Bac Ninh's Must-Try Specialties: Essential Eats and Perfect Souvenirs for Your Trip!

When you think of the historic Kinh Bac region, your mind will instantly conjure up the incredible culinary specialties of Bac Ninh. These are the unique flavors you absolutely have to experience during your visit, and with their unforgettable taste, you'll definitely want to bring some home as gifts. Every single one of these delectable local dishes is deeply steeped in cultural heritage. They don't just captivate travelers who get to savor them; they also inspire a desire to share these wonderful tastes with family and friends back home.
Bac Ninh is not only a land of smooth Quan Ho folk songs but also captivates visitors with countless enticing flavors. If you have the chance to visit, you absolutely must explore thesespecialties in Bac Ninhyou must try at least once when traveling and buy as gifts to fully experience the culinary essence of Kinh Bac. JoinTravelviet.nettolearn more in this article!
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Bac Ninh Specialties You Must Try Once When Traveling and Buy as Gifts
A trip to Bac Ninh will be more complete when you savor and bring home these Bac Ninh specialties that you must try at least once when traveling and buy as gifts.
Steamed Young Beef Wrapped in Rice Paper
On your culinary journey, steamed young beef wrapped in rice paper is definitely a Bac Ninh specialty that everyone should try. The young beef is carefully selected and steamed just right to retain its full sweetness and tenderness. When wrapped with rice paper, fresh herbs, and a touch of rich fermented fish sauce (mam nem), the flavors spread, making it hard for diners to forget. This dish, though simple, embodies the culinary sophistication of the Kinh Bac people.

Diem Village Khuc Cake
Not only famous for its smooth Quan Ho folk songs, Diem Village also entices visitors with its traditional Khuc cake. This Bac Ninh specialty features a vibrant green crust made from 'khuc' leaves, encasing a generous filling of mung beans and fatty pork, or a delicately sweet and nutty flavor.

Khuc cake is often enjoyed by locals during festivals and holidays, symbolizing reunion and togetherness. Each cake seems to encapsulate the soul of the countryside in every soft, fragrant, and rich bite.
Dinh To Ash Cake
When it comes to refreshing and simple dishes, Dinh To Ash Cake is an unmissable Bac Ninh specialty. Made from sticky rice flour, the cake is soaked in lye water to achieve its characteristic golden hue.

When eaten with sweet sugarcane molasses, the chewy, fragrant taste combined with the subtle sweetness evokes the genuine and rustic charm of Bac Ninh's countryside. This is not just a cake but a flavor of memories, reminiscent of traditional festivals.
Dinh Bang Phu The Cake
Dinh Bang Phu The Cake has long been a symbol of conjugal love, often featured in wedding ceremonies. This Bac Ninh specialty carries deep cultural and spiritual significance.

This small cake, wrapped in green banana leaves, contains a sticky layer of 'nếp cái hoa vàng' (a type of glutinous rice), a sweet and nutty mung bean filling, and crunchy shredded coconut. The cake is not only delicious but also conveys a message of lasting commitment, making it a meaningful gift for family and friends.
Phu Luu Snails
When talking about Bac Ninh cuisine, Phu Luu Snails are an unmissable specialty, embodying the rustic flavors of the countryside. After careful selection, the snails are thoroughly cleaned and then steamed with lemongrass and ginger.

Served with a ginger fish sauce and a hint of spicy chili, the simple yet rich flavor makes diners savor every bite. This humble dish is deeply intertwined with the memories of many generations of Phu Luu villagers.
Cho Village Te Cake
Cho Village Te Cake has long been a prominent Bac Ninh specialty, closely linked to the daily lives of the local people. Made from finely ground plain rice, wrapped in green dong leaves, it features a fragrant filling of pork, wood ear mushrooms, and fried shallots.

When cooked, the cake emits an enticing aroma. Eaten hot, you'll clearly taste the chewy fragrance of the rice flour, the savory sweetness of the meat filling, and a hint of spiciness when dipped in diluted fish sauce or chili sauce. It's a rustic dish that fully encapsulates the culinary essence of Kinh Bac.
Tich Nghi Fish Porridge
A chilly morning in Bac Ninh becomes warmer with a delicious and nutritious bowl of Tich Nghi Fish Porridge. This Bac Ninh specialty is made from fresh carp or grass carp, known for its firm, chewy, and naturally sweet flesh.

The fish bones are simmered thoroughly with the porridge, creating a distinct, delicate sweetness. When served, a layer of aromatic herbs at the bottom of the bowl blends with the tender yet firm white fish meat. The rich sweetness, subtly infused with the scent of scallions and dill, will make you want to have more.
Bui Village Fermented Pork Roll (Nem)
Bui Village Nem is one of Bac Ninh's renowned specialties, existing for hundreds of years and becoming a source of pride for the locals. The nem has a glossy golden-brown color and a distinctive aroma of fermented pork, roasted rice powder, and the slightly bitter taste of fig leaves.

When enjoyed, the nem offers a tangy and rich flavor, perfectly complemented by fig leaves, a touch of chili sauce, and a sip of cold beer – truly the authentic taste of Kinh Bac. It's a simple yet incredibly flavorful and irresistible countryside treat.
Ho Chicken
Among Bac Ninh's specialties, Ho Chicken holds significant value. In ancient times, Ho Chicken was considered an offering to the king and presented during important ceremonies. Ho Chicken meat is distinctly sweet, with crispy skin and low fat, often prepared in various delicious dishes. More than just a premium food, Ho Chicken is a cultural symbol of Bac Ninh, impressing anyone who tastes its firm, uniquely fragrant meat, rarely found elsewhere.

Van Village Wine
If you're looking for an iconic gift, Van Village Wine is a renowned Bac Ninh specialty you shouldn't miss. Made from 'nếp cái hoa vàng' (a type of glutinous rice) combined with a secret traditional Chinese medicine yeast, it undergoes an elaborate fermentation process to create its refined flavor.

The wine is crystal clear, subtly fragrant, with a gentle sweetness intertwined with a hint of spiciness, revealing more depth with each sip. This is not just a beverage but a source of pride for the people of Van Village, passed down through many generations.
Ke Rice Cracker
Ke Rice Cracker is a rustic Bac Ninh specialty that has won the hearts of diners far and wide. These large, round, glossy golden crackers, when grilled, release the fragrant aroma of black sesame and roasted peanuts. The crispy crackers are perfect with green tea or as a snack. Unpretentious yet full of hometown flavor, Ke Rice Cracker evokes the simplicity and authenticity of the Bac Ninh people.

Thi Cau Sweet Potato Cake
On your culinary exploration, Thi Cau Sweet Potato Cake is another Bac Ninh specialty you should try. Made from 'nếp cái hoa vàng' glutinous rice, taro, and water from the 'vông vàng' plant, it offers a light, airy texture, a pleasant crispness, and a truly unique flavor.

Though a simple countryside treat, the skillful preparation of Thi Cau Sweet Potato Cake is enough to charm many visitors. It also makes a meaningful gift to bring home for family and friends after your trip to Bac Ninh.
Dinh To Fermented Soybean Paste
Dinh To Fermented Soybean Paste is a Bac Ninh specialty that has become an iconic staple in the daily meals of the local people. This thick, reddish-brown paste has a gentle aroma and a sweet, rich flavor from glutinous rice and corn. It's a unique condiment perfect for dipping boiled vegetables, boiled meat, grilled fish, or accompanying 'bánh đúc' (rice cake). Every drop of this paste is not just a flavor but the essence of culinary culture passed down through generations.

Chu Noodles
Among Bac Ninh's specialties, Chu Noodles are certainly a popular item. Made from the famous Bao Thai Hong rice using a long-standing family recipe, the noodles are smooth, ivory-white, and maintain an appealing chewiness without breaking apart when cooked. Whether prepared as stir-fried noodles, noodle soup, pho, or vermicelli, Chu Noodles offer a distinct flavor that is simple yet unforgettable.

Yen The Hill Chicken
If you're a fan of chicken dishes, Yen The Hill Chicken is an unmissable Bac Ninh specialty. Raised freely on hills, its meat is notably firmer, chewier, and sweeter. Whether grilled, boiled, or used in hotpot, each piece of meat offers an irresistibly rich flavor. This is not just a delicious dish but also a precious product that brings renown to the Kinh Bac region.

Carp Salad (Goi Ca Me)
Famous since 2012 when it entered the top 10 dishes achieving a Guinness World Record in Vietnamese cuisine, Carp Salad (Goi Ca Me) is truly a Bac Ninh specialty that visitors must try. Fresh carp is meticulously prepared and combined with various spices, aromatic herbs, roasted peanuts, and roasted rice powder. The mild sourness, spicy kick, and delicate sweetness blend with the richness of the fish meat, creating a unique dish that those who have tasted it will find hard to forget.

Ant Egg Sticky Rice
Though it might sound unusual, Ant Egg Sticky Rice is a Bac Ninh specialty with a distinct rich and nutty flavor that surprises many. This dish is typically prepared in the 3rd or 4th lunar month, when locals go 'hunting' for black ant eggs.

The fragrant and chewy 'nếp cái hoa vàng' glutinous rice combined with the rich ant eggs creates a rustic yet incredibly appealing sticky rice dish. This is not just a delicacy but also reflects the unique culinary culture of the Tay ethnic group.
Dong Quan Rice Cake (Banh Duc)
A simple yet captivating Bac Ninh specialty is Dong Quan Rice Cake (Banh Duc). This cake is pristine white, soft, and smooth, with a subtle aroma of rice, often dotted with crunchy, nutty peanuts.

When dipped in 'tương bần' (fermented soybean paste), the delicate sweetness and cool chewiness, combined with the rich nuttiness, create an unforgettable experience. Each piece of Banh Duc is a crystallization of the skill and sophistication in Kinh Bac's rural cuisine.
Hairy Crab (Cua Da)
One of Bac Ninh's renowned specialties that you simply can't miss is 'Cua Da' (Hairy Crab) – a species that only lives in the rocky rapids along the Cau River. What makes it special is that these crabs only appear during the two coldest months at the end of the year, so if you want to savor them, you must visit Bac Ninh during their season.

Hairy crabs can be prepared in various ways, such as stir-fried with salt, steamed with beer, or cooked in soup. When cooked, their shells turn an appealing orange-yellow, and the meat inside is both sweet and firm. Even the crab claws are tender and easy to crack, allowing you to fully enjoy their unique deliciousness, a flavor rarely found in other crab species.
Hiep Hoa Black Olive Salad (Nham Tram)
If you've ever tasted Hiep Hoa Black Olive Salad (Nham Tram), you'll surely remember its uniquely blended flavors forever. This dish is made from rich, fatty black olives combined with sweet fish meat, then mixed with aromatic herbs, sesame, roasted peanuts, and a touch of fermented paste, creating an unforgettable savory taste.

Each ingredient is finely chopped and perfectly blended, creating a rustic dish that embodies the culinary soul of Bac Ninh. Nham Tram is not only delicious but also a source of pride for the people of Hiep Hoa, making every distant visitor want to try it at least once.
My Do Sweet Mung Bean Pudding (Che Kho)
My Do Sweet Mung Bean Pudding (Che Kho) is a traditional dessert deeply rooted in the flavors of Bac Ninh. Made from glutinous rice and mung beans, this pudding has an appealing deep yellow color, garnished with a fragrant sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds on top.

When savored, the delicate sweetness of sugar blends with the rich nuttiness of mung beans and the aroma of sesame, creating a taste that is both familiar and special. My Do Sweet Mung Bean Pudding is not just a rustic snack but also frequently appears during festivals and Tet (Lunar New Year) as a cherished culinary memory for the people of Bac Ninh.
Son Dong Bat Tien Tea
Few know that Bac Ninh also boasts a famous and delicious tea, no less renowned than those from Thai Nguyen or Suoi Giang – it's Son Dong Bat Tien Tea. With ideal soil and climate, the tea plants here yield lush green young buds with a subtle jasmine fragrance.

Bat Tien Tea is special because it doesn't leave sediment when brewed, nor does it stain or mold the teacup, maintaining a beautiful, clear green color. Take a small sip, and you'll feel the rich, refreshing taste spread throughout your palate. On chilly days in the highlands, enjoying a hot cup of Bat Tien Tea will make your soul feel truly light and warm.
Bac Ninh Specialty Fruits
When Bac Ninh specialties are mentioned, many immediately think of traditional dishes associated with Kinh Bac culture, but few know that the region also offers unforgettable specialty fruits. From the crisp, sweet, and fragrant guava orchards of Dinh Bang to the plump, bright red persimmons of Van An when in season, all captivate visitors.

Especially, Thuan Thanh longan, with its thick flesh, delicate sweetness, and distinctive aroma, is also a popular choice for enjoyment and as a gift. These fruits not only enrich Bac Ninh's local cuisine but also contribute to its unique identity, making every trip to the Kinh Bac region even more complete.
The land of Kinh Bac not only captivates visitors with its smooth Quan Ho folk songs but also with countless delicious dishes that embody the soul of the countryside. If you have the chance to visit, don't miss the opportunity to choose thesespecialties in Bac Ninhyou must try at least once when traveling and buy as gifts; it will surely make your trip even more complete and meaningful.
Bac Ninh 1796 view
Update day : 01/10/2025
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