Buzz
This prime land of the nation not only offers 'cháo ấu tẩu' or 'thắng dền', but also many more enticing dishes.
Below are 7 dishes that travelers should sample when visiting Hà Giang
1. 'Thắng dền' - Sticky Rice Cake
'Thắng dền' is a popular snack in the city of Hà Giang. Made from glutinous rice flour and sugar, it is shaped into small balls and boiled and soaked in a syrup made of condensed apricot blossom honey, coconut, and ginger when ordered. This dish is perfect for the cool weather in Hà Giang, especially during winter days. The spicy kick of ginger leaves a lasting impression on travelers.
2. 'Thắng cố' - Buffalo and Beef Stew
Thắng cố, a dish rich in highland culture, is a delicacy many tourists seek when visiting Hà Giang. Made from buffalo and beef organs and bones, it may not immediately appeal to tourists at first sight, but for food enthusiasts, this dish leaves a memorable impression. Slow-cooked with various herbs and spices typical of the mountainous region, thắng cố has a unique, hearty flavor. Travelers can find themselves a bowl of thắng cố anywhere, but visiting the local markets and enjoying it with a cup of corn wine from the ethnic minorities would be the best choice.
3. Grilled Moss
A unique dish of the Tày people in Hà Giang, grilled moss possesses a distinct flavor. To create delicious grilled moss, the Tày people often select the freshest moss, skillfully remove the outer layer, mix it with various spices such as salt, MSG, lemon basil leaves... then wrap it in leaves and grill. The medicinal properties of the Tày people's grilled moss have made it a favorite among many.
4. Mixed Greens
Prepared from common greens in Hà Giang such as Chinese cabbage, sweet cabbage, or beans, and some additional ingredients like sausage, steamed buns, and taro cakes, under the skilled hands of people on the rocky plateau, this dish becomes even more special. The preparation method is quite simple.
After frying each ingredient separately, the owner will mix them together with a special sauce. It is this sauce that gives the mixed greens their unique spicy taste. The soft texture of taro cakes combined with the crispy freshness of various greens creates a unique allure for this dish.
5. Egg Roll Cake
Similarly a rice roll, but in Hà Giang, this dish doesn't come with the usual dipping sauce as many might think. Instead, while being cooked on the stove, the cake will be cracked open and an egg added, then folded with the outer layer of slightly translucent batter. When enjoyed, diners will have it with a bowl of clear broth with delicious white meatballs inside. This dish tastes great whether served hot or cold due to the creamy texture of the egg combined with the rich aroma of the broth.
6. Rice Cake
Rice cake may be a dish familiar to many. In the rocky plateau of Hà Giang, many tourists have easily found this favorite dish. Also made from rice flour, eggs, fresh spring onions, Hà Giang rice cake has a distinctive flavor thanks to the rice grown here.
7. 'Cháo ấu tẩu' - Bitter Melon Congee
The saying goes, 'You haven't been to Hà Giang until you've tried 'cháo ấu tẩu' - bitter melon congee', and it's true. This dish not only has a fragrant and slightly bitter taste but also carries the unique bitterness of the 'ấu tẩu' root, the main ingredient of the congee. When you first taste it, it might be a little hard to swallow, but once you're accustomed to it, it becomes an addictive dish. It's considered a warming congee, so the best time for travelers to enjoy this dish is during winter.
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Reference: Travel Guide by DiscoverHaGiang.com
DiscoverHaGiang.comOctober 19, 2016
