Hạ Long Squid Cake is a renowned specialty of Quang Ninh, notable for its sea flavor and distinctive chewy texture. With its delicate preparation, Hạ Long Squid Cake has become a must-try dish for tourists visiting the area.
Exploring the unique culinary culture with various delicious and enticing dishes is an unforgettable experience when traveling to Hạ Long. Surely, Hạ Long Squid Cake is an essential item on the list of must-try delicious foods. Let’s delve into more about this specialty in the following article!
1/ Introduction to Hạ Long Squid Cake
1.1. Why Hạ Long Squid Cake is beloved by diners
Hạ Long Squid Cake—Quang Ninh’s specialty—is adored by many diners for good reasons. Its delightful taste takes those who savor it on a unique gastronomic journey exploring the flavors of the sea.
The aromatic, tender, golden-brown exterior and smooth, white interior of the squid cake exude the distinctive sea taste found only in Hạ Long. The excellent quality of fresh squid from Hạ Long’s sea is the main factor in creating the exquisite and enticing flavor of this dish.
Moreover, the traditional processing techniques passed down through generations and the meticulous cooking process, where the squid is hand-ground, result in the perfect smoothness and stickiness of Hạ Long Squid Cake. Dishes made from Hạ Long’s seafood are tantalizing experiences you shouldn’t miss when visiting.
1.2. How much does Hạ Long Squid Cake cost?
The price of Hạ Long Squid Cake depends on the ingredients used in its preparation.
The price varies based on whether the cake is made entirely from squid or a mix of squid and pork. For top-quality squid cakes, adding a bit of glutinous rice flour as a seasoning can enhance stickiness without compromising quality. However, excessive use of flour to cut costs may negatively impact the taste.
Additionally, the price of squid cakes depends on which part of the squid is used. Those made solely from the squid’s head are the cheapest, followed by those using both the head and body, while the most expensive are cakes using only the squid’s body. The price of Quang Ninh Squid Cakes ranges from 450,000 to 550,000 VND/kg, depending on the ingredients used in processing.
1.3. How to make the most delicious Hạ Long Squid Cake
To achieve the most delicious squid cakes, it’s crucial to select fresh, clean ingredients.
The first step in making delicious squid cakes is choosing fresh, high-quality squid, freshly caught. Typically, the selected squid are large, fresh, with intact tentacles and shiny skin.
The subsequent processing involves hand-grinding the squid to preserve its crispy and gritty texture when tasted. Cutting the squid cake in half is a way to distinguish between hand-ground and machine-ground squid cakes. Hand-ground squid cakes are dense, tightly packed, not spongy, and devoid of air gaps.
1.4. What are the best accompaniments for Quang Ninh Squid Cake?
Fried squid cake dipped in chili sauce: Squid cake paired with chili sauce is a simple yet incredibly delicious combination. Frying the squid cake until golden, then dipping it in chili sauce results in a crispy, fragrant piece that harmonizes with the spicy chili sauce—a fantastic culinary experience. This dish becomes even more enjoyable when paired with a bit of beer.
Squid cake with sticky rice: Squid cake served with sticky rice—a unique and nutritious combination for a family breakfast, especially during cold weather. Using white sticky rice, frying the squid cake until crispy, adding fried shallots and chili sauce creates an enticing dish.
Squid cake vermicelli: If you wish to savor the flavors of “soupy” dishes, don’t miss out on squid cake vermicelli. This dish entices with a broth simmered from pork bones, adding sour bamboo shoots, tomatoes, seasoning, and finally, squid cake cut into small pieces.
Squid cake with pyramid-shaped rice dumpling: Try a new twist with chewy squid cake paired with rice dumplings—a fresh alternative to traditional options. This breakfast dish isn’t just delicious but also an excellent source of nutrition for all family members.
Squid cake rolled rice pancakes: Typically, rice pancakes are served with fried spring rolls or boiled meat. However, have you tried them with crispy hot squid cake? This is definitely a unique and worth-trying combination for any diner.
2/ Tips for selecting the finest Hạ Long Squid Cake
Choose hand-ground squid cakes that are not spongy
To ensure you’re purchasing top-quality squid cakes, the most important aspect is selecting hand-ground ones. Besides inquiring about the price, when buying, ask specifically whether the squid cake is hand-ground or machine-ground. You can also request to see a cut piece of the squid cake.
Machine-ground squid cakes typically have spongy, loosely bound pieces. Conversely, hand-ground squid cakes are firm, tightly bound, without spongy gaps, especially visible with larger squid chunks.
3/ Where to buy high-quality squid sausage in Ha Long?
3.1. Dasavina Ha Long Squid Sausage
- Addresses: Lot 41, Group 1, Zone 6, Yết Kiêu Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province
- No. 18, Block 4B, Trung Yen 10A, Yen Hoa, Cau Giay District, Hanoi City
Dasavina squid sausage still retains the traditional squid sausage flavor and is processed by hand grinding methods. The product ensures no food additives or preservatives when reaching consumers’ hands.
Each stage of processing here strictly adheres to food safety procedures. The modern packaging line makes it easy to preserve and transport. Dasavina squid sausage is highly appreciated by customers for its reputable origin and outstanding quality.
3.2. Hand-ground Ha Long Quang Phong Squid Sausage
- Address: kiosk C112A, Ha Long Street, Bai Chay, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province
Quang Phong hand-ground squid sausage is a specialty that tourists should not miss when visiting Ha Long. With a commitment to safety and product quality, this brand has built trust with many customers and partners.
Quang Phong sausage is made from fresh, delicious Ha Long squids, carefully selected. The processing steps are carried out carefully, meticulously, and entirely hand-ground. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy Quang Phong squid sausage when visiting Ha Long!
3.3. Ha Long Hien Nhung Squid Sausage
- Addresses: Hien Nhung Ha Long squid sausage has many branches in provinces and cities across the country such as:
- Kiot 228-229-230, Market 1, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province
- No. 16, Alley 104, Dao Tan, Hanoi City Ky Son Hamlet, Phong Loc, Hau Loc, Thanh Hoa
- No. 87, Cat Cut, Le Chan, Hai Phong
When visiting Ha Long market to buy squid sausage, don’t miss Hien Nhung squid sausage. The squid sausage here is processed from 100% fresh squid caught in the waters of Quang Ninh and hand-ground in a traditional way to create softness and elasticity.
Frying the sausage is also an art, ensuring it doesn’t become tough or dry, maintaining its golden color and sweet taste. Hien Nhung squid sausage comes in various small pieces or larger cakes, packaged or vacuum-sealed for tourists to choose from.
3.4. Thoan delicious Ha Long squid sausage
- Address: 36 + 37 Fresh Food Section Ha Long Market 1
Thoan Ha Long squid sausage, established in 1998, has become a famous brand that tourists cannot ignore when visiting Quang Ninh. Using traditional processing methods and continuous research and creativity, this brand brings products with the distinctive flavor of Ha Long land.
Thoan’s squid sausage not only has a strong taste but also brings a familiar taste sensation. When fried, the hot and fragrant sausage pieces, paired with pepper or chili sauce, provide a unique culinary experience. When visiting Quang Ninh, don’t forget to visit Ha Long market and enjoy this attractive dish.
3.5. Ha Long Quang Ninh Mrs. Nu’s Squid Sausage
- Address: No. 238, Ly Anh Tong, Zone 8, Cai Rong Town, Van Don, Quang Ninh
Ha Long hand-ground squid sausage from Mrs. Nu is a famous brand in the market today, carrying the heritage of over 100 years. Known as a delicate gift for guests, Mrs. Nu’s squid sausage is made from fresh and delicious squids from Van Don and Co To, weighing from 1-3 kg.
Customers visiting here not only get to taste the excellent flavor of this dish but also have the opportunity to observe the processing procedure directly. With quality products and attentive service, Mrs. Nu’s squid sausage attracts a large number of customers.
