Buzz
'Cần' wine is one of the exquisite delicacies of Dalat, crafted with diligent hands of ethnic minorities. It would be truly regrettable to visit Dalat without sitting by the fireside, savoring a sip of 'cần' wine.
Dalat is a renowned tourist city nationwide, home to numerous indigenous ethnic groups of the Central Highlands such as Co Ho, Chu Ru, Ma, Xo Dang, Hre, Co, Co Tu... These ethnic groups share a common love and appreciation for 'cần' wine. This type of wine is considered a dignified beverage for important occasions such as festivals, weddings, and welcoming esteemed guests. Therefore, this place has created many types of intoxicating 'cần' wines to delight travelers.
The Legend of 'Cần' Wine
According to local residents, 'cần' wine has been around for a long time. Legend has it that a Hedgehog deity created a milky white liquid that, when consumed, made people euphoric. A visitor to the deity's house was offered a taste of this divine liquid, and impressed, asked to learn the art of its creation. That divine liquid turned out to be 'cần' wine. Therefore, the ethnic minorities of the Central Highlands highly esteem 'cần' wine. Before drinking, they must first offer it to Giàng, the Hedgehog deity, as a sign of respect, before inviting everyone else to partake.
So how is this delicacy made in Dalat?
'Cần' wine is made by the ethnic minorities in Dalat using rice, particularly rice grown on the high mountain slopes. However, depending on the localities and the staple foods of each ethnic group, they may add other starches such as sweet potatoes, cassava, corn, or sorghum. Especially, the Central Highland ethnic groups often use leaves to ferment various types of grains such as corn and rice. Each ethnic group uses different types of leaves for fermentation, such as the Co Ho people use dong leaves and me ka zut leaves, or the Banna people use Blakda leaves and bark...
During the brewing process, locals cook the rice and other ingredients thoroughly. They then let it cool before mixing it with husks and fermenting it with yeast in a large jar called 'ché'. After a long fermentation process, we obtain a delicious 'cần' wine with the flavors of the mountains. Moreover, because it's fermented with forest leaves, this delightful dish from Dalat is known to be good for circulation and digestion.
The Art of Enjoying 'Cần' Wine
'Cần' wine, originating from divine sources, is deeply revered and follows strict protocols in the Central Highlands. Not everyone is privileged to partake, and it's not an everyday indulgence. This delectable beverage is a product of mountainous culture, meant to be savored in the ambiance of long communal houses, beside crackling fires, amidst the echoing melodies of gongs across the highlands.
When drinking 'cần' wine, it's not about pouring into individual cups or sipping from a bottle. Instead, a bamboo straw, hollow and perforated, is used to draw the wine. Hence the name 'cần' wine derives from this practice.
For an authentic experience of this delicacy in Dalat, one should participate in a cultural exchange amidst the sounds and dances of the Central Highlands. Following this, amidst the warmth of a cozy fire at a fascinating dining spot, guests are treated to grilled forest meats and invited to partake in 'cần' wine from a large communal vessel placed in the center of the longhouse. The host presents the bamboo straw to guests with both hands to dip into the vessel. In the customs of the ethnic minorities of the Central Highlands, it's customary to pass the straw from right to left with both hands. It's considered disrespectful to use the left hand to pass the straw, as it undermines the dignity of the host.
Immerse yourself in the unique experience of this delightful dish from Dalat, accompanied by the sounds of gongs, the warmth of crackling fires, graceful dances, and melodious songs amidst the chilly highlands. It will leave travelers with a deeply rustic and refreshing sensation. Upon returning to the bustling city, memories of Dalat's serene charm will linger, evoking unforgettable emotions.
