Halong Food Guide: Squid Patties, Sea Horseshoe Crab or Sa Sung — What Should You Try First?

If you’ve come to Halong Bay to admire the limestone cliffs and emerald waters, you might be surprised to learn that the city itself is just as famous for its seafood specialties. Among the countless dishes you’ll see in markets and restaurants, three names always stand out: Cha muc (Halong squid patties), sam bien (sea horseshoe crab) and Sa Sung (dried peanut worm).

Each one tells a different story about local culture, flavor andprice — but which will be your favorite when visiting Halong? Let’s break it down so you can taste confidently.

The Big Three at a Glance

Here’s a quick snapshot before we dive deeper:


Dish	Flavor & Texture	Best For	Price Range	Availability
Cha muc (Squid Patties)	Bouncy, savory, slightly sweet	Families, first-timers	$$	Widely available, year-round
Sam bien (Horseshoe Crab)	Rich, roe-forward, smoky	Seafood lovers, adventurous eaters	$$–$$$	Seasonal, restaurants & markets
Sa Sung (Peanut Worm)	Umami bomb, nutty, chewy	Foodies, splurge eaters	$$$	Limited, specialty stalls

Quick tip: If you’re short on time, go for Cha muc. If you want a culinary adventure, try sam bien or Sa Sung with a local guide.

Cha muc Halong – The Pride of Halong

Cha muc isn’t just food — it’s Halong’s signature. In fact, UNESCO once recognized it as a Vietnamese cultural specialty.

What It Is & Why It’s Famous

Made from hand-pounded squid, giving it a springy bite you won’t get from machine-made patties.
Fried golden brown, with a light sweetness from the squid’s natural flavor.

How Locals Eat It

Served with sticky rice (Xoi Cha muc).
Tucked inside steamed rice rolls (banh cuon Cha muc).
Or simply as a breakfast snack with chili fish sauce.

Where to Try It

Halong Market 1 & 2 – stalls selling freshly fried patties.
Bai Chay Night Market – quick, hot bites.
Local breakfast shops – often paired with rice rolls.

Pro Tip: Look for patties with visible squid fibers and a springy, non-greasy texture.

Price & Souvenir

Around 40,000–60,000 VND per portion at local eateries.
Around 350,000–500,000 VND per kilo if you buy vacuum-packed patties to bring home.

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sam bien – The Horseshoe Crab Experience

Halong locals know sam bien as both delicious and tricky — it must be prepared correctly. Only experienced chefs handle it, as certain parts of the crab are toxic if cooked wrong.

How It’s Prepared

Grilled whole over charcoal.
Stir-fried with lemongrass and chili for a fragrant kick.
Sam roe salad — rich, creamy, mixed with herbs.

Taste Profile

Meat is slightly chewy, while roe is creamy and full of ocean depth.
Often paired with green mango, herbs and cold beer.

Where to Try

Bai Chay seafood restaurants specializing in local catches.
Wet market eateries where sam is displayed live.

Safety Note: Always order from reputable restaurants — never buy from unverified street stalls.

Price

200,000–500,000 VND per dish, depending on roe size and season.

Sa Sung – Halong’s Hidden Luxury

Sa Sung may look unusual, but for locals, it’s a status food. Nicknamed “peanut worms,” they live in sandy coastal areas and are rare to harvest, making them pricey.

Why It’s a Delicacy

Dried Sa Sung is used to create rich, umami-packed broth.
Roasted with chili and salt, it’s eaten as a snack with beer.

Best Dishes

Sa Sung rang muoi (roasted with salt & chili) – crunchy, savory.
Pho Sa Sung (noodles with Sa Sung broth) – deep flavor base.

How to Buy Safely

Authentic dried Sa Sung is light, firm and slightly translucent.
Beware of fake or low-quality imports — only buy from trusted stalls at Hon Gai Market.

Price

4–6 million VND per kilo dried (small tasting plate is affordable).
Best as a splurge or gift item.

Where to Eat in Halong

Bai Chay (Tourist-Friendly)

Night market stalls with Cha muc and sam bien.
Easy to navigate for first-timers.

Halong bay day cruise - Bai Chay area — Bai Chay area

Hon Gai (Local Vibe)

Morning food stalls serving Cha muc xoi (sticky rice with squid patty).
Markets selling Sa Sung for take-home.

Halong Night Market Strategy

Arrive before 8 PM for the freshest food.
Confirm weight and price before ordering.

Halong bay day cruise - Halong night market — Halong night market

How to Choose YOUR Favorite

Mild & Easy to Love: Cha muc
Adventurous & Seasonal: sam bien
Rare & Splurge-Worthy: Sa Sung

If it’s your first Halong visit, start with Cha muc. Then, if your budget allows, add a sam bien dinner or Sa Sung tasting plate to your food journey.

Practical Tips for First-Timers

Order like a local: Ask for “hang tuoi” (fresh goods).
Check cooking method: “nuong” (grilled), “rang muoi” (roasted with salt), “xao” (stir-fried).
Pairings: Cold beer, iced tea, fresh herbs.
Non-seafood options nearby: Grilled corn, banh cuon, noodle soups.

Sample One-Day Food Itinerary

Morning: Sticky rice with Cha muc + coffee by the bay.
Afternoon: Visit Halong Market, snack on roasted Sa Sung.
Evening: Seafood dinner featuring sam bien, paired with beer.

FAQs

Is Sa Sung safe to eat and what does it taste like?
Yes, when sourced properly. It has a nutty, umami-rich flavor, especially when roasted.

Where can I buy authentic Cha muc to take home?
At Halong Market 1 or Hon Gai Market, ask for vacuum-sealed packs.

What is the best season to try sea horseshoe crab in Halong?
Spring and early summer — but check availability at seafood restaurants.

How much does a portion of Cha muc cost?
About 40,000–60,000 VND for one serving, depending on location.

Can I find these dishes on a Halong Bay day cruise?
Some luxury cruises feature Cha muc, but for sam bien or Sa Sung, head to onshore restaurants.