Welcome to Dong Hoi, a city in the beautiful province of Quang Binh, Vietnam. This hidden gem is not only known for its stunning landscapes but also for its mouthwatering cuisine. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey through Dong Hoi, exploring the delicious dishes and where to find them. From traditional Vietnamese snacks to hearty noodle soups, Dong Hoi has something to satisfy every craving. So let’s dive in and discover the delightful cuisine of Dong Hoi, Quang Binh.
Breakfast Delights
Snakehead Gruel Fish
Start your day in Dong Hoi with a bowl of Snakehead Gruel Fish. This unique dish is made from rice flour and tapioca starch, resulting in a noodle-like texture. The snakehead fish, known for its tender meat, is the star of this dish. The fish is cooked to perfection, and the flavors are enhanced with a delicious broth. Served with fried spring rolls and a side of iron vegetables, this breakfast dish is a local favorite. You can find this delightful dish at Porridge Soup 75, located on Le Quy Don Street in Dong Hoi City.
Eel Vermicelli, Quang Binh Eel Soup
If you’re in the mood for something savory and satisfying, try the Eel Vermicelli or Eel Soup. This dish features soft eel dipped in savory fish sauce, served with bread and wet bread. The rich and flavorful soup paired with the tender eel will leave you wanting more. Ms. Nganh’s restaurant at 18 Hoang Dieu, Dong Hoi City, is known for its delicious Eel Soup and Vermicelli.
Calf Noodle Quang Binh
For a taste of Northern Vietnamese cuisine, try the Calf Noodle at Quan 38 on Le Quy Don Street. This traditional dish features beef noodles with various cuts of meat, such as tai and nam gau. The broth is rich and fragrant, and the tender beef melts in your mouth. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try the special Pho Be, which includes calf meat. Quan 38 is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, so be sure to stop by and savor the flavors of Quang Binh.
Lunchtime Delights
Water Fern Cakes – Banh Beo Dong Hoi
When it’s time for a midday snack, head to the quiet side streets of Dong Hoi and indulge in Banh Beo. This specialty of central Vietnam is made from rice flour and tapioca starch, topped with minced shrimp or a mixture of pork and shrimp. The secret to the flavors of Banh Beo lies in its sauce. Made from shrimp shells, fish sauce, sugar, and fresh chili, the sauce adds a burst of flavor to this delightful snack. You can find Banh Beo at Banh Beo Mrs. Van on Le Thanh Dong Street or Banh Beo Ha Van Cach in Dong Phu Ward.
Vietnamese Clear/Tapioca Dumplings – Banh Bot Loc
Another must-try dish in Dong Hoi is Banh Bot Loc. Similar to Banh Beo, this delicacy is made from rice flour and tapioca starch, but with a twist. Banh Bot Loc is clear in appearance and has a different filling. The dough is shaped into small pearls and filled with a seasoned mixture of pork and shrimp. The dumplings are then boiled until they float to the surface and turn translucent. Served with a dipping sauce, Banh Bot Loc is a tasty snack that you shouldn’t miss. Visit Banh Bot Loc Mrs. Thai, Me Xuan Restaurant, or Banh Bot Loc Mrs. Thuy to sample this delicious treat.
Dinner Delights
Goi Ca Ngheo – The Harmony Between Ying and Yang
For a refreshing and nutritious dinner option, try Goi Ca Ngheo. This dish features Ngheo fish, a cartilaginous fish known for its slightly fatty meat. The fish is carefully selected and prepared by removing the skin and tendon. Thin slices of fish are then served with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a special sauce. The flavors of Goi Ca Ngheo are believed to enhance the balance and harmony between Ying and Yang, according to traditional East Asian beliefs. Indulge in this healthy and flavorful dish at Chang Chang Restaurant on Tran Hung Dao Street.
Oyster Soup – Chao Hau Dong Hoi
If you’re a fan of seafood, don’t miss out on Chao Hau Dong Hoi, or Oyster Soup. What sets this dish apart is the quality of the oysters, which are caught from the Nhat Le River. The mix of fresh and saltwater in the river gives the oysters a unique flavor and nutritional value. To make the soup, rice, salt, and water are cooked until the rice is tender. The oysters are then fried with onion, chili, and pepper, seasoned with fish sauce, and served on top of the hot soup. Thuy Duong Restaurant and Mrs. Nganh Restaurant are popular spots to enjoy this delectable oyster soup.
Snack Time Delights
Sweet Potato Chips
No trip to Dong Hoi would be complete without trying the famous Sweet Potato Chips. These chips are made from sweet potatoes that have been carefully selected and boiled. After boiling, the sweet potatoes are sliced and placed on Ruoi leaves in a flat basket. The chips are then dried in the sun for 7 to 10 days, resulting in a sweet, mellow, and slightly chewy snack. Enjoy a bag of these delectable chips with a cup of green tea from Khoai Deo Shop on Hai Ba Trung Street.
Conclusion
Dong Hoi, Quang Binh, is a food lover’s paradise. From savory noodle soups to delightful snacks, this city offers a wide range of culinary delights. Whether you’re starting your day with a bowl of Snakehead Gruel Fish or ending it with a plate of Sweet Potato Chips, the flavors of Dong Hoi will leave a lasting impression. So pack your bags, grab your appetite, and embark on a culinary adventure through Dong Hoi, Quang Binh. Bon appétit!
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