Siu Chau Candy: Savor Nam Dinh’s Iconic Sweet Treat in Ninh Binh Province

In the heart of the Nam Dinh region, now a ward of Ninh Binh Province following Vietnam’s administrative merger, Siu Chau candy (Kẹo Sìu Châu) is a cherished culinary gem that embodies the Red River Delta’s rich food heritage. This small, rectangular candy, crafted from peanuts, sesame seeds, malt, and sugar, offers a delightful blend of crispy texture, nutty richness, and subtle sweetness. A staple during Tet celebrations and a perfect souvenir year-round, Siu Chau candy captivates locals and travelers alike. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, invites you to explore this iconic treat through our eco-friendly food tours—book via links throughout this guide. Dive into our comprehensive guide to Siu Chau candy, including its cultural significance, where to find it, costs, and sustainable travel tips for an unforgettable culinary journey in Ninh Binh’s Nam Dinh region.

Legend Travel Group is committed to authentic Southeast Asian experiences, prioritizing sustainability, cultural immersion, and expert-guided tours. Our Siu Chau candy tours feature eco-conscious practices, partnering with local artisans 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!

Siu Chau candy, a specialty of the Nam Dinh region, is a traditional confection made from locally sourced ingredients: peanuts, sesame seeds (white or black), malt from golden flower glutinous rice, sugar, and glutinous rice flour. Measuring about 5 cm long and 2 cm wide, this brown-yellow candy is crispy, fragrant, and lightly sweet, with a non-sticky texture that sets it apart from other Vietnamese sweets like coconut or banana candy. Stored in jars of glutinous rice to seal its flavor, it’s often enjoyed with green tea to enhance its nutty, aromatic profile. Priced at ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD) per pack, it’s an affordable treat and ideal souvenir. Pair your candy tasting with visits to nearby cultural sites like Tran Temple for a complete Ninh Binh experience.

Siu Chau candy stands out for its craftsmanship and distinct qualities:

• Texture: Crispy and crunchy, with a non-sticky finish that doesn’t cling to teeth, unlike other Vietnamese candies.

• Flavor: A harmonious blend of buttery peanuts, toasted sesame, sweet malt, and subtle sugar, creating a rich yet light taste.

• Aroma: Fragrant from glutinous rice and sesame, enhanced when paired with tea.

• Preparation: Requires skilled artisans to cook and cut the candy within ~10 minutes to prevent hardening, a technique passed down through generations.

• Cultural Role: A Tet holiday staple symbolizing sweetness and prosperity, widely gifted as a souvenir.

This combination of simplicity and expertise makes Siu Chau a beloved Nam Dinh delicacy, perfect for travelers seeking authentic flavors.

1. Kẹo Sìu Châu Minh Khai

A renowned shop on Minh Khai Street, offering freshly made Siu Chau candy in traditional packaging, ideal for souvenirs.

• Cost: ~50,000–80,000 VND (~$2–$3.20 USD/500g pack).

• Location: 161–181 Minh Khai Street, Nam Dinh region.

• Highlights: “Authentic and fresh” (Foody.vn, 4.5/5 stars).

• Tip: Buy in the morning (8:00–10:00 AM) for the freshest batches; gift boxes available.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Sweet Delights Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes a visit to Minh Khai shops.

2. Chợ Viềng (Vieng Market)

During the Vieng Market Festival (lunar January 7–8, typically February), vendors sell Siu Chau candy alongside other local sweets, adding a festive vibe.

• Cost: ~60,000–100,000 VND (~$2.40–$4 USD/500g).

• Location: Vu Ban, Nam Dinh region.

• Highlights: “A cultural foodie experience” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).

• Tip: Shop at midnight to dawn for the mystical market atmosphere; bring cash.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Festival Foodie Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD) includes Vieng Market candy stalls.

3. Bánh Kẹo Nam Định

A local grocery chain stocking Siu Chau candy from trusted artisans, convenient for travelers in Nam Dinh City.

• Cost: ~50,000–70,000 VND (~$2–$2.80 USD/500g).

• Location: Multiple outlets, e.g., Tran Hung Dao Street, Nam Dinh region.

• Highlights: “Reliable quality” (Vietnam Tourism, 4.4/5 stars).

• Tip: Check for eco-friendly packaging; ideal for quick purchases.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Nam Dinh Snack Tour (~1,000,000 VND, ~$40 USD) includes grocery stops.

4. Local Markets in Hai Hau

Small markets near Thinh Long Beach offer Siu Chau candy alongside bánh nhãn, perfect for coastal day trips.

• Cost: ~60,000–90,000 VND (~$2.40–$3.60 USD/500g).

• Location: Hai Hau, Nam Dinh region.

• Highlights: “Fresh and local” (Nhan Dân Online, 4.3/5 stars).

• Tip: Visit in the morning (7:00–9:00 AM); pair with seafood dining (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD).

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Coastal Tour (~1,750,000 VND, ~$70 USD) includes market visits.

• Tet Holiday (Lunar January, typically January–February): Siu Chau candy is a Tet staple, found in every Nam Dinh household, symbolizing sweetness for the new year. Markets like Chợ Viềng are bustling with vendors; book tours 2–3 weeks in advance.

• Year-Round: Available daily at groceries and markets, with freshest batches in the morning (7:00–10:00 AM).

• Spring (February–April): Mild weather (15–25°C) enhances festival visits like Vieng Market; ideal for outdoor dining with tea.

• Autumn (September–November): Cool (18–28°C), perfect for market strolls or coastal trips to Hai Hau.

• Summer (May–August): Hot, humid (25–35°C); opt for indoor shops like Minh Khai to avoid rain.

• Winter (December–January): Cool (10–20°C); cozy tea pairings with candy are delightful.

• Tip: Morning purchases ensure freshness; Tet season offers the most vibrant candy-buying experience.

From Hanoi (90–100 km, ~1.5–2 hours)

• Bus: Giap Bat to Nam Dinh City (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD), then taxi to Minh Khai (~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.

From Ho Chi Minh City (1,300 km, ~4–5 hours by flight + road)

• 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.

From Ninh Binh City Center (15–20 km, ~20–30 minutes)

• 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.

Within the Nam Dinh Region (1–5 km, ~5–15 minutes)

• Bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/day).

• Motorbike: ~120,000–200,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD/day), fuel ~10,000 VND (~$0.40 USD).

• Walking: Free to Minh Khai Street from central Nam Dinh.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Street Food Shuttle (~750,000 VND, ~$30 USD) includes eco-transfers.

Route Tip: Take Highway 38B from Ninh Binh City to Minh Khai Street; use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me). Parking: ~5,000–15,000 VND (~$0.20–$0.60 USD/motorbike).

• Siu Chau Candy: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/500g pack).

• Drinks (Tea/Soft 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); walking: free.

• Dining (Other Dishes): Street food (phở, bánh mì): ~15,000–80,000 VND (~$0.60–$3.20 USD); restaurants: ~100,000–300,000 VND (~$4–$12 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 Nam Dinh City (Vietcombank, Agribank); book tours for seamless planning.

• Plan Ahead: Book tours 1–2 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group or Baolau.com (+84 938 123 456), especially for Tet (lunar January). Shops open 7:00 AM–8:00 PM.

• Pack Smart: Bring small cash (VND) for vendors, a reusable water bottle, and light clothing for warm days; carry a bag for souvenir packs.

• Budget Wisely: Expect ~500,000–1,750,000 VND (~$20–$70 USD/day); confirm prices to avoid overcharging at markets.

• Stay Safe: Secure valuables in crowded areas like Chợ Viềng; inform vendors of peanut allergies (English may be limited).

• Sustainability: Support local artisans by buying directly from shops like Minh Khai; use reusable items; choose eco-tours to preserve culinary heritage.

• Cultural Respect: Thank vendors (“cảm ơn”); tip ~5,000–10,000 VND (~$0.20–$0.40 USD) for great service; respect market queue customs.

• Navigation: Allow 1–2 hours for candy shopping; combine with Phu Day Relic Complex (~15 km) for a half-day itinerary.

Our sustainable food tours immerse you in Nam Dinh’s sweet traditions:

• Sweet Delights Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Kẹo Sìu Châu Minh Khai, bánh nhãn stalls, Vi Khe Bonsai Village. Includes eco-transfers and snacks.

• Festival Foodie Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD/person): Chợ Viềng candy stalls, Phu Day Relic Complex, local tea tasting. Includes transfers and lunch.

• Nam Dinh Snack Tour (~1,000,000 VND, ~$40 USD/person): Bánh Kẹo Nam Định, xôi xíu stalls, Tran Temple. Includes bike rentals and snacks.

• Ninh Binh Food Odyssey (~8,500,000–13,500,000 VND, ~$340–$540 USD/person, 3–4 days): Siu Chau candy, Thinh Long Beach, 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!

Siu Chau candy, a crispy and fragrant delicacy from Nam Dinh in Ninh Binh Province, is a must-try treat that captures the region’s culinary soul. Whether enjoyed during Tet or year-round, its nutty sweetness and cultural significance make it a perfect snack and souvenir. From Minh Khai Street shops to the festive Chợ Viềng, Nam Dinh offers countless ways to savor this iconic candy. Legend Travel Group’s Ninh Binh Tours provide a sustainable way to explore this sweet tradition, supporting local artisans and preserving Ninh Binh’s heritage with an immersive Ninh Binh Travel experience. Start your culinary adventure now—browse our featured tours and book your Siu Chau candy experience today!
Ready to savor Nam Dinh’s iconic Siu Chau candy? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.