📰8 Ha Giang specialties you may have missed

Discover the 8 must-try specialty dishes of Hà Giang. From Au Tau porridge to Thang Co and smoked buffalo meat, explore the unique cuisine of Ha Giang for an unforgettable experience at Panhou Retreat

Ha Giang - a pristine land in the northern mountains of Vietnam - captivates visitors not only with its majestic landscapes but also with its rich, culturally distinctive cuisine. Exploring Ha Giang's unique specialties offers a deeper experience of the flavors of the Northwest mountains. Below are the top 8 must-try Ha Giang specialties that you shouldn't miss when visiting this region.

Cháo Ấu Tẩu (Au Tau Porridge)

When mentioning Ha Giang, Au Tau porridge is always the first choice for visitors looking to experience local specialties. This porridge is a characteristic dish of the highlands, famous for its slightly bitter taste but sweet aftertaste.

The Au Tau root, which contains toxins, is carefully cooked with glutinous rice, minced pork, and bone broth, turning it into a nutritious dish that helps relieve colds and boost your health.

Cháo Ấu Tẩu - Au Tau Porridge

When enjoying it, you can also add some scallions, perilla, and pepper to enhance the flavor. A warm bowl of Au Tau porridge on a cold night in Hà Giang will make you feel the warmth spreading through every cell.

Thắng Dền (Floating rice cakes)

Thắng Dền resembles floating cakes but has a unique flavor. These small balls are made from sticky rice flour, filled with green beans or black sesame, boiled, and then served with hot ginger syrup, topped with shredded coconut and roasted peanuts.

This dish is perfect for cold days, providing warmth and coziness amidst Hà Giang's natural beauty.

Thắng Dền (Floating rice cakes)

When enjoying Thắng Dền, use your hands to feel the chewiness and softness of the sticky rice. It's often paired with sugar water or honey to add sweetness into its special flavor.

Thắng Cố (Horse meat and bones)

Thắng Cố (Horse meat and bones)

Thắng Cố is a traditional dish of the H'Mông people, with a history spanning hundreds of years. The main ingredients are horse, beef, buffalo, and goat offal, cooked with bone broth and over 12 types of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and lemongrass. Thắng Cố is not only delicious but also a cultural symbol of the region.

The locals often cook it during large festivals, like the buckwheat flower festival, to show hospitality to guests. For the best experience, enjoy Thắng Cố with corn rice or corn bread, and don't forget to sip some corn wine to fully appreciate the flavors.

Thịt trâu gác bếp (Smoked buffalo meat)

Smoked buffalo meat is an indispensable dish in the lives of the Thai and Dao ethnic groups in Ha Giang. Made from buffalo meat marinated in spices and smoked over a wood stove, it has a sweet and savory flavor combined with a distinctive smoky aroma.

Thịt trâu gác bếp (Smoked buffalo meat)

This dish can be preserved for a long time and is perfect for taking on trips. If you visit Hà Giang, don't forget to buy some smoked buffalo meat as a souvenir.

Thịt lợn cắp nách (Free-range pork)

Thịt lợn cắp nách (Free-range pork)

What's interesting about free-range pork is that they are made from local pig breeds raised freely, resulting in lean and firm meat. This unique flavor can be prepared in various ways, such as steaming, grilling, or stir-frying, but grilling over charcoal is the best. The aroma of the meat combined with the slight spiciness of Mắc Khén (Vietnamese mountainous pepper) will surely satisfy any diner. It's often served with salt, pepper, and lime

Lạp xưởng Hà Giang (Ha Giang sausages)

Lạp xưởng Hà Giang (Ha Giang sausages)

Hà Giang sausages are also made from locally raised pork, marinated with corn wine, honey, and mắc khén, then stuffed into pig intestines, dried, and smoked. When eaten, the sausages have a rich sweetness, a bit of fattiness, but are not greasy. To fully enjoy this local Mong dish, grill the sausages over charcoal, serve with herbs, and pair with corn wine to enhance the flavor.

Mèn mén Hà Giang (Steamed corn flour)

Mèn mén is a simple yet unique dish made from roasted and ground glutinous corn. The name itself reflects the creativity of highland cuisine. Despite its simplicity, mèn mén captures the essence of Ha Giang's culinary traditions.

Mèn mén Hà Giang (Steamed corn flour)

It has a sweet and nutty flavor, often eaten with bone broth or Thắng Cố to add richness. For the best experience, enjoy Mèn Mén in the morning when the air is fresh and cool.

Cơm lam Bắc Mê (Bac Me bamboo-tube rice)

A specialty of the Bắc Mê region in Ha Giang, the rice is cooked in bamboo tubes, creating a naturally fragrant flavor. The glutinous rice is soaked overnight, mixed with coconut milk, and then stuffed into bamboo tubes, grilled over charcoal until the outer layer is slightly charred, releasing a strong aroma

Cơm lam Bắc Mê (Bac Me bamboo-tube rice)

The locals often cook bamboo-tube rice during festivals or family gatherings to show hospitality. For the best experience, enjoy this specialty with smoked buffalo meat or free-range pork, and don't forget to sip some corn wine to fully appreciate the flavors.

Conclusion

In exploring these Ha Giang specialties, you not only experience unique flavors but also delve into the culture and history of this land, adding a perfect "seasoning" to your trip.

Experience the culinary journey at Panhou Retreat

If you're still wondering where to stay for this trip, consider Panhou Retreat, where you can enjoy a wonderful retreat and explore local cuisine to the fullest. Contact Panhou Retreat today to book your stay and experience the best of Ha Giang.