1. Where to Buy Cat Ba Dried Squid? 3 Trusted Places Popular with Visitors
It is not difficult to find shops selling dried seafood on Cat Ba Island. However, where to buy Cat Ba dried squid while ensuring reliable origins and good quality remains a concern for many visitors. The following places are popular choices thanks to their stable supply, clear product origins, and prices that are generally in line with the local market.
1.1. Tuan Phuong Dried Seafood
If you're wondering where to buy Cat Ba dried squid, Tuan Phuong Dried Seafood is a shop frequently recommended by visitors. Located at 117–119 Nui Ngoc Street in central Cat Ba, the shop is conveniently situated for a stop after sightseeing.
One of the shop's main advantages is that its products are sourced directly from local fishermen, helping preserve the freshness of the squid from the initial processing stage. Visitors can find various types of dried squid here, including line-caught and trawl-caught squid in different sizes, suitable both for enjoying and bringing home as gifts.
The shop is open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. In addition to introducing different types of squid, the staff also share tips on identifying high-quality squid and provide storage instructions to help preserve its flavor for longer.
Cat Ba dried squid is a meaningful gift to bring home after exploring the island's coastal scenery. (Photo: Collected)
1.2. Kien Khanh Dried Seafood
Another option for those wondering where to buy Cat Ba dried squid is Kien Khanh Dried Seafood at 93 Tung Dinh Street. Most of the squid here is supplied by the family's own fishing boats, helping maintain consistent quality throughout the fishing seasons. In addition to line-caught and trawl-caught squid, the shop also offers a variety of other dried seafood products for visitors to choose as gifts.
One advantage appreciated by many customers is the free vacuum-sealing service for eligible orders. This type of packaging helps limit moisture and makes the products more convenient to carry on flights or during long-distance travel.
1.3. Cat Ba Market
When looking for where to buy Cat Ba dried squid, many visitors choose Cat Ba Market because they can compare products from multiple stalls in one location. The market brings together numerous local seafood vendors, making it easier to compare quality and prices before deciding what to buy.
It is advisable to prioritize stalls that provide clear information about product origins, maintain clean storage conditions, and are willing to advise you on drying time, storage methods, and expiration dates. In addition, checking the squid's color, dryness, and aroma can help you select a product that suits your needs.
Cat Ba Market is a popular stop for visitors looking to buy local specialties after exploring the island. (Photo: Collected)
2. How Much Does Cat Ba Dried Squid Cost? Latest Price Guide
2.1. Cat Ba Line-Caught Dried Squid
After finding out where to buy Cat Ba dried squid, the next question many visitors have is how much it costs. In practice, dried squid prices depend on the fishing method, squid size, and time of year. During the favorable fishing season, supply is generally more stable, so prices tend to fluctuate less than during periods of heavy rain or storms.
The price of dried squid varies depending on its size and fishing method. (Photo: Collected)
Line-caught squid is harvested using traditional hand-line fishing methods, so the squid usually remains intact with thick, firm flesh. When grilled, it has a naturally sweet flavor and a distinctive aroma of the sea. Currently, line-caught dried squid in Cat Ba typically costs around VND 1,050,000 to VND 1,300,000 per kilogram, depending on size and quality. It is a popular choice for gifts or special occasions.
2.2. Cat Ba Trawl-Caught Dried Squid
Compared with line-caught squid, trawl-caught squid is more affordable because it is harvested using nets. The body is generally thinner but can still retain its characteristic sweetness when properly processed and dried. Prices currently range from around VND 840,000 to VND 1,150,000 per kilogram. This is a suitable option for families looking to enjoy Cat Ba specialties at a more reasonable cost.
In addition to the fishing method, dried squid prices are also affected by the time of purchase. During the favorable fishing season, from around October to March of the following year, raw materials are more abundant, so prices tend to remain relatively stable. During rough seas or unfavorable weather conditions, prices may increase as catches decline.
3. How to Choose Good Cat Ba Dried Squid: Practical Buying Tips
3.1. Check the Squid's Color
After finding out where to buy Cat Ba dried squid, you should also take some time to learn how to identify good-quality products before making a purchase. By carefully checking characteristics such as color, dryness, aroma, and origin, you can more easily choose high-quality squid that retains the distinctive flavors of the sea when brought home as a gift.
Carefully checking the squid's color and shape can help you choose a high-quality product. (Photo: Collected)
Cat Ba dried squid is naturally sun-dried, so it typically has a natural light pink or reddish-pink color, a slightly glossy surface, and an even color from the body to the tentacles. These characteristics indicate that the squid has been properly dried without undergoing whitening treatments.
In addition to checking the color, you should examine the squid's dryness. High-quality squid should have a moderate level of dryness and retain a certain degree of elasticity when gently pressed. It should be neither too hard nor too soft. When the body is gently folded, it may produce a crisp sound without breaking into pieces.
Another way to assess quality is by checking the aroma. Good dried squid has a pleasant, natural seafood scent without any unpleasant, musty, or chemical odors. When grilled, it develops a distinctive aroma, while the flesh turns light golden and retains its natural sweetness. Size is also an important factor to consider. If you are buying squid as a gift, choose line-caught squid with thick bodies and relatively uniform sizes. For family consumption, trawl-caught squid is generally smaller but still retains the distinctive flavor of Cat Ba's coastal waters.
3.2. Check the Origin and Packaging
In addition to finding out where to buy Cat Ba dried squid, you should ask the seller about the product's origin, processing date, and storage method. Reputable shops are usually willing to provide clear information and recommend suitable storage methods after purchase.
4. Combine Dried Squid Shopping with Visits to Cat Ba's Popular Attractions
4.1. Reach Cat Ba Quickly by the Sun World Cat Ba Cable Car
One convenient way to travel to Cat Ba is by the cable car operated by Sun World Cat Ba. The 3,955-meter route connects Cat Hai Island with the area near Cai Vieng Ferry Terminal on Cat Ba Island, reducing travel time to around 15 minutes. One of the cable car's highlights is its 214.8-meter-high tower, which was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's tallest cable car tower. Throughout the journey, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the sea, mangrove forests, and the distinctive limestone mountains of the Cat Ba Archipelago from above.
The cable car journey offers spectacular panoramic views of Cat Ba. (Photo: Collected)
Book your Cat Ba Cable Car tickets here!
4.2. Swim at Cat Co Beach
After finding a suitable answer to the question of where to buy Cat Ba dried squid, many visitors choose to spend the afternoon relaxing at Cat Co Beach. Clear blue waters, soft sandy shores, and an open coastal setting create a pleasant atmosphere for those looking to unwind after exploring the island. On sunny days, the beach is also a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset and capture memorable photos showcasing the beauty of Cat Ba's coastline.
Cat Co Beach features clear blue waters and a long stretch of sandy shoreline. (Photo: Collected)
4.3. Explore Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay impresses visitors with hundreds of limestone islands and islets scattered across emerald-green waters. You can choose to explore the bay by boat or kayak, discovering small beaches, natural caves, and peaceful fishing villages nestled among the islands. The harmonious natural scenery and calm waters make Lan Ha Bay a favorite stop for many visitors to Cat Ba.
4.4. Trek Through Cat Ba National Park
For nature lovers, trekking through Cat Ba National Park offers an engaging way to explore the island's natural landscapes. Forest trails take visitors through diverse ecosystems home to a variety of endemic plant and animal species. From elevated viewpoints within the national park, you can take in panoramic views of Cat Ba's mountains, forests, and surrounding sea, creating memorable moments along the journey.
Trekking trails offer visitors a chance to explore Cat Ba's distinctive ecosystems. (Photo: Collected)
4.5. Enjoy Cat Ba's Nightlife
When the city lights come on, the journey around Cat Ba continues with plenty of activities to enjoy. You can have dinner at Sun Bavaria Cat Ba, a venue inspired by European Bavarian architecture, featuring extensive use of wood, a spacious layout, and a capacity of around 650 guests. The combination of European-inspired architecture and the surrounding coastal scenery creates a distinctive setting for an evening meal.
Cat Ba comes alive with a lively and bustling atmosphere at night. (Photo: Collected)
As night falls, VUI-Fest Cat Ba Night Market becomes a lively gathering place, attracting visitors with its food, shopping, and entertainment options. The modern market combines food stalls, shopping areas, and street performances, creating a bustling atmosphere along Cat Ba Central Bay. Here, visitors can sample a variety of local specialties, freshly prepared seafood, tempting snacks, and souvenirs inspired by Cat Ba's coastal character. Interspersed among the stalls are artistic performances and interactive activities, offering enjoyable entertainment for the whole family.
If you're still wondering where to buy Cat Ba dried squid, prioritize long-established shops or reputable stalls at Cat Ba Market to ensure reliable product origins and quality. Before making a purchase, take a few minutes to check the squid's color, dryness, and aroma, and ask about proper storage methods to find a product that best suits your needs.
