1. Discovering the Finest Ruou Quang Ninh
1.1. Ruou ba kich tim – The pride of Quang Ninh
Among the many specialty liquors of the region, Purple Ba Kích Tliquor) stands out as a favorite among men. This liquor is infused from the roots of the ba kich plant, a wild herb found abundantly in the hills of Quang Ninh, particularly in Ba Che district, where it is also cultivated on a large scale.
Known for its medicinal properties, the ba kich root helps enhance physical strength, relieve back pain, and improve vitality. While it can be boiled or stewed with chicken for nourishment, the most effective method is soaking it in white liquor), which fully activates its beneficial compounds. After around six months, you'll have a vibrant purple-colored liquor that's both flavorful and attractive.
For convenience, consumers can now purchase pre-bottled Ba Kích Tím from the Yen Tu brand – a 4-star OCOP-certified product that has been exported internationally. It’s undoubtedly one of Vietnam’s most famous liquors.
1.2. Ruou mo Yen Tu – A ladies' favorite
While Ruou Ba Kich Tim is popular among men, Apricot liquor is beloved by women visiting Quang Ninh. Ruou mo Yen Tu is made by soaking ripe apricots in liquor, creating a golden amber color that is visually appealing. The taste is a delightful mix of sweet and sour apricot notes, balanced with a hint of spicy rice liquor – an unforgettable experience.
Highly favored by locals, this liquor is often served during festivals, celebrations, and as a welcoming drink for guests. Alongside =, it’s among the top cac loai ruou noi tieng (famous liquors) often chosen as dac san Quang Ninh mua ve lam qua (Quang Ninh specialty gifts).
1.3. Ruou ngan – A hidden gem from the sea
A lesser-known but equally captivating Quang Ninh liquor is Ngan liquor, a unique specialty made from con ngan – a bivalve similar to clams but with black shells and rich, layered meat.
Quang Ninh’s Ngan liquor is prepared by cleaning the con ngan and mixing its raw meat with White liquor, resulting in a pinkish hue with a cooling aroma and refreshing taste. There’s also a stronger version known as Ngan liquor, which includes blood for a richer flavor. HaLong’s Ngan liquor can often be found in seafood restaurants or late-night eateries, making it a favorite for seasoned drinkers.
1.4. Ruou mia tim Ba Che – Sweetness from the highlands
Among the finest liquors, Ruou mia tim (purple sugarcane liquor) from Ba Che district is a must-try. Unlike the common green sugarcane,purple sugarcane liquor is made from purple canes, giving it a unique flavor.
The preparation process is labor-intensive: the sugarcane is juiced, filtered, boiled, and then fermented with crushed root-based yeast for 15–20 days before being distilled. The result is a mildly sweet, aromatic liquor with a distinct sugarcane fragrance – a most popular of Quang Ninh.
This also includes the variation Ruou trang ngam mia (white liquor soaked with sugarcane), offering another way to enjoy this regional delight.
1.5. Other famous liquors from Quang Ninh
Beyond these main varieties, the province also boasts other liquors like Ruou khoai Ha, Ruou Ho Lan, and many more ones with strong local character. They make excellent Quang Ninh specialty souvenirs, perfect for gifting after a memorable trip.
2. The Culture of Drinking in Quang Ninh
"Good liquor must be shared with good friends." This is the spirit behind every glass of Quang Ninh’s liquor. Whether at family meals, festivals, or banquets, liquor plays a central role. It brings people together, blends laughter with tradition, and enhances each gathering.
For those curious about what are the benefits of drinking ba kich liquor), or looking for good taste ones to buy as gifts, the selections above offer an unforgettable taste of this northeastern region. Whether you're a connoisseur or a curious first-timer, each bottle tells a story of culture, flavor, and Quang Ninh pride.