Discover the best restaurants in Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh Province, for iconic cuisines like phở bò, bánh xíu páo, and Siu Chau candy. Explore costs, dining tips, and book sustainable food tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic culinary adventure.
Capture the savory essence of Ninh Binh’s culinary gem (Source: Internet)The Nam Dinh region, now a ward of Ninh Binh Province following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, is a culinary paradise in the Red River Delta, renowned for its rich, flavorful dishes that reflect centuries of tradition. From the soul-warming phở bò to the crispy bánh xíu páo and sweet Siu Chau candy, Nam Dinh’s cuisine captivates food lovers with its unique blend of agricultural and coastal influences. Whether you’re dining at historic family-run eateries or vibrant street stalls, this guide highlights the top restaurants and vendors for Nam Dinh’s signature dishes. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, offers eco-friendly food tours to immerse you in this gastronomic haven—book via links throughout this guide. Explore our comprehensive guide to Nam Dinh’s culinary scene, including must-try dishes, dining locations, updated costs, and sustainable travel tips for an unforgettable experience in Ninh Binh Province.
Nam Dinh’s culinary offerings make it a must-visit destination:
Iconic Dishes: Savor phở bò with its fragrant broth, bánh nhãn’s crispy sweetness, and xôi xíu’s savory comfort.
Cultural Heritage: Family recipes and traditional techniques reflect Nam Dinh’s agrarian and coastal roots.
Diverse Dining: From street stalls to upscale restaurants, enjoy authentic flavors at budget-friendly prices.
Sustainable Tourism: Legend Travel Group’s tours partner with local vendors to support communities and eco-conscious practices, aligning with Ninh Binh’s culinary tourism goals.
Vibrant Atmosphere: Dine at bustling markets or serene coastal spots like Thinh Long Beach.
Our sustainable tours, displayed around this article, ensure an authentic and responsible dining experience. 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.
Photograph the sweet allure of Ninh Binh’s food scene (Source: Internet)Nam Dinh’s culinary scene is a blend of historic eateries, vibrant street stalls, and local markets offering iconic dishes. Below are the best places to enjoy its specialties, with updated costs and dining tips.
Nam Dinh’s phở bò is legendary for its sweet, aromatic broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs, making it a must-try dish.
Where to Eat:
Phở Đán (Dan Beef Noodle)
Address: 128 Hai Ba Trung Street, Nam Dinh region.
Review: A historic eatery with a decades-old recipe, known for its meticulously crafted broth and thinly sliced beef. The small, unassuming shop is tucked away but beloved by locals (4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating).
Cost: ~50,000–70,000 VND (~$2–$2.80 USD/bowl).
Tip: Ask locals for directions, as the sign is modest; visit early morning (6:00–9:00 AM) for the freshest broth. Add quẩy (fried dough sticks) for ~10,000 VND (~$0.40 USD).
Phở Cụ Tặng (Uncle Tang Beef Noodle)
Address: 23 Hang Tien Street, Nam Dinh region.
Review: Run by third-generation owner Mrs. Le Thi Thu Ha, this cozy 18m² shop serves phở with uniquely sliced, rectangular beef pieces in a sweet, clear broth (4.7/5 Foody.vn rating).
Cost: ~60,000–80,000 VND (~$2.40–$3.20 USD/bowl).
Tip: Arrive for lunch (11:00 AM–1:00 PM) to avoid crowds; request extra herbs for no charge.
Highlights: “The epitome of Vietnamese phở” (Vietnam Tourism).
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Phở Foodie Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes stops at Phở Đán and Phở Cụ Tặng.
This flaky pastry, filled with char siu pork, boiled egg, and wood ear mushrooms, is a Nam Dinh specialty with Chinese roots.
Where to Eat:
Xíu Páo Dư Dư
Address: 104 Tran Hung Dao Street, Nam Dinh region.
Review: A historic shop serving warm, freshly baked bánh xíu páo with a crispy, honey-glazed crust (4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating).
Cost: ~10,000–15,000 VND (~$0.40–$0.60 USD/piece).
Tip: Visit morning (7:00–10:00 AM) or evening (6:00–8:00 PM) for hot batches; buy a box for souvenirs.
Tiệm Bánh Xíu Páo Nam Định
Address: Le Hong Phong Street, Nam Dinh region.
Review: Known for generous fillings and consistent quality, this family-run stall is a local favorite (4.5/5 Foody.vn rating).
Cost: ~12,000–15,000 VND (~$0.48–$0.60 USD/piece).
Tip: Try with a boiled egg filling; pair with iced tea (~10,000 VND, ~$0.40 USD).
Highlights: “A perfect savory snack” (Vietnam Tourism).
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Nam Dinh Snack Tour (~1,000,000 VND, ~$40 USD) includes bánh xíu páo tastings.
A crispy, golden sweet resembling longan fruit, made from glutinous rice flour and sugar, ideal as a snack or gift.
Where to Buy:
Huong Sen Company
Address: 148 Dien Bien Street, Loc Hoa, Nam Dinh region.
Contact: +84 228 3860 437.
Review: A trusted manufacturer offering high-quality bánh nhãn in eco-friendly packaging (4.7/5 Tripadvisor rating).
Cost: ~100,000–160,000 VND (~$4–$6.40 USD/500g).
Tip: Buy gift boxes for souvenirs; morning visits (8:00–10:00 AM) for freshness.
Minh Phuong Grocery Shop
Address: 99, Group 6, Yen Dinh, Hai Hau, Nam Dinh region.
Contact: +84 835 496 931.
Review: A local shop in Hai Hau known for authentic bánh nhãn with a crispy texture (4.5/5 Vietnam Tourism rating).
Cost: ~90,000–140,000 VND (~$3.60–$5.60 USD/500g).
Tip: Combine with a visit to Thinh Long Beach (~10 km); cash preferred.
Highlights: “Addictive and perfect for gifting” (Foody.vn).
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Sweet Delights Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes bánh nhãn stops.
A sticky rice cake filled with mung beans, pork fat, and coconut, wrapped in gai leaves, offering a unique, earthy flavor.
Where to Eat:
Bà Thị Gai Cake
Address: 104A Tran Hung Dao Street, Nam Dinh region.
Review: A thousand-year-old brand using a secret recipe, known for its soft, fragrant cakes with a balanced sweetness (4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating).
Cost: ~15,000–20,000 VND (~$0.60–$0.80 USD/cake).
Tip: Buy fresh in the morning (7:00–10:00 AM); pair with green tea (~10,000 VND, ~$0.40 USD).
Chợ Viềng (Vieng Market)
Address: Vu Ban, Nam Dinh region (lunar January 7–8, typically February).
Review: During the festival, vendors sell bánh gai alongside Siu Chau candy, adding a festive vibe (4.6/5 Vietnam Tourism rating).
Cost: ~20,000–25,000 VND (~$0.80–$1 USD/cake).
Tip: Shop at midnight to dawn for the cultural experience; bring cash.
Highlights: “A unique, traditional treat” (Nhan Dân Online).
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Festival Foodie Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD) includes Vieng Market visits.
A crispy, nutty candy made from peanuts, sesame seeds, malt, and sugar, a Tet holiday staple and popular souvenir.
Where to Buy:
Kẹo Sìu Châu Minh Khai
Address: 161–181 Minh Khai Street, Nam Dinh region.
Review: A renowned shop offering freshly made Siu Chau candy in traditional or eco-friendly packaging (4.5/5 Foody.vn rating).
Cost: ~50,000–80,000 VND (~$2–$3.20 USD/500g).
Tip: Morning purchases (8:00–10:00 AM) for freshness; gift boxes available.
Van Dich Grocery Shop
Address: 25, Group 6, Yen Dinh, Hai Hau, Nam Dinh region.
Contact: +84 98 768 8932.
Review: A local vendor in Hai Hau known for high-quality candy at affordable prices (4.4/5 Vietnam Tourism rating).
Cost: ~60,000–90,000 VND (~$2.40–$3.60 USD/500g).
Tip: Combine with a coastal trip to Thinh Long; cash only.
Highlights: “A sweet taste of Tet tradition” (Tripadvisor).
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Sweet Delights Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes Siu Chau candy shops.
Nam Dinh’s Beef Noodle - Experience Ninh Binh Tours with sustainable dining (Source: Internet)Timing:
Morning (6:00–9:00 AM): Ideal for phở at Phở Đán or fresh bánh xíu páo at Xíu Páo Dư Dư.
Evening (6:00–9:00 PM): Perfect for street food like bánh mì chân cầu or BBQ on Dong A Street.
Tet (Lunar January): Best for Siu Chau candy and bánh gai at markets like Chợ Viềng.
Navigation:
Use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me) to locate eateries; central Nam Dinh (Minh Khai, Tran Hung Dao) and Hai Hau are key food hubs.
Combine dining with attractions (e.g., Phu Day ~15 km from Phở Cụ Tặng) for efficient itineraries.
Language: English may be limited; use a translation app or book guided tours for ease.
Hygiene: Choose high-turnover stalls; 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.
Xiu Pao Cake - Start your Ninh Binh Travel with lively culinary vibes (Source: Internet)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.
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.
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.
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 Minh Khai 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 eateries or 37B for Hai Hau; offline maps recommended. Parking: ~5,000–15,000 VND (~$0.20–$0.60 USD/motorbike).
Longan Cake - "Banh Nhan" (Source: Internet)Dining:
Phở bò: ~50,000–80,000 VND (~$2–$3.20 USD/bowl).
Bánh xíu páo: ~10,000–15,000 VND (~$0.40–$0.60 USD/piece).
Bánh nhãn: ~90,000–160,000 VND (~$3.60–$6.40 USD/500g).
Bánh gai: ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD/cake).
Siu Chau candy: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/500g).
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: ~950,000–4,700,000 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).
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 planning.
Gai Cake (Source: Internet)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). Eateries open 6:00 AM–9:00 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 Siu Chau candy); use a translation app (English may be limited).
Choose high-turnover stalls for freshness; carry hand sanitizer.
Secure valuables in crowded markets like Chợ Viềng.
Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào” (hello); thank them with “cảm ơn”; tip ~5,000–25,000 VND (~$0.20–$1 USD) for great service.
Sustainability: Support family-run eateries; use reusable items; choose eco-tours to preserve Nam Dinh’s culinary heritage.
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 indoor eateries during downpours.
Winter (December–January): Cool (10–20°C); warm dishes like phở 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 Đán, Phở Cụ Tặng, local markets. Includes eco-transfers and lunch.
Sweet Delights Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Huong Sen bánh nhãn, Kẹo Sìu Châu Minh Khai, Vi Khe Bonsai Village. Includes bike rentals and snacks.
Street Food Adventure Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Xíu Páo Dư Dư, Dong A Street BBQ, bánh gai at Bà Thị. 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 is a culinary haven where historic restaurants and vibrant vendors serve iconic dishes like phở bò, bánh xíu páo, and Siu Chau candy. From family-run Phở Cụ Tặng to the festive Chợ Viềng, every bite tells a story of tradition and community. Legend Travel Group’s Ninh Binh Tours guide you through these flavorful delights, ensuring a sustainable Ninh Binh Travel experience that supports local artisans and preserves Ninh Binh’s culinary heritage. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Nam Dinh culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste Nam Dinh’s iconic flavors in Ninh Binh? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable foodie journey!
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
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