When Bat Trang is mentioned, many people immediately think of its long-standing reputation for traditional ceramic making. However, it’s also a treasure trove of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, with a rich variety of dishes and authentic flavors that have been lovingly handed down through generations.

One of the most famous dishes in Bat Trang cuisine is dried squid bamboo shoot soup. This dish requires ingredients from different regions: bamboo shoots are carefully harvested from Tuyen Quang Province, 150 kilometers north of Bat Trang, and are dried until they turn yellow and become hearty. The dried squid, gathered from Thanh Hoa Province, 170 kilometers south, has a firm and aromatic texture. Although the villagers are generous with their cooking techniques, the intricate and time-consuming preparation makes it difficult for many to replicate this dish at home.