Quang Binh Delicacies – The Taste of Mum’s Cooking

In every rural area, every nation has its own unique culinary culture. Cuisine is intertwined with local produce, natural conditions, and the inherent nature of the people of each region. I've had the opportunity to experience various places; for instance, mentioning Sushi or the Tea Ceremony, one immediately thinks of Japan, or talking about Kimchi brings to mind the traditional dish of South Korea – this refers to a nation's identity. Similarly, in Vietnam, mentioning Mì Quảng evokes the produce of Quảng Nam, or Bún bò, Cơm hến immediately brings to mind Huế.

Quảng Bình is not only known for its World Natural Heritage sites such as Phong Nha - Kẻ Bàng National Park but also famous for its distinctive cuisine, reflecting the cultural identity of its people. Each dish from Quảng Bình is not only a fusion of flavors but also contains the stories and soul of this rustic, genuine land of Central Vietnam.

Rich Flavours of Home

The cuisine of Quang Binh is a harmonious blend of local ingredients, the region’s harsh climate, and the generous spirit of the people of Central Vietnam—seasoned with the salty breeze of the sea and the warmth of mountain life. Here, food isn’t just for nourishment—it’s for remembrance, for love, and for preserving the quietly powerful culture of a resilient land.

Quang Binh locals are known for their modesty in words but richness in flavours. They avoid excessive seasoning, instead focusing on fresh produce, thoughtful preparation, and preserving the natural essence of each ingredient. Cooking here feels instinctive—handed down from generation to generation. That simplicity is exactly what defines its identity. And every dish becomes a heartfelt story—humble in appearance, yet lingering long in memory.

Must-Try Dishes – Where Flavour Meets Soul

Fish Cake Rice Noodle Soup – A Taste of the Homeland

Quang Binh’s version of banh canh (thick noodle soup) is distinct from the chewy southern style or the rich Hue-style broth. Here, the noodles are handmade from a mix of rice flour and a touch of tapioca starch. The result is a tender, translucent strand—delicate yet firm, just like the people of Quang Binh.

The broth is a highlight: a clear, sweet liquid simmered from fish bones, roasted shallots, and a subtle dash of fermented shrimp paste—absolutely no MSG. The fish cakes are crafted from fresh mackerel or longfin tuna caught off the Nhat Le coast, finely ground, seasoned with salt, pepper and shallots, then gently steamed to a springy finish.

A sprinkle of spring onion, a slice of green chilli, and a pinch of cracked pepper—one spoonful is enough to evoke the sea breeze of a Central summer’s day.

Banh Loc – Gleaming with Delicacy

At first glance, banh loc may seem simple, but its perfection lies in the detail. The chewy translucent wrapper is made from hand-kneaded tapioca starch, steamed just right to achieve a smooth, slightly elastic texture that doesn’t cling to your teeth.

The filling must be sweet river or baby sea prawns—tiny but full of flavour. Lightly sautéed with premium fish sauce and black pepper, they’re left unpeeled to preserve their richness. Combined with a small spoon of minced pork fat, the flavour becomes rich yet refined.

Each cake is carefully wrapped in young banana leaves—softened briefly in hot water to release a fragrant steam when cooked. Paired with local-style chilli fish sauce—bold, salty-sweet, spicy—it transports you to a late afternoon by the hearth, watching your mother wrapping cakes by the fire..

Squid Pancake – A Creative Twist from the Sea

This dish is a bold culinary statement from Quang Binh. Unlike traditional banh xeo which uses turmeric for a golden hue, this version blends fresh squid ink into the batter, creating a striking black crust that is both visually stunning and nutritionally rich.

The filling features fresh squid slices, lightly stir-fried with bean sprouts and scallions. When pan-fried, the batter is poured in a thin layer for a crispy finish, while keeping the filling succulent and juicy. Wrapped in fresh herbs and dipped in sweet garlic fish sauce, the first bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavours—crispy, savoury, sweet, rich, fragrant and just a little bit spicy.

Oyster Porridge – A Bowl of Quiet Generosity

If any dish reflects the kindness of Quang Binh people, it’s chao hau—oyster porridge. Only fresh milk oysters are used, shucked on the spot and rinsed in salt water before being cooked.The rice—Vietnamese jasmine, lightly toasted to prevent mushiness—is simmered in pork or chicken bone broth. The oysters are added only at the final boil to retain their sweetness and soft texture without becoming rubbery.

A proper bowl should have a pearly, smooth consistency, with hints of ginger, scallions, and the natural creaminess of the oysters. The flavour isn’t explosive, but it seeps in slowly, warmly—like the quiet affection of Quang Binh people.

Where to Savour the Best of Quang Binh Cuisine

If you’re unsure where to begin, here are some reliable and authentic spots to experience these flavours:

• Gia Bao Noodle Soup Shop
  📍  Ly Thuong Kiet, Dong Hoi City
  🍲 Signature dish: Fish or crab noodle soup (banh canh)
  💰 Price: 20,000 – 40,000 VND per bowl
• Me Xuan Banh Loc Shop
  📍 Le Thanh Dong, Dong Hoi City
  🍤 Signature dish: Steamed banh loc wrapped in banana leaves
  💰 Price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND per plate
• Tu Quy Squid Pancake Shop
  📍 Phan Dinh Phung, Dong Hoi City
  🦑 Signature dish: Squid banh xeo, shrimp banh xeo
  💰 Price: 20,000 – 35,000 VND per piece
• Song Gianh Oyster Porridge Stall
  📍 Truong Phap Street, Dong Hoi City
  🦪 Signature dish: Oyster porridge, grilled oysters with scallion oil
  💰 Price: 30,000 – 45,000 VND per bowl

Food and Memory – Reflections from Diners

Nguyen Van Hung – Hanoi
“I visited Quang Binh after exploring the caves, and a bowl of hot oyster porridge by the river truly moved me. The natural sweetness of the oysters paired with ginger and pepper was exactly what I needed after a long day.”

Tran Thi Mai – Ho Chi Minh City
“The squid pancake was such an unexpected delight. That striking black crust was so unique, but it’s the flavour that stayed with me—crisp, fresh squid, perfect seasoning. A real highlight!”

Le Quoc Cuong – Da Nang
“Me Xuan’s banh loc is the gold standard—petite, perfectly seasoned filling, and a chewy translucent wrapper. Paired with spicy fish sauce, it’s addictive. I return every time I’m in Dong Hoi.”

Hoang Thuy Linh – Travel Blogger, Hai Phong
“I was especially impressed by the fishcake noodle soup. The broth was clear, the fish cake soft and fragrant—like something your mum would lovingly make. Honest and soulful.”

David Henry – France

“Quang Binh blew me away. I tried every local dish recommended by the locals. The banh loc reminded me of Italian ravioli, but with the full flavour of the sea. I’ve never had anyt

Visiting Quảng Bình and savoring its delicacies, I feel like I'm exploring a part of the soul and culture of this land. Each dish is not just food but a way for the people of Quảng Bình to share their traditions and a proud, refined culinary culture with the world.

Phong Nha Việt