Squid Cake – The Culinary Ambassador of Quang Ninh

Ha Long Bay is an incredibly famous tourist destination in Vietnam, boasting thousands of magnificent limestone islands and stunning natural scenery. On a tour exploring Ha Long Bay, visitors not only have the chance to discover and experience the vast limestone formations rising from the tranquil sea and the beautiful caves, but also to savor delicious local specialties such as sea cucumber, blood cockle, and sand worm - as well as bring these delicacies home as gifts.

One dish you simply cannot miss when visiting Ha Long is Squid Cake (Cha Muc). Let’s take a closer look at this dish to fully appreciate the unique culinary culture of the region!

        Squid cake is a tasty dish creatively developed by the people of Ha Long during their daily work. No one exactly knows when the tradition of making squid cake began, but it is known that in the early 20th century, when life was still tough, the people of Ha Long started making this dish. Back then, locals would buy fresh squid, clean it thoroughly, hang it up, hand-pound the squid, and then fry it.

Today, squid cake is produced on a larger scale with more modern processes to meet the growing demand from tourists. It is made from the freshest squid caught in Ha Long Bay. After cleaning, the squid is seasoned with various spices, hand-pounded, shaped, and then fried until golden. When eating, it is often dipped in chili sauce and served alongside sticky rice. The unique aroma, chewy texture, and crispy crunch of squid cake leave a lasting impression on anyone who tastes it. Most Ha Long squid cakes are meticulously hand-pounded, preserving the original delicious flavor of the squid.

This dish is a popular choice for many Ha Long families at their daily meals and is also a special treat for guests in Ha Long and the wider Quang Ninh province. It is served on luxury cruises for visitors to Ha Long Bay and at formal receptions hosted by the province. Squid cake is a “top-tier” dish that helps Ha Long’s cuisine win the hearts of food lovers near and far.

Ha Long squid cake has gone beyond being just a local specialty to become one of the most famous culinary specialties of Vietnam, representing Quang Ninh and Vietnamese cuisine to the world. It was ranked number one among Vietnam’s 50 most famous specialties by the Vietnam Records Book Center. Squid cake is a worthy representative to bring Ha Long - Quang Ninh tourism closer to domestic and international visitors.

Perhaps squid cake has become a culinary brand of Ha Long because of its unique and distinctive flavor that no other region can replicate. Although a simple dish, it is always chosen by tourists visiting Ha Long to enjoy and bring home as gifts for family, friends, and loved ones.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket now to one of the many luxury yet affordable cruises to explore Ha Long Bay, experience, and taste Cha Muc - a flavorful gift from the salty sea of Ha Long.

Translated by Thuy Ha