Savor Sticky Rice with Ant Eggs, a unique Ninh Binh delicacy! Discover its preparation, best places to try, costs, and sustainable eco-tours with Legend Travel Group for an unforgettable Vietnam culinary experience.
Capture the exotic flavors of Ninh Binh’s culinary gem (Source: Internet)Ninh Binh Province, 90 km southeast of Hanoi in Vietnam’s Red River Delta, is renowned for its karst landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and vibrant culinary heritage, often dubbed “Halong Bay on Land.” Now a unified province encompassing former Ha Nam and Nam Dinh provinces, Ninh Binh offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cultural experiences. Sticky Rice with Ant Eggs (Xoi Trung Kien), a rare delicacy from Nho Quan Ward (formerly Nho Quan District), 30 km from Ninh Binh City, is a must-try for adventurous foodies. Crafted from black ant eggs harvested from the region’s limestone mountains, this dish blends nutty, savory notes with the aroma of sticky rice and banana leaves, attracting culinary enthusiasts seeking unique Ninh Binh experiences. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, offers eco-friendly culinary tours featuring this delicacy, bookable via links around this guide. Embark on a gastronomic journey—reserve your tour today
Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Vietnam and Southeast Asia experiences with expert English-speaking guides, eco-conscious practices, and tailored itineraries. Our Ninh Binh culinary tours pair Sticky Rice with Ant Eggs tastings with eco-adventures like Trang An boat rides and cycling through rice paddies, ensuring a culturally immersive journey. Committed to sustainability, we support local communities, use low-impact transport like electric vehicles, and align with Ninh Binh’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we prioritize your satisfaction. Explore our curated tours to savor Ninh Binh’s flavors responsibly—book via the links on this page!
Photograph the sustainable foraging of Ninh Binh’s traditions (Source: Internet)Sticky Rice with Ant Eggs is a seasonal specialty from Nho Quan Ward, Ninh Binh, available primarily during the black ant egg season from the second to third lunar months (typically February–March). Sourced from brown ant nests high in the limestone mountains, these protein-rich eggs are meticulously harvested, cleaned with warm water, and stir-fried with spices, dried onions, and fat until aromatic. Served atop fragrant glutinous rice, often wrapped in banana leaves, the dish is garnished with fried shallots, offering a nutty, crispy texture and a unique flavor profile. Priced at $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) per serving, it’s a rare treat reflecting Ninh Binh’s innovative cuisine and sustainable foraging practices. Its cultural significance and limited availability make it a culinary highlight for visitors.
Ninh Binh Province has merged with former Ha Nam and Nam Dinh provinces, with Ninh Binh City as its hub. District-level units, like Nho Quan District, are now wards or communes (e.g., Nho Quan Ward). This restructuring does not affect tourism, and Sticky Rice with Ant Eggs remains a specialty of Nho Quan Ward. Ninh Binh aims to become Hoa Lu City, a “Millennium Heritage Urban Area,” enhancing its cultural tourism appeal.
Experience Ninh Binh Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Sticky Rice with Ant Eggs embodies Ninh Binh’s culinary ingenuity, rooted in the region’s rugged limestone terrain, where brown ants thrive. Harvested by skilled locals in Ngoc Luong Commune, the eggs are a seasonal delicacy, reflecting sustainable foraging traditions. The dish, a specialty of the Tay and Muong ethnic groups, is often served during festivals and ancestral worship, symbolizing nature’s bounty. Its preparation—gentle cleaning, precise seasoning, and pairing with glutinous rice—showcases local expertise, while its rarity elevates it as a cultural treasure. By enjoying this dish, visitors support Nho Quan’s economy and sustainable practices, preserving Ninh Binh’s gastronomic heritage.
Savor Sticky Rice with Ant Eggs in Nho Quan
Taste this delicacy at authentic restaurants in Ngoc Luong Commune, Nho Quan Ward, where chefs expertly prepare ant eggs with sticky rice, served on banana leaves for added aroma.
Cost: $2–$4/dish (50,000–100,000 VND); tips $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Highlights: “A nutty, unforgettable flavor” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).
Tip: Visit in February–March for peak season; try small portions first to check for allergies. Included in our Ninh Binh Foodie & Village Tour ($85–$110).
Visit Local Markets and Eateries
Explore Nho Quan’s markets or restaurants like those in Ngoc Luong to see ant egg preparation and interact with vendors, supporting local economies.
Cost: Free to visit; dishes $2–$4; guided food tours $7–$15 (175,000–375,000 VND).
Highlights: “A vibrant culinary immersion” (Vietnam Tourism).
Tip: Ask vendors about harvesting techniques; book a guide for insights. Included in our Ninh Binh Culinary Adventure ($75–$95).
Join a Culinary Workshop
Participate in a cooking class in Nho Quan to learn how to clean and stir-fry ant eggs, preparing your own Sticky Rice with Ant Eggs under local guidance.
Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) for workshops.
Highlights: “Hands-on cultural experience” (Legendtravelgroup.com).
Tip: Book workshops in advance; wear comfortable clothing. Included in our Ninh Binh Foodie & Cooking Combo ($100–$135).
Cycle to Nho Quan’s Villages
Bike through Nho Quan’s rice paddies and limestone landscapes to reach Ngoc Luong, combining culinary tastings with eco-friendly exploration.
Cost: Bike rental $2.50/day (62,500 VND); guided cycling $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).
Highlights: “A sustainable rural adventure” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).
Tip: Cycle early morning; wear sunscreen. Included in our Ninh Binh Cultural Bike Tour ($75–$95).
Explore Nearby Attractions
Combine with Trang An (25 km, $9–$12 boat tour), Tam Coc (30 km, $7 boat tour), Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (25 km, $1.50 entry), or Cuc Phuong National Park (20 km, $3 entry) for a full Ninh Binh itinerary.
Cost: Varies; combo tours $20–$45.
Highlights: “A perfect Ninh Binh circuit” (Vietnam Tourism).
Tip: Book combo tours for savings; visit Trang An early. Included in our Ninh Binh Heritage Adventure($135–$175).
Sticky Rice with Ant Eggs: $2–$4/dish (50,000–100,000 VND).
Activities: Guided food tours $7–$15; cooking workshops $15–$25; cycling $2.50–$15; tips $1–$2; market visits free.
Transport (Hanoi to Nho Quan, 120 km, round-trip):
Bus: $10–$14 (250,000–350,000 VND) + $10–$14 taxi.
Train: $10–$18 (250,000–450,000 VND) + $10–$14 taxi.
Private Car/Taxi: $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND).
Motorbike: $7–$12 rental + $12 fuel.
Guided Tour: $75–$175.
Transport (Ninh Binh City to Nho Quan, 30 km): Motorbike $7–$12/day; bicycle $1.50–$2.50/day (1–1.5 hours); taxi/Grab $12–$16 round-trip.
Dining: Meals at local eateries (e.g., Ngoc Luong Restaurant) $3–$15; drinks $0.60–$4.
Accommodation: Budget homestays (e.g., Nho Quan Homestay) $18–$50/night; mid-range (The Reed Hotel, Ninh Binh City) $50–$120; luxury (Ninh Binh Legend Hotel) $120–$300.
Total Daily Cost: $20–$100 (budget: $20–$40; mid-range: $40–$70; luxury: $70–$100).
Tip: Use VND; ATMs in Ninh Binh City (Vietcombank, Agribank); book tours for eco-transfers.
Bus: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND) from Giap Bat/My Dinh to Ninh Binh (2 hours); taxi to Nho Quan ($10–$14, 30 minutes). Every 30 minutes (5:00 AM–11:00 PM).
Train: $5–$9 (125,000–225,000 VND) from Hanoi Station to Ninh Binh Station (2 hours); taxi ($10–$14). Trains: SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, SE19.
Private Car/Taxi: $40–$60 (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND) via Hanoi–Ninh Binh Expressway. Use Xanh SM electric taxis.
Motorbike: $7–$12/day + $7 fuel; 2.5–3 hours via National Highway 1A.
Guided Tour: Our tours ($75–$175) include eco-transfers and culinary stops.
Motorbike: $7–$12/day; 30–35 minutes via National Highway 1A to Ngoc Luong.
Bicycle: $1.50–$2.50/day; 50–60 minutes.
Taxi/Grab: $10–$14 (250,000–350,000 VND); 30 minutes.
Guided Tour: Our half-day tours ($75–$95) include transfers.
Bicycle: $1.50–$2.50/day; 45–50 minutes.
Motorbike: $7–$12/day; 25–30 minutes.
Taxi/Grab: $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND); 25 minutes.
Route Tip: From Ninh Binh City, take National Highway 1A to Nho Quan Ward, then follow signs to Ngoc Luong Commune. Use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me). Parking: $0.65/motorbike (15,000 VND).
Ant Egg Season (February–March, Lunar Calendar): Cool (15–25°C), ideal for tasting this seasonal dish when ant eggs are freshly harvested. Book 2–3 weeks ahead for peak availability.
Dry Season (November–April): Pleasant (15–25°C), great for culinary tours and outdoor activities.
Shoulder Season (April, October): Mild (20–30°C), fewer crowds, 15–25% cheaper.
Rainy Season (May–September): Hot (25–35°C), showers; budget-friendly with 20–35% discounts, but ant eggs are unavailable.
Tip: Visit during the lunar second to third months for authenticity; morning visits ensure fresher dishes.
Tam Coc Grottos Ninh Binh (Source: Internet)Plan Ahead: Book culinary tours 2–3 weeks in advance for February–March via Legend Travel Group, Baolau.com, or IZITOUR (+84 382 536 266). Confirm restaurant hours (typically 7:00 AM–9:00 PM).
Dietary Note: Check for allergies before trying ant eggs; start with a small portion. Inform vendors of dietary preferences.
Pack Smart: Sunscreen, hat, comfortable shoes for village walks; reusable water bottle; camera for food photos; cash (VND) for small eateries.
Budget Wisely: Expect $20–$100/day; use VND; ATMs in Ninh Binh City. Confirm dish prices to avoid overcharges.
Stay Safe: Secure valuables; watch uneven paths in villages; verify food hygiene at eateries.
Sustainability: Support local vendors to boost Nho Quan’s economy; avoid waste; choose bicycles or electric taxis. Our tours promote sustainable foraging and community welfare.
Cultural Respect: Engage politely with vendors; ask permission before photographing food prep; tip servers ($1–$2) for excellent service.
Navigation: Head to Ngoc Luong Commune for top restaurants; allow 2–3 hours for dining and village exploration.
Our eco-friendly culinary tours immerse you in Ninh Binh’s unique food scene, paired with cultural and natural highlights:
Ninh Binh Foodie & Village Tour ($85–$110/person): Sticky Rice with Ant Eggs tasting in Ngoc Luong ($2–$4), Muong village visit, lunch at local eatery ($3–$15). Includes transfers from Hanoi/Ninh Binh.
Ninh Binh Culinary Adventure ($75–$95/person): Ant egg dish tasting, market tour in Nho Quan, cycling in villages ($2.50 bike rental). Includes transfers and lunch.
Ninh Binh Foodie & Cooking Combo ($100–$135/person): Ant egg cooking workshop ($15–$25), thịt dê, cơm cháy tastings ($3–$15), Trang An boat tour ($9–$12). Includes transfers and meals.
Ninh Binh Heritage Adventure ($135–$175/person): Ant egg tasting, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital ($1.50 entry), Tam Coc ($7 boat tour). Includes meals and eco-transfers.
Ninh Binh Explorer ($380–$600/person, 3–4 days): Ant egg experience, Trang An, Cuc Phuong National Park ($3), homestays ($18–$50/night). Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, transfers, activities, and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) and seasonal promotions available. Book now via links around this page!
Sticky Rice with Ant Eggs in Ninh Binh’s Nho Quan Ward is a rare culinary delight, blending the nutty richness of black ant eggs with fragrant sticky rice and banana leaf aromas. Available only during the lunar February–March season, this dish showcases Ninh Binh’s innovative cuisine and sustainable foraging traditions. From savoring it in Ngoc Luong’s eateries to learning its preparation in cooking workshops, it’s a cultural experience like no other. Legend Travel Group’s Ninh Binh Tours guide you through this gastronomic treasure, ensuring a sustainable Ninh Binh Travel experience paired with Ninh Binh’s UNESCO sites and local flavors like thịt dê. Don’t miss this exotic treat—browse our featured tours and book your Ninh Binh culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste Ninh Binh’s unique delicacy? Reserve your tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a gastronomic exploration of Vietnam’s ancient capital!
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.
Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
