Local Delicacies to Try in Ninh Bình

Mountain Goat Meat

The mountain goats in Ninh Bình are known for their firm and chewy meat due to their free-range lifestyle. The meat can be prepared in various delicious dishes such as steamed goat, goat salad, grilled goat, stir-fried goat, but the most impressive is the lemon-squeezed rare goat meat. Each piece of fresh, bright red meat delivers a sweet, tender, and non-mushy texture that allows diners to fully appreciate its unique flavors.

Addresses:

Thành Long Mountain Goat Restaurant: Ngô Quyền, Đông Thành, Ninh Bình

Dũng Phố Núi: Ninh Xuân, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình

Burnt Rice

Burnt rice is one of the most famous culinary specialties of Ninh Bình. Unlike other regions, Ninh Bình burnt rice is distinct in both frying method and accompanying sauce. The best burnt rice has a light yellow color, even grains, crispy but still chewy, with a rich, fatty taste that isn't overly greasy.

Addresses:

NinBin – Ninh Bình Specialties (Online only): 12 Nguyễn Văn Giản, Đông Thành, Ninh Bình

Hoa Lư Burnt Rice: 3 Võ Thị Sáu, Đông Thành, Ninh Bình

Nhệch Fish Salad

Nhệch fish salad is a rustic dish of the coastal people in Kim Sơn district (Ninh Bình province). This salad is meticulously prepared with thoroughly cleaned fish to remove any fishy smell. Nhệch fish resembles eels but with a lighter skin color; its meat is sweet and aromatic, making it exceptionally palatable.

Addresses:

Tính Gỏi Restaurant: 248 Ngô Gia Tự, Vân Gia, Ninh Bình

Vũ Bảo Restaurant: 86 Lương Văn Tụy, Ninh Bình

Stir-fried Field Crab with Betel Leaf

Field crabs are carefully prepared and combined with sliced betel leaves, then stir-fried together following a specific recipe. The crunchy crab meat complements the unique aroma of betel leaves. This dish is best enjoyed with hot rice.

Address:

Quán Quê Restaurant: 345 Phạm Thận Duật, Ninh Sơ, Ninh Bình

Mountain Snails

Mountain snails are found in abundance in the limestone mountains of Tam Điệp, Yên Mô, and Nho Quan. This local specialty is prepared into various delicious dishes. Mountain snails only appear from April to August each year when the weather is humid.

Eel Vermicelli

Eel vermicelli is a must-try dish in Ninh Bình, popular among both domestic and international visitors. The eels used for this dish must be a type called “rice eels,” with a pinkish-brown back and a deep yellow belly. Compared to other types of eels, these are smaller but their meat is much firmer.

Addresses:

Thảo Linh Eel Vermicelli: 16-18 Tràng An Street, Tân Thành, Ninh Bình

Tâm Hiến Eel Vermicelli: 336 Nguyễn Công Trứ Street, Vân Gia, Ninh Bình

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