The Rich Tastes of Ninh Binh: A Food Lover’s Guide

Ninh Binh, known for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage, also boasts a rich culinary scene that reflects the region’s history and natural abundance. The local dishes here are not just meals; they are an expression of the land, people, and traditions that have shaped this beautiful province.

Cơm Cháy

Cơm Cháy, or crispy rice, is one of Ninh Binh’s most iconic dishes. This unique treat is made by cooking rice until a golden, crispy layer forms at the bottom of the pot. The crispy rice is then carefully removed, deep-fried, and served with a savory topping of pork floss, shrimp, or beef.

What makes Cơm Cháy special is its delightful texture—the satisfying crunch of the rice combined with the rich, savory toppings creates a dish that is both simple and incredibly flavorful.

Dê Núi

Ninh Binh is famous for its Dê Núi, or mountain goat dishes. The goats here graze on the rocky limestone mountains, which gives the meat a unique flavor and tenderness. The meat is prepared in a variety of ways, from grilling to hotpot, each method bringing out different aspects of its natural taste.

One of the most popular dishes is Dê Nướng, where the goat meat is marinated with spices and grilled to perfection. The result is a smoky, tender dish that is bursting with flavor. Lẩu Dê, or goat hotpot, is another favorite, where the meat is cooked in a rich, savory broth along with fresh vegetables and herbs. These dishes are a true reflection of the region’s natural bounty and are not to be missed.

Nem Chua Yên Mạc

Nem Chua Yên Mạc is a specialty that originates from the Yên Mạc district in Ninh Binh. This dish is a type of fermented sausage made from finely ground pork, pork skin, and a mixture of garlic, chili, and spices. Wrapped in banana leaves and left to ferment, the sausage develops a distinct tangy flavor that is both refreshing and slightly spicy.

Nem Chua Yên Mạc is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, paired with slices of garlic and chili for an extra kick.

Bún Mọc Kim Sơn

Bún Mọc Kim Sơn is a traditional noodle soup that comes from the Kim Sơn district of Ninh Binh. This hearty dish features rice vermicelli noodles served in a clear, savory broth, accompanied by tender pork meatballs. The broth, simmered for hours with pork bones, has a rich, deep flavor that perfectly complements the lightness of the noodles.

Xôi Trứng Kiến

One of the most unusual and fascinating dishes in Ninh Binh is Xôi Trứng Kiến, or ant egg sticky rice. This dish is made with sticky rice that is steamed and topped with ant eggs, which are harvested from weaver ants during the spring season. The ant eggs have a slightly nutty flavor and a creamy texture, which pairs surprisingly well with the chewy, slightly sweet sticky rice.

Miến Lươn

Miến Lươn is a popular dish in Ninh Binh, featuring glass noodles served with crispy fried eel. The eel is marinated in a mixture of spices, then deep-fried until it reaches a perfect level of crispiness. Served atop a bed of soft, chewy noodles, the dish is garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime juice to balance the richness of the eel.

Miến Lươn is a dish that offers a wonderful contrast of textures—the crunch of the eel against the soft noodles creates a satisfying eating experience.

Gỏi Cá Nhệch

Gỏi Cá Nhệch is a raw fish salad that is a specialty of the coastal regions of Vietnam but has become a beloved dish in Ninh Binh as well. This dish features thin slices of raw cá nhệch, a type of fish similar to eel, marinated in a mixture of lime juice, chili, and fresh herbs. The marinated fish is then tossed with shredded vegetables, roasted peanuts, and toasted sesame seeds, creating a dish that is both light and full of flavor.