Blog Details

Finding the Spirit of the Sea in Ha Long Squid Cakes

Ha Long’s famous squid cakes carry the flavour of the sea and the craft traditions of local families. What seems like a simple dish is shaped by early market visits, careful ingredient selection and the patient handwork that preserves the soul of coastal cuisine.

Local cooks usually begin their day before sunrise to find the freshest catch. The ideal choice is thick-bodied spear squid that still glimmers with the salt of the previous night’s fishing boats. While squid can be prepared in many ways, the finest specimens are often reserved for squid cakes, a dish that reflects both skill and respect for the sea.

Preparing squid cakes requires strict attention to detail. Only fresh spear squid with firm and elastic flesh is suitable. The squid is cleaned once, stripped of its skin and prepared carefully to avoid breaking the ink sac. The white flesh is then placed in a mortar for pounding, a step that demands considerable effort and creates the signature texture that machines cannot fully replicate.

During this process, home cooks add fish sauce, seasoning, pepper, garlic, shallots and diced pork fat so the flavours blend gently into the squid as it softens. Some households now use grinders for convenience, but hand pounding remains the method that delivers the ideal balance of chewiness and small crunchy bits of squid.

To enhance elasticity and help the mixture absorb the seasonings, the pounded squid is chilled for about an hour before being pounded a second time. It is then shaped into small patties, flattened and fried in hot oil until golden and fragrant. The result is a squid cake that puffs slightly, crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.

Over time, squid cakes have become a symbol of Ha Long cuisine. Once considered a special gift, they gradually found a place on family tables during festive occasions. The aroma of freshly fried squid cakes with hints of garlic, shallots and pepper is irresistible. Each bite combines crisp edges, rich flavour and occasional pieces of squid that were not completely pounded, creating a delightful texture. The diced pork fat adds a mild richness that makes the dish even more comforting.

For Ha Long families, squid cakes hold cultural significance. During Lunar New Year, ancestral ceremonies and family gatherings, the dish is always present beside traditional offerings such as boiled chicken, sticky rice and glass noodle dishes. Squid cakes pair well with rice, noodle soup, steamed rolls or sticky rice, adding versatility to everyday and festive meals.

For those who grew up in Ha Long, the taste of homemade squid cakes lingers long after they leave their hometown. Beneath the savoury layers lies the familiar scent of the sea, a reminder of coastal life and the memories carried in each handmade piece.