Planning a trip to the ancient capital city of Ninh Binh? Don't forget to treat your taste buds to the local specialties! Ninh Binh offers a wide variety of delicious foods, from crispy rice crust to savory goat meat dishes, fresh fish, hearty soups, and more. Not only are these dishes incredibly tasty, but they also boast health benefits. Each bite is like a gift from nature itself! Check out our list of the top 6 must-try foods in Ninh Binh below. Some may sound unusual, but trust us, once you give them a try, you'll be hooked!
Ninh Binh Goat meat
Ninh Binh is famous for its tender and flavorful goat meat dishes, often grilled or cooked in various savory stews and soups.
Ant egg sticky rice (Xoi trung kien) - a traditional dish in Ninh Binh
Ant egg sticky rice is a traditional dish of the Tay people in the Northern mountainous part of Vietnam. The egg from black ants are fried with seasonings and then mixed with fried garlic and sticky rice for a unique taste of crispiness from the egg and fattiness from the garlic.
Burned rice (Com chay) - must-try dish in Ninh Binh
This crispy rice dish is a Ninh Binh specialty, made by pan-frying cooked rice until it turns golden brown and crunchy. It's often served with grilled meats or eaten as a snack.
Ninh Binh Sticky rice cake (Banh gai)
Banh gai is a traditional Vietnamese dessert made from glutinous rice, black beans, and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until tender. It has a sweet and slightly nutty flavor.
Ninh Binh goat meat salad (Nom de)
This refreshing salad features thinly sliced Ninh Binh goat meat mixed with herbs, green papaya, carrots, and a tangy dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and chili.
Yen Mac fermented pork roll (Nem chua Yen Mac)
Yen Mac village in Ninh Binh is known for its traditional fermented pork rolls, which are made from minced pork, garlic, and chili, wrapped in banana leaves and left to ferment for several days. The result is a tangy and savory snack that pairs well with beer.