Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not just famous for its breathtaking limestone islands and emerald waters but also for its exquisite seafood. If you are visiting this iconic Vietnamese destination, indulging in fresh, flavorful seafood is an absolute must. From bustling local markets to luxurious floating restaurants, Ha Long Bay offers a wide array of seafood experiences that will leave you craving for more. Here’s our comprehensive guide on where to find the best seafood in Ha Long Bay.
1. Best Seafood Restaurants in Ha Long Bay
a. Cua Vang Restaurant (Golden Crab Restaurant)
Located in Bai Chay, Cua Vang Restaurant is one of the top places for seafood lovers. Specializing in crab dishes, this restaurant offers a unique fusion of Vietnamese and Western flavors. Their signature dish, Golden Crab, is prepared with a rich buttery sauce that perfectly complements the fresh crab meat. Other must-try dishes include grilled oysters, sea cucumbers, and steamed lobster.
b. Hồng Hạnh Restaurant
A well-established name in Ha Long, Hồng Hạnh has several branches in the city, with the most popular one being Hồng Hạnh 3. Known for its authentic Vietnamese seafood cuisine, this restaurant is always bustling with both locals and tourists. Try their grilled scallops with spring onions, steamed clams with lemongrass, and fried squid with fish sauce.
c. Linh Dan Restaurant
For those looking for a mix of Vietnamese and international seafood dishes, Linh Dan Restaurant is an excellent choice. Located in Bai Chay, this restaurant is known for its affordable pricing and high-quality seafood. Their grilled king prawns, stir-fried squid, and tamarind crab are must-try dishes.
d. Co Ngu Restaurant
For a fine dining seafood experience, Co Ngu Restaurant is a top pick. The restaurant features a beautiful interior inspired by traditional Vietnamese architecture. Their menu includes stir-fried abalone, roasted lobster, and sea urchin soup, making it a great place for a luxurious seafood feast.
2. Fresh Seafood Markets in Ha Long Bay
a. Ha Long Night Market
For a lively seafood experience, head to the Ha Long Night Market in Bai Chay. This bustling market features dozens of stalls selling fresh and cooked seafood, including grilled squid, spicy shrimp, and steamed clams. You can even buy live seafood and have it prepared on the spot.
b. Ha Long Fish Market
Located near the Ha Long Harbor, this fish market is the best place to witness the early morning seafood trade. Here, you can find a variety of fresh seafood, including king crabs, lobsters, oysters, and sea snails. Many locals buy seafood here to take home or have it cooked at nearby restaurants.
c. Cai Dam Market
A local favorite, Cai Dam Market is one of the largest seafood markets in Ha Long. If you’re looking for high-quality fresh fish, squid, shrimp, and shellfish, this is the place to go. Many restaurants source their seafood directly from this market to ensure top freshness.
3. Unique Seafood Experiences in Ha Long Bay
a. Floating Seafood Restaurants
One of the most unique ways to enjoy seafood in Ha Long Bay is by dining at a floating seafood restaurant. These restaurants are built on floating platforms and allow diners to choose live seafood from tanks before having it cooked to order. Popular choices include Tuan Chau Floating Restaurant and Vung Vieng Floating Village Seafood.
b. Seafood Barbecue on the Beach
For a romantic and scenic seafood feast, book a seafood barbecue on the beach. Many tour operators offer private seafood feasts on secluded islands, where you can enjoy grilled fish, prawns, and squid under the stars.
c. Seafood Cooking Classes
If you want to bring the flavors of Ha Long Bay back home, join a seafood cooking class. Many local chefs offer hands-on cooking experiences where you can learn to prepare Vietnamese-style seafood dishes such as grilled oysters with scallion oil, sweet and sour tamarind crab, and steamed fish with ginger and soy sauce.
4. Must-Try Seafood Dishes in Ha Long Bay
a. Chả Mực (Grilled Squid Cake)
This is a specialty of Ha Long Bay, made from fresh squid that is finely ground, seasoned, and grilled to perfection. It is often served with sticky rice or Vietnamese rice noodles.
b. Sá Sùng (Peanut Worms)
A local delicacy, Sá Sùng is a type of sea worm that is usually dried and grilled. It has a crunchy texture and a rich, umami flavor.
c. Tam Biên Crab
A unique species of crab found in Ha Long Bay, Tam Biên Crab is known for its tender, sweet meat. It is often prepared by steaming, grilling, or stir-frying with tamarind sauce.
d. Steamed Clams with Lemongrass
A simple yet flavorful dish, steamed clams with lemongrass are a staple in many seafood restaurants. The natural sweetness of the clams is enhanced by the aromatic lemongrass and spicy chili.
e. Grilled Oysters with Scallion Oil
Ha Long Bay is famous for its plump, juicy oysters, which are often grilled and topped with a delicious scallion oil dressing.
5. Best Time to Enjoy Seafood in Ha Long Bay
The best time to visit Ha Long Bay for seafood is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and the seafood is at its freshest. During this period, lobsters, oysters, and squid are in peak season, ensuring a more delicious dining experience.
Conclusion
Ha Long Bay is a seafood lover’s paradise, offering everything from casual seafood markets to luxurious fine dining restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a quick seafood snack at a local market or a romantic dinner on a floating restaurant, you’ll find some of the best seafood in Vietnam right here in Ha Long Bay.