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Ninh Binh Food & Restaurant Guide – What & Where to Eat (2025)
Hungry for an authentic taste of Ninh Binh? This comprehensive guide covers the best local dishes, where to find them, must-try restaurants, top street food, and unique culinary experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Vietnam. Eat like a local and make your Ninh Binh trip delicious!
Why Try Ninh Binh Food?
Ninh Binh’s cuisine is shaped by its landscapes, rural culture, and northern Vietnamese roots. Here, food is hearty, fresh, and full of local character—from mountain goat grilled over charcoal to the region’s famous crispy rice and freshwater snails. Every meal is an adventure, and many of the best dishes can only be found in Ninh Binh!
- Unique local specialties not found in Hanoi or Saigon
- Home-cooked flavors and authentic family-run kitchens
- Affordable prices and lots of options for vegetarians, too
Top Ninh Binh Dishes You Have to Try
1. Goat Meat (Dê Núi Ninh Bình)
The undisputed king of Ninh Binh cuisine is goat (“dê núi”). Local goats are raised on the limestone mountains and produce tender, flavorful meat, served in dozens of ways: grilled, steamed with lemongrass, in hotpot, or in spicy stir-fries. Don’t leave without tasting it!
- Where to try: Nhà Hàng Hoàng Giang, Nhà Hàng Thăng Long, Tam Coc Garden Restaurant
2. Crispy Rice (Cơm Cháy Ninh Bình)
Crispy rice (“cơm cháy”) is a crunchy snack made from deep-fried rice cakes, topped with shredded pork or goat, sweet fish sauce, and chives. It’s great for sharing or taking home as a souvenir.
- Where to try: Local markets in Ninh Binh City, Tam Coc street stalls, major restaurants
3. Mountain Snails (Ốc Núi Ninh Bình)
These wild snails are only found in Ninh Binh’s limestone hills. They’re usually steamed with ginger, lemongrass, and local herbs—surprisingly sweet, chewy, and healthy!
- Where to try: Tam Coc night market, Nhà Hàng Ốc Núi, Trang An riverside restaurants
4. Grilled Rice Field Fish (Cá Nướng Đồng)
Caught in the rivers and rice paddies, these freshwater fish are grilled whole with salt and spices. Served with rice and fresh herbs, it’s rustic and full of flavor.
- Where to try: Local homestays, riverside eateries in Tam Coc
5. Ninh Binh Eel Vermicelli (Miến Lươn)
Vermicelli noodles topped with crispy fried eel, herbs, and a rich, peppery broth. Perfect for a quick, hearty breakfast or late-night snack!
- Where to try: Bún Miến Lươn Quang Trung, local breakfast cafes in Ninh Binh City
Best Street Food in Ninh Binh
Don’t miss the energy of Ninh Binh’s markets and street food corners! The Tam Coc night market and central Ninh Binh City both have great local snacks, fresh fruit, and noodle stalls. Popular street foods include:
- Bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls stuffed with pork and wood-ear mushroom)
- Bánh đa cá rô (crispy rice noodle soup with perch fish)
- Nem chua (fermented pork rolls – a tangy snack with chili and garlic)
- Bánh gai (sweet sticky rice cake with mung bean and coconut)
- Fried bananas, sweet potatoes, and taro cakes
Tip: Visit Tam Coc market after 6pm for the most vibrant street food atmosphere!
Best Restaurants in Ninh Binh by Area
Tam Coc Area
- Minh Toan Restaurant: Best for goat, rice, and vegetarian options. Cozy vibe, English menu.
- Chookies Beer Garden: Western and Vietnamese, big garden, live music at weekends.
- Sun Flower Restaurant: Family-run, authentic, good prices for rice and noodles.
Trang An & Rural Area
- Trang An Riverside Restaurant: Beautiful setting, good for grilled fish and hotpot.
- Chez Loan: Long-standing guesthouse with delicious food, French and Vietnamese fusion.
- Lotus Field Homestay: Great local dinners, vegan-friendly options on request.
Ninh Binh City
- Thang Long Restaurant: Famous for goat hotpot, elegant decor, popular with locals.
- Bun Cha Phuong Anh: The best bun cha (grilled pork and noodles) in town, very affordable.
- Nhà Hàng Quang Trung: Traditional menu, busy with families, great for breakfast or lunch.
For a truly local experience, try dinner at your homestay or ask your host for their favorite spot!
Special Culinary Experiences in Ninh Binh
- Join a cooking class: Learn to make crispy rice, fresh spring rolls, or goat hotpot at a local home or farm.
- Farm-to-table tours: Visit vegetable gardens and pick your own ingredients for a countryside meal.
- Riverside BBQ: Book a local BBQ picnic by the Tam Coc or Trang An rivers, often organized by homestays or local guides.
- Seasonal food festivals: Visit in May–June for fresh harvest dishes and unique rural markets.
Want help booking authentic experiences? Contact Heera Travel for food tours, cooking classes, and more.
Tips for Foodies Visiting Ninh Binh
- Try everything once—Ninh Binh’s flavors are unique!
- Ask your server about today’s specials and local recommendations
- Don’t be afraid of local “hole-in-the-wall” spots—they often serve the best food
- Vegetarian? Ask for “chay” dishes—many restaurants can make custom vegan options
- Bring cash for markets and street food
- Spicy sauces and herbs are served on the side—adjust to your taste!
Why Try Ninh Binh Food with Heera Travel?
Heera Travel knows all the hidden gems and secret flavors of Ninh Binh! Our local guides can help you explore authentic food markets, book a private cooking class, arrange farm-to-table meals, or enjoy a riverside BBQ with local families. Whether you want a simple street food crawl or a luxury culinary tour, our team can make your trip delicious and memorable.
- Custom food tours for groups or solo travelers
- Vegetarian, vegan, or food allergy friendly itineraries
- Exclusive access to countryside farm experiences
- Real local advice and English-speaking guides
Contact Heera Travel for a food adventure
Plan Your Ninh Binh Culinary Journey