Savor mực trộn tép bưởi, Nghe An’s iconic squid and pomelo dish! Explore Cua Lo’s culinary scene with Legend Travel Group’s sustainable food tours for an authentic coastal experience.
Capture the vibrant essence of Nghe An’s coastal cuisineMực trộn tép bưởi, or squid mixed with pomelo, is a signature dish of Cua Lo Ward in Nghe An Province, a coastal haven 16 km from Vinh Ward and 290 km from Hanoi. This refreshing seafood salad, blending tender squid with tangy pomelo, herbs, and chili, costs just $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND) and draws food lovers to Cua Lo’s vibrant dining scene. Nghe An, Vietnam’s largest province at 16,470 km², attracts over 70,000 visitors annually, offering not only culinary delights but also cultural sites like Kim Lien Village and natural wonders like Pu Mat National Park.
Set in a tropical climate (dry season: November–April, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F), Cua Lo’s cuisine thrives on sustainable fishing practices and local produce. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly food tours immerse you in this coastal delicacy while supporting environmentally conscious vendors. Book via links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com for a flavorful adventure.
As of July 1, 2025, Vietnam’s administrative reform reorganized Nghe An’s districts into wards and communes. Cua Lo Town is now Cua Lo Ward, and Vinh City is Vinh Ward. Use “Cua Lo Ward, Nghe An” for precise navigation to dining spots.
With over 17 years leading sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia, Legend Travel Group crafts eco-conscious food tours in Cua Lo Ward, blending culinary exploration with environmental care. Our tours use electric vehicles, support local fishermen, and feature English-speaking guides sharing insights into Nghe An’s coastal cuisine. Aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals, we ensure low-impact dining experiences. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our eco-tours via links on this page for a responsible culinary journey.
Photograph the sustainable allure of Nghe An’s dining (Source: Internet)Mực trộn tép bưởi is a culinary masterpiece, combining fresh squid from Cua Lo’s East Sea waters with juicy pomelo segments, meticulously peeled to avoid bitterness. Tossed with chili, fish sauce, herbs like Vietnamese coriander, and roasted peanuts, this dish offers a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors. Prepared fresh daily, it’s a favorite at beachside eateries, served in biodegradable bowls to support Cua Lo’s sustainable fishing community. This dish embodies Nghe An’s coastal heritage, making it a must-try after a day of swimming or sightseeing.
Ingredients: Fresh squid, pomelo segments, chili, fish sauce, sugar, lime, Vietnamese coriander, roasted peanuts, and shallots.
Preparation: Squid is cleaned, lightly blanched, and sliced thinly; pomelo is hand-peeled for sweetness. Ingredients are tossed with a fish sauce dressing and garnished with herbs and peanuts.
Cost: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND) per serving.
Best Time: Evenings (5:00–7:00 PM) at beachside stalls for maximum freshness.
Eco-Friendly Note: Vendors use sustainable squid from regulated fisheries; biodegradable packaging reduces waste.
Tip: Request mild chili if sensitive to spice; included in Nghe An Coastal Food Tour ($65–$95).
Bình Minh Street, Cua Lo Ward: Beachside shacks serve mực trộn tép bưởi for $2–$3, bustling with evening crowds (100–300 daily visitors).
Cua Lo Night Market: Offers this dish alongside other seafood for $2–$4, open 5:00–9:00 PM. Ideal for budget travelers.
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with eco-friendly utensils; support family-run stalls to sustain local economies.
Tip: Look for busy stalls for the freshest squid; dine early to avoid sell-outs.
Learn Nghe An’s cultural heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)Enhance your meal with these local sides and drinks ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND):
Nước Chấm (Fish Sauce Dip): Extra dip for a bolder flavor, perfect with squid.
Bánh Tráng Nướng (Grilled Rice Paper): Crunchy side to complement the salad’s texture.
Coconut Water: Fresh and sustainable, sourced locally for $0.60 (15,000 VND).
Sugarcane Juice: Sweet and refreshing, sold at Cua Lo stalls for $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
November–April (Dry Season, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Ideal for beachside dining, with fresh squid hauls and moderate crowds (150–400 daily visitors). Book food tours 1–2 weeks ahead.
May–October (Rainy Season, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F): Perfect for indoor eateries, with fewer crowds (100–250 daily visitors). Last-minute bookings often available.
Festival Seasons: Lunar New Year (January/February) for seafood feasts during Cau Ngu Festival, with high crowds (600+ visitors); spring (February–March) for vibrant market dining. Avoid Tet for quieter meals.
Timing Tip: Evenings (5:00–7:00 PM) for the freshest squid; avoid post-8:00 PM when stalls may sell out.
Squid Mixed With Pomelo "Mực Trộn Tép Bưởi" - Capture the sustainable charm of Nghe An’s ecotourism (Source: Internet)Cua Lo Ward, 16 km from Vinh Ward and 290 km from Hanoi, is accessible via various transport options:
From Hanoi (5–7 hours):
Train: $20–$60 (500,000–1,500,000 VND) round-trip, 5.5–7 hours to Vinh Station, then taxi to Cua Lo ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND).
Bus: $16–$30 (400,000–750,000 VND) round-trip, 6–7 hours to Vinh, then taxi ($5–$7).
Private Car: $80–$100 (2,000,000–2,500,000 VND) round-trip, 5–6 hours direct to Cua Lo.
Xanh SM Taxi: $140–$180 (3,500,000–4,500,000 VND) round-trip, 5–6 hours.
From Ho Chi Minh City (2–30 hours):
Flight: $60–$120 (1,500,000–3,000,000 VND) round-trip, 2 hours to Vinh Airport (unavailable July–December 2025), then taxi to Cua Lo ($10–$12 or 250,000–300,000 VND).
Train: $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND) round-trip, 26–30 hours to Vinh, then taxi ($5–$7).
Bus: $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND) round-trip, 28–30 hours to Vinh, then taxi ($5–$7).
From Vinh Ward (45–60 minutes): Taxi ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND) or motorbike rental ($7–$12/day or 175,000–300,000 VND, Vietnamese license required).
Navigation Tip: Save “Cua Lo Ward, Nghe An” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow Highway 1A to Bình Minh Street. Parking: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose trains or Xanh SM taxis for lower emissions; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.
Safety: Confirm taxi fares; avoid unlicensed motorbikes to prevent fines ($100–$200 or 2,500,000–5,000,000 VND).
Pack these essentials for a sustainable dining experience:
Clothing: Lightweight attire; comfortable shoes for beach walks; waterproof jacket ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND) for rainy season.
Dining Gear: Reusable chopsticks, cloth napkin ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND) to reduce waste.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, hand sanitizer ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($8–$15 or 200,000–375,000 VND).
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for market buys ($1–$4 or 25,000–100,000 VND); biodegradable wipes.
Begin your Nghe An Tours with a scenic adventure (Source: Internet)Mực Trộn Tép Bưởi: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Sides (Bánh Tráng Nướng, Nước Chấm): $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Drinks (Coconut Water, Sugarcane Juice): $0.60–$1 (15,000–25,000 VND).
Guided Coastal Food Tour: $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND).
Homestay in Cua Lo: $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND).
Souvenirs (Dried Squid, Local Spices): $2–$7 (50,000–175,000 VND).
From Hanoi: Train: $20–$60; Bus: $16–$30; Private Car: $80–$100; Xanh SM Taxi: $140–$180.
From Ho Chi Minh City: Flight: $60–$120 + taxi ($10–$12); Train: $50–$100; Bus: $50–$80.
From Vinh Ward: Taxi: $10–$14 (250,000–350,000 VND); Motorbike: $14–$24 (350,000–600,000 VND).
Budget: $10–$20 (bus, squid dish, coconut water).
Mid-range: $30–$50 (train, homestay, guided food tour).
Luxury: $80–$120 (private car, seafood feast, premium stay).
Tip: Carry cash (cards rarely accepted); budget for meals ($2–$3) and transport ($10–$180).
Timing: Dine at 5:00–7:00 PM for the freshest squid; November–April for ideal beach weather. Weekdays for fewer crowds (100–250 vs. 150–400 on weekends).
Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s food tours 24–48 hours ahead; buy dishes on-site at busy stalls.
Sustainability: Support vendors using biodegradable packaging; choose sustainably sourced squid. Avoid over-ordering to reduce waste.
Navigation: Save “Bình Minh Street, Cua Lo Ward” in offline maps; look for crowded eateries for quality.
Safety: Check for clean stalls; use hand sanitizer before eating. Avoid squid if allergic to seafood.
Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào”; thank them with “cảm ơn” after dining.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.80 or 20,000 VND); carry hand sanitizer for beachside dining.
Our eco-friendly tours highlight Cua Lo’s squid-centric cuisine:
Cua Lo Coastal Food Tour ($65–$95/person, 1 day): Savor mực trộn tép bưởi, steamed crabs, visit Bình Minh Street eateries. Includes guide, eco-transport.
Nghe An Food & Culture Adventure ($150–$200/person, 2 days): Enjoy squid salad, Vinh’s cháo lươn, Kim Lien Village, homestay ($15–$30/night). Includes meals, guide.
North-Central Culinary Explorer ($350–$500/person, 4 days): Taste Cua Lo’s squid, Thanh Hoa’s specialties, Ha Tinh’s dishes, eco-stays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transports, meals. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Mực Trộn Tép Bưởi, a refreshing squid and pomelo salad, is a culinary highlight of Nghe An Province’s coastal cuisine, served at beachside eateries in Cua Lo Ward, 290 km from Hanoi. Priced at $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND), this dish blends tender squid, tangy pomelo, fresh herbs, and chili, capturing Cua Lo’s seafood heritage and drawing food lovers yearly. Supported by sustainable practices like eco-friendly packaging and locally sourced ingredients, Legend Travel Group’s Nghe An Tours ensure a responsible, immersive Nghe An Travel experience, guiding you through beachside dining at venues like Cua Lo Seafood Restaurant, alongside visits to Cua Lo Beach, Hon Ngu Island, and culinary delights like cháo lươn ($1–$3, 25,000–75,000 VND). Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to savor mực trộn tép bưởi in Cua Lo? Reserve your sustainable food tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable coastal culinary adventure!
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:
Cua Lo Culinary Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vinpearl.com, localvietnam.com, vietnamoriginal-travel.com, originvietnam.com
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