Top 10 Special Foods in Nam Dinh Region: Must-Try Culinary Delights in Ninh Binh Province

The Nam Dinh region, now a ward of Ninh Binh Province following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, is a culinary haven in the Red River Delta, celebrated for its distinctive dishes that blend tradition, innovation, and local ingredients. From the iconic Nam Dinh phở bò, with its fragrant broth, to the quirky kem xôi and delicate bánh cuốn làng Kênh, Nam Dinh’s cuisine captivates food lovers with its rich flavors and cultural significance. These specialties, rooted in the region’s agricultural and coastal heritage, offer a unique taste of Vietnam’s culinary map. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, invites you to savor these delights through our eco-friendly food tours—book via links throughout this guide. Dive into our comprehensive guide to the top 10 special foods in Nam Dinh, featuring where to find them, updated costs, and sustainable travel tips for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure in Ninh Binh Province.

Nam Dinh’s food offerings are a compelling reason to visit:

• Unique Flavors: Dishes like phở bò and bánh gai showcase a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic profiles.

• Cultural Heritage: Family recipes and traditional techniques reflect Nam Dinh’s agrarian and coastal roots.

• Affordable Dining: Most dishes cost ~10,000–80,000 VND (~$0.40–$3.20 USD), making it budget-friendly.

• Sustainable Tourism: Legend Travel Group’s tours partner with local vendors to promote eco-conscious practices and support communities, aligning with Ninh Binh’s “Culinary Tourism” initiative.

• Vibrant Street Food: Bustling stalls and markets like Chợ Rồng offer an authentic dining experience.

Our sustainable tours, displayed around this article, ensure a responsible and immersive culinary journey. Book now to taste Nam Dinh’s flavors with Legend Travel Group!

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 dining hotspots. This guide refers to the Nam Dinh region, ensuring seamless planning within Ninh Binh’s tourism framework.

Nam Dinh’s cuisine is a vibrant mix of savory, sweet, and innovative dishes, each with a story to tell. Below are the top 10 must-try foods, where to find them, and their costs, enriched with recent insights.

1. Phở Bò Nam Định (Beef Noodle Soup)

Nam Dinh’s phở bò is a national icon, known for its sweet, clear broth and tender beef slices, setting it apart from Hanoi’s version.

• Description: Soft, thin rice noodles in a fragrant broth made from beef bones, ginger, and fish sauce, topped with fresh herbs, lime, and chili.

• Where to Try:

  • Phở Cường (Giao Cù village): A historic stall with a 4.7/5 Tripadvisor rating.

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

  • Phở Cụ Tặng (23 Hang Tien Street, Nam Dinh City): Third-generation recipe, 4.6/5 Foody.vn rating.

    • Cost: ~60,000–80,000 VND (~$2.40–$3.20 USD/bowl).

• Highlights: “The gold standard of phở” (Vietnam Tourism).

• Tips: Visit early morning (6:00–9:00 AM) for freshest broth; add quẩy (fried dough sticks, ~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 Phở Cụ Tặng visits.

2. Bánh Xíu Páo (Char Siu Pastry)

A flaky pastry with Chinese influences, filled with char siu pork, boiled egg, and wood ear mushrooms, offering a sweet-savory crunch.

• Description: Golden, crispy crust with a rich, aromatic filling, often glazed with honey.

• Where to Try:

  • Xíu Páo Dư Dư (104 Tran Hung Dao Street, Nam Dinh City): Historic shop, 4.6/5 Foody.vn rating.

    • Cost: ~10,000–15,000 VND (~$0.40–$0.60 USD/piece).

  • Tiệm Bánh Xíu Páo (Le Hong Phong Street, Nam Dinh City): Family-run, 4.5/5 stars.

    • Cost: ~12,000–15,000 VND (~$0.48–$0.60 USD/piece).

• Highlights: “A perfect breakfast snack” (Tripadvisor).

• Tips: 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 tastings.

3. Bánh Nhãn (Longan Cake)

A crispy, golden sweet resembling longan fruit, made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and eggs, ideal as a snack or souvenir.

• Description: Small, round balls with a sweet, caramelized flavor, named for their longan-like appearance.

• Where to Try:

  • Huong Sen Company (148 Dien Bien Street, Loc Hoa, Nam Dinh City): Trusted producer, 4.7/5 Tripadvisor rating.

    • Cost: ~100,000–160,000 VND (~$4–$6.40 USD/500g).

    • Contact: +84 228 3860 437.

  • Bánh Nhãn Hải Hậu (Hai Hau, near Thinh Long Beach): Eco-friendly packaging, 4.5/5 stars.

    • Cost: ~90,000–140,000 VND (~$3.60–$5.60 USD/500g).

• Highlights: “Addictive and gift-worthy” (Vietnam Tourism).

• Tips: Buy morning (8:00–10:00 AM) for freshness; ideal for Tet gifting.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Sweet Delights Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes bánh nhãn stops.

4. Bánh Mì Ba Lan (Ba Lan Bread)

A thick, fragrant loaf with a crispy crust and soft interior, a Polish-inspired treat perfect with milk or as a gift.

• Description: Dense, wheaty bread with a golden crust, rooted in a 1969 wartime recipe.

• Where to Try:

  • Thai Binh Street Stalls (near former Poland bread factory, Nam Dinh City): Authentic, 4.5/5 Foody.vn rating.

    • Cost: ~10,000–15,000 VND (~$0.40–$0.60 USD/loaf); packs ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD).

  • Hang Thao Street Vendors (Nam Dinh City): Freshly baked, 4.4/5 stars.

    • Cost: ~10,000–12,000 VND (~$0.40–$0.48 USD/loaf).

• Highlights: “A unique bread legacy” (Nhan Dân Online).

• Tips: Visit dawn (5:00–7:00 AM) for warm loaves; pair with condensed milk (~10,000 VND, ~$0.40 USD).

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Breakfast Food Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes Ba Lan Bread tastings.

5. Kẹo Sìu Châu (Siu Chau Candy)

A crispy, nutty candy made from peanuts, sesame, malt, and sugar, a Tet holiday staple and popular souvenir.

• Description: Small, rectangular candies with a sweet, fragrant crunch, stored in rice jars for freshness.

• Where to Try:

  • Kẹo Sìu Châu Minh Khai (161–181 Minh Khai Street, Nam Dinh City): Traditional shop, 4.5/5 Foody.vn rating.

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

  • Van Dich Grocery Shop (25, Group 6, Yen Dinh, Hai Hau): Local vendor, 4.4/5 stars.

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

    • Contact: +84 98 768 8932.

• Highlights: “A sweet Tet tradition” (Tripadvisor).

• Tips: Buy morning (8:00–10:00 AM) for fresh stock; pair with tea (~10,000 VND, ~$0.40 USD).

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Sweet Delights Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes Siu Chau candy shops.

6. Kem Xôi (Ice Cream with Sticky Rice)

A quirky dessert combining warm sticky rice with cold ice cream, topped with coconut cream and peanuts, unique to Nam Dinh.

• Description: Chewy glutinous rice meets creamy ice cream (vanilla or coconut), creating a textural delight.

• Where to Try:

  • Kem Xôi Nguyễn Du (132 Nguyen Du Street, Nam Dinh City): Student favorite, 4.5/5 Foody.vn rating.

    • Cost: ~15,000–20,000 VND (~$0.60–$0.80 USD/bowl); extra toppings ~5,000 VND (~$0.20 USD).

  • Hàng Sắt Stalls (Hang Sat Street, Nam Dinh City): Family-run, 4.3/5 stars.

    • Cost: ~15,000–20,000 VND (~$0.60–$0.80 USD/bowl).

• Highlights: “A surprising flavor combo” (Vietnam Tourism).

• Tips: Visit afternoon (3:00–6:00 PM) for lively vibes; try with coconut ice cream.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Evening Snack Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes Kem Xôi tastings.

7. Bánh Gai (Gai Cake)

A sticky rice cake filled with mung beans, pork fat, and coconut, wrapped in gai leaves, offering an earthy, sweet flavor.

• Description: Soft, fragrant cake with a chewy texture, rooted in Nam Dinh’s culinary tradition.

• Where to Try:

  • Bà Thị Gai Cake (104A Tran Hung Dao Street, Nam Dinh City): Century-old recipe, 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating.

    • Cost: ~15,000–20,000 VND (~$0.60–$0.80 USD/cake).

  • Chợ Viềng (Vu Ban, lunar January 7–8): Festival vendors, 4.6/5 stars.

    • Cost: ~20,000–25,000 VND (~$0.80–$1 USD/cake).

• Highlights: “A traditional delight” (Nhan Dân Online).

• Tips: Buy morning (7:00–10:00 AM) for freshness; pair with green tea (~10,000 VND, ~$0.40 USD).

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Festival Foodie Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD) includes bánh gai at Chợ Viềng.

8. Xôi Xíu (Sticky Rice with Char Siu)

Fragrant glutinous rice topped with char siu pork, Chinese sausage, and a savory meat sauce, a beloved breakfast dish.

• Description: Chewy rice with sweet-savory toppings, a 40-year-old recipe at Thai Lien’s stall.

• Where to Try:

  • Thai Lien Sticky Rice Stall (Bac Ninh Street, Nam Dinh City): Historic, 4.5/5 Vietnam Tourism rating.

    • Cost: ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD/bowl).

  • Xôi Xíu Hàng Sắt (Hang Sat Street, Nam Dinh City): Bustling, 4.4/5 stars.

    • Cost: ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD/bowl).

• Highlights: “Soulful comfort food” (Foody.vn).

• Tips: Visit morning (6:00–8:00 AM) for freshness; add chili for spice.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Breakfast Food Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes xôi xíu stops.

9. Bánh Mì Chân Cầu (Under Bridge Sandwich)

A street food icon near Đỗ Quang Bridge, featuring a baguette with stir-fried pâté, eggs, cucumber, and pickled veggies.

• Description: Creamy, savory pâté with fresh, tangy toppings, served at dawn or evening stalls.

• Where to Try:

  • Bánh Mì Cô Lan (Phan Đình Phùng Street, near Đỗ Quang Bridge): Popular, 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating.

    • Cost: ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD/sandwich).

  • Chân Cầu Pâté Stall (Đỗ Quang Bridge): Classic, 4.5/5 stars.

    • Cost: ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD/sandwich).

• Highlights: “Addictive street food” (Foody.vn).

• Tips: Visit evening (6:00–9:00 PM) for lively atmosphere; 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 chân cầu tastings.

10. Bánh Cuốn Làng Kênh (Kenh Village Rice Rolls)

Delicate, thin rice batter rolls filled with seasoned pork, wood ear mushrooms, and shallots, served with nước chấm dipping sauce.

• Description: Silky, translucent rolls with savory filling, a traditional dish from Làng Kênh, enhanced with chả lụa or chả quế.

• Where to Try:

  • Bánh Cuốn Bà Yên (Hoang Van Thu, Nam Dinh City): Authentic, 4.5/5 Foody.vn rating.

    • Cost: ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD/portion).

  • Chợ Rồng Market Stalls (Tran Hung Dao Street, Nam Dinh City): Freshly made, 4.4/5 stars.

    • Cost: ~15,000–20,000 VND (~$0.60–$0.80 USD/portion).

• Highlights: “A delicate masterpiece” (Nhan Dân Online).

• Tips: Visit morning (6:00–9:00 AM) for fresh rolls; request extra chả quế (~5,000 VND, ~$0.20 USD).

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Culinary Explorer Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD) includes bánh cuốn làng Kênh tastings.

• Timing:

  • Morning (6:00–9:00 AM): Best for phở bò, bánh xíu páo, and bánh cuốn at stalls like Phở Cường or Bà Yên.

  • Afternoon (3:00–6:00 PM): Ideal for kem xôi at Nguyen Du; lively student crowds.

  • Evening (6:00–9:00 PM): Perfect for bánh mì chân cầu or xôi xíu at Dong A or Hang Sat Streets.

• Navigation:

  • Use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me) to locate stalls; central Nam Dinh (Tran Hung Dao, Minh Khai) and Hai Hau are key food hubs.

  • Combine dining with attractions (e.g., Vi Xuyen Park ~2 km from Chợ Rồng) 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 vendors; use reusable utensils; opt for Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours to minimize waste.

From Hanoi (90–100 km, ~1.5–2 hours)

• Bus: Giap Bat to Nam Dinh City (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD), then taxi to Thai Binh Street (~50,000 VND, ~$2 USD).

• Train: Reunification Express to Nam Dinh Station (~75,000–150,000 VND, ~$3–$6 USD), then taxi (~50,000 VND, ~$2 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 (~50,000 VND, ~$2 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 (1–30 km, ~5–45 minutes)

• 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).

• Walking: Free to Nguyen Du or Tran Hung Dao from central Nam Dinh.

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

Route Tip: Use Highway 38B for central Nam Dinh (e.g., Thai Binh Street); Highway 37B for Hai Hau (e.g., Thinh Long Beach); offline maps recommended. Parking: ~5,000–15,000 VND (~$0.20–$0.60 USD/motorbike).

• Dining:

  • Phở bò: ~50,000–80,000 VND (~$2–$3.20 USD).

  • Bánh xíu páo: ~10,000–15,000 VND (~$0.40–$0.60 USD).

  • Bánh nhãn: ~90,000–160,000 VND (~$3.60–$6.40 USD/500g).

  • Bánh mì Ba Lan: ~10,000–15,000 VND (~$0.40–$0.60 USD/loaf).

  • Kẹo Sìu Châu: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/500g).

  • Kem xôi: ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD).

  • Bánh gai: ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD).

  • Xôi xíu: ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD).

  • Bánh mì chân cầu: ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD).

  • Bánh cuốn làng Kênh: ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD).

  • Drinks: ~10,000–30,000 VND (~$0.40–$1.20 USD).

• Transport:

  • From Hanoi: Bus + taxi: ~150,000–200,000 VND (~$6–$8 USD); train + taxi: ~125,000–250,000 VND (~$5–$10 USD); motorbike: ~150,000–300,000 VND (~$6–$12 USD).

  • From Ho Chi Minh City: Flight + road: ~950,000–4,700,000 VND (~$38–$188 USD); train + road: ~850,000–2,150,000 VND (~$34–$86 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.

• 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 cost-effective dining and eco-transfers.

• Plan Ahead: Book tours 1–2 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group or Baolau.com (+84 938 123 456), especially during Tet (lunar January). Stalls open 5:00 AM–10:00 PM.

• 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 (e.g., peanuts in kẹo Sìu Châu, dairy in kem xôi); use a translation app.

  • Choose high-turnover stalls for freshness; carry hand sanitizer.

  • Secure valuables in crowded markets like Chợ Rồng or Đỗ Quang Bridge.

• 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; 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 morning or indoor stalls during downpours.

  • Winter (December–January): Cool (10–20°C); warm dishes like phở or xôi xíu are perfect.

Our sustainable food tours immerse you in Nam Dinh’s gastronomic wonders:

• Phở Foodie Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Phở Cường, bánh mì chân cầu, Chợ Rồng market. Includes eco-transfers and lunch.

• Sweet Delights Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Kẹo Sìu Châu Minh Khai, bánh nhãn Huong Sen, bánh gai Bà Thị. Includes bike rentals and snacks.

• Street Food Adventure Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Kem xôi Nguyen Du, bánh xíu páo Dư Dư, xôi xíu Thai Lien. Includes transfers and meals.

• Ninh Binh Culinary Odyssey (~8,500,000–13,500,000 VND, ~$340–$540 USD/person, 3–4 days): Nam Dinh specialties, 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!

Nam Dinh region in Ninh Binh Province, 90 km from Hanoi, is a culinary paradise showcasing a rich tapestry of flavors with dishes like phở bò ($1–$3, 25,000–75,000 VND), bánh cuốn làng Kênh ($0.50–$2, 12,500–50,000 VND), and kẹo Sìu Châu ($0.50–$2, 12,500–50,000 VND), drawing food lovers yearly. From bustling Nam Dinh Market stalls to historic family recipes in local villages, these specialties reflect Vietnam’s Red River Delta heritage. Supported by sustainable practices like locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly dining, Legend Travel Group’s Ninh Binh Toursensure a responsible, immersive Ninh Binh Travel experience, blending culinary adventures with visits to Trang An UNESCO site ($8 boat ride, 200,000 VND), Tam Coc, and cultural landmarks like Phu Day Temple. Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to savor Nam Dinh’s culinary treasures? Reserve your sustainable food tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure in Ninh Binh!

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:

• Nam Dinh Culinary Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vinpearl.com, localvietnam.com, discoverninhbinh.com, tripadvisor.com