and shrimp have helped local free-range chickens, native poultry, honeybees, and cassava plants thrive.
Tien Yen is home to many ethnic communities such as Kinh, Dao, Tay, San Diu, San Chay, and Hoa. Each ethnic group contributes its own characteristic dishes and unique preparation methods, creating a colorful and diverse culinary landscape. Many dishes like khau nhuc, banh gat gu, or dishes made from free-range chicken are influenced by Chinese and ethnic minority cuisine, but have been harmoniously adapted to suit the palate of the Northeast region.
Tien Yen is home to many ethnic communities such as Kinh, Dao, Tay, San Diu, San Chay, Hoa. (Source: Compiled)
1.2. Why are Tien Yen specialties loved?
The outstanding feature of Tien Yen Quang Ninh specialties lies in preserving almost intact traditional methods in production and processing. Hill chickens are raised naturally on hills and mountains, ca say are raised in ponds, banh gat gu and dong glass noodles are all handmade according to family secrets. Therefore, the products are limited in additives, ensuring safety and retaining the natural flavor characteristic of this land.
The value of Tien Yen cuisine has been proven through awards and recognition from many reputable organizations. Tien Yen hill chicken is in the Top 50 famous specialty dishes of Vietnam announced by the Vietnam Record Book Center. Tien Yen ca say also appeared in the Top 100 Vietnamese Specialty Dishes 2021-2022 recognized by the Vietnam Record Organization and Top Vietnam. Banh gat gu frequently appears on travel information sites as a must-try dish when traveling the Ha Long - Mong Cai route.
1.3. What role do Tien Yen specialties play in Quang Ninh tourism?
Tien Yen cuisine has become an attractive component in the development of experiential tourism in Quang Ninh. Many tour programs often choose Tien Yen as a stopover for tourists to enjoy hill chicken, banh gat gu, khau nhuc, or ca say, contributing to enriching the journey already attractive with the island beauty of Ha Long, Co To, or Van Don. Local people actively develop catering services, OCOP craft villages, and produce dong glass noodles, honey, and peanut candy, thereby increasing income and creating job opportunities.
The potential for expanding the brand of Tien Yen Quang Ninh specialties nationwide is increasingly affirmed as hill chicken and ca say are honored in prestigious rankings. Products such as khau nhuc, banh gat gu, dong glass noodles, and honey have been widely distributed in OCOP stores, restaurants in Ha Long, Hanoi, and major cities, contributing to spreading the name of Tien Yen to a large number of diners across the country.
Tien Yen cuisine has become an attractive component in the development of experiential tourism in Quang Ninh. (Source: Collected)
2. Tien Yen Hill Chicken
2.1. Origin and distinguishing features of Tien Yen hill chicken
Quang Ninh folklore has a saying: "Mong Cai Pork – Dam Ha Women – Tien Yen Chicken", emphasizing the prominent position of Tien Yen chicken, which is a native breed that has existed for a long time. Belonging to the group of hill chickens raised naturally on hills and mountains, this flock primarily eats corn, rice, wild vegetables, and insects, resulting in firm, healthy meat with little fat. Some individuals grow a tuft of feathers on their chin resembling a "beard", which locals call " beard chicken", a characteristic distinguishing feature of this native breed with superior meat quality.
When mature, the chickens typically weigh between 1.3 to 1.8 kg, with a compact body, strong legs, and a characteristic golden skin. During preparation, the chicken skin turns a dark yellow, becomes glossy after cooking, the meat emits a fragrant aroma, tastes sweet, and retains its firmness without becoming dry. These are the factors that differentiate Tien Yen hill chicken from large-scale farmed chickens.
2.2. Meat quality and its difference from chickens in other regions
Raised free-range on hills, with ample exercise and natural feed, Tien Yen hill chicken meat is nổi bật with its firmness, natural sweetness, and non-mushy texture. The skin is crispy, beautifully golden, and the fat is thin, so it doesn't feel greasy. Whether prepared by boiling, roasting, shredding, or stewing, the chicken meat retains its unique character, showing a clear difference compared to hill chickens or industrial chickens from other regions.
The quality of Tien Yen chicken meat has been highly praised by many chefs and culinary experts, deserving a place on the list of outstanding delicious chicken breeds in the North. This achievement is also recognized nationwide when Tien Yen chicken was ranked among the Top 50 famous specialty dishes in Vietnam by the Vietnam Record Book Center.
Raised free-range on hills, with plenty of exercise and natural feed, Tien Yen free-range chicken is known for its firm texture. (Source: Collected)
2.3. Popular Dishes from Tien Yen Chicken
Salt-steamed chicken is a method that allows you to fully enjoy the special flavor of Tien Yen chicken. The chicken is kept whole, seasoned with salt and traditional spices, then steamed without added water, preserving its natural sweetness. When served with salt and pepper with lime or chili salt, it enhances the deliciousness of the meat and the lightly crispy golden skin.
Mắc mật grilled chicken combines chicken with local herbs, mainly mắc mật leaves, cinnamon, and star anise, creating an intoxicating aroma. After marinating, the chicken is grilled until the skin is dark golden, shiny, and the meat is tender and fatty. The flavor is a blend of mountain forest scents and a characteristic sweetness, very appealing to many tourists.
Shredded chicken salad is a popular dish in the summer or for intimate gatherings. The chicken is boiled to perfection, shredded, and then mixed with onions, Vietnamese coriander, lime juice, and chili, creating a refreshing salad with a light sourness combined with the natural sweetness of the chicken and the crispness of the onions.
Red apple stewed chicken or traditional medicine stewed chicken is suitable for nourishing the body, as the chicken is tender, naturally sweet, and the broth is clear and rich in nutrients from bones and herbs.
2.4. Best Places to Enjoy and Prices for Tien Yen Chicken
Along National Highway 18A passing through Tien Yen, many eateries and family restaurants display signs for "Tien Yen Free-range Chicken," specializing in salt-steamed, mắc mật grilled, and shredded dishes with consistent quality. Additionally, in large restaurants in Quang Ninh and Hanoi, diners can easily find this chicken dish with clear origin claims.
The price of Tien Yen free-range chicken is usually slightly higher than that of industrial chicken due to its specialty quality. The chicken is sold whole or half, depending on weight and season. At eateries along National Highway 18A, prices are reasonable and commensurate with quality; while in large city restaurants, prices may be higher but guarantee origin and proper preparation.
3. Tien Yen Khau Nhu
3.1. What Makes Tien Yen Khau Nhu a Renowned Dish
Tien Yen Khau Nhu holds an important position and undergoes strict quality control. Products are processed at registered facilities and by households with complete packaging, labels, and commitments to selecting delicious meat, using standard spices, and ensuring food safety. Vacuum-sealed packaging not only facilitates transportation but also preserves the original flavor well.
In the culinary life of Tien Yen, Khau Nhu is an important dish for holidays, Tet, weddings, and death anniversaries, especially for the Chinese community and many local families. This dish is often enjoyed with banh gat gu (rolling cake), sticky rice, or plain rice on grand occasions, symbolizing abundance and thoughtfulness in traditional feasts and carrying deep cultural value.
In the culinary life of Tien Yen, Khau Nhu is an important dish for festive occasions. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Ingredients and standard preparation process for Khau Nhu
To make Tien Yen Khau Nhu, pork belly is carefully selected with a balanced fat-to-lean ratio and moderately thick skin, ensuring it becomes tender without being greasy when cooked. Seasonings include five-spice powder, cinnamon, star anise, garlic, onion, soy sauce, wine, and thick bean paste; some places add taro for a richer flavor. The blend of these spices creates an unforgettable aroma and taste.
Khau Nhu requires a meticulous preparation process. The meat is washed, then lightly fried or pan-seared to firm up the skin, before being marinated with the spice mixture for a long time to absorb the flavors evenly. Next, the meat is arranged in a bowl, inverted into a pot, and steamed for hours until it is thoroughly infused with spices, with the fat becoming clear and the meat tender yet not greasy. When serving, the bowl is inverted onto a plate, revealing the intact meat with soft skin and evenly distributed fat and lean layers, drizzled with a rich, savory sauce.
3.3. Experiencing Khau Nhu at reputable establishments in Tien Yen
In Tien Yen, many eateries specializing in the combo of Banh Gat Ghu and Khau Nhu receive high ratings on local culinary websites. The combination of soft, chewy Banh Gat Ghu and rich pork belly, served with a chicken fat dipping sauce, creates a memorable culinary experience. Some OCOP (One Commune One Product) facilities and specialty stores in the town also sell boxed, vacuum-sealed Khau Nhu, convenient for tourists to buy as gifts.
Fresh Khau Nhu should be refrigerated and consumed within 1-2 days. For longer journeys, you can ask the restaurant to vacuum-seal and refrigerate it; simply reheat by steaming or microwaving before eating. For boxed versions, follow the storage instructions on the packaging, usually in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat before eating to maintain the dish's tenderness and appealing sauce consistency.
4. Ca Say Tien Yen
4.1. Characteristics of Ca Say and its difference from duck and muscovy duck
Ca Say is a prized hybrid poultry, a cross between a duck and a muscovy duck, raised in Tien Yen through natural free-range methods in ponds, lakes, and marshy areas. They feed on rice, corn, vegetables, duckweed, snails, and other naturally available food, resulting in firm meat with a distinctive aroma. Tien Yen Ca Say has been recognized in the Top 100 Vietnamese Specialty Dishes 2021-2022 by the Vietnam Record Organization and Top Vietnam, solidifying its position on the national culinary map.
Unlike ordinary ducks or muscovy ducks, Ca Say meat has a unique flavor, combining the rich aroma of muscovy duck with the tenderness and milder taste of duck. Its skin is not excessively fatty, and the meat is thick, making it suitable for various cooking styles such as grilling, stewing with plum sauce (rua man), boiling, or roasting. Raised in natural environments, Ca Say provides meat rich in protein, healthy fats, and B vitamins, offering high-quality nutrition for daily meals.
Rựa mận cà sáy (hay món cà sáy nấu giả cầy) is a very distinctive dish, using coconut water, galangal, fermented rice, shrimp paste to cook with cà sáy, creating a thick sauce with a special aroma. This dish is ideal when eaten hot, served with vermicelli, rice, or bread, suitable for all ages. Boiled cà sáy, with a simple preparation, just needs to be boiled with ginger, white wine for aroma, cut into bite-sized pieces, and dipped in ginger fish sauce to fully appreciate the natural sweetness of the meat.
4.3. Where to buy and enjoy cà sáy in Tien Yen
Cà sáy is commonly raised by households around Tien Yen town, and many local restaurants and eateries have built menus specializing in dishes from Tien Yen cà sáy to serve tourists. You can find this dish at eateries along National Highway 18A, especially those displaying the sign "Cà sáy Tiên Yên". Additionally, restaurants in the town also often serve rựa mận cà sáy, grilled, and boiled cà sáy with stable quality.
When enjoying, you should choose fresh cà sáy, of moderate weight, with golden skin, not too fatty. Especially, dishes like rựa mận and grilled should be eaten with herbs and pickled vegetables to balance the richness and fully enjoy the unique flavor of this specialty of Tien Yen, Quang Ninh.
5. Other specialties of Tien Yen, Quang Ninh worth trying
5.1. Banh Gat Gu Tien Yen
Banh Gat Gu is one of the prominent specialties of Tien Yen, Quang Ninh. At first glance, it looks a bit like banh cuon, but the preparation and enjoyment are very different. Delicious rice is soaked overnight, drained, ground into a liquid batter, with a little cooked rice added so the cake, when steamed, will have a spongy, chewy texture. The batter is steamed similarly to banh cuon but thicker, and when cooked, it is rolled into long rolls. The name "Gat Gu" (nodding) comes from the way the cake wobbles like it's "nodding" when held.
The cake has a characteristic chewy texture, naturally fragrant with rice aroma, and is often brushed with a layer of fried shallot oil on the surface, creating a light richness. The dipping sauce is elaborately prepared from fish sauce cooked with hill chicken fat, fried shallots, garlic, chili, and can be added with minced meat for a richer flavor. The most famous way to eat it is banh gat gu served with khau nhuc: the soft cake combined with pork belly and chicken fat dipping sauce creates an irresistible specialty duo. The uniqueness is also expressed through the "ritual" when eating: the host holds the banh gat gu 3 times, the guest responds 3 times, and then dips and eats, adding to the friendly atmosphere.
Banh gat gu is one of the prominent specialties of Tien Yen, Quang Ninh. (Source: Collected)
5.2. Tien Yen Honey
The rich hills and forests of Tien Yen provide ideal conditions for beekeeping, yielding Tien Yen honey with a delicate sweetness, a gentle aroma, and a natural golden hue. Due to the diverse forest flora and minimal impact from urbanization, honey from this region is a popular choice for gifts, appreciated for its distinctive flavor and safety.
Honey products are typically sold at OCOP stores and local specialty shops with clear labels and origin information, assuring customers of the quality when purchasing as gifts or for daily use.
5.3. Dong Rui Sea Duck Eggs, Lac Hong Candy, Arrowroot Vermicelli, Sweet Potato
Dong Rui commune in Tien Yen boasts a vast area of tidal flats and brackish lagoons, suitable for raising sea ducks. Dong Rui sea duck eggs are known for their richness, deep orange yolks, and are often boiled and eaten directly or used as an ingredient in many dishes. Lac Hong candy is a characteristic sweet treat, made from roasted peanuts, sugar, or maltose, offering a crispy, rich, and mildly sweet flavor. It is usually attractively packaged, making it convenient to buy as a gift.
In communes like Phong Du and Dai Thanh, arrowroot vermicelli is handcrafted from pure arrowroot starch. The vermicelli strands are greenish, chewy, and do not easily break when cooked, ensuring safety and quality. Additionally, sweet potatoes grown in the hilly regions of Tien Yen yield tubers that are fluffy and naturally sweet, serving as a simple gift easily found at local or highland markets.
6. Suggested Itinerary for Enjoying Tien Yen Specialties and Sightseeing
Exploring the specialties of Tien Yen, Quang Ninh should begin early in the morning at highland or periodic markets in Tien Yen (according to market days), where you can find arrowroot vermicelli, honey, sweet potatoes, peanut candy, and sea duck eggs at reasonable prices. This is also an ideal opportunity to interact with ethnic minority people, capture beautiful photos, and learn about the origin and preparation methods of local specialties.
Lunchtime is perfect for enjoying main dishes at eateries or restaurants along National Highway 18A and within the town. You can opt for Tien Yen hill chicken with dishes like salt-steamed, mac mat-roasted, shredded, or red apple stewed, or savor a Khau Nhu combo with banh gat gu. If you prefer a novel experience, try the ca say menu with grilled, rựa mận, or boiled preparations.
The afternoon is best spent exploring the mountainous scenery, visiting ethnic villages, arrowroot vermicelli or honey production sites, or OCOP facilities. This is a convenient time to purchase packaged specialties like Lac Hong candy, arrowroot vermicelli, honey, khau nhu, and banh gat gu as gifts. The itinerary can be combined with attractions like Sun World Ha Long, offering an experience that blends sea and mountain views with the distinctive cuisine of the Northeast region.
The itinerary can combine with places like Sun World Ha Long for an interesting experience.
7. Tips for Choosing Quality Tien Yen Specialties
7.1. Identifying Genuine vs. Fake Products
When you want to choose and buy quality Tien Yen Quang Ninh specialties, prioritize OCOP stores. Specialty establishments mentioned on reputable travel sites, with full labels, clear addresses, and contact phone numbers. Eateries, bakeries, and restaurants that have been introduced by the press or major travel sites like VinWonders, Lalago, and Vietnamnet newspaper usually ensure stable quality.
When buying, check the expiration date, ingredients, and packaging quality. For products like honey, candy, noodles, and packaged khau nhuc, choose those with clear manufacturer information and OCOP codes if available. This not only ensures consumption quality but also helps support local economic development.
When choosing to buy quality Tien Yen Quang Ninh specialties, prioritize OCOP stores. (Source: Collected)
7.2. Tips for preserving and transporting specialties for long distances
For prepared chicken and ca say, ask the restaurant to vacuum-seal it if possible, refrigerate it, and bring an insulated bag or dry ice for long-distance travel. Upon arrival, store it in the refrigerator or freezer compartment and reheat thoroughly before eating. Khau nhuc bought hot should be consumed within the day or kept refrigerated for 1-2 days; steam it again or use a microwave before eating. For packaged products, follow the storage instructions on the packaging; they can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for a longer period.
Gat gu cake should be consumed within the day to fully enjoy its delicious taste. If you need to take it far away, ask the shop to pack it carefully, keep the dipping sauce separate, and steam it again quickly upon arrival to soften the cake. Peanut candy and dong noodles should be stored in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Honey should be sealed tightly and kept in a cool, shaded place. For sweet potatoes and eggs, choose whole tubers and fruits; eggs should be placed in a tray or wrapped separately to avoid breakage.
7.3. Reputable places to buy Tien Yen specialties, hotlines, and points of sale
Ba Tuyet's Gat gu cake at 32 Hoa Binh Street is famous for its soft cake and rich, traditional dipping sauce. Hill chicken, khau nhuc, ca say, and other assorted specialties can be easily found at eateries and restaurants along National Highway 18A in the Tien Yen town area and at OCOP stores. Tourists can ask for more information at their accommodation or the town center to be directed to the nearest OCOP stores with guaranteed quality products at reasonable prices.
7.4. Notes when enjoying Tien Yen specialties
Some dishes like khau nhuc, roasted chicken, grilled ca say, and gat gu cake served with chicken fat have a relatively high fat content. People on a low-fat diet, the elderly, and individuals with blood lipid problems should consume them in moderation. Dishes using many spices, such as ca say with fermented rice and shrimp paste (rua man), should be considered for people prone to allergies or young children.
Children and the elderly will enjoy dishes like salt-steamed chicken, red apple stewed chicken, gat gu cake with mild dipping sauce, dong noodles, and sea duck eggs. Young groups who love experiences can choose ca say rua man, mac mat roasted chicken, and the gat gu cake - khau nhuc combo. Those who prefer light, healthy food will find steamed chicken, chicken soup, boiled dishes, dong noodles, and honey suitable.
Tien Yen Quang Ninh specialties are a unique combination of local ingredients and the culinary imprint of various ethnic groups, offering dishes that are both novel and familiar, rich in traditional value. Each visit to Tien Yen is an opportunity to explore deeper layers of culinary culture: from the golden hill chicken, the steaming bowl of khau nhuc, to the soft and chewy gat gu cake. Dedicate a full meal to experience these and share your impressions, which also helps to spread the image of Tien Yen cuisine to more people.
