1. General introduction to Hai Phong Banh Duc Tau
Banh duc tau is a specialty dish in Hai Phong. (Source: Compilation)
Originating from China, Hai Phong banh duc tau is a very popular rustic street food, but the number of eateries selling this dish in the city is not large, only about 2-3 famous spots. The reason stems from history: Hai Phong is a bustling port city, convenient for trade and business, so about 50 years ago, many Chinese people migrated and settled here. They brought traditional dishes, including banh duc tau, and gradually this dish became a part of Hai Phong's street food culture.
Over time, Hai Phong banh duc tau has been adapted and its recipe adjusted to suit Vietnamese tastes. Currently, this dish is not only an attractive snack, but can also be enjoyed as a light meal or even replace a main course, thanks to its balanced nutritional content, including grains, protein, and vegetables, offering a flavor that is both delicious and nutritious.
2. Enjoying Hai Phong Banh Duc Tau
Hai Phong's Banh Duc Tau has many attractive toppings. (Source: Collected)
Unlike banh duc lac served with tuong ban, or banh duc nong served with coriander, minced meat, wood ear mushrooms, fried shallots, and sweet and sour fish sauce, Hai Phong's Banh Duc Tau possesses unique ingredients, preparation methods, and ways of enjoying it, creating a distinctive flavor that cannot be confused with any other banh duc dish.
According to long-time sellers of Banh Duc Tau, this dish has been modified significantly from its original version by the Chinese. Previously, the cake was usually drier and firmer because it was steamed on wooden trays, and eaten in large, uncut pieces. Therefore, if you try it for the first time, the sour – sweet – slightly salty flavor might seem unusual to newcomers. However, once accustomed to it, Hai Phong's Banh Duc Tau can easily make diners 'addicted' immediately.
On cool days, holding a hot bowl of Hai Phong's Banh Duc Tau is truly an unforgettable experience. The cake is white, soft, and cut into bite-sized pieces, then combined with various toppings such as diced papaya, stir-fried shrimp, shredded wood ear mushrooms, pork belly, fried shallots, and drizzled with savory fish sauce. Each person can adjust the amount of toppings according to their preference: some like more papaya, others prefer more shrimp or meat. This flexibility makes Hai Phong's Banh Duc Tau a snack that is both delicious and appealing to tourists and locals alike.
3. Delicious, Authentic Hai Phong Banh Duc Tau Addresses in 2025
Banh Duc Tau is one of the snacks that carries the distinctive flavor of Hai Phong, simple yet captivating thanks to its delicate blend of richness, saltiness, and sweetness. If you have the chance to visit the port city in 2025, you should definitely not miss the delicious, authentic Banh Duc Tau addresses below – places that preserve the traditional flavor that has captivated generations of diners.
3.1. Cat Dai Hai Phong Banh Duc Tau - 186 Cat Dai
Cat Dai Banh Duc Tau is a famous address in Hai Phong. (Source: Collected)
Address: 159 Hai Ba Trung, An Bien, Le Chan, Hai Phong (old address: 186 Cat Dai, Le Chan, Hai Phong);
Opening hours: 7:00 - 14:00.
The famous Hai Phong Banh Duc Tau restaurant was founded by Ms. Chuyen Cat Dai, with nearly 30 years of experience preparing this attractive dish. Each bowl of banh duc at the restaurant retains its rich flavor, with Chinese characteristics, making it unforgettable for diners. The restaurant has now moved to 159 Hai Ba Trung street, so many people still call it the Hai Ba Trung Hai Phong Banh Duc Tau restaurant.
3.2. Du Hang Hai Phong Banh Duc Tau
Address: 7 Du Hang, Trai Cau, Le Chan, Hai Phong;
Opening hours: 15:00 - 18:30.
The Du Hang Banh Duc Tau restaurant stands out with its hot, fragrant banh duc, combined with a specially formulated dipping sauce, offering a harmonious sour – sweet – savory flavor that captivates diners from the first taste. Not only that, the owner is also famous for being friendly, cheerful, and always enthusiastic with customers, creating a cozy and memorable culinary experience.
3.3. Cat Bi Market Hai Phong Banh Duc Tau
Cat Bi Market's Banh Duc Tau is loved by many. (Source: Collected)
Address: 34 Ly Hong Nhat, Cat Bi, Hai An, Hai Phong.
If you are looking for interesting experiences in Hai Phong, don't miss Cat Bi Market, which is not only bustling with shopping but also famous for its delicious Banh Duc Tau. Each serving is always kept hot, soft and chewy, with an alluring aroma, which will surely make diners remember it long after the first taste.
3.4. Co Dao Market's Banh Duc Tau
Address: 74 Tran Nhat Duat, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong.
Hai Phong Banh Duc Tau at Co Dao Market is loved by many tourists for its easy-to-eat taste, the cake batter is cut into small, moderate pieces, harmoniously combined with shrimp, meat, and rich fish sauce mixed with sugar and vinegar. The shop is open from morning until the market closes, but on busy days, it often sells out quickly. Therefore, tourists should visit the shop early to not miss this famous snack.
4. Hai Phong Travel Experience 2025
Traveling to Cat Ba Island is easy by Sun World cable car. (Source: Collected)
If you want to fully enjoy the Hai Phong 2025 travel itinerary, you can plan an itinerary combining cuisine, sightseeing, and strolling as follows:
Morning: Start the day with specialty dishes at central markets or famous eateries such as xoi khuc, banh mi que, bun ca, helping you enjoy the cuisine while feeling the bustling pace of life in the port city.
Noon: Visit cultural - historical sites such as Nghe Temple, Van Linh Pagoda, while trying dishes like nem cua be, banh da cua, gia be xao at local eateries.
Afternoon: Stroll around the central streets, visit cafes, explore Luong Van Can Market, Cat Bi Market, Lach Tray Walking Street, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and shopping experiences.
If you have more time, visitors can expand their itinerary by combining it with a trip to Cat Ba Island, one of the most famous destinations in Hai Phong. From the mainland, you can easily travel by Sun World cable car, which is both fast and offers stunning views of the sea and sky.
Upon arriving on the island, you can explore Lan Ha Bay – a place with hundreds of small, undulating islands, clear blue waters, and picturesque scenery. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful beaches, fine sand, crystal-clear water, participate in outdoor activities such as kayaking, snorkeling to see coral, or trekking to explore Cat Ba National Park. In addition, the island has many fresh seafood restaurants, seaside cafes, luxurious resorts, helping you relax and fully experience the natural beauty and unique culture of this beautiful island.
With its rich flavor, smooth texture, and traditional culinary value, banh duc tau Hai Phong is a specialty that tourists cannot miss. Enjoying this dish at reputable addresses will help you fully appreciate the characteristic flavor of the port city. Add banh duc tau Hai Phong to your culinary journey to experience the unique culinary culture and preserve memorable tasting moments.
