Tiếng Việt
ไทยWhen talking about Quang Ninh, besides coal and the majestic Ha Long Bay, one cannot forget fresh squid – a gift from the sea, both delicious and nutritious. With a sweet taste, moderate chewiness, and a characteristic oceanic aroma, Quang Ninh fresh squid has long been the pride of Northern Vietnamese cuisine. And if you are wondering about the price of fresh squid per kg in Quang Ninh, which type to buy, or where to buy it reputably, then the following article from Ola Squid is your detailed guide!
Overview of Fresh Squid
Squid is one of the most popular and beloved seafood in Vietnam. It is not only easy to prepare and delicious but also rich in nutrients: quality protein, vitamin B12, selenium, copper, and essential amino acids.
Currently popular types of squid include:
- Tube squid: long body, smooth skin, sweet flesh, suitable for steaming, frying, stir-frying.
- Flathead squid: thick, short, wide body; thick, rich flesh, suitable for grilling or stuffing.
- Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis): crisp, thick, white flesh, highly favored in stir-fries and grills.
- Sim squid, egg squid: small but with abundant roe, rich and fragrant, often used for grilling or frying.
Characteristics of Quang Ninh Fresh Squid
It is not by chance that Quang Ninh fresh squid is favored by many gourmets, professional chefs, and high-end restaurants. Thanks to its unique geographical location and rich marine ecosystem, the waters of Quang Ninh, especially the areas of Bai Tu Long Bay, Ha Long Bay, Co To, and Van Don – are the ideal habitat for top-quality squid in the North.
Some outstanding characteristics that contribute to the reputation of fresh squid here:
- High freshness: The squid is caught near the shore or in Ha Long Bay, so it can be brought ashore within the same day.
- Natural aroma: When cooked, the squid releases a rich, sweet aroma, without any fishy smell.
- Thick, firm flesh: Compared to other sea regions, Quang Ninh squid has distinct muscle fibers, retaining its characteristic chewy and crisp texture.
- Beautiful color, naturally shimmering skin: Fresh squid usually has a pinkish hue, with smooth, shiny skin as if coated with a pearl-like film. This is a clear sign of recently caught squid that has not been stored for long, making the dish look more beautiful and appealing.
- Stable quality year-round: Thanks to its deep sea and clean water characteristics, Quang Ninh squid has more stable quality compared to sea regions affected by murky water or erratic tides. This explains why the squid here always maintains its standard deliciousness, whether in peak season or off-season.
Detailed Latest Quang Ninh Fresh Squid Price List
Depending on the type of squid, fishing season, and freshness, the price of fresh squid in Quang Ninh will vary. Here is the updated price list:
| Type of Fresh Squid | Selling Price (VND/kg) | Outstanding Features |
| Tube Squid Grade 1 | 280,000 – 350,000 | Live, long body, naturally sweet flesh |
| Fresh Flathead Squid | 320,000 – 400,000 | Wide body, thick flesh, rich, excellent for grilling |
| Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) | 250,000 – 310,000 | Crisp, white flesh, versatile for various dishes |
| Egg Squid (Baby Squid) | 270,000 – 330,000 | Contains roe, rich and creamy, delicious |
| Sim Squid (Baby) | 180,000 – 250,000 | Small size, good for frying or grilling |
| Shark Squid | 150,000 – 200,000 | Lower price, suitable for stir-frying or braising |
Note: Buy fresh squid at markets in the early morning or when fishing boats have just docked to get the best prices and the freshest squid of the day.
If you are particularly interested in rich and roe-filled squid, refer to detailed information on egg squid prices for a more accurate comparison when making your purchase.
How to Choose Standard Quang Ninh Fresh Tube Squid
Tube squid is one of the most popular and beloved types of squid in Quang Ninh. However, to choose truly fresh tube squid that retains its oceanic flavor and best meat quality, you need to know some identifying signs:
- Shape: Fresh squid has a straight body, the head is firmly attached to the body, and the tentacles are tightly wrapped and not detached. When held, it feels firm, not mushy or showing signs of a ripped belly or detached head.
- Squid skin: Fresh Quang Ninh tube squid usually has smooth skin, a light pink or silvery-gray sheen, and looks shiny and evenly colored. If the skin is peeling, discolored, or grayish-white, it is likely that the squid has been stored for a long time or improperly preserved.
- Squid eyes: Clear and bright, this is the most important sign to distinguish fresh squid from stale squid. Fresh squid has clear, bright eyes, not cloudy or yellowish.
- Elasticity: Gently press the squid’s body with your finger; if it is firm and quickly returns to its original shape, it is fresh squid. Stale squid often has soft, mushy flesh and easily releases water.
- Aroma: Fresh squid has a light, pleasant oceanic smell. If the squid has a strong fishy, ammonia-like, or slightly sour odor, do not buy it, as this indicates it is no longer fresh.
See also: How to choose fresh squid – secrets not everyone knows!
Delicious Dishes from Quang Ninh Fresh Squid
Quang Ninh fresh squid is not only delicious in its meat but also extremely versatile in preparation. Whether it’s tube squid, flathead squid, or cuttlefish, each type offers its own unique flavor when cooked. Here are some delicious dish suggestions to help you fully capture the sweet taste of the sea from each type of squid:
For Tube Squid
Quang Ninh tube squid has a long body, thin but crisp and sweet flesh, and absorbs flavors well, making it ideal for steaming, stir-frying, or stuffing. The fresh taste of the squid is preserved almost intact when cooked correctly, creating simple yet flavorful dishes.
Steamed Tube Squid with Ginger and Lemongrass
A simple dish that retains the natural sweetness of the squid. Ginger and lemongrass help eliminate any fishy odor while adding a pleasant aroma. This is a light and digestive-friendly steamed dish.
Preparation: Clean the squid, leave it whole. Place in a steamer with ginger slices and bruised lemongrass stalks, steam for 10-12 minutes until cooked.
Spicy Satay Stir-fried Tube Squid
The spicy flavor of satay combined with the chewy texture of tube squid creates a rich and appealing dish. This dish is especially good served hot with white rice or as a snack.
Preparation: Clean and slice the squid. Sauté garlic until fragrant, add squid and stir-fry until firm, add satay, season to taste, stir quickly, then turn off the heat.
Tube Squid Stuffed with Minced Pork and Tomato Sauce
The combination of fatty minced pork and chewy, sweet squid makes for a unique and appetizing dish. The thick tomato sauce adds an attractive color and irresistible aroma.
Preparation: Mix minced pork with wood ear mushrooms, onions, and seasonings, then stuff into the squid. Lightly fry the squid until firm, then cook with tomato sauce until the squid is tender.
For Flathead Squid
Flathead squid is known for its short, wide body, and thicker, richer flesh than tube squid. When grilled or fried, the squid retains its moisture inside while being crispy and fragrant outside. Therefore, flathead squid is often featured in popular grilled dishes or lightly steamed for a refreshing taste.
Grilled Flathead Squid with Chili Salt
Thick-fleshed flathead squid, grilled over charcoal with mild chili salt, creates a rich and fragrant dish. When cooked, the squid remains tender, crisp, and well-seasoned. This dish is very popular at seafood parties.
Preparation: Marinate the squid with salt, chili, oil, and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then, grill over charcoal or in an oven until golden brown on both sides.
Steamed Flathead Squid with Beer
Beer makes the squid tender, sweet, and fragrant. When combined with ginger and lemongrass, the steamed dish becomes refreshing and easy to eat, suitable even for the elderly.
Preparation: Place the squid in a steamer, add lemongrass, ginger, and pour a can of beer over it. Steam over high heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Fried Flathead Squid with Fish Sauce
This dish has a crispy golden exterior, fragrant with fish sauce and fried garlic. The savory and sweet taste makes it very appetizing with rice, especially popular with children.
Preparation: Cut squid into pieces, lightly fry until crispy. Then, sauté garlic, add a mixture of fish sauce and sugar, cook until thickened, then add the squid and stir well.
For Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)
Cuttlefish has white, thick, and crisp flesh, making it very suitable for stir-fries, braises, or simple grills. Its rich sweetness and ability to absorb flavors make cuttlefish an ideal ingredient in many familiar yet never boring dishes.
Cuttlefish Stir-fried with Scallions and Garlic
This is a simple, refreshing dish that frequently appears on family dinner tables. The slightly crisp cuttlefish combined with the fragrance of scallions and garlic creates a delicious and balanced meal.
Preparation: Slice the cuttlefish thinly, blanch briefly. Sauté garlic, add squid and stir-fry quickly, add scallions, season to taste, then turn off the heat.
Cuttlefish Braised with Tamarind Sauce
The slightly sour taste of tamarind, the spiciness of chili, and the sweetness of sugar permeate each slice of cuttlefish, creating a unique and appealing dish. You can enjoy it with hot rice or as a snack.
Preparation: Cut squid into pieces, stir-fry briefly. Make tamarind sauce (tamarind juice, sugar, fish sauce, chili), simmer until the sauce thickens and the squid is well-flavored.
Grilled Cuttlefish “Moi” Style
A traditional grilled squid dish with minimal seasoning, preserving its natural flavor. When cooked, the squid is fragrant, crisp, and clearly carries the scent of the sea.
Preparation: Clean the cuttlefish, leave it whole. Place on hot charcoal or a grill, cook until done, then dip with salt and lime.
Top 5+ Famous Fresh Squid Markets in Quang Ninh
With its long coastline and abundant seafood resources, Quang Ninh is a paradise for fresh squid lovers. Here are some highly-rated locations by locals and tourists, where you can easily find freshly caught squid with reasonable prices:
1. Van Don Seafood 399
A familiar address for gourmets and restaurants in the Van Don area. Seafood here is caught daily and stored according to deep-freeze standards, maintaining its freshness. Tube squid, flathead squid, and egg squid all have clear origins and transparent pricing.
2. Hai Long Port Fish Market
Located right next to the fishing port, this is one of the largest wholesale seafood markets in the province. Every early morning, hundreds of boats dock, bringing fresh squid, shrimp, fish, and many other valuable seafood. This is an ideal spot if you want to buy squid at wholesale prices, with guaranteed quality, and experience the bustling trading atmosphere of fishermen.
3. Hon Gai Seafood Market
Located in the center of Ha Long City, Hon Gai Market is not only convenient for transportation but also extremely diverse in seafood types. The squid here are clearly classified: from roe-filled squid, crisp cuttlefish, to large flathead squid, suitable for all cooking needs. Notably, prices here are stable, suitable for both locals and tourists.
4. Cai Dam Seafood Market
One of the most famous markets in Ha Long, attracting a large number of tourists every day. Besides buying fresh squid to take home, you can request it to be cooked on-site or vacuum-sealed as a gift. The sellers are enthusiastic, and the goods are carefully selected, which is a big plus for this market.
5. Ben Do Fish Market
Located close to Bai Chay beach, Ben Do Market is bustling from dawn. Fresh squid here is usually sold directly as soon as it’s brought ashore, so its freshness is absolute. In particular, squid prices at this market are much lower than in tourist areas, making it worth a visit if you want to buy squid in large quantities.
6. Quy Thuan Seafood Store
Unlike traditional markets, Quy Thuan operates as a store specializing in supplying fresh squid in boxes, delivered nationwide. They guarantee squid caught daily, cleaned, and packaged frozen to export standards. Suitable for restaurants, eateries, or bulk buyers.
Fresh squid is not only an ingredient for delicious dishes but also an “ambassador” bringing the taste of Quang Ninh’s sea to all parts of the country. Whether you are looking for a gift from the sea or preparing for a family meal, refer to the latest Quang Ninh fresh squid price list and reputable purchase locations above to choose the most suitable type of squid!
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