Imagine sailing through emerald waters while savoring the freshest seafood caught straight from the pristine waters of Bai Tu Long Bay. This lesser-known neighbor of Ha Long Bay offers not just stunning limestone karsts and secluded beaches, but also an extraordinary seafood dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds and create unforgettable memories.
The Seafood of Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay’s waters are teeming with diverse marine life, making it a paradise for seafood lovers. Local fishing communities have been harvesting these waters for generations, providing cruise guests with the freshest catches prepared according to traditional Vietnamese recipes. The bay’s unique ecosystem and careful fishing practices ensure sustainable seafood sourcing while maintaining the highest quality.
Menu on the Overnight Cruise
The culinary journey begins as soon as you step aboard the cruise. Expert chefs craft elaborate meals that showcase the bay’s finest seafood offerings. Let’s take a look at the seafood menu while boarding one of the best Bai Tu Long Bay cruises – Treasure Junk
Spicy Sour Seafood Soup, is a harmonious blend of tangy lemongrass, aromatic herbs, and tender seafood that awakens the palate. The soup’s complex flavors set the stage for the culinary adventure ahead.
Stir-fried squid with Garlic Celery: Perfectly cooked squid meets crispy celery in a garlic-infused sauce. The dish exemplifies the Vietnamese approach to cooking—simple yet sophisticated, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.
The Steamed Shrimp with Lemongrass, where plump, sweet shrimp are delicately steamed with fragrant lemongrass, preserving their natural sweetness while adding subtle citrus notes. The dish perfectly represents the bay’s bounty in its purest form.
The Vietnamese Stuffed Crabs deserve special mention. These local mud crabs are stuffed with a savory mixture of minced pork, mushrooms, and Vietnamese herbs and then steamed to perfection. This dish showcases the creative fusion of land and sea ingredients that characterizes Vietnamese coastal cuisine.
Must-Try Signature Seafood Specialties
The waters of Bai Tu Long Bay offer an impressive variety of seafood, each with its unique flavor profile and preparation method.
- The local blue swimmer crabs (Ghẹ) are prized for their sweet, tender meat and are often prepared in a simple garlic butter sauce to highlight their natural flavor.
- Sea Sam, a local delicacy, might be unfamiliar to international visitors but quickly becomes a favorite. This horseshoe crab relative is typically grilled and served with a spicy dipping sauce, offering a unique taste of local seafood culture.
- The bay’s sea shrimp are notably different from their farmed counterparts, with a firmer texture and more pronounced sweetness. Whether steamed, grilled, or added to hot pot, they never fail to impress.
- Mantis Shrimp (Bề bề) might look intimidating with their powerful claws, but their meat is incredibly sweet and tender. Local chefs often prepare them grilled with salt and chili or steamed with garlic, allowing their natural flavors to shine.
- The local squid is another highlight, known for its tenderness and versatility in cooking. Whether served as sashimi, grilled with chili salt, or stir-fried with vegetables, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Stone Crabs (Cù kì) are a special treat, with their distinctive sweet meat and firm texture. They’re typically steamed and served with a lime-pepper-salt dipping sauce, creating an explosion of flavors with each bite.
- No seafood journey would be complete without sampling the bay’s famous oysters. Whether enjoyed raw with a squeeze of lime or grilled with scallions and peanuts, they offer a pure taste of the sea.
A Sustainable Approach to Seafood
What makes the seafood experience on Bai Tu Long Bay cruises truly special is the commitment to sustainability. Cruise operators as Treasure Junk work closely with local fishing communities to ensure responsible fishing practices and maintain the bay’s delicate ecosystem. This approach not only preserves the environment but also guarantees the highest quality seafood for guests.
For food enthusiasts and travelers alike, exploring the seafood delights of Bai Tu Long Bay offers an authentic taste of Vietnam’s coastal cuisine while supporting sustainable fishing practices and local communities.