Where to buy Ha Long squid cake to ensure delicious taste, authenticity, and affordable pricing? Famous for its stunning bay, Ha Long also attracts visitors with its renowned squid cake specialty. In this guide, Wyndham Legend Halong will share how to identify genuine squid cake, choose reputable shops, and highlight the best local shops selling squid cake in Ha Long.

I. Squid cake – A must-try dish when visiting Ha Long

Squid cake, known locally as "Cha Muc," has long been an iconic culinary symbol of Ha Long, a coastal city renowned not only for its beautiful bay but also its exceptional seafood dishes. Crafted meticulously from fresh cuttlefish and entirely hand-pounded, Ha Long squid cake has an unmistakably crispy texture and distinctive aroma, unmatched by squid cake produced elsewhere.

When fried to golden perfection, each piece releases an inviting fragrance, creating a delicious pairing with white sticky rice or steamed rice rolls, further enhancing its savory, sea-infused flavor. Many travelers fall in love with this dish during their visit and afterward often wonder where to buy Ha Long squid cake to bring home as a gift for friends and family.

More than just a delicious treat, squid cake represents an integral part of Ha Long’s cultural and gastronomic identity, providing a memorable experience beyond the city's scenic beauty.

II. What to keep in mind when buying Ha Long squid cake?

Although famous, not every store in Ha Long offers authentic squid cake. Without careful consideration, it's easy to mistakenly buy products mixed with inferior ingredients. Before deciding where to buy Ha Long squid cake, you should learn how to distinguish genuine products from imitations, recognize quality squid cake, and choose reputable places to shop.

1. How to distinguish between authentic and mixed squid cake

When considering where to buy Ha Long squid cake, you should pay attention to the following characteristics to distinguish authentic squid cake from mixed versions

Ingredients:

Flavor:

Color:

Texture:

When selecting places to buy squid cake, carefully read ingredient labels and, if possible, try samples to confirm quality directly.

2. Tips to recognize quality squid cake by color, aroma, and texture

High-quality squid cake has a naturally appealing golden-brown color, slightly crispy edges without any burnt or overly pale areas. When freshly fried, genuine squid cake emits a clear aroma of fresh squid, free from floury scents or reused oil odors. 

On tasting, it should offer a distinct sweetness and chewy texture - firm but not overly tough or crumbly. Breaking apart the cake reveals visible squid fibers inside, a hallmark of hand-pounded authenticity.

Based on these characteristics, you'll easily recognize authentic squid cake, eliminating uncertainty about shops selling squid cake in Ha Long and making informed purchasing decisions.

3. Criteria for choosing a good shop

To confidently choose the best places to buy Ha Long squid cake, consider the following criteria:

 

Choosing the right shop ensures both product quality and fair pricing, removing doubt about reliable shops selling squid cake in Ha Long.

III. Places to buy Ha Long squid cake that are authentic, high-quality, and reasonably priced

After understanding how to choose quality squid cake and identify reputable shops, you're likely still wondering exactly where to buy Ha Long squid cake that's both authentic and reasonably priced. Below is a carefully selected list of trusted local shops highly recommended by both locals and tourists alike, ensuring you can easily purchase delicious, authentic Ha Long squid cake for yourself or as gifts.

1. Blue Bay restaurant

If you want to enjoy chả mực (Ha Long squid cake) in an elegant and refined setting, head to Blue Bay Restaurant located in Wyndham Legend Halong Hotel. This venue stands out with a diverse menu that blends traditional Vietnamese cuisine with international dishes, all crafted by a team of professional chefs who understand the tastes of both local and international guests.

The restaurant not only serves high-quality chả mực but also offers a complete culinary experience with beautifully presented dishes, a sophisticated atmosphere, and a stunning view overlooking Ha Long Bay. It's an ideal choice if you’re looking to enjoy Ha Long specialties in a memorable space, perfect for intimate gatherings or special occasions.

If you're still wondering where to buy Ha Long squid cake, then Blue Bay Restaurant is the perfect option for you.

Contact Information:

• Address: No. 12 Ha Long Road, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province
• Phone: +(84) 2033 636 555 / Hotline: +(84) 898 255 628
• Website: wyndhamhalong.com/vn/nha-hang

2. Dasavina – Cha Muc Ba Kien (Ba Kien Squid Cake)

Inspired by traditional recipes from local fishermen, Ba Kien Squid Cake—developed by Dasavina Company—aims to popularize Ha Long’s famous specialty. Each squid cake is hand-pounded and shaped by skilled artisans, ensuring a chewy texture, natural sweetness, and unmistakable aroma.

Ba Kien Squid Cake’s meticulous preparation process has captivated even the most discerning food lovers, and its products are not only famous domestically but have also been exported to over 10 countries, including the USA, Australia, Germany, France, and Russia. This squid cake is also a favored gift during Tet holidays due to its refined taste and authentic seafood flavor.

Contact information:

• Address: No.1, Block 8, Area 6, Hong Hai Ward, Ha Long City
• Phone: 0962 08 3232
• Website: dasavina.vn
• Price range: Around 450,000 VND/kg

3. Cha Muc Hien Nhung/Gia Nhung (Hien Nhung/Gia Nhung Squid Cake)

If you find yourself at Ha Long Market and still unsure where to buy Ha Long squid cake, do not overlook the Hien Nhung brand. As one of the oldest and most reputable squid cake stores at Ha Long Market, Hien Nhung is renowned for its traditional preparation method, using 100% fresh squid and hand-pounding techniques that retain the squid’s natural elasticity and sweetness.

Their products contain no additives or preservatives, using only traditional spices, creating a unique and much-loved flavor. Thanks to its honest business practices and OCOP certification, Hien Nhung remains a trusted choice for both locals and tourists looking for quality squid cakes.

Contact information:

• Address: Kiosks 228 – 229 – 230, Ha Long I Market, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh
• Price range: 410,000 – 450,000 VND/kg
• Hotline: 020.3350.5799 – 0905.568.899
• Facebook: facebook.com/chamucgiatayhiennhung

4. Hai San Ong Ba (Ong Ba Seafood)

Hai San Ong Ba is a trustworthy option if you're wondering where to buy Ha Long squid cake that's both tasty and budget-friendly. This shop offers three varieties of hand-pounded squid cake—standard, special, and premium—to meet diverse customer needs.

Their strength lies in a traditional family recipe, careful selection of fresh squid, and handmade pounding paired with traditional spices. All products come vacuum-sealed for convenience during transport. Hai San Ong Ba enjoys great trust from both domestic and international customers.

Contact information:

• Address: Ha Long Old Town, Lot C122, Sunworld, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh
• Phone: 0947.211.899
• Fanpage: facebook.com/haisanongba.vn
• Price range: 380,000 – 420,000 VND/kg

5. Hai San Quang Phong (Quang Phong Seafood)

When asked where to buy Ha Long squid cake that's both delicious and reliable, Hai San Quang Phong is an excellent answer. Famous for clear commitments to quality—100% hand-pounded squid from carefully selected Ha Long squid, this store strictly adheres to food safety standards.

Quang Phong squid cake made from high-quality Ha Long squid

Professional service, competitive prices, and a money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied further build trust among customers. Quang Phong Seafood is an ideal place to buy authentic Ha Long squid cake for gifts.

Contact information:

• Address: Kiosk C112A, Ha Long Street, Bai Chay, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh
• Hotline: 097.864.6300
• Email: haisanquangphong@gmail.com
• Price range: 400,000 – 590,000 VND/kg
• Website: haisanquangphong.com

IV. How to store squid cake and bring it home as a gift

Besides considering where to buy Ha Long squid cake, it’s essential to know how to properly store and package this specialty for gifting. Here are useful tips from Wyndham Legend Halong to help you preserve the flavor and quality of Ha Long squid cake when bringing it home for family and friends.

1. How to store squid cake – How long does squid cake last?

Proper storage not only maintains squid cake’s delicious taste but also ensures food safety. Whether it’s raw or pre-fried squid cake, each type has distinct storage conditions and shelf life.

For raw squid cake (uncooked): If not consumed immediately, store it in the fridge at temperatures below -4°C, ideally for up to 1–3 days. To extend shelf life further, lightly fry it first, then freeze. Avoid frequently opening the freezer, as sudden temperature changes may spoil the squid cake.

For pre-fried squid cake: Usually packaged carefully, pre-fried squid cake can last 7–10 days in the fridge, or up to 60 days in the freezer at temperatures between -5°C and -10°C. When deep-frozen below -18°C, it can safely last up to 6 months without compromising taste or texture.

Important note: Always check expiration dates on packaging and seal squid cake tightly before refrigerating to prevent odor contamination with other foods. Ideally, consume the product as soon as possible to fully enjoy its fresh taste and nutrients.

2. How to properly package squid cake for travel

Currently, squid cake is usually packaged using two main methods: vacuum-sealed bags or regular plastic bags. Proper packaging helps maintain product quality and ensures that its distinct flavor stays intact during transportation.

Vacuum-sealed bags: This method is commonly used by larger producers. After cooking and cooling, squid cakes are packed in specialized plastic bags, and air is removed to minimize bacteria and mold growth. This method is ideal for long-term storage or transporting squid cake over long distances.

Regular plastic bags: Typically used by small businesses or home consumers. Squid cakes are placed in regular plastic bags and tightly sealed, then refrigerated. However, this method has a shorter shelf life and requires careful refrigeration to avoid spoilage.

Regardless of the method, cleanliness and proper temperature control are crucial in preserving squid cake freshness when bringing it home as a gift.

V. Conclusion

Hopefully, this article has helped you find out exactly where to buy Ha Long squid cake that’s tasty, authentic, and affordable. From trusted brands like Ba Kien, Phuc, and Quang Phong to famous local markets, each location offers unique flavors and guaranteed quality.

Don’t forget to save these helpful recommendations from Wyndham Legend Halong, ensuring that you'll always know the best places to buy Ha Long squid cake whenever you have a chance to visit this beautiful coastal city.

—

Contact Information: 

𝗪𝘆𝗻𝗱𝗵𝗮𝗺 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴

Address: No. 12 Ha Long Street, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province

Tel: +(84) 2033 636 555/ Hotline: +(84) 898 255 628

Email: info@wyndhamhalong.com, sales-co2@wyndhamhalong.com 

Map: