Best Restaurants in Haiphong 2026: Banh Da Cua and Local Specialties

Haiphong has a genuine local food culture. The city’s signature dishes — banh da cua noodle soup and banh mi dac biet — 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.

Where to eat it: Street stalls and small specialist restaurants open from early morning until mid-afternoon. Haiphong residents typically eat banh da cua for breakfast. Price: ₫30,000–60,000 ($1.20–2.40) per bowl.

Quan Banh Da Cua Ba Cu (near Tam Bac Lake): One of the most consistently recommended spots for the dish. Busy every morning. Expect to queue briefly.

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.

Where to eat it: Street vendors operate throughout the city from early morning. Look for the sandwich carts near the central market area. Price: ₫25,000–45,000 ($1–1.80).

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.

Quan Com Hai San (seafood rice restaurants): Many small family restaurants serve simple seafood over rice — reliable, cheap, and good quality. Price: ₫80,000–150,000 ($3.20–6) per person.

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 banh da 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.