Discover the mouthwatering local cuisines of Nam Dinh in Ninh Binh Province, from phở bò to bánh xíu páo. Explore top dishes, costs, and book sustainable food tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic culinary adventure.
Capture the soulful essence of Ninh Binh’s culinary gemThe Nam Dinh region, now a ward of Ninh Binh Province following Vietnam’s administrative merger, is a culinary treasure in the Red River Delta, renowned for its bold flavors and cultural heritage. From the fragrant broth of Nam Dinh phở bò to the crispy allure of bánh xíu páo and the smoky delights of street-side BBQ, Nam Dinh’s cuisine captivates food lovers with its unique blend of tradition and innovation. Rooted in the region’s agricultural and coastal bounty, these dishes offer an authentic taste of Vietnamese life. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, invites you to indulge in this gastronomic journey through our eco-friendly food tours—book via links throughout this guide. Dive into our comprehensive guide to Nam Dinh’s must-try cuisines, including top dishes, dining spots, costs, and sustainable travel tips for an unforgettable culinary experience in Ninh Binh Province.
Legend Travel Group is dedicated to crafting authentic Southeast Asian experiences, emphasizing sustainability, cultural immersion, and expert-guided tours. Our Nam Dinh food tours feature eco-conscious practices, partnering with local vendors to preserve culinary traditions and support communities. Aligned with Ninh Binh’s “Culinary Tourism” initiative, we use low-impact transport like bicycles and contribute to local economies. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless foodie adventure. Discover our tours—book via the links on this page!
Experience Ninh Binh Tours with sustainable dining (Source: Internet)Following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, the former Nam Dinh Province is now a ward within Ninh Binh Province, with Ninh Binh City as the provincial hub. The district level has been abolished, enhancing infrastructure and access to Nam Dinh’s culinary hotspots. This guide refers to the Nam Dinh region, ensuring seamless planning within Ninh Binh’s tourism framework.
Beef Noodle - "Phở bò" (Source: Internet)Nam Dinh’s cuisine is a vibrant reflection of its agricultural roots, coastal influences, and cultural heritage. Below are the region’s iconic dishes, where to enjoy them, and their costs.
Nam Dinh’s phở bò is a national treasure, known for its sweet, fragrant broth simmered for hours with beef bones, ginger, and fish sauce, paired with flat rice noodles and tender beef slices.
Flavor Profile: Delicate balance of savory broth, fresh herbs (basil, cilantro), lime, and chili.
Where to Try:
Phở Cường (Giao Cù village): A legendary stall with a 4.7/5 Tripadvisor rating.
Phở Tăng (Nam Dinh center): Renowned for generous portions, 4.5/5 stars.
Cost: ~50,000–80,000 VND (~$2–$3.20 USD/bowl).
Highlights: “The gold standard of phở” (Vietnam Tourism).
Tip: Visit early morning (6:00–9:00 AM) for the freshest broth; add quẩy (fried dough sticks) for ~10,000 VND (~$0.40 USD).
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Phở Foodie Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes Phở Cường and Tăng visits.
A flaky, golden pastry with Chinese origins, filled with char siu pork, boiled egg, and wood ear mushrooms, glazed with honey for a sweet-savory crunch.
Flavor Profile: Crispy crust, rich pork filling, aromatic five-spice notes.
Where to Try:
Xíu Páo Dư Dư (Hoang Van Thu Street): Historic shop, 4.6/5 Foody.vn rating.
Tiệm Bánh Xíu Páo (Le Hong Phong Street): Family-run, 4.5/5 stars.
Cost: ~10,000–15,000 VND (~$0.40–$0.60 USD/piece).
Highlights: “Addictive snack” (Tripadvisor).
Tip: Buy fresh in the morning (7:00–10:00 AM); pair with green tea (~10,000 VND, ~$0.40 USD).
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Nam Dinh Snack Tour (~1,000,000 VND, ~$40 USD) includes bánh xíu páo tasting.
Fragrant glutinous rice topped with roasted char siu pork, Chinese sausage, and a savory meat sauce, a beloved breakfast dish.
Flavor Profile: Chewy rice, sweet-savory pork, umami sauce.
Where to Try:
Thai Lien Sticky Rice Stall (Bac Ninh Street): Over 40 years old, 4.5/5 Vietnam Tourism rating.
Xôi Xíu Hàng Sắt (Hang Sat Street): Bustling, 4.4/5 stars.
Cost: ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD/bowl).
Highlights: “Soulful comfort food” (Foody.vn).
Tip: Morning visits (6:00–8:00 AM) for freshness; add chili for a kick.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Trail Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes xôi xíu stops.
A street food icon near Đỗ Quang Bridge, featuring a baguette with stir-fried pâté, eggs, cucumber, and pickled veggies.
Flavor Profile: Creamy, savory pâté, fresh crunch, tangy pickles.
Where to Try:
Bánh Mì Cô Lan (Phan Đình Phùng Street): Popular stall, 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating.
Chân Cầu Pâté Stall (Đỗ Quang Bridge): Classic, 4.5/5 stars.
Cost: ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD/sandwich).
Highlights: “Street food perfection” (Foody.vn).
Tip: Evening visits (6:00–9:00 PM) for lively vibes; pair with iced tea (~10,000 VND, ~$0.40 USD).
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Street Food Adventure Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes bánh mì tasting.
Nam Dinh’s coastal location yields fresh seafood like grilled shrimp, steamed crab, and fish soup, especially near Thinh Long Beach.
Flavor Profile: Fresh, briny, enhanced with herbs and chili.
Where to Try:
Quán Hải Sản Tươi Sống (Hai Hau, near Thinh Long): Beachside dining, 4.6/5 Vietnam Tourism rating.
Nhà Hàng Hải Sản Nam Định (Nam Dinh center): Family-friendly, 4.4/5 stars.
Cost: ~100,000–300,000 VND (~$4–$12 USD/dish).
Highlights: “Seafood heaven” (Tripadvisor).
Tip: Dine at sunset for views; order small portions to sample variety.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Coastal Tour (~1,750,000 VND, ~$70 USD) includes seafood dining.
A crispy, golden sweet resembling longan fruit, made from glutinous rice flour and sugar, perfect as a snack or souvenir.
Flavor Profile: Crunchy, subtly sweet, caramelized sugar notes.
Where to Try:
Bánh Nhãn Bà Triệu (Hai Hau): Renowned shop, 4.7/5 Tripadvisor rating.
Bánh Nhãn Hải Hậu (near Thinh Long): Eco-friendly packaging, 4.5/5 stars.
Cost: ~100,000–160,000 VND (~$4–$6.40 USD/500g).
Highlights: “Perfect souvenir” (Vietnam Tourism).
Tip: Buy in the morning (8:00–10:00 AM) for freshness; ideal gift.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Sweet Delights Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes bánh nhãn tasting.
Gai Cake - “Bánh gai” (Source: Internet)Timing:
Morning (6:00–9:00 AM): Best for phở and xôi xíu at stalls like Phở Cường or Thai Lien; freshest ingredients.
Evening (6:00–9:00 PM): Ideal for street food like bánh mì chân cầu or BBQ on Dong A Street; vibrant atmosphere.
Navigation:
Use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me) to locate eateries; key spots are in Nam Dinh City, Giao Cù, or Hai Hau.
Combine dining with attractions (e.g., Tran Temple ~10 km from Phở Cường) for efficient itineraries.
Language: English may be limited; use a translation app or book guided tours for ease.
Hygiene: Choose busy stalls with high turnover; carry hand sanitizer; drink bottled water (~10,000 VND, ~$0.40 USD).
Sustainability: Support family-run businesses; use reusable utensils; opt for Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours to minimize waste.
Longan Cake - “Bánh nhãn” (Source: Internet)Bus: Giap Bat to Nam Dinh City (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD), then taxi (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD).
Train: Reunification Express to Nam Dinh Station (~75,000–150,000 VND, ~$3–$6 USD), then taxi (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD).
Motorbike: Rental ~100,000–250,000 VND (~$4–$10 USD/day), fuel ~50,000 VND (~$2 USD).
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Transport Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD) includes eco-transfers.
Flight + Road: Fly to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport (~750,000–1,750,000 VND, ~$30–$70 USD), then bus/taxi (~200,000–1,200,000 VND, ~$8–$48 USD).
Train + Road: Reunification Express to Nam Dinh (~750,000–2,000,000 VND, ~$30–$80 USD, 32–35 hours), then taxi (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD).
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Flight & Food Tour (~3,500,000 VND, ~$140 USD) includes flights and transfers.
Motorbike: ~120,000–200,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD/day), fuel ~20,000 VND (~$0.80 USD).
Taxi/Grab: ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD/trip).
Bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/day), ~45–60 minutes.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Local Food Tour (~1,000,000 VND, ~$40 USD) includes transfers.
Bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/day).
Motorbike: ~120,000–200,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD/day), fuel ~10,000–20,000 VND (~$0.40–$0.80 USD).
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Street Food Shuttle (~750,000 VND, ~$30 USD) includes eco-transfers.
Route Tip: Use Highway 38B for Giao Cù (phở) or 37B for Hai Hau (seafood); offline maps recommended. Parking: ~5,000–15,000 VND (~$0.20–$0.60 USD/motorbike).
Siu Chau Candy - “Kẹo Sìu Châu” (Source: Internet)Dining:
Street food: ~10,000–80,000 VND (~$0.40–$3.20 USD).
Restaurant dishes: ~100,000–400,000 VND (~$4–$16 USD).
Drinks: ~10,000–30,000 VND (~$0.40–$1.20 USD).
Transport:
From Hanoi: Bus + taxi: ~200,000 VND (~$8 USD); train + taxi: ~175,000–250,000 VND (~$7–$10 USD); motorbike: ~150,000–300,000 VND (~$6–$12 USD).
From Ho Chi Minh City: Flight + road: ~950,000–2,950,000 VND (~$38–$118 USD).
From Ninh Binh City: Motorbike: ~140,000–220,000 VND (~$5–$9 USD); taxi: ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD); bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD).
Within Nam Dinh: Bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD); motorbike: ~130,000–210,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD).
Accommodation: Budget guesthouses: ~300,000–600,000 VND (~$12–$24 USD/night); mid-range hotels: ~800,000–1,500,000 VND (~$32–$60 USD); luxury resorts: ~3,000,000 VND (~$120 USD) and up.
Total Daily Cost: ~500,000–1,750,000 VND (~$20–$70 USD) (budget: ~$20–$35 USD; mid-range: ~$35–$50 USD; luxury: ~$50–$70 USD).
Tip: Use VND; ATMs in Ninh Binh City (Vietcombank, Agribank); book tours for cost-effective dining experiences.
Plan Ahead: Book tours 1–2 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group or Baolau.com (+84 938 123 456), especially during festivals (lunar January–March).
Budget Wisely: Expect ~500,000–1,750,000 VND (~$20–$70 USD/day); confirm prices at stalls to avoid overcharging.
Health and Safety:
Inform vendors of allergies; use a translation app for dietary needs (English may be limited).
Choose high-turnover stalls for freshness; carry hand sanitizer.
Secure valuables in crowded markets or streets like Dong A.
Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào” (hello); thank them with “cảm ơn”; tip ~5,000–25,000 VND (~$0.20–$1 USD) for excellent service.
Sustainability: Support family-run eateries; use reusable items to reduce waste; choose eco-tours to preserve Nam Dinh’s culinary culture.
Weather Considerations:
Spring/Autumn (February–April, September–November): Mild (15–28°C), ideal for outdoor dining.
Summer (May–August): Hot, rainy (25–35°C); opt for indoor restaurants during downpours.
Winter (December–January): Cool (10–20°C); warm dishes like phở are perfect.
Our sustainable food tours immerse you in Nam Dinh’s gastronomic delights:
Phở Foodie Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Phở Cường, bánh mì chân cầu, local markets. Includes eco-transfers and lunch.
Foodie Coastal Tour (~1,750,000 VND, ~$70 USD/person): Quán Hải Sản Tươi Sống, Thinh Long Beach, xôi xíu stalls. Includes transfers and meals.
Street Food Adventure Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Dong A Street BBQ, bánh xíu páo at Xíu Páo Dư Dư, guided tastings. Includes bike rentals and snacks.
Ninh Binh Culinary Odyssey (~8,500,000–13,500,000 VND, ~$340–$540 USD/person, 3–4 days): Nam Dinh cuisine, Tran Temple, homestays (~300,000–600,000 VND, ~$12–$24 USD/night). Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, activities, and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) available. Book now via links around this page!
The Nam Dinh region in Ninh Binh Province is a culinary paradise, offering a rich array of local specialties that capture the essence of Vietnam’s Red River Delta. From the soulful phở bò to the crispy bánh nhãn, each dish tells a story of tradition and community. Legend Travel Group’s Ninh Binh Tours provide a sustainable way to savor these flavors, ensuring a sustainable Ninh Binh Travel experience that supports local artisans and preserves Ninh Binh’s culinary heritage. Embark on your gastronomic journey today—browse our featured tours and book your Nam Dinh culinary adventure now!
Ready to savor Nam Dinh’s culinary treasures in Ninh Binh? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable foodie journey!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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