Tiếng Việt
ไทยIf you have ever eaten the right type of Ha Long dried squid, you will understand why people say it cannot be confused with dried squid from elsewhere. However, in the current market, many products labeled as Ha Long dried squid do not have the corresponding quality, causing misunderstandings for buyers. This article will help you understand what Ha Long dried squid is, how to choose the right delicious type, the actual market price, and where to buy it reliably even if you do not have the opportunity to visit Ha Long yourself.
What is Ha Long dried squid? Why is it famous?
Ha Long dried squid is a general term for marine squids caught in the Gulf of Tonkin, especially the Ha Long, Co To, and Van Don areas in Quang Ninh province. It is then processed and dried using traditional methods. This is not a registered brand or an official geographical indication like some other specialties, but a folk name that has been associated with this coastal region through generations of fishermen.
The fame of Ha Long dried squid did not come by chance. The Gulf of Tonkin is one of the largest and most abundant fishing grounds in Vietnam, with geographical characteristics and a typical marine ecosystem that create ideal conditions for squid to thrive. Squid here has thick meat, a natural sweet taste, and higher protein content than squid from many other sea regions, which is something those who have tried it once can easily feel.
Besides the coastal factor, the traditional processing method of Quang Ninh fishermen also plays an important role. Many fishing families in Ha Long, Co To still keep the habit of drying squid right on their boats or on beaches immediately after catching. This ensures the squid is handled at its freshest, retaining full nutrients and distinctive flavor.
What makes Ha Long dried squid different from other places?
The difference in Ha Long dried squid comes from the combination of many resonant factors, from the characteristics of the sea area to the fishing and processing methods.
Gulf of Tonkin – characteristic salinity and cleanliness
The Gulf of Tonkin has an average salinity of about 30 – 32%, slightly lower than in the Central and Southern seas. Therefore, the mineral content in the squid meat is higher, the squid is less intensely salty but richer in flavor after drying. In addition, the system of islands and bays in Ha Long creates a water environment less affected by large currents, helping the squid grow in relatively clean and stable water conditions.
Fishing methods: rod-caught and trawled squid
Not all Ha Long squid have the same quality, as it also depends on the fishing method:
- Rod-caught squid: Squid caught individually suffers less physical trauma, the meat is not crushed, resulting in a dried product with a beautiful shape, thick meat, and superior quality. This is the traditional method of Ha Long and Co To fishermen.
- Trawled squid (trawl nets): Squid caught in large quantities by trawl nets. It is easily bruised and scratched during the net dragging process, affecting the meat quality and shape after drying. The price of dried squid and the quality will be lower compared to rod-caught squid.
Traditional sun-drying process directly at sea
The characteristic feature of Ha Long dried squid is that the squid is dried right after being caught, often on board or on the island before entering the mainland. The squid is cleaned, lightly scored (or left whole depending on the type), spread on bamboo mats or stainless steel nets, and dried under natural sea sun and wind. Sea wind helps the squid dry evenly, creating a characteristic natural white powder layer on the surface of the dried squid.
Superior nutritional content
According to studies on the nutritional composition of seafood, dried squid generally contains about 60 – 70g of protein/100g, along with high levels of taurine, omega-3, zinc, and selenium. Ha Long rod-caught squid, due to not being damaged during the catch and being dried naturally immediately after capture, still retains better nutritional content compared to trawled squid or squid that is frozen before being dried.
Popular types of Ha Long dried squid on the market
When buying Ha Long dried squid, you will come across quite a few different types of dried squid. In reality, dried squid is classified based on three criteria: fishing method, fishing area, and squid size.
Ha Long rod-caught dried squid
This is the most premium segment among types of Ha Long dried squid. Rod-caught squid is caught manually, usually large-sized tube squid or broad squid, whole, and without being bruised or torn. After catching, the squid is cleaned and dried immediately, so it has a thick layer of meat, a natural light yellow color, covered with an even white powder layer, and a characteristic aroma.
Ha Long rod-caught dried squid is suitable for grilling to eat directly, making salads, stir-fries, or as a premium gift. This is also the main product line that OlaSquid focuses on exploiting and distributing – with a commitment to clear traceability from local fishermen in the Quang Ninh sea area.
Co To – Van Don dried squid
Co To and Van Don are two island districts belonging to Quang Ninh, located in the Gulf of Tonkin but with specific features: the sea area around these remote islands is less affected by ship traffic and coastal pollution. Squid exploited in Co To and Van Don is usually considered cleaner and the meat is sweeter than squid caught near the bay shore.
The product Van Don dried squid, Co To is very popular, especially among consumers concerned about origin and quality. The price is also 10 – 20% higher than dried squid caught near the shore.
Ha Long sun-dried squid (one-day dried)
Unlike regular dried squid that is dried for many days until completely dry, sun-dried squid is only dried for one session, usually from 6 – 8 hours under good sun. The finished product still retains a certain amount of moisture, the meat is softer, the fresh sweet taste is clearer, and it is less salty than regular dried squid.
Ha Long sun-dried squid is very suitable for instant grilling, without needing much preparation. However, the storage time is significantly shorter, only about 2 – 4 weeks in the refrigerator or 3 – 6 months in the freezer, compared to completely dried squid which can be stored for up to 12 months if done correctly.
Dried squid by size: 6 – 8 pieces/kg, 9 – 12 pieces/kg, 13 – 16 pieces/kg
Besides classifying by fishing method and exploitation area, dried squid is also classified by size:
| Size | Pieces/kg | Characteristics | Suitable for |
| Type 1 (large) | 6 – 8 pieces/kg | Thick meat, large, highest price | Gifts, whole grilling |
| Type 2 (medium) | 9 – 12 pieces/kg | Balanced between quality and price | Grilling, stir-frying, salads |
| Type 3 (small) | 13 – 16 pieces/kg | Smaller, more reasonable price | Stir-frying, cooking dishes |
How much does 1 kg of Ha Long dried squid cost?
The price of Ha Long dried squid can vary depending on the time, the type of squid, and the purchase location. Many people ask for the price and then get confused because they see a huge difference, ranging from a few hundred thousand to over a million dong per kilogram. In fact, this difference is completely justified and accurately reflects the quality gap between segments.
Reference price list by type and size
| Squid type | Size | Reference price |
| Ha Long rod-caught dried squid (type 1) | 6 – 8 pieces/kg | 700,000 – 950,000 VND/kg |
| Ha Long rod-caught dried squid (type 2) | 9 – 12 pieces/kg | 500,000 – 700,000 VND/kg |
| Ha Long rod-caught dried squid (type 3) | 13 – 16 pieces/kg | 380,000 – 500,000 VND/kg |
| Ha Long sun-dried squid | Medium – Large | 450,000 – 650,000 VND/kg |
| Trawled dried squid | Mixed | 250,000 – 380,000 VND/kg |
| Co To – Van Don dried squid (rod-caught) | Type 1 – 2 | 750,000 – 1,100,000 VND/kg |
Note: The above prices are for reference only and may change according to seasonality and market fluctuations.
Factors affecting the price
- Seasonality: The main fishing season for squid in the Gulf of Tonkin is usually from March to August; this is when prices are relatively low and supply is abundant. In the last months of the year or during holidays, prices usually increase by 15 – 30% due to the increased demand for gifts.
- Size: The larger the squid, the fewer pieces per kilogram, and the higher the price.
- Drying method: Fully naturally sun-dried squid costs more than machine-dried squid. Machine-dried squid usually has a more even color but loses part of its natural flavor.
How to choose delicious Ha Long dried squid like a local
Knowing how to choose dried squid properly helps you always buy high-quality products whether you buy at Ha Long market or order online. Ola Squid summarizes here the criteria that long-time fishermen and traders use when choosing dried squid.
Recognize by color
Color is the first and most important visual indicator:
- Ideal color: Natural light yellow on the body, covered with a thin and even white powder layer on the outside. This white powder layer is crystallized salt and protein, a sign of clean dried squid, properly dried, without chemical preservatives.
- Color to avoid: Excessively uniform white, dark yellow or dark brown are signs of oxidized, long-stored, or over-dried squid, or squid with black or gray spots, a sign of mold.
- Shape: Good rod-caught squid is usually whole, the body is firm, not torn or deformed. Avoid those that are crushed, missing tentacles, or with many broken bodies.
Recognize by smell and moisture
- Standard smell: Distinctive scent of dried seafood, slightly salty, with a natural sea flavor. When slightly heated over a flame, the aroma rises more clearly and there is no strange smell.
- Smell to avoid: Ammonia smell, bleach chemical smell, sour odor, or machine oil smell. Any strange smell is a signal to pass.
- Moisture: Squid reaches standard dryness when touched without sticking to hands, not damp or slimy. However, it should not be as hard as stone; when bent slightly, it still needs a certain degree of elasticity.
Distinguish between rod-caught and trawled dried squid
| Criteria | Rod-caught | Trawled |
| Shape | Whole, beautiful | Easily crushed, torn, uneven |
| Color | Even, natural | Often less even |
| Meat | Thick, firm | Thinner, easily falls apart |
| Flavor | Rich, natural sweet | Blander |
| Price | 40 – 80% higher | Lower |
Signs of low-quality dried squid
- An abnormally uniform white color likely means it has been bleached with chemicals.
- Slimy, damp surface or wet streaks when touched by hand.
- Having small green/black mold spots, the squid is damaged and should not be used; this is moldy dried squid.
- Clear chemical smell, possibly treated with unsafe preservatives.
- Abnormally low price compared to the market, “you get what you pay for” is completely true for dried seafood.
Where to buy reputable Ha Long dried squid?
Just because you visit Ha Long does not mean you will buy delicious squid, and not every online purchase is low quality. The important thing is to know how to choose the right channel and the right seller.
Buy directly in Ha Long
If you have the opportunity to visit Quang Ninh, here are reliable locations to buy Ha Long dried squid directly, below are reputable dried squid addresses:
- Ha Long Market 1: Located in Hong Gai ward, the center of Ha Long City, this is the largest traditional market in the area, gathering many long-time dried seafood merchants. The advantage is a wide variety of choices, where you can directly inspect the goods and negotiate prices.
- Ha Long Market 2: Located near the cruise ship port, Bai Chay ward, convenient for tourists visiting Ha Long Bay. With many Quang Ninh specialty items, including dried squid, squid paste, dried jellyfish. Prices are usually slightly higher than Ha Long Market 1 due to the tourist location, but the goods are also more carefully selected.
- Reputable specialty stores in Ha Long City: Besides traditional markets, Ha Long City has many specialty stores that are more suitable for those who want to buy in bulk or as gifts. At specialty stores, dried squid prices are usually clearly listed and the packaging is more professional.
Buy online – nationwide shipping, no need to go to Ha Long
Not everyone has the conditions to go to Ha Long to buy directly. The good news is that the online dried squid market has now developed enough for you to order from afar with confidence if you choose the right supplier.
Ola Squid is an online address specializing in high-quality dried seafood. In which Ha Long dried squid and Co To, Van Don rod-caught squid are product lines that many of our customers love. Ola Squid works directly with fishermen and purchasing facilities in Quang Ninh, ensuring clear origin, no chemical marination, and vacuum packaging to ensure quality when shipping nationwide.
Browse and order at Ola Squid – fast shipping, professional packaging, money-back if not satisfied.
How to store Ha Long dried squid
Although Ha Long dried squid has gone through a drying process for longer storage than fresh squid, if stored incorrectly, the squid can still become moldy, lose flavor, or spoil prematurely. The guide on how to store dried squid below will help you store dried squid for a long time, easily:
Store in the freezer
This is the most effective and safe method for dried squid if you buy in large quantities and cannot finish it in a short time:
- Divide the squid into small portions sufficient for one use, wrap each portion tightly with food wrap.
- Place in a zip bag or airtight container, push all air out before closing.
- Store at a temperature of -18°C in a regular freezer for up to 12 months while still maintaining good quality.
- When needed, take the portion out and let it thaw naturally in the refrigerator compartment, do not thaw with hot water.
Optimal storage time
| Storage method | Optimal storage time |
| Freezer (-18°C) | 10 – 12 months |
| Cooler (2 – 5°C) | 2 – 3 months |
| Room temperature (airy, dry) | 2 – 4 weeks |
| Sun-dried squid in cooler | 2 – 4 weeks |
| Sun-dried squid in freezer | 3 – 6 months |
Home vacuum sealing tips
If you have a home vacuum sealer, this is the most optimal way to store dried squid:
- Put the squid into a specialized vacuum bag, vacuum out the air, and seal the bag.
- Combine with freezer storage, the storage time can extend up to 12 months with nearly unchanged quality.
- If you do not have a machine, you can use a manual method: put the squid into a zip bag, submerge the bag in a basin of water (do not let water into the bag), and slowly push the air out through the mouth of the bag before closing tightly.
Delicious dishes from Ha Long dried squid
Besides grilling for a snack, Ha Long dried squid can also be transformed into many rich dishes, from simple to elaborate. Below are the most popular and favorite dishes:
- Grilled dried squid with dipping sauce: A classic snack, Ha Long rod-caught squid grilled on charcoal or an electric stove, shredded, dipped in sweet and sour chili sauce or mustard sauce. Rod-caught squid gives beautiful shredded fibers, thick meat, and is fragrant.
- Dried squid salad: Dried squid soaked until soft, shredded, mixed with green mango, papaya, herbs, and sweet and sour fish sauce, very stimulating to the taste buds.
- Stir-fried vermicelli with dried squid: Chewy vermicelli noodles mixed with crispy fried dried squid and vegetables is a filling and rich dish.
- Dried squid simmered with tamarind: Dried squid shredded, simmered with sour tamarind, sugar, chili, with a sweet, sour, and salty taste combined, suitable for eating with rice or snacking.
- Dried squid porridge: Dried squid stewed with sticky rice and regular rice, added with ginger and onion, a nutritious, warm porridge pot on rainy cold days.
- Stir-fried dried squid with satay: Squid soaked until soft, stir-fried with lemongrass, chili, and satay, a rich drinking dish loved by many people.
Ha Long dried squid deserves the reputation it has built through many generations of fishermen and consumers thanks to true quality from the characteristic sea area, careful fishing methods, and natural drying process. Understanding each type, knowing how to choose and store correctly will help you always get the best products wherever you buy them. If you are looking for a reputable Ha Long dried squid source, with clear origin and can order online for home delivery nationwide, contact Ola Squid today!
Discover our high-quality dried squid collection at Ola Squid!
