
Seafood
Hải sản
Fresh coastal seafood from Ha Long Bay
Photos
What's in it
- Squid
- Clams
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Oysters
- Fish
- Garlic
- Lemongrass
- Fresh herbs
Best moments to enjoy it
Best enjoyed at lunch or dinner, especially when the seafood is freshly delivered from the morning catch.
Origin & history
Ha Long's seafood culture comes from centuries of fishing communities living around the bay. The area's coastal location and access to fresh daily catch made seafood a defining part of local cuisine and a major draw for visitors.
How to order & pay
For solo diners, order grilled squid, steamed clams, or a small seafood hotpot instead of large shared platters. Ask for 'half portions' or 'small size' if available, and confirm the price per kilogram before choosing live seafood. If you want less hassle, pick dishes with fixed menu prices rather than market-weight pricing.
Cash is still the safest option at many local seafood spots, especially smaller restaurants and markets. Carry small notes in 20,000-100,000 VND bills, and ask whether card or QR payment is accepted before ordering.
Allergens, nutrition & health
Allergens
Common allergens include shellfish, crustaceans, and fish; some dishes may also contain soy, garlic, or chili sauces.
Nutrition & benefits
High in protein, omega-3 fats, and minerals such as zinc and selenium, especially when grilled or steamed.
Health notes
Choose busy places with high turnover for the freshest seafood, and avoid raw shellfish if you have a sensitive stomach. If you are prone to food allergies, ask clearly about shellfish, fish sauce, and cross-contact before ordering.
How to eat it
Eat grilled or steamed seafood with lime, salt, and chili dip, and use gloves or a small fork for crab and shellfish. For hotpot, cook the seafood briefly in the broth and add herbs or noodles at the end. In shared-style restaurants, it is normal to order several dishes and eat slowly over conversation.
Best spots in Ha Long
- 2.7
Quán bia Thu Vệ - Biên Biển
Cienco 5, Yết Kiêu, Hồng Gai, Quảng Ninh, Vietnam
- Hours
- 4:00 PM – 1 :00 AM
- 4.4
Nhà hàng Buffet Sen Á Đông
1 Hạ Long, Bãi Cháy, Quảng Ninh 200000, Vietnam
- Hours
- 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- 4.9
Nhà Hàng Hải Sản Đại Dương Vàng 9999 LUXURY (Hải sản Ngon)
khu Shophouse Plaza, E404, E201-E402, Bãi Cháy, Quảng Ninh 200000, Vietnam
- Hours
- 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- 4.2
Nhà hàng Hồng Hạnh 2
30 Phố Hải Phượng, Hạ Long, Quảng Ninh, Vietnam
- Hours
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM





