Hai Phong Crab Noodle Soup: A 35,000 VND Dish That Wins Over Western Diners

A Culinary Journey Through Hai Phong

On his first trip to Vietnam, Nick — an American YouTuber with nearly 300,000 subscribers — had a memorable food adventure in Hai Phong. Following a friend’s recommendation, he visited a small sidewalk eatery on Tran Phu Street and was immediately captivated by this famous local specialty.

The dish not only left a deep impression on Nick but also represents the pride of Hai Phong cuisine. It was listed among Vietnam’s “Top 100 Specialty Dishes” (2020–2021) and was recognized by TasteAtlas in 2025 as one of the “Top 100 Soups with the Best Broth in the World.”

A foreign tourist enjoys a bowl of crab noodle soup at a street stall in Hai Phong.

What Makes Street Crab Noodle Soup So Special?

Nick’s first impression of the small eatery hidden in an alley was its authentic local charm, with simple plastic tables and stools. Despite being a street stall, he was surprised by how clean and well-organized it was — ingredients neatly arranged behind a glass display.

“In Vietnam, if a place is tucked away in a small alley, I’m almost certain the food will be delicious,” Nick said.

A Bowl Overflowing with Toppings

When the mixed crab noodle soup arrived, Nick couldn’t hide his amazement at its abundance. The bowl was heavy in his hands, filled to the brim with toppings like shrimp, grilled betel leaf sausage, fried fish, fish cake, and mantis shrimp.

A hearty bowl of crab noodle soup loaded with seafood and toppings left the foreign visitor astonished.

An Unforgettable Broth

From the very first spoonful, the YouTuber couldn’t stop nodding in approval.

“The broth is amazing — clear, naturally sweet, and rich with the flavor of field crab,” he commented.

The creamy crab paste, flavorful fish cakes, and chewy wide rice noodles blended together to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Affordable Price and Warm Hospitality

At only 35,000 VND (about $1.40) per serving, Nick was extremely satisfied. He described it as “one of the best dishes” he had ever tasted. The friendliness and enthusiasm of the vendor also made the meal even more memorable.

Nick gives a thumbs-up after finishing his bowl of crab noodle soup, clearly delighted with his first taste of this Hai Phong specialty.

Exploring More Hai Phong Street Food

Beyond crab noodle soup, during his stay in the “city of red flamboyant flowers,” Nick also tried many other street delicacies — caramel pudding, grilled meat sandwiches, roasted chicken wings, and steamed rice rolls. Each dish, though discovered by chance, left a positive impression for its freshness, flavor, and affordability — a true testament to the richness of Hai Phong’s culinary scene.