What to Expect About Food Served on Halong Bay Cruise

Choosing to explore Halong Bay on an overnight cruise, you may be wondering what to expect about the food served on board. In this article, Renea Cruise will provide you with an overview of the culinary experiences you can look forward to during your Halong Bay cruise.

Food Served on Halong Bay Cruises

The food served on Halong Bay cruises is a delightful fusion of Vietnamese and Western cuisines, with a focus on fresh seafood. Whether you are a seafood lover or prefer vegetarian or Indian cuisine, you will find a variety of options to satisfy your palate. Cruise operators offer all meals included in their packages, which means you can indulge in breakfast, lunch, and dinner while enjoying the beauty of Halong Bay.

Cruise Dining Options

Meals included in the Halong Bay cruise package

Depending on the duration of your cruise, you will be served different meals.

• On a 1-day cruise, you can expect a delicious lunch.
• For a 2-day 1-night cruise, you will enjoy 2 lunches, 1 dinner, and a light breakfast.
• If you opt for a 3-day 2-night cruise, you will be treated to 3 lunches, 2 dinners, and 2 breakfasts.

Rest assured that the meals provided are plentiful and will keep you energized for the duration of your cruise.

Meal Style

Most cruises offer a choice between buffet-style meals or a set menu with pre-chosen dishes. The buffet-style meals are a popular choice as they provide a wide selection of dishes, allowing you to try a little bit of everything. However, if you prefer a more curated dining experience, the set menu option is perfect for you. Here is the menu for a 2-day 1-night cruise on Renea Cruise

Lunch

• Seafood Soup
• Mixed salad
• Bay Shrimp with Ginger & Lemon Grass
• Fried crab in “Farci style”
• Chicken curry
• Stir Fired Halong Squid with vegetable
• Seasonal stir-fried vegetable
• Steam rice
• Seasonal fruits

BBQ Dinner

• Pumpkin soup
• Mushroom with Tofu salad
• Grilled oyster with Spring Onion
• Vietnamese Traditional Spring Rolls
• Grilled Beef
• Grilled Chicken
• Seasonal Boiled Vegetable
• Fried rice
• Mango mousse

Breakfast

• Mix Salad
• Counter Bread
• Butter
• Egg Counter
• Strawberry jam
• Tea & coffee
• Fruit Juice
• Seasonal fresh fruits

Lunch (2^nd day)

• Yam bean salad
• Deep Deep-fried fish with sour sauce
• “Luc lac” beef with black pepper sauce
• Fried Halong Squid cake
• Seasonal stir-fried vegetable
• Steam rice
• Seasonal fresh fruits

 

Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine on Halong Bay Cruises

Halong Bay Cruises proudly showcases the culinary heritage of the region, offering a range of authentic Vietnamese dishes. Here are some Vietnamese delicacies during your cruise:

Vietnamese Traditional Spring Rolls

These crispy and refreshing spring rolls are a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. Filled with a combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and your choice of protein, they are a delightful appetizer that will awaken your taste buds.

Fried Halong Squid Cake

Squid is a popular seafood choice in Halong Bay, and the fried squid cake is a unique and delicious way to experience this delicacy. The cake is made by mixing minced squid with flour and spices, then deep-fried to perfection. With its crispy exterior and tender interior, it is a true delight.

Grilled Oyster with Spring Onion

Halong Bay is known for its succulent oysters, and grilling them with spring onion brings out their natural flavors. The combination of smoky charred oysters and the freshness of spring onion creates a mouthwatering dish that is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.

Grilled Striped Bass Fish

Freshly caught striped bass fish is marinated in a blend of Vietnamese spices and then grilled to perfection. The result is a dish that is both tender and flavorful, with a hint of smokiness from the grill. This is a true highlight of Vietnamese cuisine.

Seafood Specialties of Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a seafood lover’s paradise, and there are some unique and exotic seafood specialties that you must try during your cruise. Here are a few examples:

Mantis Shrimp (Be Be)

Mantis shrimp, also known as “Be Be” in Vietnamese, is a delicacy that is highly prized for its sweet and succulent meat. This crustacean is often grilled or steamed and served with a variety of dipping sauces, allowing you to savor the delicate flavors.

Squid (Muc)

Squid, or “Muc” in Vietnamese, is a versatile seafood that can be prepared in various ways. Whether it’s grilled, stir-fried, or deep-fried, squid is always a crowd-pleaser. Its tender texture and mild flavor make it a favorite among seafood enthusiasts.

Peanut Worm (Sa Sung)

Peanut Worm, or “Sa Sung” in Vietnamese, is a unique delicacy that might surprise you. Despite its name, it is not actually a worm but a type of marine worm. It is typically stir-fried or added to soups, and its soft and chewy texture is truly one-of-a-kind.

Horseshoe Crab Delight (Sam)

Horseshoe crab, or “Sam” in Vietnamese, is a rare delicacy that is highly prized for its rich and savory meat. The meat is often stir-fried with garlic and chili, resulting in a dish that is bursting with flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, give this exotic seafood a try.

Oysters

Halong Bay is famous for its plump and juicy oysters. Whether you prefer them raw, grilled, or cooked in a variety of dishes, you can be sure that the oysters in Halong Bay are of the highest quality. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor these briny delights.

Barnacle (Ha)

Barnacles, or “Ha” in Vietnamese, are a lesser-known seafood delicacy that is worth exploring. These small crustaceans have a unique flavor that is both sweet and salty. They are often boiled or steamed and served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Shrimp (Tom)

Shrimp, or “Tom” in Vietnamese, is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. Halong Bay offers a variety of shrimp dishes, from grilled shrimp skewers to shrimp stir-fries. The succulent and sweet meat of the shrimp is sure to satisfy your seafood cravings.

Vegetarian and Dietary Options on Halong Bay Cruises

If you follow a vegetarian or have specific dietary restrictions, rest assured that Halong Bay cruises have you covered. Vegetarian options are readily available, with a range of dishes prepared with fresh vegetables, tofu, and other plant-based ingredients. Additionally, if you have specific dietary requirements or allergies, the cruise staff will be more than happy to accommodate your needs. Whether you require gluten-free, lactose-free, or nut-free options, you can enjoy your meals with peace of mind.

Dining Experiences on Halong Bay Cruises

Dining on Restaurant on Board

Halong Bay Cruises offers a dedicated restaurant on board where you can enjoy your meals in a comfortable and elegant setting. The restaurants are beautifully decorated, offering panoramic views of the bay as you savor your culinary delights. The attentive and friendly staff will ensure that you have a memorable dining experience throughout your cruise.

Dining on Sundeck with a Top View of Halong Bay

For a truly unforgettable dining experience, some cruises like Renea Cruise offer the option of dining on the sundeck. Imagine enjoying your meal while surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Halong Bay. The sundeck provides a breathtaking view of the limestone islands, sparkling waters, and vibrant sunsets, creating a magical atmosphere for your dining pleasure.

Cooking Class on Halong Bay Cruise

During your Halong Bay cruise, you will have the opportunity to participate in a cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. Under the guidance of experienced chefs, you will discover the secrets of creating authentic Vietnamese flavors. One popular dish you may learn to cook is the traditional Vietnamese spring roll. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and embark on a culinary adventure as you learn to create delicious Vietnamese delicacies.

Final thought

On Halong Bay cruises, you can expect a delightful culinary journey that combines Vietnamese and Western cuisines. From traditional Vietnamese dishes to fresh seafood specialties, there is something to satisfy every palate. Vegetarian and dietary options are readily available, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a memorable dining experience. Whether you choose to dine in the onboard restaurant or on the sundeck with a view, each meal will be a feast for the senses. Hope that you will enjoy the local food and dining style when cruising Halong Bay. Have a great trip.