Cat Ba Island is not only known for its stunning natural beauty but also for its vibrant culinary scene that reflects the rich culture and abundant marine life of the region. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a traveler looking to experience authentic local flavors, Cat Ba offers a variety of delicious dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds.
From fresh seafood like lobster and shrimp to unique local specialties, Cat Ba Island’s food scene is something you won’t want to miss. So, if you’re wondering what to eat in Cat Ba Island, this guide will take you through the best dishes and where to find them.
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Why Cat Ba Island is a Food Lover’s Paradise
Cat Ba Island, located in Hai Phong Province, is a food lover's dream destination. With its rich history and proximity to the sea, the island offers an array of fresh seafood and traditional dishes that showcase the best of Vietnamese cuisine. The food here is not just about taste—it’s about the experience of enjoying meals made from locally sourced ingredients, whether at a bustling seafood restaurant or by the beach.
The island's fresh seafood is renowned for its quality and flavor, with many restaurants offering dishes prepared with the catch of the day. Let’s explore the top dishes that you must try during your visit to Cat Ba Island.
Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is home to a variety of unique seafood and local dishes that are a must-try for every visitor. Here are the top 10 dishes that should be on your list when visiting Cat Ba Island.
1. Sea Sam – A Delicious, Rare Seafood Dish
Location: Yummy Restaurant (140 Nui Ngoc, Cat Ba Town, Hai Phong)
Price: $25 - $35 per pair (500,000 - 700,000 VND)
Sam Biển (Sea Sam) is a specialty of Cat Ba Island, but it’s not always easy to find. This rare marine creature is typically prepared in several delicious dishes, including soups, salads, and stir-fries with lemongrass and chili. Its fresh and chewy texture makes it a highly sought-after dish.
Pro Tip: Order it at a reputable restaurant like Yummy Restaurant to enjoy the freshest Sam Biển, prepared with local spices that enhance its natural flavors.
2. Horseshoe Crab – A Nutritious and Tasty Treat
Location: Viễn Dương Restaurant (12 Nui Ngoc, Cat Ba Town, Hai Phong)
Price: $10 - $12 per kg (220,000 - 250,000 VND)
Tu Hải (Horseshoe Crab) is a unique, nutritious seafood found in Cat Ba, known for its chewy texture and distinctive flavor. It’s often served grilled, steamed, or in a delicious porridge, and is considered a delicacy in the region due to its high nutritional value.
Pro Tip: Tu Hải is often recommended for improving joint health and boosting male hormones, making it both a tasty and healthy option.
3. Mantis Shrimp – Sweet and Savory Delight
Location: Quân Cat Ba Restaurant
Price: Varies, typically around $8 - $12 per kg
Bề Bề (Mantis Shrimp) is another popular seafood in Cat Ba Island. Larger than the typical shrimp, Bề Bề has sweet, firm flesh and is commonly cooked in various ways such as grilled, steamed, or in a tangy seafood hotpot.
Pro Tip: Try Bề Bề in a seafood hotpot for a truly flavorful meal, or simply grilled with some garlic and chili.
4. Lobster – The King of Seafood
Location: Quang Anh Floating Restaurant (Cai Beo, Cat Ba Town)
Price: $25 - $75 per kg (600,000 - 1,800,000 VND)
When visiting Cat Ba Island, one of the must-try dishes is Tôm Hùm (Lobster). Known for its sweet, succulent meat, Cat Ba lobsters are often prepared by steaming or grilling them with butter, garlic, and a sprinkle of local herbs. It’s the perfect dish for any seafood lover.
Pro Tip: Enjoy the freshest lobster at the floating restaurants near Cai Beo harbor, where the lobster is caught daily from the surrounding waters.
5. Shrimp Noodles – A Flavorful Vietnamese Classic
Location: Làng Chài 2 Restaurant (Một Tháng Tư, Cat Ba Town, Hai Phong)
Price: $2 - $3 (50,000 VND)
Bún Tôm (Shrimp Noodles) is a must-try noodle dish when visiting Cat Ba Island. The dish consists of noodles served with fresh shrimp, fish cakes, herbs, and a delicious, savory broth. It's a perfect light meal that embodies the essence of Cat Ba’s coastal cuisine.
Pro Tip: Pair it with a cold local beer to enhance the flavors and enjoy it as a refreshing meal during your visit.
6. Dried Sea Snake or Snake Wine
Location: Local markets in Cat Ba
Price: Varies
A more unusual, but highly regarded, local delicacy is Rắn Biển Khô (Dried Sea Snake) and Rượu Rắn Ngâm (Snake Wine). These items are believed to have medicinal benefits, particularly for joint pain and overall vitality. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take home a bottle of snake wine or dried sea snake as a unique souvenir from Cat Ba.
Conclusion
Cat Ba Island is truly a paradise for food lovers. From the freshest seafood to the most unique local dishes, the island offers an unforgettable culinary experience. Don’t forget to explore the local eateries and try as many of these specialties as you can during your visit.
Whether you’re enjoying Sam Biển (Sea Sam), savoring Tôm Hùm (Lobster), or indulging in a warm bowl of Bún Tôm (Shrimp Noodles), the diverse flavors of Cat Ba Island are sure to make your trip even more memorable.
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