Buzz
Sapa's specialties are truly unique and diverse. When visiting Sapa, make sure to explore these 20 delectable and affordable specialties on PasGo for delightful gifts for your family.
These include various dishes, beverages, spices, and fruits that are exceptionally distinctive, found only in Sapa or perfected by the hands of Sapa locals.
Some of these specialties are priced under 100,000 VND/kg, and certain Sapa wines are available for less than 100,000 VND/liter. Alongside the affordable and tasty Sapa specialties, I've also listed some renowned items that might be a bit pricier, so consider your budget before purchasing!
Let's explore together.
Sapa's delectable and affordable specialties make perfect gifts for your loved ones.
1. Sapa Cat Mustard Greens
Vegetables are everywhere, but Sapa Cat Mustard Greens are the special treats that tourists often buy as souvenirs.
This is a rare type of vegetable found only in Sapa. At first glance, Sapa Cat Mustard Greens may not look much different from regular mustard greens – with stems, long green leaves, curly leaf edges, and some varieties with fuzz or smooth surfaces. However, the taste is completely unique; initially bitter, followed by a sweet and crispy sensation. Whether stir-fried, boiled, cooked, or in hot pot, Sapa Cat Mustard Greens will surely receive praises from your family.
Despite its rarity, the price is quite affordable, making it accessible for everyone!
Price of Sapa Cat Mustard Greens:
Around 20,000 VND per large bundle, enough for 1 or 2 meals.
You can buy Cat Mustard Greens to stir-fry, boil, or use in hot pot.
2. Sapa Bamboo Rice
Sapa Bamboo Rice is simple but encapsulates the flavors of the mountains and forests.
Bamboo Rice is often a specialty in mountainous regions, and in Sapa, it's no different. Sapa Bamboo Rice is made from the finest grains and rice harvested from the terraced fields in Sapa, Bat Xat, Bac Ha, and surrounding areas.
Bamboo rice is crafted from glutinous rice, stuffed into bamboo tubes, and grilled over charcoal. Sapa Bamboo Rice delights the palate with its sweet, fragrant taste of glutinous rice, the aroma of bamboo tubes, and a delightful chewiness that lasts for days. When purchasing bamboo rice, a special gift from Sapa for your family, remember to reheat it for a better taste experience.
Price of Sapa Bamboo Rice:
Sapa Bamboo Rice is priced at an average of 80,000 VND per bundle (including 10 bamboo tubes).
Sapa Bamboo Rice exudes a fragrant aroma and tenderness from grilled glutinous rice.
3. Sapa Cross-Spiced Salt
Cross-spiced salt - the magical spice for a tastier drinking session
Cross-spiced salt is a renowned specialty of the Northwest. Nearly all grilled, roasted, seafood, or fruit dishes in the Northwest are accompanied by cross-spiced salt for a delightful flavor. Sapa Cross-Spiced Salt is crafted from 10 different spices grown at an altitude above 160m, including wild pepper, thao qua, along with other spices such as garlic, chili, ginger, and more.
Cross-spiced salt is also used to marinate grilled dishes like chicken, game birds, pork, adding an incredibly fragrant and unique taste.
Price of Sapa Cross-Spiced Salt:
Approximately 60,000 VND per 500-gram box.
Cross-Spiced Salt – a beloved specialty of Sapa, perfect for gifting
4. Sapa Apple Wine
Sapa Apple Wine, already delightful, becomes even more exquisite when purchased in Sapa.
Sapa Apple Wine is a favorite among gentlemen. You'll find it readily available at any local pub. This makes for a meaningful Sapa specialty gift for husbands and fathers. The wine is fermented from cat apple fruit and forest leaf yeast, offering a slightly bitter and wonderfully fragrant taste.
Price of Sapa Apple Wine:
Sapa Apple Wine is priced at approximately 60,000 - 90,000 VND per liter.
Authentic Sapa Cat Apple Wine
5. Shan Lùng Wine Sapa
Sapa's Shan Lùng Wine - the premier elixir of the Northwest
Cat Apple Wine and Shan Lùng Wine are hailed as the two 'elixirs' of Sapa. The finest Shan Lùng Wine is obtained at the market of the Red Dao people. For a special experience, visit Shan Lùng village, Bản Xèo commune (Bát Xát), witness the wine-making process, savor freshly brewed wine, and purchase it right there!
Price of Shan Lùng Wine in Sapa:
Shan Lùng Wine in Sapa is priced at around 90,000 VND/liter
Shan Lùng Wine – The Elixir of the Northwest
6. Corn Wine Sapa
Corn Wine Bắc Hà - Northwest Specialty as a Gift for Gentlemen
“When you enter, remember Trung Đô. When you leave, remember Corn Wine Bắc Hà”. Alongside apple wine, Shan Lùng wine, corn wine is also a meaningful specialty from Sapa. Sapa's corn wine is carefully selected from golden glutinous corn kernels, fermented from the flowers of the foxtail grass (a grass similar to rice, with soft flowers) distilled into wine using the traditional method of the H'Mông people. Sapa's corn wine has a spicy, sweet taste, easy to absorb but long-lasting in its effect.
Price of Corn Wine Sapa:
Corn Wine Sapa is priced at around 90,000 VND/liter
Corn Wine from the People of Bắc Hà, Sapa
7. Cat's Ear Apples from Sapa
Besides being known for soaking in wine, eating Sapa's cat's ear apples is incredibly delicious. Especially for women, the slightly sour, crispy fruit, dipped in spicy salt, is a delightful experience. Just imagine it, and your mouth will water, right?
How to Choose Cat's Ear Apples Sapa
When buying Cat's Ear Apples from Sapa, note that you should choose stalls selling small, uneven, dark and rough-skinned apples – those are the authentic Cat's Ear Apples from Sapa. Avoid buying large, beautifully shaped apples, as they are likely to be of Chinese origin. Cat's Ear Apples are usually available from August to October; you can buy them to eat or soak in wine.
Cat's Ear Apples Sapa Price:
Cat's Ear Apples from Sapa are priced at an average of 40,000 - 50,000 VND/kg.
Cat's Ear Apples can be used for eating with salt or soaking in wine
8. Stolen Armpit Pork Sapa
Another Sapa specialty highly recommended by many locals and echoed by travelers is the 'Stolen Armpit Pork' or known as Muong Sapa Pork. Stolen Armpit Pork from Sapa is quite small, weighing only about 5 to 6kg.
The best way to enjoy Stolen Armpit Pork from Sapa is through grilling.
The most delicious Stolen Armpit Pork dishes include roasted or whole-grilled pork. What's special about 'Stolen Armpit Pork' is the meat is very firm, fragrantly tender, and incredibly sweet. The skin is crispy, the meat is succulent and sweet. Bringing home Stolen Armpit Pork along with apple wine for a delightful meal is truly superb.
Pricing for Stolen Armpit Pork Sapa
Stolen Armpit Pork purchased in Sapa is priced at an average of 100,000 - 120,000 VND per kg. However, if you're craving this dish and haven't had the chance to visit Sapa, on PasGo - Booking & Deals, there are many delicious Northwestern restaurants perfect for your feast.
Stolen Armpit Pork has tender meat and small bones
9. Bamboo Shoots Sapa
Sapa Bamboo Shoots always rank at the top of Sapa's family gift specialties
Sapa Bamboo Shoots are young bamboo shoots and sprouts, about 20 - 30 cm in length, cut and processed into Sapa's specialty dishes such as: Boiled bamboo shoots with fish sauce, pickled bamboo shoots, and stir-fried dried bamboo shoots. Sapa Bamboo Shoots have a sweet, refreshing taste with a slight bitterness. If you are near the Sapa mountainous region, buying fresh bamboo shoots will be even more delicious. However, if you are far away, buying bamboo shoots (fresh or pickled) to enjoy is also a good option, as they have a longer shelf life.
Price of Sapa Bamboo Shoots:
Sapa Bamboo Shoots are priced at an average of 200,000 VND/kg.
Sapa Wild Bamboo Shoots
10. Sapa Forest Mushrooms
Sapa Forest Mushrooms enhance the flavor and aroma of dishes
Sapa Forest Mushrooms are incredibly fragrant and clean, with a taste distinct from the mushrooms commonly consumed. If you use these mushrooms to make fried spring rolls, cook with bamboo shoots, or prepare noodle soup, the result will be exceptionally delicious and aromatic. When tourists inquire about purchasing, the demand is high, but the quantity of mushrooms is limited. To ensure you buy mushrooms with the authentic Sapa origin, it's recommended to visit the villages around Sapa for your purchase. Otherwise, you might end up with inferior quality mushrooms.
Average price of Sapa Forest Mushrooms:
Sapa Forest Mushrooms are priced at around 270,000 VND/kg.
Sapa Forest Mushrooms may look similar to ordinary mushrooms, but they are exceptionally fragrant.
11. Sapa Hearth Buffalo Meat
Ever heard of “Hearth Buffalo Meat” before?
Hearth Buffalo Meat from Sapa is quite famous, isn't it? Once you've tried it, you'll get addicted. This meat is entirely made from local buffaloes, marinated, and dried using the hot smoke from wood stoves day after day. At first, it might have a smoky scent, but when you taste it, you'll experience a sweet, spicy, and rich flavor that is truly stimulating.
Price of Sapa Hearth Buffalo Meat
The price of Hearth Buffalo Meat is quite high, ranging from 700,000 – 800,000 VND/kg. However, considering that it takes nearly 4 kg of fresh buffalo meat to produce 1 kg of dried Hearth Buffalo Meat, and it is rare and the best in Sapa, the price is quite reasonable, isn't it?
Famous dishes from the people of Sapa
12. Sapa Stone Sprout
Sapa Stone Sprout may sound strange, but it tastes incredibly delicious
Sapa Stone Sprout may look like a type of pickled vegetable at first glance, but when eaten, it is sweet and crispy. Sapa Stone Sprout is a rare type of vegetable, only growing on high mountain peaks from November to March. It is usually stir-fried with buffalo meat, offering a sweet and crunchy taste. Consuming Sapa Stone Sprout is beneficial for bone and joint health and is excellent for relieving alcohol intoxication.
The price of Sapa stone sprout:
Being a rare and precious vegetable, the price of Sapa Stone Sprout is surprisingly affordable, only about 50,000 VND/kg.
Sapa Stone Sprout is a rare vegetable, yet it comes at a reasonable price
13. Sapa Tamarillo Preserves
Sapa Tamarillo Preserves are a highly nutritious food, aiding the body in reducing fat absorption. The best is undoubtedly the Tamarillo Preserves sold on Dong Loi Street, where you can find authentic products. This will be one of the unique and fascinating specialties from Sapa for a distinctive gift.
The price of Sapa Tamarillo Preserves:
Sapa Tamarillo Preserves are priced at an average of 75,000 VND per jar (400 grams).
The most delicious Tamarillo Preserves can be found on Dong Loi Street
14. Sapa Specialty Almonds
If you think that only imported almonds are delicious and of high quality, you're mistaken. In the mountainous region of Sapa, there are equally delicious almond trees. Sapa Almonds, also known as forest almonds, usually grow naturally, making them highly nutritious. Once you taste them, you'll be hooked.
The price of Sapa Almonds:
Imported almonds on the market currently cost over 300,000 VND/kg, but if you buy them in Sapa, they are only around 250,000 VND/kg!
Sapa Almonds, also known as Forest Hazelnuts
15. Sapa Specialty Pine Nuts
Pine nuts are also a type of snack that many tourists buy as gifts. Pine nuts are not only good for beauty, providing excellent nourishment for women, but also a favorite supplement for many people. To buy the best Sapa Specialty Pine Nuts as gifts, visit the town of Sapa and inquire at Viet’s Farm.
The price of Sapa Pine Nuts:
Sapa Pine Nuts are priced at an average of 200,000 VND per box of 350 grams
Pine Nuts are the must-have snack gift when traveling to Sapa
16. Grilled Stream Fish
Grilled fish is already delicious, and stream fish from the natural mountainous land of Sapa is even more special. The best stream fish is enjoyed in Sapa, grilled over charcoal. However, you can also buy grilled Sapa stream fish or fresh fish to grill as gifts. There are many types of stream fish in Sapa, each with a different taste and no fishy odor. Grilled stream fish can be quite expensive, but the freshness and sweet taste make it well worth it.
Price of Grilled Stream Fish in Sapa:
Grilled Sapa Stream Fish is priced at approximately 120,000 VND per plate.
Grilled Sapa Stream Fish is an extremely delicious drinking snack for gentlemen (photo taken at Chợ Tình Sapa restaurant)
17. Bac Ha Mushroom
If you're a mushroom enthusiast, don't overlook this special type. Bac Ha Chicken Foot Mushroom is exclusive to this Northwest region. Not only does it have a uniquely sweet fragrance, but it's also a valuable medicinal ingredient with high nutritional value. Bac Ha Chicken Foot Mushroom lacks a stalk, featuring a fan-shaped cap like a clamshell. The mushroom's flesh is white and can be used for stir-frying or in soups. The price is incredibly affordable, typically sold in bowls, with each bowl priced at 3,000 VND.
Distinctive appearance of Bac Ha Chicken Foot Mushroom
18. Muong Khuong Chili Sauce
You may wonder, 'Where can I get chili sauce?' and why should you buy Muong Khuong Chili Sauce as a gift?
Yet, Muong Khuong Chili Sauce scores 1-0-2. Unlike regular chili sauce, Muong Khuong Chili Sauce follows a traditional recipe. In addition to fresh chili and garlic, it incorporates various herbs, sesame seeds, and a plethora of other greens, resulting in a rich and distinct flavor unlike any other sauce.
Especially, the sauce is handcrafted by local residents, making it exceptionally delicious and safe.
Price of Muong Khuong Chili Sauce:
Muong Khuong Chili Sauce is priced at an average of 35,000 – 45,000 VND per bottle.
Muong Khuong Chili Sauce – Sapa's Special Gift
19. Red Plums, Hau Plums
While plums are found in every region, when it comes to delicious, locally grown, pesticide-free plums, Sapa is the best. Sapa plums, known as Hau plums, usually ripen in May. Hau plums from Sapa have shiny skin, taste sweet and sour when green, and become irresistibly sweet when ripe. These will be a fascinating specialty from the Northwest for a delightful gift.
Price of Red Plums, Hau Plums Sapa:
Red plums, Hau plums from Sapa are quite affordable, averaging around 20,000 - 50,000 VND/kg.
Hau plums are also known as red plums from Sapa
20. Sapa Apricot
If you visit Sapa during the summer, don't forget to stop by and buy Sapa Apricots as a gift. Sapa Apricots have a sweet and sour taste, slightly bitter. If you prefer sweeter apricots, choose ones with white flesh, or if you want less sweetness, go for apricots with yellow flesh. Alternatively, you can ask the sellers for guidance on selecting the best Sapa Apricots!
Price of Sapa Apricots:
Sapa Apricots are priced at an average of 20,000 - 50,000 VND/kg.
Sapa Apricots have a sweet and sour taste, slightly cool.
Only then you realize that besides admiring the snow, conquering Fansipan, exploring Ham Rong Mountain, and the ancient church, discovering all these Northwest specialties would probably take more than a week. Haha
Here, we've compiled 20 delicious and affordable Sapa specialties as gifts for your loved ones. Do you know any other delicious and affordable Sapa specialties? Share with us in the comments!
In addition, on the PasGo Blog in the Regional Specialties section, we've also gathered some specialties from other provinces and cities in Vietnam for you to explore.
-Minh Phuong-
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