Discover The 7 Must-try Dishes In Ninh Binh

Get ready for a memorable culinary journey as we present to you the 7 most delicious dishes not to be missed during your visit to Ninh Binh and authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, traditional cuisine await you for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

1. Cơm cháy (Burned Rice)

The famous burned rice of Ninh Binh: a culinary experience not to be missed while burned rice can be found in many establishments, it is the burned rice of Ninh Binh that stands out in particular. Prepared from 100% pure fragrant glutinous rice with round grains and a fluffy texture, this rice is cooked in a cast-iron pot over charcoal. The result is a delicate crispness with a characteristic yellow color. Once cooked, the rice is then dried under natural sunlight, making it easier to preserve.

Cơm cháy (Burned Rice)

The combination of the crispy and fluffy texture of burned rice and the savory and aromatic flavor of ruoc (a type of dipping sauce) makes it a highly appreciated dish among diners. In addition to the classic fried rice, Ninh Binh also offers variations such as shrimp fried rice or onion fat fried rice. These variations are also worth trying and deserve to be tasted.

Some brands are recommended:

• Cơm cháy Ninh Bình cố đô (36,000 vnd / pack)
• Cơm cháy Nếp Hương (45,000 vnd / pack)
• Cơm cháy Hoa Lư (36,000 vnd / pack)

2. Thịt dê (Goat Meat)

Let yourself be seduced by the mountain goats of Ninh Binh, whose meat is renowned for its firmness and robust texture. If you visit this region, it would be a shame to miss out on this exceptional dish. The goat meat of Ninh Binh is showcased in numerous delicious, unique, and enticing dishes, thanks to various preparation methods.

Thịt dê (Goat Meat)

Whether in the form of goat rolls, steamed goat, grilled goat, or ginger sauce goat, these culinary creations highlight the nutritional qualities of goat meat. Moreover, this meat is believed to have healing properties for various ailments. Therefore, if you have the chance to visit this region, don't miss the opportunity to taste the famous goat meat dishes of Ninh Binh. Your palate will be delighted, and you will discover an unforgettable gustatory experience.

Some recommended addresses:

• A. Nhà Hàng Thịt Dê Chính Thư

• Add: Khê Thượng, Ninh Thuận, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình
• Tel: +84 94 842 6882
• Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/B9pqCW72yHdYgdrAA

• B. Nhà Hàng Dê Núi Ninh Bình

• Add: Ngô Quyền, Đông Thành, Ninh Bình, Việt Nam
• Tel: +84 97 216 2261
• Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/6K78VTyBRDdRb5y27

3. Miến lươn (Eel Vermicelli)

Eel vermicelli is an emblematic and unique dish of Ninh Binh. Prepared with smooth vermicelli noodles combined with fresh eel, Ninh Binh's eel vermicelli offers a perfect balance between the sweetness of the eel, the slight acidity of vinegar, the savory flavor of fish sauce, and the intoxicating aroma of spices.

Miến lươn (Eel Vermicelli)

Ninh Binh's eel can be cooked in different ways to create variations of this delicious dish, such as eel vermicelli in water, fried eel vermicelli, or roasted tamarind eel vermicelli. The tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture of the eel, combined with the fluffy vermicelli noodles and flavorful broth, provides a unique and pleasant culinary experience.

When enjoying Ninh Binh's eel vermicelli, you can also add fresh vegetables such as raw vegetables, lettuce, or coriander to bring freshness and an extra touch of richness to this already delightful dish. It is a gastronomic experience not to be missed during your visit to Ninh Binh.

Some recommended addresses:

• Miến lươn bà Phấn

• Add: 999 Trần Hưng Đạo, Thanh bình, Ninh Bình, Việt Nam
• Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/qNeuTdkn9ZvNNir86

4. Bún mọc Kim Sơn

Bún Mọc Kim Sơn is a tasty and unique dish originating from the Kim Sơn region. It consists of rice noodles, flavorful pork meatballs, and other delicious ingredients that harmoniously come together to create an exceptional culinary experience.

Bún mọc Kim Sơn

The pork meatballs in Bún Mọc Kim Sơn are carefully prepared by mixing minced pork with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. These meatballs are then steamed to achieve a tender and juicy texture. They are served on a bed of fresh rice noodles, accompanied by fresh vegetables such as aromatic herbs, bean sprouts, and julienned vegetables.

What sets Bún Mọc Kim Sơn apart is the unique flavor of its sauce. A slightly sweet and salty sauce, made from fragrant pork broth, is poured over the meatballs and noodles, adding an extra dimension of taste to this delicious dish.

Some recommended addresses:

• Bún Mọc Tố Như

• Add: National Road 10, Kim Son, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
• Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/7AkbVR9UjG6iEwU88

5. Bún chả quạt

Bún Chả Quạt is a delicious and iconic dish from the Ninh Binh region. It is famous for its flavorful combination of grilled pork and rice noodles, accompanied by a variety of fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables.

Bún chả quạt

To prepare Bún Chả Quạt, the pork is marinated with traditional Vietnamese spices and then slowly grilled until it reaches a tender and juicy texture. The grilled meat pieces are then served on a bed of fresh rice noodles, typically garnished with aromatic herbs such as mint, coriander, and Vietnamese basil. Fresh vegetables like bean sprouts, cucumbers, and julienned carrots add a touch of freshness and crunch to the dish.

What makes Bún Chả Quạt so special is its delicious sauce. A sweet and sour sauce made with nước mắm (fish sauce), vinegar, sugar, and garlic is served separately, allowing diners to adjust it according to their personal preferences. By dipping the grilled meat pieces into this fragrant sauce, you'll experience an explosion of flavors in every bite. Bún Chả Quạt is not only a delight for the taste buds but also provides an authentic culinary experience, immersing you in the flavors and traditions of Vietnamese cuisine.

Some recommended addresses:

• A. Bún chả quạt nhà mình

• Add: Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình, Việt Nam
• Tel: +84 94 884 7234
• Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/woCfgCzTdNKaBhj16

• B. Bún chả Thế Ngọc

• Add: 16 Phạm Hồng Thái, Thanh bình, Ninh Bình, Việt Nam
• Tel: +84 83 359 0261
• Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/MSnwHCg9d9t2EWba8

6. Xôi trứng kiến

This dish showcases sticky rice, also known as xôi, paired with ant eggs, creating a combination of interesting flavors and textures. The sticky rice is cooked until it becomes soft and sticky, then it is mixed with ant eggs, which add a unique and slightly acidic flavor to the dish. Ant eggs are harvested from ant nests and are appreciated for their delicate taste and crunchy texture.

Ant egg sticky Rice

Xôi Trứng Kiến can be enjoyed as is or enhanced with various toppings such as crispy fried onions, scallions, crushed peanuts, or marinated pork. Each bite of this dish is a harmonious blend of the sweetness of sticky rice, the unique aroma of ant eggs, and the different textures of the complementary ingredients.

This delicious dish is not only appreciated for its flavor but also for its cultural and traditional significance. It is often served on special occasions, festivals, or celebrations to symbolize abundance and prosperity.

7. Cá chuối nướng

Grilled banana fish is a beloved culinary specialty of the Ninh Binh region. This delicious dish features fresh fish grilled and wrapped in a banana leaf, creating a unique combination of flavors and textures. The wrapped fish is slowly grilled over hot charcoals, resulting in a tender and juicy texture with a slight caramelization on the outside. This traditional cooking method allows the flavors to blend harmoniously, creating a dish that is both smoky and flavorful.

Cá chuối nướng ( Fried fish)

Grilled banana fish from Ninh Binh is typically served with fresh vegetables, herbs, and rice noodles, offering a complete and balanced culinary experience. You can also enjoy it with a spicy fish sauce or a sweet and sour sauce to enhance its unique flavors.

During your visit to Ninh Binh, don't miss the opportunity to savor this local specialty, grilled banana fish. You will be delighted by the explosion of flavors and the exceptional quality of this traditional dish.

In conclusion, Ninh Binh is a culinary destination that will delight the taste buds of Vietnamese cuisine enthusiasts. The dishes mentioned in this article are just a glimpse of the culinary delights you can discover in this region. Whether you are a fan of fresh seafood, flavorful rice dishes, or unique specialties, Ninh Binh has something to offer for every palate.

While exploring the bustling streets of Ninh Binh, you will be enchanted by the abundance of food stalls, local restaurants, and picturesque establishments inviting you to taste their specialties. Don't miss the opportunity to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden culinary treasures.

Related travel guide:

>> Top 10 Things To Do In Ninh Binh

>> North Vietnam Tours