Dried Squid Prices in Cat Ba 2026: Price List and Selection Guide

Cat Ba dried squid has long been famous for its thick meat, deep sweetness, and the characteristic aroma of the sea and islands. However, the price of dried squid in Cat Ba currently varies significantly depending on the type of squid, size, fishing season, and product quality. This makes many people wonder what a reasonable price is and how to choose authentic, delicious squid while avoiding low-quality products. In this article, Ola Squid will update the latest Cat Ba dried squid price list, while also exploring how to distinguish between real and fake squid, tips for making the right purchase, and reliable places to buy.

1. What is special about Cat Ba dried squid compared to others?

Cat Ba dried squid is highly regarded by many not only for its delicious taste but also for its unique flavor that is hard to confuse with other coastal regions. Cat Ba is an island area with a relatively clean, low-pollution water environment, so the squid grows naturally, resulting in firm meat and a deeper, sweeter taste. When grilled, the squid emits the characteristic aroma of the sea, with meat that is chewy enough while still retaining its softness and a distinct sweet aftertaste.

The special point of Cat Ba dried squid also lies in the traditional processing method of local fishermen. After being caught, the squid is cleaned and sun-dried naturally for 2-3 days under the sun and sea breeze, without the use of bleach or preservatives. As a result, the finished product usually has a natural light pink color, a thin white powder coating evenly over the body, and retains its original flavor.

In addition, the majority of Cat Ba dried squid is tube squid, so it has a straight body, thick meat, and shreds beautifully when grilled. Due to limited production volume and high transportation costs from the island to the mainland, the price of Cat Ba dried squid is usually higher than in some other coastal regions.

2. 2026 Cat Ba dried squid price list by category

The price of Cat Ba dried squid is not fixed but changes depending on the type of squid, size, fishing season, and processing method. Among them, hand-jigged squid usually has a higher price than trawled squid due to better meat quality and appearance.

2.1. Hand-jigged dried squid

Cat Ba hand-jigged dried squid is caught manually using jigs, so the body has fewer scratches, thicker meat, a uniform pink color, and retains natural sweetness after drying. The price of Cat Ba hand-jigged dried squid fluctuates depending on the size and the number of squids per kg. Larger sizes are often chosen as gifts, so the price is higher, while smaller sizes suitable for daily consumption will have more accessible price levels.

Note: The above prices are for reference only and may change according to the fishing season, weather, or actual supply. During rainy seasons or peak tourist times, the price of hand-jigged dried squid in Cat Ba often increases slightly due to decreased catch and drying output.

2.2. Trawled dried squid

Besides hand-jigged squid, trawled dried squid is also a specialty line chosen by many when looking to buy dried squid in Cat Ba thanks to its more accessible price. This type of squid is caught by trawling nets, so the body is usually thinner, and the size is not as uniform as hand-jigged squid. After catching, fishermen usually dry the squid on trays to keep the tentacles intact and limit breakage during the drying process.

Compared to hand-jigged squid, trawled squid has lower meat thickness but still retains the characteristic flavor of Cat Ba dried squid, such as natural sweetness, a sea scent, and moderate chewiness when grilled. Currently, the price of Cat Ba trawled dried squid usually ranges from 840,000 – 1,150,000 VND/kg depending on size, meat thickness, and fishing season.

2.3. Cat Ba one-sun dried squid

One-sun dried squid in Cat Ba usually has a more “affordable” price compared to fully dried squid, thanks to shorter processing time and less loss during the drying process. Depending on the size of the squid, the type of squid, and the fishing season, the price of Cat Ba one-sun dried squid currently usually ranges from 450,000 – 850,000 VND/kg.

The attractive point of one-sun dried squid is that the meat still retains its natural soft texture, deep sweetness, and freshness similar to just-caught squid. When grilled or fried, the squid has a slight chewiness on the outside but remains soft and succulent on the inside, very popular in drinking sessions or family parties.

2.4. Factors affecting the price of Cat Ba dried squid

The price of dried squid in Cat Ba can change at different times of the year and depends on many different factors, specifically:

• Fishing season: From October to March is the dry season, the weather is favorable, so the squid source is abundant and the price is more stable. Conversely, the rainy and stormy season makes catching and drying squid difficult, so the price often rises.
• Squid size: The larger the squid, the thicker the body and the sweeter the meat, the higher the price. Large-sized hand-jigged squids often have a higher price because of their good quality and suitability as gifts.
• Raw material quality: Cat Ba squid lives in clean, low-pollution sea areas, so the meat is firm and naturally sweet, so the price is often higher than many types of squid in other areas.
• Transportation and processing costs: Because it is an island area, transportation costs to the mainland are quite high. In addition, the squid is dried naturally in the sun and processed manually, so it takes more time and effort than industrial squid.

3. How to distinguish real Cat Ba dried squid from mixed-in goods

Currently, there are quite a few types of dried squid on the market labeled as Cat Ba, but in reality, they are goods from other places or low-quality squid mixed in. Therefore, buyers should pay attention to some of the following characteristics to choose authentic, delicious Cat Ba dried squid.

• Observe natural color: Authentic Cat Ba dried squid usually has a natural light pink back, bright white belly, and characteristic faint black spots on the squid skin. The color looks harmonious, not unnaturally white or dark red.
• Check the powder layer on the squid body: Delicious squid will have a thin and even layer of white powder covering the entire body. This is a layer of natural salt released during the sun-drying process. If the powder layer turns blue-black or patchy, the squid may have been damaged or not stored properly.
• Check the firmness of the squid head and body: The head and body of the squid must be firmly attached to each other, with tentacles intact and not falling off much. If the head is separated or the body is mushy, that is usually a sign that the squid was rotten before being dried.
• Feel the dryness of the squid: Quality squid will be dry, not sticky to the hands, and have slight elasticity when pressed. Squid that is too damp is prone to a fishy smell and quick spoilage, while squid that is too dry is easily brittle and loses its natural sweetness.
• Smell the characteristic scent: Authentic Cat Ba dried squid has a light smell of the sea, not fishy or having a strange chemical smell. When grilled, the squid emits a natural aroma, the meat is slightly golden, and the sweetness is more distinct.
• Beware of suspiciously cheap goods: Squids sold at unusually low prices are often mixed-in goods or imported from elsewhere. You should prioritize stores with clear origins, full labels, and transparent product information to ensure quality.

See more: The simplest way to distinguish between fake and real dried squid

4. Where is a reputable place to buy Cat Ba dried squid? Should you buy on the island or online?

Currently, you can buy Cat Ba dried squid in two popular forms: buying directly on the island or ordering online from reputable distributors. Each method has its own advantages depending on usage needs.

4.1. Buying on Cat Ba

Buying directly on Cat Ba allows you to easily see the color, dryness, and smell of the squid for yourself before choosing to buy. This is a suitable way for tourists who want to buy specialties to take home as gifts.

However, you should prioritize specialty stores with clear addresses and transparent price listing instead of buying from roadside vendors. You can bargain, but you should not choose places that sell at suspiciously low prices because the quality is often not guaranteed.

4.2. Buying online

If you don’t have the conditions to go to the island, buying online is a much more convenient solution. Many units currently support vacuum packaging, nationwide shipping, and have clear origin information.

When buying online, you should choose brands with an official website, transparent business address, and clear return policy. Avoid buying floating goods on social media without verified information.

If you are looking for a place to sell delicious, standard-tasting dried squid and guarantee quality, Ola Squid is an address trusted by many customers. Products at Ola Squid are carefully selected from quality squid sources, packed cleanly, and stored according to standards, suitable for family meals or as gifts.

5. How to store Cat Ba dried squid after purchase

To keep dried squid in Cat Ba delicious and mold-free, proper storage is very important.

• Short-term storage: If using it in a short time, you can put the squid in a sealed box or zip bag, place it in a cool, dry place, and avoid direct sunlight. With this method, the squid can maintain quality for about 1-2 months at room temperature.
• Storage in the refrigerator: To keep the squid delicious for longer, you should store it in the refrigerator’s fridge compartment. Dried squid can be used well within about 3-5 months if wrapped tightly or vacuum sealed carefully.
• Long-term storage: If you want to keep it for a long time, you should put the squid in the freezer. This method helps store it for about 12 months while still retaining its natural sweetness. When using, you should defrost naturally before grilling so that the squid is softer and more aromatic.

• For one-sun dried squid: One-sun dried squid has higher moisture, so it needs to be refrigerated immediately after purchase and is best used within 3-5 days to ensure freshness.
• Important note: Avoid leaving the squid in damp places or exposing it to the air for too long because it is very prone to mold, odors, and quality reduction. If possible, vacuum sealing is the most effective way to store it to keep the full flavor of Cat Ba dried squid.

See more: Tips for proper dried squid storage, can be used for a long time

The price of dried squid in Cat Ba will fluctuate depending on the type of squid, size, fishing season, and actual quality. However, a delicious dried squid product is not only about the price but also about the freshness, meat thickness, natural flavor, and clear origin. To buy quality and delicious Cat Ba dried squid, don’t forget to visit Ola Squid’s Store. Here, there are many lines of dried squid that are carefully selected, stored to standards, and shipped nationwide, helping you easily enjoy the delicious standard taste of sea squid.