Ninh Binh has its own delicious specialities, and eating here is cheap, most local meals cost just $1.20-$2.40. Here's what to try and where to learn more.
For a full rundown, see the food guides at Hoa Lu Tourism and Visit Hoa Lu.
Tam Coc village has the widest choice of traveller-friendly restaurants; homestays often serve excellent home-cooked dinners worth staying in for. Venture to a local quan for the best goat and crispy rice.
A Vietnamese cooking class is a fun half-day, you'll often visit a market first, then cook a few local dishes. Ninh Binh Tourist Center runs cooking classes among its experiences.
Note for travellers: goat is the local pride, but if it's not for you, every restaurant has plenty of vegetarian, noodle and rice options. Tap water isn't drinkable, stick to bottled or filtered (more tips).