Squid Fish Cakes

Delicious Squid Fish Cakes from Quảng Ninh at Cat Ba Market

When it comes to fresh seafood in Quảng Ninh province of Vietnam, many people immediately think of Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island. For me, Mr.Hotsia, who had the chance to explore and experience the Vietnamese way of life up close, tasting the “Squid Fish Cakes” in front of Cat Ba fresh market was truly an unmissable experience.

Cat Ba Market, locally known as Ket Ba Market, is a lively and bustling fresh market in the morning. It is filled with fresh seafood from early dawn, including shrimp, crab, fish, and what caught my eye the most was the giant squid crawling inside the fish tanks. Seeing them made me feel the true freshness, which is the key to these squid fish cakes.

The squid fish cakes here are unlike the usual fish cakes we know. Mr.Hotsia noticed that the shops selling squid fish cakes use fresh squid finely ground after carefully removing the skin and black eyes. I am not sure about the exact seasoning and other ingredients, but what I am sure of is that they do not add too much flour or binding agents, resulting in a soft texture and a genuine squid aroma.

One morning, walking through Cat Ba fresh market, I saw a vendor shaping the squid fish cake mixture into flat round shapes similar to meatballs, then frying them until golden brown with a crispy outside and soft inside. The sea aroma was so inviting that I had to stop and taste immediately. The flavor was a fresh sweetness of squid combined with the crispiness of the fish cake that was neither too thick nor too thin. It was so delicious I wanted to buy some to make at home.

Tasting squid fish cakes on Cat Ba Island was a new experience I had never encountered before. Especially when eaten with spicy Vietnamese seafood dipping sauce or even Thai-style sauce available at some places in Ha Long, it greatly enhances the dish’s flavor.

Atmosphere and Lifestyle at Cat Ba Market

Cat Ba Market is the starting point for trips to Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island. Besides being a fresh food market, it is also a hub for the lives of local fishermen and vendors. Walking through the market in the morning gave me a real glimpse of Vietnamese life, focusing on fresh ingredients and friendly trade.

Here you will find fresh squid caught directly from Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island. Ha Long Bay itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a very rich seafood source. Because of this, all ingredients in this fresh market are truly fresh, assuring me that every dish made here is delicious and safe.

If you are interested in learning or experiencing how to make authentic squid fish cakes, I recommend talking to the vendors or locals here. They are happy to share and teach simple recipes to interested tourists. This is another aspect that makes our trip meaningful and closer to the culture.

Connecting with Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island Tours

After trying fresh squid fish cakes at Cat Ba Market, I recommend you take a boat tour to admire the beauty of Ha Long Bay. This area is full of small islands with stunning scenery. You can buy a day trip tour from Hanoi or stay overnight on Cat Ba Island as you prefer.Ha Long Bay TourA great choice for those who want to fully experience the sea and nature.

For those interested in more details about Cat Ba Island, don’t forget to read the articleCat Ba Islandwhere I, Mr.Hotsia, share detailed atmosphere and travel experiences including visiting Cat Ba Market in the morning.Cat Ba Market or Ket Ba Market (Cat Ba Island)will help you prepare for a complete trip.

Summary of Deliciousness and Impressions from mr.hotsia

The squid fish cakes at Cat Ba Market are not just ordinary snacks but represent the fresh seafood culture of Vietnamese people in Quảng Ninh province that impressed me, Mr.Hotsia, the most. The sweet aroma of squid and the crispy outside with soft inside texture make this dish a must-try when visiting Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island.

If you have the chance to visit this part of Vietnam, don’t forget to stop by Cat Ba Market and try the squid fish cakes yourself. You will discover the true freshness and flavor of Vietnamese seafood. I, Mr.Hotsia, guarantee you will be as hooked as I am.

Watch my squid fish cake review video here:Squid Fish Cakes by Mr.Hotsia