Ha Giang not only boasts majestic and poetic landscapes but is also renowned for its diverse and rich culinary offerings. This region has been blessed by nature with precious resources, resulting in unique and unforgettable local delicacies.
To explore the distinctive culinary culture of Ha Giang, let’s join Loka Ha Giang as we highlight the top 5 food you have to eat in ha giang. It won’t be difficult for travelers from near and far to be enchanted by the alluring and distinct flavors that these local specialties have to offer.
Thang Den
Thang Den, a distinctive dish of Yen Minh district, is made primarily from fragrant sticky rice. This type of rice is large, round, and has firm grains. When cooked to perfection, the fragrant sticky rice emits a characteristic aroma and offers a delightful and unique sweetness.
Within the glutinous rice grains, you will discover various fillings, including mung beans, red beans, and possibly other types of fillings. As you chew on the glutinous rice, you’ll experience its signature soft and chewy texture, accompanied by a subtle and pleasant sweetness that blends harmoniously with the powerful aroma of the sticky rice.
Thang Co
Thang Co is a traditional dish that originally used horse meat as its main ingredient. However, nowadays, to cater to a diverse range of people, restaurant owners have replaced the original ingredient with buffalo, beef, or pork. This adaptation has given a new meaning to Thang Co, now understood as a meaty soup.
The essence of Thang Co lies in its special broth, which is carefully simmered from bones and a combination of various organ meats. Initially, when you try this dish for the first time, you may find it slightly challenging to eat due to the distinctive aroma of the organ meats from cattle and pigs. However, as you continue to savor it, you will be captivated and unable to resist the delicious taste of Thang Co.
To create the delightful and nourishing flavors in Thang Co, locals skillfully combine the essence of 12 unique mountainous spices, such as lime leaves, star anise, and cardamom. The harmonious blend of the rich and savory meat, the mildly spicy broth, and the unique fragrance from the various spices evokes heartfelt admiration from countless travelers. Thang Co is undoubtedly an authentic culinary experience that should not be missed when visiting this region.
Thit trau gac bep
Buffalo grilled on an open fire, known as “thit trau gac bep,” is a famous traditional delicacy of Ha Giang, contributing to the region’s culinary reputation. Prepared in the traditional style of the Thai ethnic group, this dish is not only a daily staple for the people living in the northern highlands but also a prominent feature during festivals and ceremonies, often presented as a precious gift.
The flavors of thit trau gac bep are truly diverse, as if reflecting its very name. The meat is marinated with piquant mac khen seeds, adding an enticing and distinctive taste to the dish. The fresh and succulent buffalo meat, along with the characteristic smoky aroma from the mountainous region, make this dish irresistible and alluring. On the outside, the meat appears to have a deep brown hue, while on the inside, it boasts a vibrant red color that exudes a rich and savory flavor.
Thit trau gac bep is not only a unique dish representing the cultural essence of the Thai ethnic group but also an emblematic culinary symbol of Ha Giang. Its appeal captures the attention and adoration of both local and far-flung travelers who visit this remarkable land.
Lap xuong gac bep
In this region, locals often prepare “lap xuong” by hanging it up on the kitchen rafters to preserve the meat and create a special culinary delight. The main ingredient for lap xuong is pork shoulder with skin removed. To achieve its unique flavor, lean pork cuts like loin, shoulder, or butt are finely minced to create the filling. These meat pieces are then marinated with spices, including finely chopped shallots and mac khen seeds, infusing a delightful aroma into the meat.
When savoring lap xuong, you will experience the rich taste of the meat, harmoniously blended with the distinctive smoky aroma from the kitchen and the sweet and savory fragrance of the honey. The process of making lap xuong is far from simple; locals have to continuously smoke the sausages over the kitchen rafters for 12 to 14 hours to ensure the spices penetrate the meat thoroughly, resulting in a flavorful and enticing dish. Lap xuong gac bep has become one of the signature and special meaty delicacies of this region, capturing the attention and love of both tourists and local residents.
Banh tam giac mach
Tam Giac Mach, one of the iconic flowers of Northeast Ha Giang, has become the inspiration for a unique delicacy known as Tam Giac Mach cake.Tam Giac Mach cakes are easily found in local markets and come in various colors, not just the traditional purple but also white and yellow.
When indulging in Tam Giac Mach cakes, you’ll embark on a delightful experience. The soft and spongy texture combined with the distinct fragrance of Tam Giac Mach flowers creates a unique and captivating flavor. To fully savor the taste of the cake, you can pair it with Lon cap nach or Thang Co, two other typical local dishes.
Tam Giac Mach cakes, with their natural beauty and unique flavors, have become an indispensable part of Ha Giang’s list of specialties, a special gift for travelers seeking to explore and experience the region’s distinctive culinary culture.
With detailed information about Ha Giang’s delicacies, we hope you’ve added these unique and delicious dishes to your “must-try” list when visiting this region. Don’t miss out on the chance to stay updated on the latest news about local and international travel destinations through Loka Ha Giang! Follow to discover alluring destinations and fascinating experiences that will create unforgettable memories in your journey of exploration around the world. Wishing you amazing and fulfilling journeys!
My name is Giap Van Hai, I am a travel enthusiast and always want to share the beauty of Ha Giang with everyone. With a deep love for the mountains and the typical culture of Ha Giang people, I decided to establish Loka Ha Giang – a website specializing in Ha Giang tourism services. We provide travel services such as Ha Giang Loop, Ha Giang Trekking, Ha Giang Easyrider