Thanh Hà

Looking for somewhere good to eat in a new place? Take a tip from the locals. On my last visit to Hạ Long Bay in Quảng Ninh Province, I couldn't find a place serving a delicious, affordable dinner within walking distance of my hotel, although the internet offered plenty of options.

Sân Bia Chợ Quán is a good place for beer lovers and families, offering tasty food at affordable prices. — VNS Photo Duy Anh

I stopped a passer-by to ask for a recommendation. He said: "Sân Bia Chợ Quán will meet all your requirements if you don't mind that it is a bia hơi spot."

Five minutes later, I was in a place full of customers. In my experience, a packed restaurant usually tells you one of two things: the food is easy on the wallet, or it's so delicious that people keep coming back. Sometimes, you get lucky and find a place that offers both.

Sân Bia Chợ Quán was one of those places. There is no doubt that seafood is the top option when you are in Quảng Ninh, a destination renowned for its fresh and varied seafood, thanks to its vast fishing grounds.

Steamed squid is a simple seafood dish that brings out the seafood's natural savoury flavour. — VNS Photo Duy Anh

The steamed squid came with sliced spring onion and ginger. It was light and fragrant, and the squid was mildly savoury with a pleasant texture,  having been cooked for just the right amount of time.

Meanwhile, the shrimp were plump, juicy and tender, lightly seasoned to complement their firm texture. The savoury dish was gone in just a few minutes.

Pan-fried tofu is a simple yet satisfying dish that appeals to a wide range of diners. — VNS Photo Duy Anh

 My favourite dish was đậu rán tẩm hành, fried tofu soaked in a spring onion and fish sauce mixture.

Fried over a high heat, the tofu turned golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Dipped in a green onion and fish sauce mixture, they turned tender and slightly chewy as they absorbed the liquid. I can eat đậu rán tẩm hành on its own or with rice.

Fish sauce glazed chicken, our next dish, is a staple at many Asian parties or potlucks. The chicken pieces were sweet, savoury and slightly spicy, coated in a glossy sauce made with fish sauce, sugar, pepper and garlic, with a thin, crispy coating underneath.

Fish sauce glazed chicken is a tasty dish with a delicious balance of sweet and savoury flavours. — VNS Photo Duy Anh

 The crispy battered pig's udder is a dream pairing for beer lovers, offering a uniquely springy, tender yet pleasantly crunchy texture. Traditionally served piping hot alongside a small bowl of salt, pepper and a little lemon juice for dipping, it took on an entirely new dimension when dipped in garlic and chilli fish sauce, a combination practically guaranteed to have you reaching for two bowls of rice.

The food was fresh and delicious, and the quick and efficient service was a plus in my book. I enjoyed the experience so much that I returned the next evening.

Squid was still our choice, but this time it was fried with butter and garlic. The squid was tender, the butter rich and the garlic aromatic. It would be my recommendation to anyone heading to the area. 

The crispy battered pig's udder is a satisfying choice for both beer lovers and rice enthusiasts. — VNS Photo Duy Anh

Salt-crusted duck featured tender meat and a delicately seasoned flavour. Unlike the more familiar roasted duck, the salt-crusted version had a lighter taste and was less greasy. The subtle saltiness brought out the natural taste of the duck

Stir-fried offal with pickled mustard greens was a rustic comfort dish popular in Vietnamese home cooking. The rich dish, served alongside hot white rice, was especially suitable for family gatherings or intimate meals.

The sour clam soup is a light, refreshing traditional dish that is especially popular during hot summer days. VNS Photo Duy Anh

 My last order was a big bowl of sour clam soup, which was light and refreshing. It helped me cool off in the heat.

Another reason that I returned to Sân Bia Chợ Quán was its stunning view, which allowed me to watch a wonderful fireworks show held nightly to attract tourists.

It was the first time I could recall enjoying a great dinner under the dazzling lights of fireworks, making for a memorable evening with my family. — VNS

Sân Bia Chợ Quán
No 52, Group 2, Zone 4, Bãi Cháy, Hạ Long, Quảng Ninh Province
Tel: 0936 833 266
Hours: 9am-11pm
Prices: from VNĐ45,000
Notes: Wide selection of tasty dishes at reasonable prices.