SeafoodStreet FoodTraditional Dish

    Ha Long Squid Patty

    Chả mực Hạ Long

    4.7₫250k-500kBest eaten fresh and hot. Available throughout the day at local markets and specialty stalls.
    Chirido Lai
    Overview

    Ha Long's most iconic seafood specialty — fresh cuttlefish hand-pounded and deep-fried into a golden, chewy patty with a naturally sweet ocean flavor.

    Cha muc Ha Long is a celebrated specialty of Quang Ninh, made from fresh cuttlefish caught directly from the local waters. What sets it apart is the traditional hand-pounding method (gia tay), which gives the patty a distinctive springy, chewy texture and locks in the natural sweetness of the squid. The mixture is seasoned simply with fish sauce and spices, then deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. Best eaten hot straight from the fryer, it is commonly enjoyed on its own, paired with sticky rice (xoi cha muc), or wrapped in steamed rice rolls (banh cuon cha muc). Visitors often buy extra portions to bring home as a gift from Ha Long.
    Gallery

    Photos

    What's in it

    • cuttlefish
    • fish sauce
    • shallot
    • pepper
    • cooking oil
    When to eat

    Best moments to enjoy it

    BreakfastLunchAnytime

    Best eaten fresh and hot. Available throughout the day at local markets and specialty stalls.

    The story

    Origin & history

    Cha muc has been a staple of Quang Ninh fishing communities for generations, originally made by fishermen as a way to preserve and enjoy fresh cuttlefish. The hand-pounding tradition is considered essential to authentic cha muc and distinguishes Ha Long's version from imitations elsewhere.

    At the stall

    How to order & pay

    Ordering

    Always look for 'cha muc gia tay' (hand-pounded) — it has a much better texture than machine-made. Commonly served with xoi (sticky rice) or banh cuon (steamed rice rolls).

    Paying

    Cash only at most stalls. Buy extra to take home — it keeps well as a souvenir.

    Good to know

    Allergens, nutrition & health

    Allergens

    Contains shellfish (cuttlefish/squid) and fish sauce

    Nutrition & benefits

    High in lean protein and minerals from fresh squid.

    Health notes

    Deep-fried but relatively light due to the lean nature of squid. Avoid if allergic to shellfish.

    Where to eat it

    Best spots in Ha Long

    • Ha Long Market

      4.1

      Vạn Xuân, Hồng Gai, Quảng Ninh, Vietnam

      Hours
      6:00 AM–6:30 PM
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    • CHẢ MỰC 14 Xôi, Bún, Bánh Cuốn Chả Mực

      4.8

      21 Lư Hương, Bãi Cháy, Quảng Ninh 200000, Vietnam

      Hours
      6:30 AM–5:00 PM
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    • Thoan chả mực

      4.5

      Cạnh Chợ Hạ Long 1, Hồng Gai, Quảng Ninh 200000, Vietnam

      Hours
      6:00 AM–6:00 PM
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