Every region possesses a signature delicacy that defines its local identity. While Hai Duong is celebrated for its vermicelli with field crab, and Quang Nam is famous for Hoi An Cao Lau, Quang Ninh offers travelers a culinary treasure that has earned nationwide acclaim: Ha Long Squid Cake (Cha Muc).
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 renowned specialty of the Quang Ninh coastal region, has captivated countless diners with its unique flavor and the sophistication found in every bite. This dish is not only a point of local pride but also a symbol of Vietnamese gastronomy, honored among the top 50 most delicious dishes in Vietnam. On December 12, 2013, the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP VIETNAM) officially granted the “Ha Long” Geographical Indication protection certificate to this exquisite product.
What sets Ha Long Squid Cake apart is its primary ingredient: fresh cuttlefish, caught directly from the waters of Ha Long Bay. Thanks to the unique ecosystem of these sheltered, seaweed-rich waters, the cuttlefish here are known for their thick, succulent, and intensely sweet meat, creating an unmistakable flavor profile. Furthermore, authentic Ha Long Squid Cake is crafted entirely by hand using traditional pounding methods, a process that demands both skill and meticulous care from the artisan. Each piece of squid meat is pounded into a smooth, elastic paste and combined with natural spices to produce an aromatic, refined texture. When fried, the cakes turn a beautiful golden hue, remaining crispy on the outside while staying tender and succulent on the inside, offering an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Ha Long cuttlefish is prized for its superior flavor compared to other varieties found throughout Vietnam.
Historical records indicate that the craft of making hand-pounded squid cakes in Ha Long City dates back to 1946. It is said that a Vietnamese man (believed to be Mr. Tai Le), who worked as a chef on a French colonial ship stationed in present-day Ha Long City, learned the technique during his service. Recognizing that this method produced an exceptionally fragrant and delicious result, he passed the secret down to his descendants after the war. Today, this ancestral secret remains preserved in Ha Long, and it is thanks to this traditional recipe that Ha Long Squid Cake has become such a beloved dish.
Ha Long Squid Cake is enticing in both appearance and aroma. The exterior boasts a rich golden color, reminiscent of honey, while the interior is snow-white and fragrant with the essence of fresh squid. Though the cakes feel surprisingly light in the hand compared to other varieties, they are remarkably dense and satisfying in flavor. This versatile delicacy can be prepared in various ways; even simple frying and serving with chili sauce is enough to delight the palate. There is a reason the locals say: “Hand-pounded squid cake, a taste that captivates the soul.”
Ha Long Squid Cake is ranked among the top 50 most delicious specialties in Vietnam.
How to Make Ha Long Squid Cake
Ha Long hand-pounded squid cake is not merely a delicious meal; it is a symbol of the dedication and heart of the coastal people. To achieve a fragrant, flavorful, and authentic result, one must follow these precise steps:
1. Selecting the Squid:
- Variety: Only fresh cuttlefish caught from the Ha Long Bay waters should be used.
- Size: Opt for specimens weighing between 2-3kg; this is the ideal size for thick, firm, and naturally sweet meat.
- Freshness: The squid must be fresh, with clear eyes, firm flesh, and no fishy odor. Squid caught during the peak season yields the highest quality product.
2. Ingredients:
Essential ingredients for preparing Ha Long squid cakes
- Fresh cuttlefish
- “Cai Hoa Vang” glutinous rice flour
- Black pepper
- Dried shallots
- Premium fish sauce
- Cooking oil
3. Preparation Method:
- Preparing the squid: After cleaning the fresh squid, remove the quill, ink sac, and outer skin, retaining only the main body meat. This step must be performed meticulously; if the skin is not removed properly, pounding the meat becomes difficult, and the final cake will be tough. One kilogram of fresh squid will yield approximately 600g of meat, which must be dried thoroughly to ensure the perfect texture when pounded.
- Pounding the squid: The prepared squid is placed in a mortar and pounded by hand. While food processors can save time and increase productivity, they fail to achieve the signature bouncy and tender consistency essential for a high-quality Ha Long squid cake.
- Seasoning: Once the squid has been pounded into a smooth paste, it is seasoned with minced dried shallots, black pepper, premium fish sauce, and a touch of glutinous rice flour to provide the necessary binding.
- Frying: This is a crucial step in achieving a delicious result. The cakes are fried in vegetable oil rather than animal fat to prevent burning and ensure a lighter flavor. For optimal results, fry in two stages: first, fry until 70% cooked; then, perform a second fry, starting from cool oil to ensure the cakes cook evenly through to the center, expanding beautifully without burning.
4. Storage:
Packaging and storing Ha Long Squid Cakes
- For immediate consumption: Store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Simply fry before serving to allow the cakes to puff up and regain their delicious texture.
- If vacuum-sealed: Thaw completely before cooking. When frying, add the cakes to cool oil and gradually heat to ensure even cooking, preventing the exterior from browning before the center is done.
Notes:
- When frying frozen squid cakes, always start with cool oil to prevent the outside from charring while the inside remains frozen.
- Ha Long squid cakes are best enjoyed with chili sauce or fish sauce infused with garlic and chili.
5. Recommended pairings for squid cakes
Banh Cuon Cha Muc (Steamed Rice Rolls with Squid Cake): A refined combination of the sweet, chewy squid cake and delicate, silky steamed rice rolls. This makes for an enticing breakfast or snack. The crispy, golden-fried squid cake served atop thin, white rice rolls—topped with fragrant fried shallots and a sweet-and-sour dipping sauce—offers an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ha Long Banh Cuon with Squid Cake
Xoi Cha Muc (Sticky Rice with Squid Cake): A nutritious breakfast or snack that harmonizes the chewy, fragrant glutinous rice with the rich, savory flavor of the squid cake and a hint of scallion oil. Sticky rice with squid cake is the perfect choice for those seeking a meal that is both satisfying and convenient.
Sticky Rice with Ha Long Squid Cake
Ha Long hand-pounded squid cake is not merely a delicious dish; it is an iconic cultural culinary heritage of this region. We invite you to prepare and savor these cakes to experience the authentic, profound essence of the ocean in every bite.
The Most Renowned Squid Cake Establishments in Ha Long
Currently, Ha Long City is home to 30 establishments dedicated to the processing and sale of squid cakes (*cha muc*), with 23 located in Ha Long Market I and 7 in Ha Long Market II. Ha Long squid cake products are diverse, featuring a range of prestigious brands.
1. Hoai Phuong Squid Cake
Hoai Phuong Squid Cake, one of the three largest producers in Ha Long City, is celebrated for preserving and promoting the traditional craft of squid cake making. Notably, they are among the few keepers of the heritage passed down through generations, still maintaining the “Legacy Mortar” of Mr. Tai Le from 1946—a symbol of their deep dedication and commitment to the craft.
Hoai Phuong Squid Cake
Hoai Phuong squid cakes are crafted from 100% fresh squid, hand-pounded using traditional methods to create a texture that is firm, bouncy, and bursting with the authentic flavors of the sea. Their products are not only favored by locals but also captivate the most discerning of gourmets.
While the price is slightly premium—ranging from 350,000 to 370,000 VND per kg—the quality makes it entirely worthwhile. Furthermore, with modern vacuum-sealing technology, the product is hygienic and convenient for travel, making Hoai Phuong squid cake a thoughtful gift favored by many visitors.
If you wish to savor them on-site or purchase them as a gift, you can place an order at:
- Ha Long: 778 – 779 Ha Long Market II, Tel: 0166 77 19 888 – 098 889 1050
- Hanoi: 22 Phan Dinh Phung, Ba Dinh, Tel: 094 733 6292
2. Thoan Squid Cake
Thoan Ha Long Squid Cake is one of the most famous and reputable squid cake brands in Ha Long, Quang Ninh. With extensive experience and superior product quality, Thoan Squid Cake has been honored with numerous prestigious awards, including:
- Asia Book of Records Certificate: Thoan Ha Long Squid Cake was honored as one of Vietnam’s famous specialties, officially recognized by the Asia Book of Records in 2013.
- Vietnam Agricultural Gold Brand 2017: Thoan Squid Cake was recognized as one of the top 150 agricultural products and brands in the country for high quality and nationwide recognition.
Thoan Squid Cake Price List
Highlighted Products:
- Squid Cake: 430,000 VND
- VIP Squid Cake: 600,000 VND
- One-sun-dried Squid: 850,000 VND
Address:
- Main Facility: Ha Long Market 1, Quang Ninh
- Branch: No. 3, Lane 627 Giai Phong, Hoang Mai, Hanoi
- Order Hotline: 0963.403.357 – 0964.273.390
3. Hien Nhung Squid Cake
Hien Nhung is not only a familiar name to the residents of Ha Long but also a trusted destination for seafood connoisseurs nationwide. With a long history of establishment and growth, Hien Nhung has cemented its position as one of the most reputable seafood brands in the Ha Long coastal region.
Diverse Products: In addition to their famous squid cakes, Hien Nhung offers a wide array of other seafood products, such as:
- Fresh Seafood: Lobster, tiger prawns, mantis shrimp, geoduck, mud crab, blue crab, squid, oysters, lugworms, clams, various snails, grouper, eel, and more.
- Dried Seafood: Sun-dried mackerel, sun-dried squid, dried shrimp, dried squid, dried peanut worms (sá sùng), and more.
- Specialty Fish Cakes: Mackerel cake, music fish cake, seafood spring rolls, shrimp paste, and more.
Hien Nhung Squid Cake Location
Contact Information:
- Address: Stalls 228 – 229 – 230, Ha Long Market 1, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh
- Telephone: 0333.525799 – 0333515899
- Hotline: 0905568899 – 0913505971
4. Kim Thoan Squid Cake
Kim Thoan Squid Cake is a renowned brand in Ha Long, celebrated for its signature flavor and exceptional quality. Through time-honored family recipes and a meticulous preparation process, Kim Thoan offers diners delicious, perfectly textured squid cakes that capture the authentic essence of the sea.
Products:
- VIP Squid Cake: 500,000 VND/kg
- Hand-Pounded Squid Cake: 400,000 VND/kg
Kim Thoan Squid Cake
Contact Details:
- Address: 1 Cang Moi, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh
- Phone Number: 0913266599
In addition to the esteemed seafood brands listed above by our team at Halong-Lanhabaycruisetours, Ha Long is home to many other reputable names such as Thang Hue, Tien Chuyen, and Lan Diep. Furthermore, local eateries, restaurants, and hotels frequently feature squid cakes on their menus, incorporating them into delightful dishes like sticky rice with squid cake or steamed rice rolls with squid cake.
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