What to Eat in Cat Ba: 12 must-try dishes and best places to eat

Wondering what to eat in Cat Ba? Discover 12 must-try seafood dishes, from geoduck to mantis shrimp, plus the best local spots for an authentic dining experience.

1. Introduction

Cat Ba Island isn’t just about emerald waters and limestone mountains—it’s also a food paradise. If you’re wondering what to eat in Cat Ba, you’re in for a treat. From rare seafood to tasty street bites, the island offers something for every traveler’s palate. This guide walks you through the must-try dishes and the best places to enjoy them, so you don’t miss any flavors of this coastal gem.

2. What to eat in Cat Ba - Signature dishes

Food in Cat Ba is all about freshness. Most dishes are caught straight from Lan Ha Bay and cooked the same day. Here are the highlights:

Grilled geoduck with scallion oil

Geoduck (Tu Hài): A prized local delicacy, geoduck has sweet, crunchy meat. Often grilled with spring onions or simply steamed to keep its natural flavor, this dish is considered a luxury on Cat Ba.

Horseshoe Crab

Horseshoe Crab (Sam biển): A unique dish often served in pairs. Locals prepare it in many ways—grilled, fried with lemongrass and chili, or cooked into sweet-and-sour salads.

Green Crab

Green Crab (Cua xanh): Famous for its firm, sweet meat. The best ways to enjoy it are steamed with beer or stir-fried with tamarind sauce.

Mantis Shrimp

Mantis Shrimp (Bề bề): Juicy and flavorful, mantis shrimp is usually grilled with salt and chili or steamed. Some restaurants even peel it for you, making it easier to enjoy.

Grilled Oysters

Grilled Oysters (Hàu nướng mỡ hành): Affordable yet delicious. Fresh oysters are grilled with spring onions, peanuts, and a touch of oil, creating a smoky and creamy flavor.

Jellyfish Salad

Jellyfish Salad (Nộm sứa): Light, crunchy, and refreshing. Jellyfish is mixed with herbs, lime, and roasted peanuts—perfect on a hot day.

Sea Snails

Sea Snails (Ốc biển): A must for seafood lovers. You can try dozens of varieties, usually steamed with lemongrass or stir-fried with tamarind.

Steamed grouper with ginger and soy sauce

Sea Snakehead Fish (Cá song, cá giò, cá hồng… depending on season): These large fish are often served in hotpots, grilled, or steamed with ginger and soy sauce.

Crab Spring Rolls

Crab Spring Rolls (Nem cua biển): Crispy outside, packed with crab and vegetables inside. A local snack you should not skip.

Grilled octopus with chili salt

Squid and Cuttlefish Dishes (Mực, bạch tuộc): Grilled squid, stuffed squid, or stir-fried cuttlefish—each brings out the natural sweetness of the seafood.

Green caviar salad

Sea Grapes (Rong nho): Known as “green caviar,” these little seaweed bubbles are eaten fresh with dipping sauce. A healthy side dish.

Banh da cua

Local Street Food:

Bánh đa cua (Hai Phong-style crab noodle soup)
Seafood Bánh mì (baguette with seafood fillings)

3. Best Places to Eat in Cat Ba

You’ll find great food across the island, from simple markets to floating restaurants. Here are some options:

Seafood Markets (like Cat Ba Market): Buy fresh seafood directly from fishermen and ask vendors to cook it for you. A fun, authentic experience.

Popular Seafood Restaurants:

Quân Cát Bà – well-known for mantis shrimp and oysters.
Biển Đông Restaurant – a reliable choice for group dining.
Viễn Dương Restaurant – famous for hotpots and large seafood platters.

Street Food Stalls: Perfect for casual dining. Try crab spring rolls, bánh mì, and local noodle dishes without spending much.

4. Dining tips for tourists

To make the most of your Cat Ba food adventure, keep these tips in mind:

Always ask for the price before ordering seafood.
Steamed or grilled seafood usually keeps the freshest taste.
Book in advance during peak season.
For something unique, try dining on floating houses in Lan Ha Bay—you’ll get a meal with an incredible view.

5. Conclusion

Cat Ba is truly a seafood lover’s paradise. From luxurious geoduck and mantis shrimp to humble street food, every bite tells the story of the island’s culture and rich marine life. Now that you know what to eat in Cat Ba, make sure you try at least a few of these dishes on your trip—you’ll leave with a full stomach and unforgettable memories.

If you’d like to explore Cat Ba Island, feel free to contact Cat Ba Du Ky Travel at +84 989 745 338 for travel advice. You can also check out our full-package Cat Ba tours below: