Every region possesses a signature culinary masterpiece that defines its local heritage. Just as Hai Duong is renowned for its freshwater fish noodle soup and Hoi An boasts its legendary Cao Lau, Quang Ninh captures the hearts of travelers from near and far with its world-famous Ha Long squid cake (Chả mực Halong).
See more: Ha Long Specialties: What to Eat? What to Buy?
An Introduction to Hand-Pounded Ha Long Squid Cake
Ha Long squid cake, a celebrated delicacy of the Quang Ninh coastal region, has captivated countless gourmets with its exquisite flavor and meticulous craftsmanship. This culinary masterpiece is not only a source of immense pride for the locals but also a true icon of Vietnamese gastronomy, honored among the top 50 finest dishes in Vietnam. On December 12, 2013, the National Office of Intellectual Property of Vietnam (ipvietnam) officially granted the “Ha Long” Geographical Indication protection certificate to this iconic specialty.
What sets Ha Long squid cake apart is its premier ingredient: pristine, freshly caught bigfin reef squid harvested directly from the crystalline waters of Ha Long Bay. Thanks to the bay’s unique sheltered environment and rich marine flora, the squid here boast exceptionally thick, naturally sweet flesh, delivering an inimitable flavor profile. Furthermore, Ha Long squid cake is crafted entirely by hand using traditional pounding techniques, demanding extraordinary skill and patience from the artisans. Every single fiber of the squid is delicately pounded and blended with natural seasonings to achieve a wonderfully supple, aromatic paste. When pan-fried, the patties turn a brilliant golden hue, offering a delightful crispness on the outside while remaining tender and succulent within—a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Ha Long Bigfin Reef Squid
Historical accounts record that the art of hand-pounding squid cakes in Ha Long City dates back to 1946, introduced by a Vietnamese chef (believed to be Mr. Tai Le) who served on a French colonial vessel stationed in modern-day Ha Long City. During his service, he mastered the traditional hand-pounding technique. Recognizing that this method produced exceptionally flavorful squid cakes, he passed the treasured recipe down to his descendants after peace was restored. To this day, this treasured culinary heritage is meticulously preserved in Ha Long, making the squid cake a universally beloved delicacy.
From its golden appearance to its enticing aroma, Ha Long squid cake is utterly irresistible. On the outside, each patty glows with a honey-like golden sheen, while the interior reveals the pristine, fragrant white of pure squid meat. Although surprisingly light in hand compared to other varieties, Ha Long squid cake feels remarkably dense and substantial upon tasting. It can be prepared in numerous exquisite ways and is exceptionally delicious simply pan-fried and served with chili sauce. As the local saying goes: “Hand-pounded squid cakes, a flavor so sublime it enchants the soul.”
Ha Long Squid Cake
How to Make Ha Long Squid Cake
Hand-pounded Ha Long squid cake is not merely a delicious dish; it is a testament to the dedication and meticulous artistry of the coastal people. Creating a flavorful, rich, and authentic squid cake requires strict adherence to the following steps:
1. Selecting the Squid:
- Type of Squid: Only fresh bigfin reef squid harvested directly from the waters of Ha Long Bay should be used.
- Size: Choose specimens weighing between 2-3 kg, as this is the ideal size to ensure thick, firm, and naturally sweet meat.
- Freshness: The squid must be impeccably fresh with clear eyes, firm flesh, and no fishy odor. Sourcing squid in season guarantees the absolute highest quality.
2. Ingredients:
Essential ingredients for preparing Ha Long squid cake
- Fresh bigfin reef squid
- Golden flower sticky rice flour (bột nếp cái hoa vàng)
- Black peppercorns
- Shallots
- Premium artisanal fish sauce
- Cooking oil
3. Preparation Method:
- Squid Preparation: Clean the fresh squid by removing the backbone, ink sac, and outer skin, retaining only the thick body. This step must be executed with utmost precision; failing to remove the skin will make pounding difficult and result in a tough texture. After cleaning, 1 kg of fresh squid yields approximately 600g of meat, which must be thoroughly patted dry to ensure optimal elasticity and smoothness when pounded.
- Pounding: The prepared squid is placed into a traditional mortar and pounded by hand. While food processors save labor and increase output, they fail to achieve the necessary smoothness and suppleness, diminishing the exquisite texture of authentic squid cake.
- Seasoning: Once pounded to a smooth consistency, the squid is blended with finely minced shallots, cracked black pepper, premium fish sauce, and a touch of sticky rice flour to enhance binding.
- Frying: This is a crucial stage in creating a delectable squid cake. The patties are fried exclusively in vegetable oil rather than animal fat to reduce richness and prevent scorching. For perfection, the frying is done in two stages: the first fry cooks the cakes to about 70%, while the second fry begins in warm oil, allowing the cakes to cook evenly from the inside out, expand gracefully, and avoid burning.
4. Storage:
Packaging and Storing Ha Long Squid Cake
- For immediate consumption: Store in the refrigerator chiller compartment for 3–5 days. Simply reheat by pan-frying, and the patties will puff up deliciously.
- For vacuum-sealed storage: Thaw completely before cooking. When frying, place the cakes into cold oil so they cook evenly throughout, preventing the exterior from burning while the interior remains uncooked.
Notes:
- When frying frozen squid cakes, always start with cool oil to prevent the outside from charring before the center is cooked through.
- Ha Long squid cake is best enjoyed dipped in chili sauce or garlic-chili fish sauce.
5. Culinary Pairings with Squid Cake
Steamed Rice Rolls with Squid Cake (Bánh cuốn chả mực): A sophisticated harmony between the sweet, chewy texture of the squid cake and delicate, silky steamed rice rolls, creating an enticing breakfast or light meal. Golden, crispy squid cakes are served atop translucent white rice rolls, garnished with fragrant fried shallots and a sweet-and-sour dipping sauce, delivering an unforgettable epicurean delight.
Ha Long Steamed Rice Rolls with Squid Cake
Sticky Rice with Squid Cake (Xôi chả mực): A nourishing, nutrient-rich breakfast or snack that blends the fragrant, chewy texture of sticky rice with the savory depth of squid cake and a luscious drizzle of scallion oil. This dish is the ultimate choice for discerning travelers seeking a meal that is both exceptionally flavorful and convenient.
Ha Long Sticky Rice with Squid Cake
Hand-pounded Ha Long squid cake is more than just a culinary delight—it is an emblematic cultural expression of this heritage land. Experience it for yourself to savor the profound, quintessentially oceanic flavors infused in every single bite.
Most Renowned Squid Cake Establishments in Ha Long
Currently, Ha Long City is home to 30 specialized establishments dedicated to crafting and trading squid cakes, including 23 located in Ha Long Market I and 7 in Ha Long Market II. Ha Long squid cake is featured across a variety of esteemed brands.
1. Hoai Phuong Squid Cake
Hoai Phuong, one of the three largest squid cake producers in Ha Long City, is celebrated for preserving and elevating traditional culinary craftsmanship. Notably, they are among the exclusive few entrusted with the heritage recipe and the historic “Heirloom Mortar” belonging to Mr. Tai Le dating back to 1946—a profound symbol of legacy and dedication to the craft.
Hoai Phuong Squid Cake
Crafted from 100% fresh squid and hand-pounded using traditional methods, Hoai Phuong squid cakes offer a delightfully crispy, chewy texture imbued with the rich essence of the sea. Their products are cherished by locals and trusted by even the most discerning connoisseurs.
Although priced slightly higher, ranging from 350,000 to 370,000 VND per kilogram, the exceptional quality is undeniably worth it. Furthermore, utilizing state-of-the-art vacuum packaging for hygienic preservation and effortless travel, Hoai Phuong squid cake makes a thoughtful, highly prized culinary gift for visitors.
To savor or purchase as a gift, you may place an order at:
- Ha Long: Stalls 778 – 779, Ha Long Market II, Tel: 0166 77 19 888 – 098 889 1050
- Hanoi: 22 Phan Dinh Phung, Ba Dinh District, Tel: 094 733 6292
2. Thoan Squid Cake
Thoan Squid Cake is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious and esteemed brands in Ha Long, Quang Ninh. Backed by extensive expertise and superior product quality, Thoan has earned numerous prestigious accolades, including:
- Asian Record Certificate by the Organization of Asia Records: Officially inducted in 2013 as one of Vietnam’s most celebrated specialty dishes recognized across Asia.
- Vietnam Agricultural Gold Brand 2017: Honored among the top 150 premier agricultural products and brands nationwide for outstanding quality.
Thoan Squid Cake Pricelist
Featured Products:
- Standard Squid Cake: 430,000 VND
- VIP Squid Cake: 600,000 VND
- One-Sun Dried Squid: 850,000 VND
Addresses:
- Main Branch: Ha Long Market 1, Quang Ninh
- Hanoi Branch: No. 3, Lane 627 Giai Phong, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi
- Order Hotline: 0963.403.357 – 0964.273.390
3. Hien Nhung Squid Cake
Hien Nhung is not only a household name among Ha Long residents but also a trusted destination for seafood gourmets nationwide. With a rich heritage and long-standing development, Hien Nhung has firmly established its position as one of the most reputable seafood brands in the Ha Long region.
Diverse Product Selection: Beyond its famous squid cake, Hien Nhung offers an extensive array of premium seafood, including:
- Live Seafood: Lobster, fleshy prawn, mantis shrimp, peanut worm (tu hài), sea crab, flower crab, squid, oysters, peanut worms (ngán), various clams and snails, grouper, eel, snapper, etc.
- Dried Seafood: One-sun dried mackerel, one-sun dried squid, dried shrimp, dried squid, dried peanut worm (sá sùng), etc.
- Specialty Pates & Cakes: Mackerel cake, pike-conger cake, seafood spring rolls, shrimp paste, etc.
Hien Nhung Squid Cake Location
Contact:
- Address: Stalls 228 – 229 – 230, Ha Long Market 1, Ha Long, Quang Ninh
- Phone: 0333.525799 – 0333515899
- Hotline: 0905568899 – 0913505971
4. Kim Thoan Squid Cake
Kim Thoan Squid Cake is a distinguished brand in Ha Long, highly favored for its signature flavor and exceptional quality. Utilizing heirloom techniques and meticulous processing, Kim Thoan delivers delightfully savory, crispy, and chewy squid cakes that embody the authentic taste of the ocean.
Products:
- VIP Squid Cake: 500,000 VND/kg
- Hand-Pounded Squid Cake: 400,000 VND/kg
Kim Thoan Squid Cake
Contact Information:
- Address: 1 New Port, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh
- Phone Number: 0913266599
In addition to the renowned seafood brands highlighted by Halong & Lan Ha Bay Cruise Tours above, Ha Long also features other trusted establishments such as Thang Hue, Tien Chuyen, Lan Diep, and more. Furthermore, local dining venues, fine-dining restaurants, and luxury hotels frequently incorporate squid cake into their menus, transforming it into exquisite culinary creations like sticky rice with squid cake and steamed rice rolls with squid cake.
