Buzz
From humble ingredients, common elsewhere, the highland flavor has bestowed these dishes with uniqueness to become specialties.
4 specialties found only in Da Lat that evoke nostalgia
Xiu Mai Baguette
Baguettes are ubiquitous, and xiu mai is also a common accompaniment found in many places. However, when it comes to Da Lat, many immediately think of xiu mai baguette. In fact, xiu mai baguette is a popular breakfast dish in Da Lat and always makes it onto the must-try list when visiting this city.
Typically, xiu mai elsewhere is made in a dry form to be stuffed into the baguette, but in Da Lat, xiu mai comes in a bowl along with plenty of savory broth for dipping the baguette. Accompanying it is a small piece of tender, simmered pork skin, adding a delightful chewiness to the bite. Of course, the bowl of xiu mai is incomplete without a sprinkle of fragrant onions and a hint of spicy chili sauce. In the perpetually chilly weather, breaking off a piece of warm, crispy baguette dipped in the flavorful, sweet, and spicy broth, complemented by the soft, fatty xiu mai, is simply divine.
Ingredients for xiu mai are easy to find, and the meal is inexpensive, but what makes xiu mai banh mi delicious is not just its flavor but also its uniqueness. The warm feeling this dish brings in the cold weather of Da Lat is perhaps the special seasoning that makes it seem much more delicious.
Chicken heart steamed rice cake
Steamed rice cake is a dish found in many provinces in Central and Southern Vietnam. People in Da Lat, however, enjoy it with chicken hearts instead of the more common toppings like Vietnamese sausage or grilled meat.
This seemingly unusual combination is a local specialty that many find irresistible. The moist rice cakes are generously topped with chicken hearts, shredded chicken, herbs, and a dipping sauce, creating a delicious dish that's hard to resist. The soft texture of the cake paired with the flavorful chicken hearts is a delight. A bowl of chicken heart steamed rice cake in Da Lat is not only filling but also affordable, costing only 20,000 to 25,000 VND per bowl.
Banh Can
In the mornings of Da Lat, both locals and tourists often gather at small banh can stalls along the slopes. The lively scene is for a good reason; Da Lat's banh can is truly delicious.
Banh do is continuously poured, with a simple filling of quail or chicken eggs beaten until hot, fragrant, and sweet rice flavor. The characteristic accompaniment is a dipping sauce with a few xiu mai. Add a bit of ground chili, dip the soaked cake into the fish sauce bowl, then indulge, and you'll experience the uniquely irresistible deliciousness of this dish.
Banh can, made in batches, often requires quite a wait when dining out. Additionally, you should also consider going a bit early to avoid running out of cakes as this dish is only available in the morning.
Grilled rice paper
Grilled rice paper is available in many places, but it's particularly favored in Da Lat. It's the cold climate that has inspired the locals to create grilled rice paper with a variety of fillings such as sausage, meat, cheese, and more.
To enjoy delicious grilled rice paper, you must wait for it to be fully cooked before eating. To make grilled rice paper, first, the baker places the rice paper on a charcoal stove to grill, then adds the filling according to preference. Grilled rice paper is made slowly, and when it's cooked and still hot, it's best to take it out and eat it immediately for the best flavor.
According to Afamily
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourJanuary 16, 2019
