Discover xôi xíu, the iconic sticky rice with char siu in Ninh Binh Province’s Nam Dinh region. Explore its unique flavors, top eateries, costs, and book sustainable food tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic culinary adventure.
Capture the fragrant allure of Xôi Xíu’s culinary gem (Source: Internet)Nestled in the Nam Dinh region, now a ward of Ninh Binh Province following Vietnam’s administrative merger, xôi xíu (sticky rice with char siu) is a culinary gem that embodies the Red River Delta’s rich food heritage. This beloved dish features fragrant glutinous rice topped with succulent Chinese-style char siu pork, savory sausages, and a distinctive, flavorful sauce. A staple breakfast or snack for locals, its affordability and bold taste make it a must-try for travelers. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, offers curated food tours to experience this delicacy—book via links throughout this guide. Dive into Nam Dinh’s vibrant culinary scene with xôi xíu today
Legend Travel Group is dedicated to authentic Southeast Asia experiences, prioritizing sustainability, cultural immersion, and expert-guided tours. Our xôi xíu tours feature eco-conscious practices, partnering with local vendors to preserve culinary traditions and support communities. Aligned with Ninh Binh Province’s “Culinary Tourism” initiative, we use low-impact transport like bicycles and contribute to local economies. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless foodie journey. Discover our tours—book via the links on this page!
Photograph the savory essence of Xôi Xíu’s heritage (Source: Internet)Xôi xíu, a signature dish of the Nam Dinh region in Ninh Binh Province, is a delightful combination of sticky rice topped with char siu (Chinese-style barbecued pork), sausages, and a special meat sauce. The sticky rice, made from fragrant glutinous varieties, is soft and chewy, while the char siu is marinated with honey, five-spice powder, and soy sauce, then roasted to a caramelized perfection. Often garnished with fried onions and green onions, the dish is drizzled with a savory, slightly sweet sauce that ties the flavors together. Priced at ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD) per bowl, it’s an affordable, satisfying meal. Pair your xôi xíu experience with visits to nearby sites like Tran Temple for a complete Ninh Binh adventure.
Administrative Update: 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, improving access to culinary hotspots with enhanced infrastructure.
Experience Nam Dinh Tours with sustainable dining (Source: Internet)Xôi xíu stands out for its harmonious blend of textures and flavors:
Sticky Rice: Soft, chewy glutinous rice, cooked to retain its fragrant, slightly sweet profile.
Char Siu: Tender, roasted pork marinated with honey, five-spice powder, and soy sauce, offering a sweet-savory balance.
Sauce: A condensed, meaty sauce with a rich, umami depth, often customized with chili or soy sauce.
Toppings: Slices of Chinese sausage, fried onions, and green onions add crunch and aroma.
Cultural Significance: Evolving from simple sticky rice to a topped dish, xôi xíu reflects Nam Dinh’s innovative culinary traditions.
This combination, perfected over decades, makes xôi xíu a beloved staple, distinct from other Vietnamese sticky rice dishes.
Start your Nam Dinh Travel with a flavorful bite (Source: Internet)A legendary eatery on Bac Ninh Street, operating for over 40 years, known for its family recipe and flavorful sauce.
Cost: ~15,000–20,000 VND (~$0.60–$0.80 USD/bowl).
Highlights: “A Nam Dinh classic” (Foody.vn, 4.6/5 stars).
Tip: Visit early morning (6:00–8:00 AM) for the freshest rice; add chili sauce for a kick.
Book Now: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Street Food Adventure Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD).
A popular stall on Hang Sat Street, offering generous portions and a bustling atmosphere.
Cost: ~20,000–25,000 VND (~$0.80–$1 USD/bowl).
Highlights: “Rich and satisfying” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).
Tip: Pair with iced green tea (~10,000 VND, ~$0.40 USD); evening visits (6:00–9:00 PM) for lively vibes.
Book Now: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Culinary Explorer Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD).
Located on Hoang Van Thu Street, this stall is famed for its aromatic char siu and quick service.
Cost: ~15,000–22,000 VND (~$0.60–$0.88 USD/bowl).
Highlights: “Authentic and affordable” (Vietnam Tourism, 4.5/5 stars).
Tip: Try with extra sausage; morning (7:00–9:00 AM) for freshness.
Book Now: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Trail Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD).
A cozy spot on Le Hong Phong Street, offering a traditional take with a focus on quality ingredients.
Cost: ~18,000–25,000 VND (~$0.72–$1 USD/bowl).
Highlights: “A local gem” (Foody.vn, 4.4/5 stars).
Tip: Ask for light sauce if avoiding grease; ideal for quick lunches (11:00 AM–1:00 PM).
Book Now: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Nam Dinh Snack Tour (~1,000,000 VND, ~$40 USD).
Bus: Giap Bat Station to Ninh Binh City, then taxi to Nam Dinh eateries.
Cost: Bus: ~100,000 VND (~$4 USD); taxi: ~100,000 VND (~$4 USD).
Duration: ~1.5–2 hours.
Train: Reunification Express to Ninh Binh Station, then taxi.
Cost: Train: ~75,000–150,000 VND (~$3–$6 USD); taxi: ~100,000 VND (~$4 USD).
Duration: ~2 hours.
Motorbike: Via National Highway 1A or Hanoi–Ninh Binh Expressway.
Cost: Rental: ~100,000–250,000 VND (~$4–$10 USD/day); fuel: ~50,000 VND (~$2 USD).
Duration: ~1.5–2 hours.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s tours (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD) include eco-transfers.
Flight + Road: Fly to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, then bus/taxi to Nam Dinh.
Cost: Flight: ~750,000–1,750,000 VND (~$30–$70 USD); bus: ~100,000 VND (~$4 USD); taxi: ~100,000 VND (~$4 USD).
Duration: ~2 hours flight + ~2 hours road.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s tours (~3,500,000 VND, ~$140 USD) include flights and transfers.
Motorbike: Via Highway 38B to Bac Ninh or Hang Sat Street.
Cost: Rental: ~120,000–200,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD/day); fuel: ~20,000 VND (~$0.80 USD).
Duration: ~20–30 minutes.
Taxi/Grab: ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD/trip); ~20 minutes.
Bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/day); ~45–60 minutes.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s tours (~1,000,000 VND, ~$40 USD) include transfers.
Bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/day); ~5–15 minutes.
Motorbike: Rental: ~120,000–200,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD/day); fuel: ~10,000 VND (~$0.40 USD); ~5–10 minutes.
Walking: Free; ~10–20 minutes to Bac Ninh Street.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s tours (~750,000 VND, ~$30 USD) include eco-transfers.
Route Tip: Take Highway 38B from Ninh Binh City to Bac Ninh, Hang Sat, or Hoang Van Thu Street; use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me). Parking: ~5,000–15,000 VND (~$0.20–$0.60 USD/motorbike).
Morning (6:00–9:00 AM): Freshest sticky rice, ideal for breakfast; best in spring (February–April) or autumn (September–November) with mild weather (15–28°C).
Evening (6:00–9:00 PM): Lively street food scene, perfect for snacks or dinner.
Year-Round: Available daily; summer (May–August) is warm (25–35°C), winter (December–January) cooler (10–20°C) with 10–15% tour discounts.
Festivals: Pair with Phu Day Festival (lunar March) visits; book tours 2–3 weeks ahead.
Tip: Morning for freshness; pair with light beverages like tea to balance richness.
Xôi Xíu: ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD/bowl).
Drinks/Sides: Tea/soft 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: ~950,000–2,050,000 VND (~$38–$82 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 Ninh Binh City (Vietcombank, Agribank); book tours for cost-effective dining experiences.
Plan Ahead: Book tours 1–2 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group or Baolau.com (+84 938 123 456). Stalls open 6:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Pack Smart: Bring small cash (VND) for vendors, reusable water bottle, and light clothing for warm days.
Budget Wisely: Expect ~500,000–1,750,000 VND (~$20–$70 USD/day); confirm prices to avoid overcharging.
Stay Safe: Secure valuables; inform vendors of allergies (English may be limited); avoid peak hours for a calmer experience.
Sustainability: Support local vendors; use reusable items to reduce waste; choose eco-tours to preserve culinary heritage.
Cultural Respect: Thank vendors (“cảm ơn”); tip ~5,000–10,000 VND (~$0.20–$0.40 USD) for great service; respect queue customs.
Navigation: Allow 1–2 hours for dining; combine with Phu Day Relic Complex (~15 km) for a half-day itinerary.
Our sustainable food tours immerse you in Nam Dinh’s culinary treasures:
Street Food Adventure Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Thai Lien Sticky Rice Stall, bánh mì chân cầu, local markets. Includes eco-transfers and snacks.
Culinary Explorer Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD/person): Xôi Xíu Hàng Sắt, Phở Cường, Vi Khe Bonsai Village. Includes transfers and lunch.
Foodie Trail Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Xôi Xíu Hoàng Văn Thụ, bánh nhãn, Thinh Long Beach. Includes transfers and meals.
Ninh Binh Food Odyssey (~8,500,000–13,500,000 VND, ~$340–$540 USD/person, 3–4 days): Xôi xíu, 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!
Xôi Xíu, the iconic sticky rice with char siu of Ninh Binh Province’s Nam Dinh region, is a culinary delight that blends fragrant rice, succulent pork, and a unique sauce into an unforgettable dish. From historic stalls like Thai Lien to vibrant street scenes on Hang Sat, this snack captures Nam Dinh’s food heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Nam Dinh Tours offer a sustainable way to savor Xôi Xíu, ensuring a sustainable Nam Dinh Travel experience while supporting local vendors and cultural preservation. Don’t miss this flavorful experience—browse our featured tours and book your Xôi Xíu culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste the iconic Xôi Xíu in Nam Dinh? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable food journey!
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.
Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group.
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