Must-Try Dishes When Visiting Vân Long

Ninh Binh Mountain Goat

Mountain goat meat from the Hoa Lu - Ninh Binh region is famous for its distinct, firm texture and rich flavor. The locals prepare it in various ways, such as grilled goat, shredded goat with lemon, or rare goat salad—all signature dishes of this mountainous area.

Local Perch (Grilled Catfish, Grilled Snakehead Fish)

These native fish species live in the wetlands and caves of Vân Long. They are now prepared as local perch or grilled snakehead fish on charcoal. These dishes were once listed as "fish offered to the king" in the past.

Grilled Vân Long Snakehead Fish

Another unique specialty from the nature reserve is the snakehead fish, which is raised in lotus gardens or shallow waters. It is cleaned, wrapped in leaves, and grilled until fragrant and flavorful. This dish is often served with steamed rice and fresh herbs.

Ninh Binh Crispy Rice

This crunchy rice dish can be enjoyed as a snack or eaten with other savory dishes. It is a famous specialty found right in Vân Long and many surrounding areas.

Mountain Snails, Freshwater Snails, and Nhệch Fish

The adjacent mountainous areas, like Kim Son and Yen Mo, are known for their seasonal mountain snails and rustic nhệch fish salad. These dishes often appear on local menus and intrigue many visitors.

Suggested Restaurants and Dining Spots Around Vân Long

The restaurants near the Vân Long Nature Reserve specialize in local dishes like mountain goat, Tong Truong perch, crispy rice, and mountain snails. They are always ready to serve visitors.

Bao Minh Ngoc Restaurant: 0912.562.360

Ngoc Phuong Restaurant: 0943.826.862

Tuan Tu Restaurant: 0948.118.864

Tuan Coi Restaurant: 0965.983.362

Suggested Itinerary: A Culinary and Discovery Trip in Vân Long

Start your morning with a bamboo boat ride on Vân Long Lagoon, admiring the tranquil nature, birds, and fairytale-like caves.

At lunchtime, enjoy a local meal with goat, grilled fish, crispy rice, and more at a restaurant near Vân Long.

In the afternoon, you can visit nearby craft villages or simply relax.

If time permits, visit other sites like Trang An or Tam Coc to continue your culinary journey through Ninh Binh.

Tips for Enjoying the Cuisine in Vân Long

Look for seasonal dishes: For example, mountain snails are available from April to August, and grilled snakehead fish is often in season during the small flood season. Ask the restaurant owner for recommendations.

Choose clean, reputable places: Prioritize restaurants near tourist areas with good reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and Google.

Combine with nearby areas: Ninh Binh has many other specialties, such as Kim Son moc noodle soup, ant egg sticky rice, and fermented crab sauce. If you have time, consider expanding your culinary adventure.