Chả Mực
Chả Mực Hạ Long is one of the most iconic and beloved specialties of Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province. This golden, crispy fried squid cake is famous for its distinctive texture and rich seafood flavor — and is often ranked among the top 50 Vietnamese delicacies.
What is Chả Mực?
Chả mực is a type of Vietnamese squid patty made by finely pounding fresh squid (usually by hand), mixing it with spices, then shaping into round cakes and deep-frying them until golden brown. Unlike regular fish cakes, chả mực has a bouncy, chewy texture and a sweet, fragrant flavor from the squid.
The best chả mực is said to come from Hạ Long, where the squid is caught fresh from the bay and processed the same day.
Ingredients
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Fresh squid (usually cuttlefish or loligo squid from Hạ Long Bay)
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Minced pork fat (optional – for added richness)
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Garlic and shallots
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Salt and pepper
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Fish sauce
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Tapioca starch or flour (helps bind the mixture)
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Cooking oil (for deep frying)
How It’s Made
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Cleaning the Squid: The squid is cleaned, skinned, and sliced into small pieces.
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Pounding: Traditionally, the squid is pounded using a mortar and pestle until it becomes a thick, sticky paste. This method preserves the squid’s natural elasticity.
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Seasoning: Garlic, pepper, salt, and fish sauce are added to the squid paste.
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Shaping: The mixture is formed into small, flat cakes or patties.
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Frying: The squid cakes are deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, while still soft and chewy inside.
How to Eat Chả Mực
Chả mực is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
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With xôi (sticky rice) – A classic combo: the chewy squid cakes complement the soft, fragrant rice.
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With bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls) – A Northern-style breakfast or light meal.
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In bún (vermicelli) or bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich) – For a seafood twist on popular Vietnamese dishes.
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Dipped in chili sauce or garlic fish sauce – Enhances the natural sweetness of the squid.
Taste & Texture
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Texture: Slightly crispy on the outside, soft, chewy, and bouncy inside.
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Flavor: Rich, naturally sweet from the squid, aromatic with garlic and pepper.
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Smell: Fragrant and inviting, especially when freshly fried.
Why It’s Special
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Handmade quality: The traditional method of pounding by hand gives it a unique, elastic texture.
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Regional pride: It's a symbol of Hạ Long’s seafood culture.
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Perfect as a gift: Chả mực is often vacuum-packed and sold as a high-end souvenir or gift.
If you visit Hạ Long, don’t miss the chance to try authentic Chả Mực Hạ Long at local markets or restaurants. It's a dish that truly represents the flavors of Vietnam’s northern coast!