Eating Sweet Squid in Qui Yen City, Vietnam

Eating Sweet Squid in Qui Yen City, Vietnam: A Unique Tasting Experience by mr.hotsia

When talking about Northern Vietnam, many might think of Lang Son city, which I have shared about before inLang Son Province, VietnamBut my latest trip with mr.hotsia took me to a small town called “Qui Yen,” which, although not well known, has a charm in its fresh seafood, especially the signature dish I want to recommend: “Sweet Squid,” a taste that will captivate you and make you want to share it.

Arriving in Qui Yen in the afternoon, the weather was pleasantly cool, and the sea breeze gently touched my nose. I walked past the seaside fresh market filled with vendors selling fresh seafood. The squid here is considered one of the local specialties. Northern Vietnamese sweet squid differs from the grilled squid I’ve tried in big cities like Saigon or Hanoi because here, the squid is marinated with a special recipe blending palm sugar and local spices, creating a uniquely sweet and savory flavor.

I chose small button squid grilled over hot charcoal. The aroma of grilled squid filled the air, served with a spicy seafood dipping sauce. Every bite was a fresh taste of the sea combined with the gentle sweetness of the squid, making me hardly want to put down my chopsticks.

While eating sweet squid by the sea, I observed the simple lifestyle of the locals deeply connected to the ocean. Some were rowing boats to fish, while vendors grilled squid in the market. I felt that this mr.hotsia journey was not just about delicious food but also about absorbing the culture and spirit of the local people.

Travel and Nearby Accommodation Recommendations

For those interested in tasting this sweet squid, traveling to Qui Yen is not difficult. You can take a bus from Lang Son city, where I stayed at Hoang Son Hotel, convenient and affordable at about 600 baht per night. The hotel is located in the city center, just a few minutes’ walk to the fresh market and many local restaurants.Read more about Lang Son Provincewhich also has beautiful tourist spots like Mausan Mountain and the interesting Nhi Thanh Cave.

After eating sweet squid until full, I also recommend taking a walk to enjoy the seaside atmosphere of Qui Yen in the evening. It is peaceful and truly reflects the fishing community lifestyle, different from larger tourist cities like Nha Trang, which I have shared about inNha Trang Seawhich, although beautiful, is quite lively and more touristy.

Sweet Squid and mr.hotsia’s Way of Eating

I want to share my technique for eating sweet squid, which I use every time I visit Northern Vietnam: choosing bite-sized button squid grilled until the skin is crispy but the meat remains juicy. Eat it with a variety of fresh herbs like mint leaves, coriander, and cucumber to balance the sweetness of the squid. Additionally, the seafood dipping sauce made with fresh bird’s eye chili, chopped garlic, and lime juice is tangy and refreshing, truly enhancing the dish.

I also tried eating sweet squid with hot sticky rice, which gave the feeling of truly enjoying local food, unlike the usual grilled squid that is often paired only with cold beer.

Videos and Additional Resources

For those who want to see the atmosphere of eating fresh sweet squid in Qui Yen, mr.hotsia recommends the videoEating Sweet Squid in Qui Yen City, Vietnamthat I filmed myself, so everyone can fully experience the deliciousness and fun of this trip.

Summary of the Sweet Squid Eating Experience in Qui Yen

If you love the taste of fresh seafood and want to try something different from what you’ve had in Vietnam, Qui Yen city with its sweet squid is the answer that mr.hotsia confidently recommends. Visiting here is not just about eating but also about opening your heart to the seaside local lifestyle, an adventure full of flavors and the true essence of the sea.

For travelers who want to study routes and accommodations further, you can see travel details in nearby provinces like Lang Son atLang Son Province, VietnamOr if you want a change of scenery to visit beautiful temples in Northern Vietnam, try stopping byBuddhist Temples in Da Lat Citywhich I have also shared my experiences about.

Finally, mr.hotsia would like to say that eating sweet squid in Qui Yen is not just about the taste but an experience that allowed me to feel the sincerity of Northern Vietnamese people in a lesser-known perspective. I believe everyone who comes will love it just as much.