Cat Ba Food Tour: Top 5 Must-Try Dishes You Can’t Miss
When visiting Cat Ba, don’t miss the chance to indulge in its renowned local specialties. Beyond relaxation and outdoor activities, Cat Ba also offers a unique culinary experience. In this blog, Cat Ba Local will highlight 5 must-try dishes that will make your visit unforgettable. Additionally, you’ll find recommendations for the best dining spots in Cat Ba.
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ToggleWhat to eat in Cat Ba?
Geoduck Dishes
The first thing to mention is a standout among Cat Ba specialties. Indeed, geoduck, often referred to as the “king of clams,” boasts a unique flavor and impressive nutritional benefits. Moreover, found in clean, nutrient-rich waters, Cat Ba’s geoducks are prized for their superior quality.
Delicious Preparations:
- Steamed Geoduck: Especially preserves the fresh taste, served with salt, pepper, lime juice, or spicy ginger sauce.
- Grilled Geoduck: Charcoal-grilled for not only a fragrant aroma and tender, but also sweet meat.
- Geoduck Porridge: A nutritious option for all ages, combining both fragrant rice and minced geoduck meat.
- Geoduck Soup: Geoduck Soup is a light dish, especially perfect for hot summer days. The soup is made with simmered chicken broth, geoduck, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and therefore, creating a sweet and savory taste.
- Stir-Fried Geoduck: Geoduck is stir-fried with various vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, etc., creating a colorful and appealing dish.

Geoduck Dishes
Recommended dining place:
Phuong Phuong Restaurant
Address: 232 1st April Street, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong
Price Range: 220,000 – 250,000 VND/kg
Mantis Shrimp Dishes
Then, the characteristic of Mantis Shrimp in Cat Ba is their round, plump, and shiny bodies. In order to make delicious salted stir-fried Mantis Shrimp, people have to go to the market early in the morning to choose fresh live Mantis Shrimp. Moreover, selecting the freshest catch ensures the dish retains its naturally sweet flavor and firm texture.

Mantis Shrimp Dishes
During the cooking process, the meat should remain intact and not be flattened. Salted stir-fried Mantis Shrimp has both distinctive and enticing aroma that attracts all tourists.
Recommended dining place:
Vu Duong Cat Ba Seafood Restaurant
Address: 45 Tung Dinh, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong
Price Range: 330,000 VND/kg
Horseshoe Crab Dishes
Horseshoe Crab is one of the famous specialties of Cat Ba and attracts tourists with its delicious, unique taste and also high nutritional value. The best time to savor Horseshoe Crab is during its breeding season from October to February.
Delicious Dishes include:
- Horseshoe Crab Salad: Freshly sliced Horseshoe Crab with roasted peanuts and herbs.
- Sweet and Sour Stir-Fried Horseshoe Crab: Stir-fried with vibrant vegetables.
- Horseshoe Crab Patties: Grilled patties served with noodles and herbs.
- Steamed Horseshoe Crab: Retains natural sweetness, served with dipping sauces.
- Horseshoe Crab Hot Pot: Cooked with vegetables and a spicy broth.

Horseshoe Crab Dishes
Recommended dining place:
Yummy Restaurant
Address: 180 Ngoc Mountain, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong
Price Range: 500,000 – 700,000 VND for a pair
Steamed Sentinel Crab
Next is Cat Ba Sentinel Crab. They are caught from the wild or farmed in brackish water ponds. Moreover, the plump, fresh sentinel crab is prepared in the local fishermen’s style, preserving just the right amount of sweetness. Therefore, a plate of steamed sentinel crab is a must-try if you visit Cat Ba, Hai Phong.

Steamed Sentinel Crab
Recommended dining place:
Hai Yen Restaurant
Address: 258 Road 1/4, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong
Price Range: 50,000 – 550,000 VND per serving
Cat Ba Shrimp Noodles
One of the most famous specialties of Cat Ba Island is definitely Shrimp Noodles, because they attract visitors with their sweet and distinct flavors from the sea.

Cat Ba Shrimp Noodles
When enjoying shrimp noodles from Cat Ba, diners will experience a perfect blend of the delicate sweetness of the broth, the crispy chewiness of the shrimp, the rich aroma of fish cake, a hint of spicy from chili, and the refreshing taste of herbs. Each bite of noodles mixed with the broth creates a wonderful symphony of flavors that leaves tourists unforgettable.
Recommended dining place:
Vien Duong Restaurant
Address: 12 Ngoc Mountain, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong
Price Range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND per bowl
Best Tours in Cat Ba!
- Lan Ha Bay – Ha Long Bay Full Day Cruise and Kayak
- Sunset & Night Kayaking with Glowing Plankton
- Perfect 2 Days 1 Night on Floating Homestay and Discover Beautiful Lan Ha Bay
If you don’t have time to experience each signature dish or explore every corner of Cat Ba on your own – then don’t worry! Cat Ba Local has crafted all-in-one food and sightseeing tours just for you.
Not only will you get to savor the freshest Cat Ba seafood and traditional Vietnamese meals, but you’ll also journey through stunning landscapes across Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay. From kayaking and visiting floating villages to staying overnight in a floating homestay, our tours are packed with exciting local experiences.
In addition, travel with local experts by reaching out to Cat Ba Local for an authentic and unforgettable adventure!
We hope this guide to the Cat Ba Food Tour: Top 5 Must-Try Dishes You Can’t Miss from Cat Ba Local inspires your culinary journey. Enjoy these delightful dishes with your family and friends during your visit!
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Meet Our Team
Tùng Phạm
Lâm Điệp
Tiến Đạt (Drake)
Tú Quỳnh (Judy)
Hà Bùi (Hana)
Huy Hòang (Ryan)
Hoàng Nguyễn(Luffy)
Ngô Toàn (Tony)
Việt Hưng (Rio)
Mr Quang
Exotic Day Tours & Things to Do in Cat Ba
Experience the Magic: Sunset & Night Kayaking with Glowing Plankton
What our travelers say about us
EXCELLENT Based on 768 reviews Jona2025-01-02Verified Magical Experience in the Water and under the Stars It was a excellent experience. Swimming in the water with the glowing plankton around you and the stars in the sky was just magical. The guide Kevin was so full of energy and very nice. Jenny S2024-12-28Verified Great experience We did not have the best weather and therefore did not get a sunset but the kayak experience with the bioluminecent plankton was very cool! I have no comparison as this was my first time seeing this phenomena but we really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, it seemed hard to photograph or film with our limited equipment. Our guide, Ryan was friendly and knowledgable and made sure we enjoyed our experience. Also we had a great dinner (and they were able to provide some additional gluten free options). Kristof2024-12-21Verified Perfect day on the water I can only echo the other reviews here. 12+ hours on the water with the most amazing views. Small group, good vibes and somehow they manage to avoid the bigger groups. Just perfect. Highly recommended! Mathilde C2024-12-21Verified Wonderful cruise ! Wonderful tour! Little group, intimacy, with a very nice guide, professional and joking ! We can take time to jump and swimming ! The kayak was really nice. We recommend 😁 Tamara V2024-12-20Verified Amazing day! It was an amazing day! Ha Lan Bay is so beautiful. The boat we were on was great and big! You can enjoy the tour from the deck in the sun. Sometimes it felt like we were the only ones! A tour from Cat ba Local is recommended. From Ha Long is super crowded. Our guide Luu was telling us about the bay and about Cat ba with a lot of passion! renata f2024-12-18Verified Great day Great day. Wonderful places, the opportunity to admire scenic spots and to moove inside, swimming or by kayak. Loo is a very professional guide, who works with heart for his country, for nature, and for people who travels with. Thanks to the captain and his wife elena m2024-12-18Verified Amazing tour and great guide Amazing tour with great guide! We visited many places, enjoyed our time kayaking and swimming and eat good food.Luu was very friendly, helpful and well prepared!Thanks for this great experience Shana C2024-12-11Verified Go for it Excellent! Lovely your guide (I don’t remember his name, sorry). He was the best so far, and finally someone who is not begging for a 5 stars review! Totally deserved it, go with it you won’t be disappointed. Thanks a lot






Most frequent asked questions
By choosing Cat Ba Local, you are not just booking a tour; you are investing in an authentic, hassle-free, and enriching travel experience led by locals who are passionate about sharing the beauty and culture of their homeland. Here are the key reasons:
1. Authentic experience
Our tour guides possess a unique understanding of indigenous cultures and the local history. Their deep knowledge and passion for the region ensure that you get an authentic and immersive experience. By booking with Cat Ba Local, you gain access to hidden gems and local secrets that typical tours might miss. Our guides are locals themselves, offering the warm of a family and and sincerity that make you feel at home while discover new perspectives of life.
2. A seamless experience
We keep our high standard for all of your touchpoints. We partner with the best service possible for any need of yours, from transportation, accommodations , and best restaurant for all destinaions. This guarantees a reliable and seamless experience for you.
3. Convenience and Time Saving
We handle all the arrangements, from flights and hotels to transfers and activities. This saves you significant time and effort, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation without the stress of planning. With everything pre-arranged, you can avoid the hassle of contacting multiple service providers. Our streamlined process ensures a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
4. Socialize Opportunities
Our tours are designed to foster social interaction, allowing you to meet and connect with people who share your interests. Whether you prefer family-friendly tours or adult-only experiences, we have options that cater to your social preferences.
5. Best Price Guarantees
By having an excellent logistic chain, we deliver you the best experience in a price that
We offer competitive pricing due to our ability to bulk buy package deals, passing the savings onto you. This allows you to enjoy a cost-effective travel experience without compromising on quality. Our packages often include all meals and trips, reducing uncertainty about additional costs. This helps you budget accurately for your trip, avoiding any unexpected expenses.
Travel with Local Experts” it is about the authentic local experience that make us different.
Our tour guides are natives with an intimate knowledge of the local culture, history, and landscapes. This local insight ensures that you experience the true essence of Cat Ba, beyond the typical tourist spots.
They also share unique perspectives; personal stories and cultural nuances that you won’t find in guidebooks, offering a deeper understanding of the region. One more thing, you will have a playful local friend after the trip.
Yes, we always trike towards to give you the best possible exprience contact us to design your vacation together for free
Yes, our tours are designed to be suitable for both children and older adults. We have several special offers for children as follows:
– Infants (under 2 years old): Free
– Kids (From 2 to 4 years old): just must to pay 25% tour value
– Child (From 5 to 9 years old): just must to pay 50% tour value
– Teenagers (From 10 to 13 years old): just must to pay 75% tour value
We are ready to provide special diets that suit your needs if you inform us when booking your tour. Most of our meals include seafood and local cuisine, so if you are vegetarian or have any allergies, please let us know in advance. This way, we can ensure your dietary requirements are met throughout your journey.
You have 2 options to pay: Online & Offline
For your convenience, we offer multiple payment options. You can pay in cash or by credit card (with a 3% service charge). Alternatively, you can use applications like PayPal or WISE, and we will cover the service fees for these apps – less fees transfer.
Please let us know your preferred payment method. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out.
In the event of weather-related issues, such as storms or heavy rain preventing boats from setting sail, we have the following policies:
– If the tour needs to be rescheduled due to adverse weather conditions and you’re still on Cat Ba Island during the rescheduled period, we will postpone the tour to the following day. If you’re no longer on Cat Ba Island during the rescheduled period, we will provide a full refund of the tour cost if you’ve already made payment.
– In the case of unexpected events originating from guests: If you cancel before 7 days prior to the tour, you are eligible for a refund. If you cancel 5 days before the tour, we will refund 80% of the deposit; if you cancel within 3 days, a 50% refund will be provided. Cancellations made after this period will result in forfeiture of the deposit.
In other special cases, our customer service department will provide individualized support to guests.
No, accommodations are not included in the experiential tours. However, our sales staff will assist you in booking accommodations if you provide them with clear descriptions of your room preferences, budget, and other requirements. Additionally, you will receive a discount voucher for accommodations when booking our experiential tours.
No, international flights are not part of the experiential tour package. However, our sales team will aid you in arranging international flights upon receiving clear descriptions from you.