1. What is special about Bac Ninh cuisine?
Bac Ninh cuisine reflects the simplicity of the countryside, where every recipe is passed down through generations. Instead of being extravagant, Bac Ninh cuisine is loved for its rustic yet refined flavors.
What makes Bac Ninh cuisine truly special is the way each dish is closely tied to a local village or landmark. This connection transforms every meal into a cultural experience. For example, there is nem bui from Bui Village, banh te from Cho Village, and banh duc rieu cua from Duong Xa. These three dishes have been officially recognized by the Vietnam Culinary Culture Association as outstanding delicacies.
At its essence, Bac Ninh cuisine is a living taste of cultural legacy, embodying the soul of Quan Ho folk songs, the closeness of village celebrations, and the enduring customs of a province steeped in history. Whether you are enjoying a steaming bowl of crab soup or savoring the chewy texture of banh te, every bite is a reminder that the food here is not just for nourishment - it is a celebration of history.
>>> Check out the best things to do in Bac Ninh!
2. Top foods in Bac Ninh you should try
2.1. Nem bui (fermented pork roll with toasted rice powder)
Originating from Bui Village near Dau Pagoda, nem bui is made with pork, pork rinds, toasted rice powder, garlic, chili, and herbs. This Bac Ninh food offers harmony between the savory pork, the chewy pork rinds, and the nutty aroma of rice powder, all wrapped in slightly bitter fig leaves. Often served with a dipping sauce of fish sauce, chili, and garlic, nem bui is a symbol of hospitality and tradition among Bac Ninh specialties.
2.2. Banh te (rice cake filled with browned onion)
Banh te from Cho Village is known for its delicate balance of texture and flavor. Wrapped in fragrant dong leaves, each of these slender cakes has a chewy yet tender rice flour shell filled with savory pork, crunchy wood ear mushrooms, and a hint of pepper. Traditionally enjoyed during festivals, weddings, and family gatherings, this Bac Ninh food is best savored warm to let the aroma of the leaves mingle with the flavorful filling.
2.3. Banh duc rieu cua (plain rice flan with crab soup)
If you are on a Bac Ninh food tour, tasting banh duc rieu cua is a delicious way to connect with the province’s culture. It is especially famous in Duong Xa - a charming village known for Quan Ho folk songs. This dish is made from chewy rice flour slices served with crab broth, herbs, and vegetables. The broth, rich from field crabs and tomatoes, blends perfectly with the cake’s soft yet bouncy texture, creating a flavorful treat.
2.4. Pho gan chay (Pho with seared liver)
Pho gan chay is a distinctive dish in Bac Ninh cuisine, especially popular among visitors to Ba Chua Kho Temple. This noodle dish combines charred pork liver with tender pork cuts or sautéed pork heart and kidneys, which are served alongside a variety of fresh greens. The broth is slowly simmered from pork bones, seasoned to perfection for a rich yet balanced flavor. The locals often enjoy it for breakfast or lunch.
2.5. Banh khuc (rice cake with onions or beans)
Among Vietnamese cakes, banh khuc from Diem Village stands out as a delicious snack. A beloved specialty made from fragrant khuc leaves and rice flour, this cake is filled with either a savory mung bean mixture blended with pork and pepper or a flavorful combination of onions, wood ear mushrooms, shallots, and minced pork belly. Shaped like small rounds or elephant ears, its thin green crust hides a flavorful core.
2.6. Banh phu the (conjugal cake)
Banh phu the, a traditional delicacy from Dinh Bang Ward near Do Temple, stands out in Bac Ninh cuisine. It is a sweet, fragrant cake that symbolizes eternal love. A carefully wrapped banh phu the combines glutinous rice flour with shredded green papaya, mung beans, coconut seeds, lotus seeds, and a natural yellow hue derived from the gardenia fruit. Soft, fragrant, and lightly sweet, it is often enjoyed during festivals or weddings.
2.7. Banh cuon Mao Dien (Mao Dien steamed rice rolls)
Banh cuon Mao Dien is topped with a generous layer of golden fried shallots, giving it a beautiful color and irresistible aroma. Served with Vietnamese pork rolls or sausage and dipped in a savory fish sauce, it offers a comforting taste of the countryside. As a beloved highlight of Bac Ninh cuisine, banh cuon Mao Dien is a must-try, where every bite reflects the province’s culinary heritage.
2.8. Thit chuot Dinh Bang (Dinh Bang rat meat)
For visitors to Dinh Bang Communal House, tasting rat meat is a must. Often featured even in traditional wedding feasts, this dish uses field rats that are cleaned, flame-seared to a golden crisp, and cooked into a variety of dishes such as grilled rat, stir-fried rat with lemongrass and chili, sweet and sour rat, or rat stew with beans. Each preparation offers a rich flavor that surprises many adventurous food lovers.
2.9. Banh tro (ash glutinous rice cake)
Banh tro is a cherished delicacy in Bac Ninh, particularly renowned in Dinh To Village. Its distinctive taste comes from ash water, crafted by burning clean sticky rice straw and mixing the ash with lime, then using the liquid to soak polished glutinous rice. Wrapped in softened banana or dong leaves and steamed carefully, this cake boasts a translucent, tender texture and a fresh, inviting fragrance.
2.10. Ga Ho (Ho chicken)
Ga Ho is a regal specialty showcasing the rich flavors of Bac Ninh cuisine. A prized specialty from Lac Tho Village, it is famous for its impressive size, firm meat, and glossy feathers. Once reserved as a royal tribute, this heritage breed is loved by both locals and tourists. Traditionally, ga Ho is boiled or roasted to retain its sweetness, then enjoyed with herbs, lime, and salt-pepper dip.
2.11. Chao ca Tich Nghi (Tich Nghi fish porridge)
Chao ca Tich Nghi is a winter comfort food originating from Ve An in the 1970s. Known for its thick, velvety texture, this porridge is made with carp or grass carp, offering tender, flavorful meat that blends perfectly with the sweetness of slow-cooked rice. Enjoyed steaming hot alongside fresh herbs, crispy fried fish roe, and a hint of spicy chili fish sauce, it soothes and comforts from within.
>>> Read more: 13 Bac Ninh restaurants with great flavors you should try
Bac Ninh cuisine stands out as a delicious expression of local culture. Whether sampling iconic dishes or discovering hidden gems, every bite offers a taste of the province’s deep-rooted heritage.
While you are in Bac Ninh, staying at Vinpearl Hotel Bac Ninh offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. This modern hotel provides stylish rooms, excellent amenities, and easy access to the city’s attractions. Whether you’re exploring Bac Ninh’s rich history or indulging in its cuisine, Vinpearl Hotel Bac Ninh ensures a memorable stay.
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