Ngán - a quintessential specialty of Quang Ninh’s coastal region

When mentioning the beautiful scenery of Quang Ninh, tourists immediately think of Ha Long Bay - a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Ha Long Bay, with thousands of limestone islands in countless shapes rising from the clear blue waters, dotted with enchanting caves, pristine white sandy beaches, and a rich marine ecosystem, creates a vast and vibrant natural masterpiece. This place is not only a marvel of nature but also a symbol of Vietnamese tourism, attracting millions of visitors every year.

Not only blessed with magnificent scenery, Ha Long Bay and the coastal waters of Quang Ninh are also gifted by nature with abundant seafood resources. The pristine and nutrient-rich marine environment has created famous delicious seafood such as sandworms, mantis shrimp, and sea cucumbers. Among them, Ngán is regarded as a “treasure”- a rare and nutritious seafood that carries the distinctive flavor of this coastalregion.

Ngán is a type of bivalve mollusk, belonging to the clam family, living in the salty and brackish coastal waters of Quang Ninh. It resembles clams and oysters but is larger in size, with a shell patterned like ocean waves and colored gray or slightly black. The meat of Ngán is thick and succulent, with a delicate sweet flavor and rich in nutrients.

Ngán is prepared into many delicious dishes: steamed Ngán, grilled Ngán, Ngán soup, Ngán porridge, and stir-fried Ngán noodles, among others. The most unique specialty is Ngán wine - a one-of-a-kind local liquor found only in Quang Ninh. This wine is made from Ngán’s blood, has a pink color, and offers a mild spicy taste with a strong aroma of the sea.

With its rich yet delicate flavor, Ngán from Quang Ninh is sure to captivate every food lover. What could be better than cruising Ha Long Bay, admiring the stunning landscape of mountains, water, and sky, while savoring exquisite Ngán dishes - fully experiencing both the flavor and the essence of Quang Ninh’s coastal region.

Translated by Thuy Ha