Coastal CuisineCrab DishDinner Food

    Crab with Tamarind Sauce

    Ghẹ rang me

    4.6₫180k - 450kBest when ordered fresh at lunch or dinner, especially in seafood restaurants near the bay
    Chirido Lai
    Overview

    Sweet-sour crab dish popular in Ha Long

    Ghẹ rang me is a coastal Vietnamese seafood dish made with crab stir-fried in a glossy tamarind sauce that balances sweet, sour, salty, and savory flavors. In Ha Long, it is often served with rice or as part of a seafood meal, and the sauce is especially good for spooning over rice.
    Gallery

    Photos

    What's in it

    • Fresh crab
    • Tamarind pulp
    • Garlic
    • Shallots
    • Fish sauce
    • Sugar
    • Chili
    • Cooking oil
    • Scallions
    When to eat

    Best moments to enjoy it

    LunchDinner

    Best when ordered fresh at lunch or dinner, especially in seafood restaurants near the bay

    The story

    Origin & history

    Tamarind-based seafood dishes are common across Vietnam's coastal regions, and Ha Long's seafood culture helped make crab with tamarind sauce a popular local order. The dish reflects northern coastal cooking, where fresh crab is paired with bold sauces to highlight sweetness and freshness.

    At the stall

    How to order & pay

    Ordering

    For solo diners, ask for a small portion or half crab if available, since many places serve family-style seafood plates. If you want less mess, ask for the crab to be pre-cracked. A useful phrase is 'một phần nhỏ ghẹ rang me' for a small portion.

    Paying

    Many local seafood spots still prefer cash, though larger restaurants in Ha Long often accept cards or QR payments. Carry small notes and confirm the price before ordering, especially if the menu lists crab by weight.

    Good to know

    Allergens, nutrition & health

    Allergens

    Contains shellfish; may contain fish sauce, soy, and traces of gluten depending on the kitchen

    Nutrition & benefits

    High in protein and minerals from crab; tamarind adds a bright flavor with relatively little added fat when lightly cooked

    Health notes

    Crab dishes can be rich and salty, so balance them with rice and vegetables if you are sensitive to heavy seafood meals. Avoid if you have shellfish allergies, and be cautious with very spicy tamarind sauce if you have a sensitive stomach.

    How to eat it

    Use your hands only if the crab is served in shell and the restaurant provides gloves or tools; otherwise use a fork, spoon, and crab cracker if available. Spoon extra tamarind sauce over rice, and add chili only after tasting the sauce first.

    Where to eat it

    Best spots in Ha Long

    • Quán bia Thu Vệ - Biên Biển

      2.7

      Cienco 5, Yết Kiêu, Hồng Gai, Quảng Ninh, Vietnam

      Hours
      4:00 PM – 1 :00 AM
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    • Nhà Hàng Hải Sản Đại Dương Vàng 9999 LUXURY (Hải sản Ngon)

      4.9

      khu Shophouse Plaza, E404, E201-E402, Bãi Cháy, Quảng Ninh 200000, Vietnam

      Hours
      10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
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    • Nhà hàng Hồng Hạnh 2

      4.2

      30 Phố Hải Phượng, Hạ Long, Quảng Ninh, Vietnam

      Hours
      8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
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