Best Food in Hai Phong: Top Local Dishes You Must Try in 2025

If you’re planning a trip to Northern Vietnam, you can’t miss out on discovering the best food in Hai Phong. This vibrant port city, often overshadowed by Hanoi and Halong Bay, offers one of the most authentic and underrated culinary scenes in the country. Known for its historical charm and flamboyant trees, Hai Phong also boasts a unique food culture that captures the essence of coastal Vietnam.

From steaming bowls of crab noodle soup to spicy baguette snacks, this guide will walk you through the best food in Hai Phong — what to try, where to eat, and how to enjoy it like a local in 2025.

1. Bánh Đa Cua – The Star of the Best Food in Hai Phong

article content

At the very top of the list when discussing the best food in Hai Phong is bánh đa cua, or Hai Phong crab noodle soup. This hearty dish features chewy red rice noodles immersed in a rich crab-based broth, topped with fried tofu, greens, fish cakes, and crispy shallots. Locals eat it for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner — it’s that good.

📍 Where to try:

Bánh Đa Cua Cô Yến – 2B Phạm Ngũ Lão
Bánh Đa Cua Bà Cụ – 195 Cầu Đất

If you’re a foodie in search of the best food in Hai Phong, this dish is absolutely essential.

2. Nem Cua Bể – A Street Favorite Among the Best Food in Hai Phong

Another highlight in the lineup of the best food in Hai Phong is nem cua bể, or crab spring rolls. These crunchy, golden squares are packed with crab meat, pork, mushrooms, and vermicelli, making them rich in flavor and texture.

📍 Try it at:

Nem Cua Bể Bà Lựu – 179 Cầu Đất
Nhà Hàng Hương Cảng – 94 Trần Nhật Duật

Whether as an appetizer or a snack, nem cua bể remains one of the most loved local bites and a true representative of the best food in Hai Phong.

3. Bún Tôm – Fresh and Fragrant

Bún tôm is a lighter option for those exploring the best food in Hai Phong without going too heavy. Featuring fresh shrimp in a clear, herbaceous broth, this noodle soup is both satisfying and gentle on the palate.

4. Bánh Mì Que – Spicy and Addictive

Bánh mì que, also known as Hai Phong spicy breadsticks, is a street food icon. These small, crunchy baguettes are filled with pate and fiery chili sauce, often enjoyed with iced green tea. They are simple yet bold — a typical characteristic of the best food in Hai Phong.

📍 Sample it at:

Bánh Mì Cay Hải Phòng – 28 Đinh Tiên Hoàng

5. Chè Dừa Dầm – Sweet Ending to Your Food Journey

To wrap up your search for the best food in Hai Phong, don’t miss chè dừa dầm. This coconut dessert with jelly, tapioca, and shaved ice is perfect on a hot day and widely popular among locals and tourists alike.

📍 Best spot:

Chè Dừa Dầm 100 – 100 Hai Bà Trưng

6. Ốc Hải Phòng – Sea Snails Like Nowhere Else

No exploration of the best food in Hai Phong would be complete without trying local snail dishes. Cooked with tamarind, butter, or lemongrass, these seafood treats are best enjoyed with friends at open-air night stalls.

📍 Local favorites:

Ốc Cô Hương – 263 Lạch Tray
Ốc Thủy Dương – 30 Lê Lợi

🛶 Why Hai Phong’s Cuisine Stands Out

What makes the best food in Hai Phong so special is its blend of freshness, creativity, and local pride. Unlike more tourist-saturated destinations, Hai Phong still keeps things authentic. Recipes are passed down through generations, and meals are often served with a smile, even in the humblest street-side stall.

Hai Phong’s coastal location ensures a steady supply of fresh seafood, while its cultural roots bring French, Chinese, and traditional Vietnamese influences to every dish.

✨ Final Thoughts on the Best Food in Hai Phong

If you’re looking to taste the best food in Hai Phong, this guide is your perfect starting point. With dishes that range from comforting crab soups to spicy snacks and sweet tropical desserts, Hai Phong offers a food experience that is bold, diverse, and unforgettable.

So whether you’re visiting Hai Phong for a day or a week, don’t leave without trying its most iconic dishes. The best food in Hai Phong isn’t just a reason to eat — it’s a reason to stay.