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 835 reviews Posted on HedVerified Very good day !! We had a very good time on the boat will Luu who was kind and fun ! Very beautiful day with kayaking and swimming ! We were really happy that we choose this cruise:)Posted on Léa DVerified Perfect. It was really well organized. We were picked up and dropped off at our hotel. It was a very pleasant day, Ryan is very nice and explained a lot to us. I recommend with my eyes closed!Posted on Chris SVerified Recommended tour Ride was perfectly organized. Luu gave us comprehensive information about the coves, wildlife and life of the people there. He has answered any questions. Captain and cook also top. The tour was a lot of fun and we would book it again anytime. Thank you very muchPosted on Barry RVerified Unfortunate situation handled beautifully Our tour was disrupted by the weather conditions that tragically hit the Philippines just the day before. The tour operators immediately offered us a full refund, an exchange or a rescheduling to the following evening. We chose to go the following night but unfortunately again, the government didn’t allow tour boats after 18:30 or late night kayaking, but didn’t inform the tour operators until after our departure. This meant that we couldn’t continue with the kayaking as planned or see the plankton, but the operator still took us on a tour of the majestic Lan Ha bay and the floating village, AND refunded us for the whole thing. Completely out of their hands, but they handled it beautifully. Such is the gamble when touring the natural world.Communication with Cat Ba Local was quick and easy, transport from our hotel was seamless and they really tried their best to make sure we got the most out of our tour.Can’t fault Cat Ba Local one bit for unfortunately weather - just one more reason for us to come back to the wonderful Cat Ba!!Posted on Keely VVerified Cát Bà Full day cruise & Kayak I had such a great experience on this tour and would absolutely recommend it to anyone visiting Cát Bà Island. It was much less touristy than I expected — while we did see a few other groups around the kayaking and fishing farm areas, we mostly had the freedom to do our own thing, which made it feel very relaxed and authentic.The group size was small and intimate, which I really appreciated. You could easily chat and get to know the others or just enjoy the scenery quietly on your own. There was also plenty of space on the boat, which made the whole day feel comfortable and unhurried.Our guide, Ryan, was exceptional. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the area, the culture, and the environment, and he patiently answered all of my many questions. His passion and depth of knowledge were so impressive that even people from other tours started listening in to what he was saying! His English was excellent as well.I’ll admit I was skeptical before booking, but I’m so glad I chose Cát Bà Local — many of the other tours we saw looked crowded and less enjoyable. This one felt genuine, well-organized, and personal. I’d recommend it without hesitation to friends, family, or anyone looking for an authentic and memorable experience on Cát Bà.Posted on Carla DVerified Super 1 - day tour in particularly beautiful places at an unbeatable price A great tour! Luu really managed to lead us to lonely places throughout, away from the crowds! Besides, he didn't tell much about life in Vietnam. He has also found particularly beautiful places for kayaking and swimming. A completely successful tour! At this low price a tour that was in no way inferior to the "big", significantly more expensive tours! - Thank you!sPosted on Emilie HVerified Cat Ba full day/night tour Our experience in the island and at the Bay was incredible from the start to end, and thanks to Cat Ba Local. The organisation, the communication and the services are excellent. The local guides share their experience with you and we had a great time with them. We had a very complete, park/bay, day/night tour. Much recommended! Thank you to the whole tea, it was a pleasure!Posted on davide bVerified Day cruise Lan Ha Beautiful tour away from the chaos of large boats and large groups of tourists.Great food, great guide, recommend it!!Posted on thi an nVerified cruise Halong Bay we took the day cruise on Lan Ha Bay/Halong Bay. Everything was perfect thanks to our guide Luu who was exceptionally kind and who lost his time to find us an itinerary off the tourist trails, thanks to him we will keep this day as a magnificent memory!
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.