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Northwest Vietnam is hailed as the paradise of rich, flavorful mountainous delicacies. Let's explore 5 iconic specialties of Northwest Vietnam that you just can't miss with PasGo!
The northern mountainous provinces not only captivate with picturesque landscapes of poetic rivers and mountains, majestic terraced fields, but also with unique mountainous specialties. Among them, there are Lam rice, kitchen-dwelling meat, lethal liquor... The allure of these specialties lies not only in the rare ingredients and delicate ingredient combinations, but also in the heart and soul of the people of Northwest Vietnam.
1. Bac Me Lam Rice
When it comes to Bac Me Lam Rice, hardly anyone is unfamiliar with this fragrant, sweet rice dish packed in bamboo tubes, cooked over charcoal. Each bite of Bac Me Lam rice is sticky, sweet, and fragrant, blending the scent of rice and bamboo tubes with a hint of gentle coconut aroma. It can be enjoyed with sesame salt or grilled fish, both equally delicious. Bac Me Lam rice is not only a specialty of Northwest Vietnam but also a specialty of the entire country. Any traveler who sets foot in Northwest Vietnam cannot miss Bac Me Lam rice.
2. Kitchen-bound Meat
Unlike the small, dried meat commonly found in the lowlands, kitchen-bound meat in Northwest Vietnam is often left in large chunks. During the winter, villages often gather to slaughter buffalo, butcher pigs, then select and cut the best meat parts like tenderloin, shoulder, loin... marinate them with salt, ginger, mac khen... for about a week before hanging them in the kitchen. Kitchen-bound meat lasts quite long under normal conditions while remaining delicious and exotic, satisfying many palates.
3. Grilled Stream Fish
Papinhtop - grilled stream fish - stands out as one of the distinctive specialties of the Northwest region. Fresh, large carp are first rubbed with salt and chili powder to eliminate fishy odor, then stuffed with a mixture of spices including mac khen seeds (wild pepper), ginger, garlic, lemongrass, chili, wild vegetables... on the outside and inside of the fish. Next, the fish is clamped with a grilling rack or bamboo clamp and grilled over charcoal. This method allows the spices to gradually infuse into the fish meat, making it sweet, fragrant, rich, with a hint of fresh bamboo flavor.
4. Chao Beef
Mountainous chao beef in Northwest Vietnam differs from the beef in the lowlands due to the skillful combination of beef and cham cheo (a traditional spice of the Thai ethnic group) or tangy dổi seeds. The beef is meticulously processed, with a characteristic sweet and fragrant taste that is irresistible. On cool days, there's nothing better than sitting with friends, enjoying a flavorful piece of chao beef, crunchy wild vegetables, sipping a tingling cat apple wine, engaging in life discussions, and experiencing the unique flavor of the Northwest mountains.
5. Liquor
Not only delicious food, but Northwest Vietnam also boasts unique beverages, such as cat apple wine, three-striped snake wine, or lethal liquor. Originating from the mountainous forests, it's no surprise that these famous wines are all brewed with precious medicinal herbs. Cat apple wine, three-striped snake wine, and lethal liquor are not only tasty but also packed with nutritious ingredients that nourish the body, enhance physical fitness, and boost immunity.
Above are 5 typical specialties of Northwest Vietnam that PasGo wants to share with you. If you have the chance to visit Northwest Vietnam, don't forget to indulge in these dishes.
However, if you haven't had the opportunity to explore Northwest Vietnam, you don't have to go far. You can still discover the distinctive flavors of Northwest cuisine right in the heart of Hanoi at the Muong Met Pig Restaurant. Diners will be amazed by the plates filled with a variety of steamed, stir-fried, and lemon-drenched pork dishes, along with fragrant sticky rice and exquisite wild vegetables. Lam rice, snow fish, hillside chicken... are also must-try dishes for diners.
The simple, peaceful atmosphere exuding the breath of the mountains and forests, along with the exquisite wooden interior of Muong Met Pig Restaurant, will surely leave you satisfied.
Here, you'll easily encounter images of the simple lifestyle of highland residents
Don't forget to make a reservation through PasGo - the pioneering reservation app - to receive many benefits from Muong Met Pig Restaurant!
>>>Check out detailed information about Muong Met Pig Restaurant here.
Compiled by Thanh Mai - PasGo.vn
