What makes Haiphong banh mi different?

The Haiphong banh mi dac biet is notably more generous with fillings than the standard Vietnamese version — loaded with pate, Vietnamese sausage, pickled vegetables, egg, and house sauce. Available from street carts from 06:00 for 25,000-45,000 VND ($1-1.80).

Where should I eat in Haiphong?

The central market area (Cho Sat) and surrounding streets have the best concentration of street food. Bánh Đa Cua Bà Cụ near Haiphong Market is the most recommended spot for the signature dish. Most good eating is at breakfast and lunch.

Best Restaurants in Haiphong | The Vietnam Guides

Q: What is banh da cua in Haiphong?

Haiphong's signature dish — thick brown rice noodles in a crab-flavoured broth, topped with fresh crab meat, pork ribs, tofu, and water spinach. The broth is lighter than pho but deeply savoury. Costs 30,000-60,000 VND ($1.20-2.40) per bowl.

Haiphong has a genuine local food culture. The city’s signature dishes — bánh đa cua noodle soup and bánh mì đặc biệt — are considered some of the best versions in Vietnam. Eating well in Haiphong requires going where locals eat rather than tourist-facing restaurants.

Banh da cua (crab noodle soup)

The defining Haiphong dish. Thick, brown rice noodles (banh da) in a crab-flavoured broth, topped with fresh crab meat, pork ribs, tofu, and water spinach. The broth is lighter than pho but deeply savoury. The noodle texture — soft but with resistance — is the signature element.

Bánh Đa Cua Bà Cụ (near Haiphong Market): The city’s most recommended specialist for the dish. The stall is open mornings only and the queue is short but steady. ₫40,000–60,000 per bowl. Haiphong residents typically eat bánh đa cua for breakfast; arriving after 10am means a shorter wait but potentially sold-out broth.

Banh mi dac biet

Haiphong claims one of Vietnam’s best versions of the Vietnamese sandwich — the baguette loaded with pate, Vietnamese sausage, pickled vegetables, egg, and sauce. The Haiphong version is notably more generous with fillings than most.

Bánh Mì Cô Lan (near Tam Bac Lake): Haiphong-style bánh mì with a different bread texture from the Saigon versions — slightly softer crust, denser crumb. A regional variant that serious bánh mì eaters compare favourably to HCMC. ₫25,000–45,000 per sandwich.

Seafood

As a port city, Haiphong has good fresh seafood. Seafood restaurants cluster near the waterfront and along Nguyen Tri Phuong Street. Fresh crab, clams, and squid are the best choices.

Nhà Hàng Nam Giao (near Bach Dang Wharf): Popular with local families for crab and clam dishes. The kitchen sources fresh from the port — reliability of supply makes this one of the more consistent options for seafood in the central area. ₫150,000–350,000 per person.

Nhà Hàng Trung Thành (Lach Tray area): Mid-range seafood restaurant with consistent reviews for fresh fish. Slightly further from the centre but worth the tuk-tuk ride for the quality. ₫200,000–400,000 per person.

Nem Cua Be — Haiphong’s most distinctive street food

Nem cua bể (deep-fried crab spring rolls) is the street food Haiphong is proudest of. The filling combines fresh crab meat with glass noodles and mushrooms inside a thin rice paper wrapper, fried until crisp. The crab content is higher than standard Vietnamese chả giò.

Evening stalls near the waterfront: The nem cua bể stalls run from approximately 5pm and sell out by 8–9pm. Look for the clusters of plastic stools and frying oil near the riverside promenade. No English signage; point and order. ₫15,000–25,000 per roll.

Banh cuon Haiphong

Steamed rice paper rolls with minced pork and mushroom filling, served with a fish sauce dipping broth. The Haiphong version uses a slightly thicker rice paper than Hanoi. A standard Vietnamese breakfast dish. ₫25,000–40,000 ($1–1.60).

Beer and snacks in the evening

Haiphong has a lively bia hoi (draught beer) scene. Street-side bia hoi establishments near the central market serve cold draught beer with snacks (edamame, fried tofu, peanuts). ₫10,000–15,000 ($0.40–0.60) per glass. Better value and more local atmosphere than bar restaurants.

Practical notes

Most of the best eating in Haiphong is at places without English menus. Point at what nearby diners are eating, or use Google Translate to read the Vietnamese menu. Staff at guesthouses can recommend the current best bánh đa cua spot — these rotate as quality fluctuates.

Haiphong’s best food is almost entirely lunch and breakfast options. Evening restaurant options are more limited than in Hanoi or HCMC.

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