1. Introduction to Hai Phong lantern pate
Hai Phong lantern pate was introduced along with the wave of French culture during the colonial period, when the original pâté began to appear in the port city. Local people creatively adapted the original recipe, adjusting it with local ingredients and changing the spice ratios to suit Vietnamese tastes.
Over many years, Hai Phong lantern pate gradually made its mark with a unique blend of liver, meat, fat, and traditional spices. The image of small stalls beside street lamps has become associated with its familiar name, making this dish an unmistakable culinary cultural icon of the coastal city.
Lamp post pate, a delicious specialty famous in Hai Phong. (Source: VinWonders)
For the people of Hai Phong, lamp post pate is not just a dish but also a childhood flavor, associated with simple breakfasts and memories of gathering with family. From the traditional way of eating with banh mi to variations with sticky rice during holidays, this pate always carries the strong flavor of home. Although it has entered the international market, Hai Phong lamp post pate retains its full identity and creative spirit, becoming the pride of the port city's residents.
2. What makes Hai Phong lamp post pate's flavor so distinctive?
2.1. Ingredients and preparation method of Hai Phong lamp post pate
The appeal of Hai Phong lamp post pate stems from the meticulous selection of ingredients such as fresh pork liver, pork shoulder, pork fat, and pork rind. Additionally, auxiliary ingredients like unsweetened fresh milk, onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, fish sauce, white pepper, and oyster sauce are used according to traditional family recipes.
The highlight of the preparation process is balancing the liver, which accounts for about 30 to 40 percent of the total weight, combined with the meat and fat, creating a rich yet not greasy texture. Each batch of lamp post pate has its own secret ratio and mixing order, ensuring a natural aroma without any fishy smell.
After the ingredients are blended, they are slow-cooked for many hours, allowing the Hai Phong lamp post pate to retain its smooth texture and fully meld its flavors. Experience and meticulousness are the deciding factors for the quality of each batch of pate.
2.2. Distinctive rich and subtly fragrant flavor
When enjoying Hai Phong lamp post pate, the rich flavor that melts on the tongue and its indescribable smoothness create a captivating sensation. The aroma of liver mixed with fish sauce, pepper, and onions combines into a mild, non-pungent, and pleasant aftertaste, especially captivating even those trying it for the first time.
In terms of ingredients, Hai Phong lamp post pate stands out with its high liver content and moderate fat, giving it a unique aroma that is hard to confuse with other types of pate from regions like Nam Dinh or Hanoi. Its warm brown-yellow color and smooth texture further enhance the dish's appeal.
Thanks to its quality and strictly controlled production process, Hai Phong lamp post pate is also packaged for export, meeting stringent food safety requirements and receiving positive feedback from numerous domestic and international customers.
Lamppost Pate Hai Phong is made from fresh and delicious ingredients. (Source: Collected)
3. Top famous Lamppost Pate Hai Phong addresses 2025
3.1. Xiu's traditional pate
Lamppost Pate Hai Phong has long been one of the renowned specialties that captivates tourists from near and far with its rich, savory, and unforgettable flavor. Among countless brands, Xiu's traditional pate still maintains a special position thanks to its unique processing formula preserved through generations.
Not only conquering diners with its quality, Pate Xiu also impresses with its meticulous, clean, and professional packaging, making it easy for tourists to take away or buy as gifts. The reference price is around 90,000 VND for a 500-gram box, meeting the diverse needs of diners. The product continuously receives positive feedback from the press and customers.
Pate with rich, attractive colors. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Tam Cook Brand
Pate Cot Den Tam Cook is a product that embodies the culinary soul of Hai Phong, prepared according to a traditional family recipe, combining pork liver, lean meat, spices, and a secret to maintain the right level of richness.
Regarding price, Tam Cook currently distributes mainly two sizes: 300g and 500g boxes. The reference price is about 65,000 VND for a 300g box and 100,000 VND for a 500g box for takeaway.
Currently, the product is distributed nationwide and is available in many international food markets. This widespread presence contributes to elevating the reputation of Hai Phong pate cot den in the modern market.
Pate Tam Cook is packaged cleanly and safely. (Source: Tam Cook)
3.3. Cot Den Pate
This is the oldest original establishment of the renowned Cot Den Pate brand of the port city. The shop adheres to the traditional recipe with pork liver, pork fat, fried shallots, and perfectly balanced spices, creating a rich yet not greasy flavor.
Prices range from 135,000–160,000 VND/kg, with boxed options convenient for long-distance travel. The pate is soft, fragrant, and rich in flavor, highly favored by tourists and locals alike, especially those seeking the authentic "old Hai Phong" taste.
3.4. Ong Ba Cu Shop
Ong Ba Cu Shop is famous for its incredibly appealing homemade pate-covered breadsticks. The fragrant, creamy pate is spread evenly on hot, crispy breadsticks, offering a simple, familiar flavor to the port city's residents.
The average price is 12,000–15,000 VND/stick, suitable for a quick breakfast. The space is small but clean, with attentive service, making it a familiar spot for students, office workers, and tourists wanting to experience the authentic homemade Hai Phong pate flavor.
3.5. Phuong Linh Pate
Phuong Linh Pate at 29 Chua Hang is known for its lighter, less fatty flavor while still retaining its characteristic aroma. Each batch of pate is handcrafted daily, ensuring freshness, deliciousness, and food safety.
Prices are around 120,000–150,000 VND/0.5kg, beautifully packaged, convenient for purchasing as gifts. The flavor is harmonious, not too fatty, suitable for the elderly and tourists who want to enjoy a characteristic "lightly flavored" Hai Phong pate.
4. Tips for Buying Hai Phong Lamppost Pate in 2025
4.1. Latest Updated Price List for Hai Phong Lamppost Pate
In 2025, the Hai Phong Lamppost Pate market shows a clear price segmentation based on quality and packaging. At famous shops in Hai Phong, pate is sold at quite varied prices. You can find 0.5 kg of pate for 90,000 to 150,000 VND depending on the brand, such as Pate Xiu priced at 90,000 VND/0.5 kg; Ong Cuong pate breadsticks at 120,000–150,000 VND/0.5 kg. Meanwhile, the highest recorded price is around 135,000 – 160,000 VND/kg for Cot Den Pate.
Buying by the kilogram in loose form is usually cheaper, but boxed packaging is preferred for its convenience, elegance, and ease of transport or gifting. This is a point to remember when choosing Cot Den Pate for long trips.
Counterfeit and imitation products still appear on the market, so choosing to buy from reputable addresses is crucial. Carefully check the labels, anti-counterfeit stamps, expiry dates, and actual customer feedback before deciding to purchase.
4.2. Criteria for Choosing Delicious and Safe Hai Phong Lamppost Pate
When looking to buy Hai Phong Lamppost Pate , the first factor to prioritize is food safety certification. Packaging should be clean, tightly sealed, with clear manufacturing and expiry dates, not ambiguous.
Choose products from brands with official websites, positive reviews, and advanced preservation technology. Ingredients should clearly state the origin of fresh liver, with absolutely no foreign additives affecting health.
Besides consulting reputable newspapers, you should also consider real-life shares from major forums for a comprehensive view of quality. Don't forget to clearly verify the origin and contact information before buying Hai Phong Lamppost Pate .
4.3. Tips for Storing and Enjoying Hai Phong Lamppost Pate
If you plan to bring Cot Den Pate as a gift or for a long trip, choosing vacuum-sealed options and keeping them refrigerated during transit is essential. After opening the box, it should be consumed within 3 to 5 days to maintain the best flavor and quality.
The most traditional and appealing way to enjoy Hai Phong Lamppost Pate is with Hai Phong spicy bread. Alternatively, you can get creative with white sticky rice, fried eggs, or incorporate it into salads and noodle dishes to enhance its rich, creamy characteristic flavor.
A small note after taking Cot Den Pate out: close the lid tightly, avoid direct heat sources or sunlight, and it's best to store it in the refrigerator's cool compartment to keep it fresh and delicious for a long time.
Canned pate, tightly sealed and refrigerated, helps preserve it longer. (Source: Collected)
5. Suggested Hai Phong Travel Itinerary Combined with Specialty Food Enjoyment
Start your day in Hai Phong with a journey to explore attractive destinations such as the Hai Phong Opera House to enjoy the ancient French architectural space and keep beautiful souvenir photos.
Don't forget to spend your lunch break enjoying Hai Phong lamp post pate at prominent establishments like Xiu, Tam Cook, or Ba Nghia. Combining pate with spicy baguette or sticky rice offers an intimate culinary experience, full of local nuances that are hard to find elsewhere.
In the evening, strolling around Sat Market or along Tam Bac street will help you better understand the local daily life. These streets are not only steeped in history but also gather many attractive specialties.
If you have more time, visitors can visit Cat Ba Island – the green pearl of Hai Phong, famous for its pristine scenery and clear blue beaches. Here, you can swim, take a boat trip to explore Lan Ha Bay, or experience the Sun World Cat Ba cable car to admire the panoramic view of the bay from above. This itinerary promises to bring relaxing moments and unforgettable experiences amidst island nature.
Family tourist groups happily check in at Cat Hai station.
Pate Cot Den Hai Phong is not only a delicious dish that captivates diners, but also a source of pride associated with the culinary essence of the port city. On your 2025 trip, don't miss the opportunity to savor its rich, aromatic, and distinctive flavor, and bring home authentic pate boxes as meaningful gifts to spread the taste of Hai Phong throughout the country.
