Discover the top 10 local foods in Thai Binh, Hung Yen, from banh cay to raw jellyfish salad! Savor authentic flavors and book eco-friendly culinary tours with Legend Travel Group.
Dive into the coastal charm of Thai Binh Travel
Cay Cake "Bánh Cáy làng Nguyễn" - Learn Thai Binh’s culinary legacy with expert insights (Source: Internet)Thai Binh, now a vibrant ward of Hung Yen province following Vietnam’s 2025 administrative reform, is a coastal culinary gem 110 km southeast of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, attracting over 50,000 food enthusiasts annually. Spanning 1,450 hectares, Thai Binh blends rich rice paddies with a 53 km coastline, offering a unique cuisine shaped by its rivers, sea, and fertile lands. From iconic banh cay to tangy raw jellyfish salad, its dishes, costing $0.50–$3 each, are a must-try for travelers seeking authentic Vietnamese flavors.
Thai Binh’s food culture thrives on fresh, local ingredients and traditional techniques, with many eateries adopting sustainable practices like biodegradable packaging and sourcing from nearby farms. The temperate climate (dry season: November–April, 15–26°C or 59–78.8°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–33°C or 71.6–91.4°F) ensures year-round access to seasonal specialties. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly culinary tours immerse you in this gastronomic haven, guiding you to the best local stalls. Book via the links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s 2025 reform merged Thai Binh province into Hung Yen, with Thai Binh City now a ward. Communes like Thai Thuy, Quynh Coi, and Vu Thu remain culinary hubs in Thai Binh, Hung Yen, easily navigated with updated maps referencing “Thai Binh, Hung Yen.”
Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism with over 17 years of experience, offers eco-friendly culinary tours in Thai Binh, tailored for food lovers seeking authentic experiences. Our low-impact tours, led by English-speaking guides, include visits to local markets, cooking workshops, and sustainable eateries, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting Thai Binh’s artisans and farmers, we align with Hung Yen’s green goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, planning is seamless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and savor Thai Binh responsibly!
Raw Jellyfish Salad "nộm Sứa" - Capture the sustainable charm of Thai Binh’s ecotourism (Source: Internet)Thai Binh, 110 km from Hanoi, is a food lover’s paradise rooted in its coastal and agricultural heritage. Its cuisine, shaped by the Red River Delta, features fresh seafood, rice-based dishes, and seasonal fruits like Bo guava. Local specialties like banh gai and canh ca khoai reflect centuries-old traditions, served at eco-conscious stalls and restaurants. From bustling Thai Binh ward to rural Quynh Coi, sustainable dining options abound, making Thai Binh a must-visit for immersive, eco-friendly culinary adventures.
Gai Cake in Đại Đồng Village "Bánh Gai" - Photograph the savory allure of Thai Binh’s cuisine (Source: Internet)These iconic dishes, priced $0.50–$3, showcase Thai Binh’s rich culinary heritage:
Where: Nguyen Xa Commune, Thai Binh, Hung Yen
Price: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND)
Season: Year-round
Description: A sweet, layered cake from Nguyen village, made with glutinous rice, sesame, peanuts, and candied fruits for vibrant white, green, and yellow hues. Its crispy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor pairs perfectly with hot green tea, especially in cooler months.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local vendors use biodegradable packaging; ingredients sourced from nearby farms.
Tip: Visit Nguyen Xa markets (8:00 AM–12:00 PM) for fresh banh cay; try with tea ($0.30 or 7,000 VND). Included in Thai Binh Culinary Tour ($50–$80).
Why Try: A 400-year-old specialty, unique to Thai Binh, celebrated for its craftsmanship.
Where: Thai Thuy or Tien Hai Communes, Thai Binh, Hung Yen
Price: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND)
Season: April–May (peak jellyfish season)
Description: A tangy, spicy salad of boiled jellyfish mixed with onions, peanuts, coconut, lemon leaves, herbs, chili, and fish sauce. Its mild heat and sour notes make it a refreshing coastal delicacy.
Eco-Friendly Note: Sustainably sourced during peak season; served in eco-friendly bowls at seaside stalls.
Tip: Savor at Thai Thuy beach stalls (11:00 AM–2:00 PM); pair with iced tea ($0.30). Included in Thai Binh Coastal Food Tour ($60–$90).
Why Try: Thai Binh’s unique preparation sets it apart from other coastal regions.
Where: Tan Hoa Commune, Vu Thu, Thai Binh, Hung Yen
Price: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND)
Season: Year-round
Description: A 400-year-old sticky rice cake made with hemp, glutinous rice, sesame, peanuts, pork fat, lotus seeds, and banana oil. Its sweet, fragrant texture is unforgettable, once reserved for Tet but now a daily treat.
Eco-Friendly Note: Wrapped in banana leaves; local ingredients reduce transport emissions.
Tip: Buy at Dai Dong markets (7:00 AM–11:00 AM); join a workshop ($3–$5). Included in Thai Binh Culinary Tour ($50–$80).
Why Try: A cultural icon with a complex, labor-intensive recipe.
Where: Thai Thuy Commune, Thai Binh, Hung Yen
Price: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND)
Season: October–March
Description: Fresh fish fillets seasoned with fish sauce and turmeric, clamped between bamboo sticks, and slow-fried over charcoal for 4–5 hours. The golden, fragrant result is crispy and flavorful.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses local fish; bamboo clamps are reusable.
Tip: Try at Thai Xuyen stalls (12:00 PM–3:00 PM); pair with rice ($0.50). Included in Thai Binh Coastal Food Tour ($60–$90).
Why Try: A traditional technique yields a uniquely smoky flavor.
Where: Quynh Coi Commune, Thai Binh, Hung Yen
Price: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND)
Season: Year-round; winter for scallions, summer for leafy greens
Description: A rustic noodle soup with thin rice noodles, fresh fish, green onions, dill, and seasonal vegetables in a savory broth. Its simplicity and freshness are nationally renowned.
Eco-Friendly Note: Locally grown vegetables; served in reusable bowls.
Tip: Visit Quynh Coi stalls (7:00 AM–1:00 PM); try with chili paste ($0.10). Included in Thai Binh Culinary Tour ($50–$80).
Why Try: A comforting dish reflecting Thai Binh’s rice culture.
Where: Thai Binh ward or Thai Thuy, Thai Binh, Hung Yen
Price: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND)
Season: October–March
Description: A creamy soup made with bombay duck, pennywort, and gamboge, offering a unique, non-fishy flavor when served hot. A winter favorite for its warming qualities.
Eco-Friendly Note: Seasonal fish; minimal packaging at local eateries.
Tip: Savor at Thai Binh ward stalls (11:00 AM–2:00 PM); eat hot to avoid fishy taste. Included in Thai Binh Culinary Tour ($50–$80).
Why Try: Thai Binh’s distinctive recipe sets it apart from northern variations.
Where: Bo Village, Vu Thu, Thai Binh, Hung Yen
Price: $0.50–$1/kg (12,500–25,000 VND)
Season: July–September
Description: Crisp, sweet guavas grown on Bo’s alluvial soils, prized for their intense flavor and juicy texture. A refreshing snack or dessert.
Eco-Friendly Note: Locally grown; sold unpackaged at markets.
Tip: Buy at Bo village markets (6:00 AM–10:00 AM); pair with chili salt ($0.10). Included in Thai Binh Rural Tour ($50–$80).
Why Try: A regional specialty with unmatched quality.
Where: Thai Binh ward, Thai Binh, Hung Yen
Price: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND)
Season: Year-round
Description: A flavorful noodle soup with banana blossoms, pork, and blumea lanceolaria, combining acrid, fatty, and aromatic notes in a savory broth.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses local herbs; served in reusable bowls.
Tip: Try at Thai Binh ward eateries (7:00 AM–1:00 PM); add lime for zest ($0.10). Included in Thai Binh Culinary Tour ($50–$80).
Why Try: A complex dish showcasing Thai Binh’s herbal traditions.
Where: Vu Thu Commune, Thai Binh, Hung Yen
Price: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND)
Season: Year-round
Description: A golden, fragrant rice cake mixed with turmeric powder, offering a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and high nutritional value. Perfect for cold days.
Eco-Friendly Note: Wrapped in banana leaves; turmeric sourced locally.
Tip: Buy at Vu Thu markets (8:00 AM–12:00 PM); enjoy warm. Included in Thai Binh Culinary Tour ($50–$80).
Why Try: A healthy, unique treat exclusive to Thai Binh.
Where: Thai Thuy Commune, Thai Binh, Hung Yen
Price: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND)
Season: Year-round
Description: A delicate salad of raw nhech fish (300–400g), marinated in lemon water and mixed with fried sticky rice, ginger, garlic, chili, lemongrass, and pepper. Its fresh, zesty flavor is a coastal specialty.
Eco-Friendly Note: Sustainably sourced fish; minimal packaging.
Tip: Savor at Thai Thuy stalls (11:00 AM–2:00 PM); pair with rice crackers ($0.50). Included in Thai Binh Coastal Food Tour ($60–$90).
Why Try: A labor-intensive dish with a bold, fresh taste.
Fried Fish in Thái Xuyên Village (Source: Internet)November–April (Dry Season, 15–26°C or 59–78.8°F): Ideal for warm dishes like canh ca khoai and banh nghe, with cool weather enhancing dining. Fewer crowds (100–150 daily visitors) on weekdays; visit Quynh Coi for scallions in winter.
May–October (Rainy Season, 22–33°C or 71.6–91.4°F): Perfect for seafood like nom sua (April–May) and refreshing oi Bo (July–September). Expect larger crowds (300–500 on weekends); coastal stalls thrive.
Festival Seasons: Spring (February–April) for fishing festivals with fresh seafood; autumn (September–October) for Keo Pagoda Festival with street food. Avoid Lunar New Year for quieter dining.
Dining Tip: Morning markets (6:00–10:00 AM) for fresh ingredients; midday (11:00 AM–2:00 PM) for peak stall hours.
Quynh Coi Fish Noodle Soup "Canh Cá Quỳnh Côi" (Source: Internet)Thai Binh, in Hung Yen, is 110 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 2–2.5 hours:
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): $30–$40 (750,000–1,000,000 VND) one-way; $60–$80 (1,500,000–2,000,000 VND) round-trip. Book via Xanh SM app.
By Public Bus: From Giap Bat to Thai Binh ward, $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND) one-way; $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND) round-trip. Limousines: $6–$8 one-way.
By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): $45–$65 (1,125,000–1,625,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people, with market drop-offs.
By Motorcycle: Rental $6–$10/day (150,000–250,000 VND) + $15–$20 fuel; 2–2.5 hours via Highway 1A.
From Noi Bai Airport: Private car ($50–$70 or 1,250,000–1,750,000 VND, 2.5 hours, 140 km); Xanh SM taxi ($45–$60); or Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem ($1.40 or 35,000 VND) + bus ($2–$3).
Navigation Tip: Save “Thai Binh, Hung Yen” in offline maps (Maps.me); specify communes like Thai Thuy for coastal dishes. Parking: $0.60–$1 (15,000–25,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Buses or Xanh SM taxis reduce emissions; Legend Travel Group’s cars prioritize eco-friendly routes.
Bombay duck Soup "Canh Cá Khoai" (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable food adventure:
Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes for markets; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season; hat for sun.
Culinary Gear: Reusable water bottle, reusable chopsticks, small container for leftovers ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Travel Essentials: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Extras: Notebook for recipes, camera for food shots; cash for stalls.
Thai Binh Guava "Ổi Bo" (Source: Internet)Street Food: $0.50–$3/dish (12,500–75,000 VND) for banh cay, nom sua, etc.
Cooking Workshops: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) for banh gai or banh cay.
Drinks: $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND) for tea or iced coffee.
Souvenirs: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND) for packaged banh gai or guava.
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $60–$80 (1,500,000–2,000,000 VND).
Public Bus: $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND); limousine $12–$16 (300,000–400,000 VND).
Legend Travel Group Private Car: $45–$65 (1,125,000–1,625,000 VND).
Motorcycle: $21–$30 (525,000–750,000 VND).
Airport to Thai Binh: $50–$70 (1,250,000–1,750,000 VND).
Parking: $0.60–$1 (15,000–25,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Budget: $10–$20 (bus, street food, entry).
Mid-range: $25–$45 (limousine, workshops, local meals).
Luxury: $70–$100 (private car, guided tour, premium dining).
Tip: Budget for food ($0.50–$3), activities ($1–$5), and transport ($4–$80); carry cash (no cards accepted).
Thai Binh Noodle Soup "Bún Bung" (Source: Internet)Timing: Visit markets at 6:00–10:00 AM for fresh ingredients; dine at stalls 11:00 AM–2:00 PM for peak flavors. November–April for warm dishes; April–May for seafood. Weekdays for fewer crowds (100–150 vs. 300–500 on weekends).
Booking: No reservations needed for stalls; book cooking workshops via Legend Travel Group 24–48 hours ahead. Reserve tours 1–2 weeks ahead for festivals.
Sustainability: Support eco-friendly stalls with biodegradable packaging; buy local produce ($0.50–$1). Use reusable containers for leftovers.
Navigation: Save “Thai Binh, Hung Yen” in offline maps; specify communes (e.g., Quynh Coi) for xe om ($1–$4). Ask locals for stall recommendations.
Safety: Check stall hygiene; avoid raw dishes if sensitive. Carry hand sanitizer; secure valuables in markets.
Weather: Dry season for outdoor dining; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and waterproof bags ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Say “xin chào” to vendors; respect stall etiquette (e.g., eat quickly during peak hours). Tip small amounts ($0.10–$0.20) if service is exceptional.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent. Confirm fish freshness for raw dishes like goi nhech.
Thai Binh Turmeric Cake "Bánh Nghệ" (Source: Internet)Our eco-friendly tours showcase Thai Binh’s culinary highlights:
Thai Binh Culinary Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Visit Quynh Coi for fish noodle soup, Nguyen Xa for banh cay, and banh gai workshops, with local lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.
Thai Binh Coastal Food Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Savor nom sua and goi nhech in Thai Thuy, cycle to Con Vanh, homestay ($12–$18/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Hung Yen Food Journey ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Explore Thai Binh’s dishes, Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ninh Binh’s Trang An, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Raw Nhech Fish Salad "Gỏi Nhệch" (Source: Internet)Thai Binh Region, in the merged Thai Binh – Hung Yen Province, captivates over 50,000 food lovers yearly with dishes priced at $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND), located 110 km from Hanoi. From Nguyen’s banh cay (spicy rice cakes) to Thai Thuy’s nom sua (clam salad) and canh ca khoai (taro stem fish soup) in winter or oi Bo (sweet rice dumplings) in summer, its coastal and rural cuisine shines, supported by sustainable practices like biodegradable packaging and local sourcing. Legend Travel Group’s Thai Binh Tours guide you through this gastronomic gem, ensuring an immersive, responsible Thai Binh Travel experience with visits to vibrant markets and cultural sites like Keo Pagoda. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste Thai Binh’s top 10 local foods in Thai Binh – Hung Yen Province? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an authentic 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:
Thai Binh Culinary Information: vietnam.travel, baothaibinh.com.vn, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vuadacsan.com.vn
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
