1. Overview of Hai Phong braised sardines
1.1. Origin and story of Hai Phong braised sardines specialty
For centuries, Hai Phong braised sardines have been intimately associated with the life and culinary culture of the port region's coast. The Kien Thuy area and the mouth of the Van Uc river are often mentioned as the birthplace of this specialty, as this is a brackish water area where fresh river water mixes with seawater, ideal for sardines to grow. This very special natural environment creates sardines with pure white flesh and an incomparable rich, savory taste.
Braised sardine becomes a specialty of the coastal region of the Port land. (Source: Collected)
More than just a dish, braised sardines from Hai Phong are also a symbol of the diligence, skill, and family bonding of the local people. Each step in the preparation process carries traditional imprints, from selecting fresh fish to the secret of braising so that the fish is tender-boned yet retains its shape, all reflecting the meticulousness and care of the people here.
1.2. Characteristics to identify fresh and delicious Hai Phong sardines
Many people often confuse sardines with herring, but Hai Phong sardines have their own identifying characteristics. The fish have a flat, elongated body, a slender small head, and thick, shiny scales with a characteristic silver-blue hue. The fish meat is white, firm, and even; when held, you can feel its weight and firmness.
Sardines with characteristic thick, shiny scales. (Source: VnExpress)
Locals usually choose fresh fish by looking at intact scales, clear bright eyes, shiny skin, and firm bodies. Fish with strange odors or slimy skin are usually not chosen. Sardines caught at the beginning of the breeding season in the waters of Kien Thuy and Van Uc always have superior quality, bringing the characteristic rich natural flavor of the sea.
2. Characteristic Flavor of Hai Phong Braised Sardines
2.1. Characteristic Flavor of Hai Phong Braised Sardines
Hai Phong braised sardines always impress with the harmony between the natural sweetness, the richness of fresh fish combined with the slight sourness of chay, tamarind, or sấu. Spices like chili, ginger, and turmeric create a mild spiciness and rich aroma, combined with tuong ban (fermented rice sauce) and pure fish sauce, giving the dish a special flavor that is hard to find elsewhere. Green bananas contribute to the creamy texture, creating a well-rounded flavor for the pot of braised fish.
Braised sardines with banana create a creamy and chewy texture. (Source: VnExpress)
What makes Hai Phong braised sardines unique is the long braising time of 8 to 10 hours, often maintained continuously overnight so the fish becomes very tender without falling apart. Using traditional clay pots helps maintain even heat, allowing the spices to penetrate deeply into every fiber of the fish. When braising, the fish is arranged with various spices, adding pork fat or pork belly to enhance richness and prevent the fish from drying out. After the long braising period, the fish becomes extremely tender, the bones soft, while the meat retains its characteristic firm and chewy texture.
2.2. Authentic Ingredients and Their Roles
For Hai Phong braised sardines, each component plays its own important role. Green bananas help firm up the fish meat, reduce the fishy smell, and add a creamy taste when enjoyed. Tamarind, sour plum, or young hog plum create a highlight with a light, refreshing sourness, making the dish more appealing and also mellowing the fishy taste.
Ingredients to remove the fishy smell of sardines. (Source: VnExpress)
Turmeric and galangal not only help remove the fishy smell but also bring a mild spiciness, fragrance, and golden color to the braised dish. Fresh sugarcane cut into pieces adds a mild sweetness and helps the braised fish sauce become glossier and more attractive. Especially, tuong ban (fermented bean paste) is used by the local people as a special seasoning, creating the rich, characteristic salty flavor of the port region.
Hai Phong's pork belly is arranged with the fish, contributing to the richness and acting as a buffer layer, preventing the fish from sticking to the bottom of the pot during long braising. Layering the ingredients like a layer of fish, interspersed with green bananas, galangal, chay (a type of vegetable), and pork belly helps the spices distribute evenly, the fish absorb the flavor, and maintain a beautiful structure throughout the long braising process.
3. Hai Phong Sardine Braise Becomes a Local Economic Highlight
3.1. The Role of Hai Phong Sardine Braise in Life and Tourism
In the life of Hai Phong people, Hai Phong sardine braise is present from simple daily meals to holidays and festivals. Especially during the Lunar New Year, sardine braise is often chosen as a gift, expressing respect and sending hometown affection to relatives far away. Along with its cultural value, this dish has gradually become an culinary icon of the port land, known by many people beyond the local area.
Seizing this potential, many establishments in Kien Thuy and Do Son have improved their processing techniques, achieving OCOP 4-star certification. Hai Phong sardine braise is now available at many fairs nationwide and is increasingly becoming a specialty gift chosen by tourists. This development contributes to boosting the local economy while widely promoting the image of Hai Phong's land and people.
Braised sardines from the fishing village achieved OCOP 4-star certification. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Where to buy authentic Hai Phong braised sardines in 2026
Tourists looking to buy authentic Hai Phong braised sardines can visit famous establishments like Thai Tin in Kien Thuy, Lang Chai, or traditional craft villages in Do Son. These places are highly rated for their stable quality and have preserved the traditional flavor for many years. Tourists can refer to some prominent addresses below:
3.2.1. Van Cao Tender Braised Sardine Establishment
Located at 28/333 Van Cao, Lach Tray Ward, Hai Phong, this is one of the famous addresses many tourists visit when they want to buy authentic Kien Thuy-style braised sardines. The fish is slow-cooked until tender in clay pots, rich in flavor, and can be preserved for a long time, making it ideal as a gift. The reference price is about 120,000 VND/0.5kg, and the shop is open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
The restaurant's ambiance is rustic and cozy, with the aroma of braised fish spreading throughout the kitchen, evoking a sense of familiarity like a home-cooked meal. Besides braised sardines, the shop also serves many other Hai Phong specialty seafood dishes such as braised shrimp, dried squid, and sun-dried mackerel, all prepared in a rich traditional style.
3.2.2. Anh Tuyet Restaurant – Kien Thuy
If you have the chance to visit Kien Thuy, don't forget to stop by Anh Tuyet Restaurant (267B Cau Den – Nui Doi, Kien Thuy) to enjoy and buy specialty Hai Phong braised sardines. Here, the fish is handcrafted, retaining its traditional flavor, and can be enjoyed on-site or packed to take away. The opening hours are from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, convenient for both tourists and locals.
The restaurant space is spacious, with a cozy family style, and the aroma of braised fish fills the kitchen, creating a familiar feeling for diners. Besides braised sardines, Anh Tuyet also serves many other characteristic dishes of the coastal region such as mackerel braised with galangal, sweet and savory braised shrimp, and spicy stir-fried squid, all rich with the flavor of Hai Phong homeland.
3.2.3. Buying braised sardines at Hai Phong supermarkets
In addition to traditional establishments, tourists can easily find clay pot braised sardines at large supermarkets such as VinMart, Big C, Aeon Hai Phong, etc. The products are neatly packaged, ensuring safety and quality. Prices range from 320,000 VND to 370,000 VND per pot depending on size. This is a convenient option for those who want to buy Hai Phong specialties as gifts after their trip.
The display areas in supermarkets are arranged neatly and modernly, allowing tourists to easily choose products according to their needs. Besides clay pot braised sardines, you can also find many other Hai Phong specialties such as fish cakes, dried shrimp, Cat Hai fish sauce, etc., all beautifully packaged, suitable for gifts for relatives and friends.
When buying Hai Phong braised sardines online, it is advisable to prioritize suppliers with clear brands, products that meet OCOP standards, or official stores on major e-commerce platforms. Authentic products are usually packed in clay pots, with a thick, dark brown sauce, and the fish retains its original shape. Be cautious when encountering products with unclear origins, missing labels, or unusually low prices to ensure safety and quality.
Besides the culinary journey, tourists can combine it with a cable car experience at Sun World Cat Ba to admire the stunning panoramic view of the bay and islands, enjoying the fresh morning air. A lunch of braised sardines with rice in a clay pot will be an unforgettable impression of the coastal flavor, while the evening can be spent strolling around Cat Ba night market, buying specialties as gifts, and cherishing memorable moments to make the trip complete.
Sun World Cat Ba cable car operates continuously.
Hai Phong braised sardines are not just a rustic dish but also a typical cultural feature of the coastal people, containing the distinctive flavors and the heart of those who create the dish. If you have the chance to visit Hai Phong, don't forget to enjoy this traditional braised fish dish and bring some home as a gift to preserve the unforgettable tastes of the port city in every delicious piece of fish.
