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Your trip to the Northwest would be incomplete without tasting these Northwest specialties. Here, we've compiled the finest delicacies and wines from Northwest Vietnam, each a must-try at least once. From Lao Cai's specialties to Lai Chau's, from Ha Giang's to Lang Son's...
Northwest Vietnam is a mountainous region in the western part of the country, consisting of 6 provinces spanning over 5645 million hectares. It's also home to numerous ethnic groups like the Thai, H'Mong, Dao, Tay, and Nung. Thanks to its cool, unpolluted mountain climate, the specialties here are incredibly fresh and delicious. Let's explore!
Don't forget to try these Northwest specialties when traveling in the Northwest!
1. Northwest Specialty: Delightful Dish from Lao Cai
1. Fireplace-Smoked Buffalo Meat
Fireplace-smoked buffalo meat is renowned, isn't it, folks? It's not just a specialty of Lao Cai but also of the Northwest region. Besides Lao Cai, you can easily find fireplace-smoked buffalo meat in provinces like Ha Giang, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, and Yen Bai.
Northwest buffalo meat differs greatly from that found elsewhere. The method of preparing Northwest fireplace-smoked buffalo meat is unique, made from fresh buffalo meat marinated with lemongrass, chili, garlic, ginger, and mac khen seeds (a characteristic spice of the Northwest). The best fireplace-smoked buffalo meat from the Northwest is prepared by drying over wood charcoal, with locals knowing precisely the timing to ensure it's cooked just right, retaining its tenderness and sweetness without becoming too dry.
Fireplace-Smoked Buffalo Meat - Irresistible Northwest Delicacy (photo taken at Unique Restaurant)
2. Bac Ha Horse Race Victory Salad
Bac Ha horse race victory salad, a Northwest specialty, is made by the H'Mong people. What makes Bac Ha horse race victory salad special is that it's made from horse bones raised in the highlands along with their five internal organs, combined with herbs like dổi seeds, thảo quả, and cinnamon… It looks strange, but the salad is incredibly sweet, with tender, fragrant meat found only in highland regions. Bac Ha horse race victory salad can be found in Northwest provinces like Ha Giang, Yen Bai… but the best one is still in Bac Ha, Sapa.
Horse Race Victory Salad - Northwest Delicacy in Bac Ha - Sapa
3. Cat Apple Wine – Exquisite Northwest Delight
As one of the most famous types of wine in the Northwest, when you visit the Northwest, don't forget to take a few sips of wine directly brewed by the Northwest locals. Northwest cat apple wine is meticulously brewed, soaked from wild cat apples, and has a very aromatic flavor. When you drink it, you'll experience a tangy, sweet taste that's easy to enjoy.
Aside from Lao Cai, people in Yen Bai region also enjoy brewing cat apple wine. If you haven't had the chance to travel to the Northwest yet, you can also find this delicious wine at Northwest cuisine restaurants on PasGo, along with many other types of Northwest wine. Make sure to pay them a visit!
Cat apple wine has the fragrant aroma and sweet taste of cat apples
4. Bac Ha Plums
In the Northwest region, there are many types of plums: Lao Cai plums, Lang Son plums… but the most delicious and beautiful variety is still Bac Ha plums, found in Bac Ha district, Muong Khuong, Sapa. The best Bac Ha plums are from May to July when they are ripe. When ripe, Bac Ha plums don't change the color of their outer skin; you have to observe carefully to see a slight yellowish hue. Bac Ha plums have a deliciously sweet taste, leaving a lingering flavor in your mouth even after you've finished eating. Moreover, Bac Ha plums also have the health benefits of replenishing energy after strenuous work.
Bac Ha plums, so sweet and delicious that you'll remember them forever
2. Northwest Specialty: Delicious Dish from Lai Chau
5. Grilled Stream Fish
Grilled stream fish, also known as folded stream fish, is a famous traditional dish and highly cherished Northwest specialty of the Thai people. It's made from fresh stream fish marinated with ginger, lemongrass, mac khen, and the shoots of the sa nhân tree, then grilled. Northwest grilled fish is fragrant, sweet, dry, and firm on the inside, making it incredibly delicious.
Grilled Stream Fish – A delectable Northwest dish of grilled stream fish you can't miss
6. Pig Carried Under the Arm
Pig Carried Under the Arm, also known as native pig or mountain pig, is raised by locals freely roaming on hillsides, feeding solely on grass. Because they only eat grass, the meat of Pig Carried Under the Arm is firm, lean, fragrant, delicious, and has a naturally sweet taste when eaten.
The best way to enjoy Pig Carried Under the Arm is grilled over charcoal
7. Fish Buried in Ashes
Fish Buried in Ashes is made from fish prepared by the locals of Vang Pheo village, Phong Tho, Lai Chau. The fish is marinated thoroughly, then wrapped in banana leaves and buried in hot ash to slowly cook. Fish Buried in Ashes has the aroma of grilled banana leaves and has a dense, non-greasy, and chewy texture when eaten. If you're in Lai Chau, don't miss out on this delicious Northwest specialty grilled fish.
Fish Buried in Ashes – Delicious Northwest Dish from Lai Chau
3. Northwest Specialty: Delicious Dish from Ha Giang
8. Stone Moss Grilled
Did you know that “moss” is also a Northwest specialty? And it's incredibly delicious to eat? But only Northwest Stone Moss can be eaten, okay? Grilled Stone Moss is not only a specialty of Ha Giang but also of Lai Chau and Dien Bien.
Northwest moss is highly prized, only Northwest moss can be processed into various dishes such as fried moss, moss soup... Grilled moss on stone also helps the body cool down, detoxify, and improve blood circulation.
Grilled Stone Moss – Unique Northwest Delicacy
9. Pig Trotter Congee
This is one of the specialties of Ha Giang that is considered not fully experienced until you've tried it in Ha Giang. Pig Trotter Congee is made from glutinous rice, pig trotters, and a type of bitter vegetable. Unlike regular congee that has a sweet aroma of pork, Pig Trotter Congee has a bitter taste. It might be difficult to swallow for those not accustomed to it, but once you get used to it, it's addictive.
Pig Trotter Congee from Northwest specialty might be challenging to eat, but it's highly addictive
10. Bac Me Bamboo Rice
When it comes to bamboo rice, the best is in the Northwest. If you visit Ha Giang without trying Bac Me bamboo rice, you haven't truly experienced Ha Giang. Bac Me bamboo rice is made from the finest glutinous rice and cooked in bamboo tubes, which are lined with banana leaves and wild banana leaves, then roasted. Bac Me bamboo rice is not only sticky but also carries the aromatic scent of roasted bamboo tubes.
Bac Me Bamboo Rice – Delicious Northwest Dish made from glutinous rice
4. Northwest Specialty: Delicious Dish from Hoa Binh
11. Grilled Da River Fish
Grilled Da River Fish is a specialty of Hoa Binh, made from fresh fish from the Da River: carp, catfish… so it's very delicious and clean. Northwest grilled fish is already delicious, but Grilled Da River Fish is even more unique when wrapped in banana leaves before being enjoyed.
The best way to enjoy Grilled Da River Fish is when it's hot, directly in the Northwest mountainous region
12. Mai Chau Sticky Rice
If you have the opportunity to enjoy Mai Chau sticky rice, you will be surprised by its variety of colors: green, red, purple, yellow, white… Each color is made from natural ingredients, wild fruits, so it's very fragrant and safe. Moreover, the sticky rice is made from glutinous rice, which is already famous for its delicious aroma.
The vibrant colors of Mai Chau sticky rice
13. Bamboo Pipe Wine
Not only food, when mentioning Hoa Binh specialties or delicious Northwest dishes, we cannot overlook this precious wine. Bamboo pipe wine is often enjoyed during festivals and reserved for esteemed guests. The excellence of bamboo pipe wine lies in its bitter-sweet taste, a type of ethnic wine that easily intoxicates anyone who indulges.
Beverages that delight guests' hearts when visiting Hoa Binh
5. Northwest Specialty: Delicious Dish from Lang Son
14. Sour Pho
Did you know that Vietnamese Pho has over 50 varieties? This includes both soup and dry pho. If you're in Lang Son, don't forget to try the sour pho, a very unique Northwest dish. Sour pho is special with its spicy flavor of chili, the earthiness of potatoes, peanuts, and the richness of sliced pork. Unlike regular pho, sour pho has a sweet and sour taste of bamboo shoots and chili. Sour pho has been available in many Northwestern provinces, but the best is still in Lang Son.
Sour pho has a sweet and sour taste of bamboo shoots and chili
15. Khau Nhuc
Just hearing the name 'khau nhuc' already feels very special, doesn't it? Khau nhuc is also known as 'lying stitches.' This is a traditional dish of the Lang people and is considered a 'luxurious' dish of the Nung people. In essence, this dish is made from pork belly, marinated with basil, five-spice powder, wine, honey, and sesame. Especially, 'khau nhuc' is steamed so it's very soft, much more fragrant. This will be a wonderful snack when traveling to Lang Son.
Khau nhuc - traditional dish of the Lang people.
6. Northwest Specialty: Delicious Dish of Dien Bien
16. Edible Worms from Dien Bien
Only the Northwest has edible worms. Northwest edible worms are a type of worm found inside the chit stem, plump, round, taken from the tree trunk, often used for soaking in wine, cooking porridge, or making dishes.
Wine made from Dien Bien edible worms
17. Mông People's Sticky Rice Cakes.
Different from the sticky rice cakes we often eat, the sticky rice cakes of the Mông people - a specialty of Dien Bien, have a more mountainous and forest fragrance. Dien Bien sticky rice cakes are entirely handmade, wrapped in forest banana leaves and eaten with spring rolls. Some places bake the sticky rice cakes over a flame, giving them a unique and fragrant taste of glutinous rice.
Dien Bien Sticky Rice Cakes - A Delicious Northwest Dish Eaten with Spring Rolls
18. Savory Cabbage Rolls with Bamboo Shoots
Savory cabbage rolls with bamboo shoots are an extremely famous specialty of Dien Bien. They are enticing in terms of ingredients, preparation, and flavor. Made from cabbage, bamboo shoots, coriander, and garlic leaves, these rolls are dipped in the famous Northwestern seasoning. Once you've tried them, you can't forget the sour, spicy, and intense flavors of these cabbage rolls with bamboo shoots.
Savory Cabbage Rolls with Bamboo Shoots from Dien Bien - A Northwest Specialty Worth Trying at Least Once
7. Yen Bai's Delicacies: Delicious Northwest Dishes
19. Wild Bee Larvae
While you may easily come across bee larvae in the rural markets of Vietnam, it's only in the mountainous regions where you can savor this special 'wild bee larvae'. Unlike regular bee larvae, Yen Bai's specialty wild bee larvae have a richer and more delicious flavor. The best way to enjoy them is by stir-frying.
Wild bee larvae are quite rare, only available from April to August each year. So, to taste the best Yen Bai specialty stir-fried wild bee larvae, you should visit during this time.
Wild bee larvae, a delicious Northwest dish available from April to August.
20. Tú Lệ Green Rice Flakes
Tú Lệ Green Rice Flakes are made by the people of Tú Lệ commune, Yen Bai province. This is where the most fragrant and delicious unhusked rice grains are found. The Thai ethnic people meticulously craft the green rice flakes. Tú Lệ Green Rice Flakes have a refreshing aroma of young rice and a slightly sweet taste. You can buy them along the roadside or take them home as gifts.
Tú Lệ Green Rice Flakes are a delicious Northwest specialty suitable for gifting.
21. Black Chung Cake of Mường Lò
The black Chung Cake of Mường Lò, also belonging to the Chung Cake family – a Vietnamese specialty, stands out with its glossy black color. In addition to the main ingredients of Tú Lệ glutinous rice, mung beans, pork belly, and some spices like pepper, shallots, the black Chung Cake of Mường Lò is adorned with black sesame flowers and bamboo leaf stems to create a distinct black hue. When in Yen Bai, be sure to try this innovative Vietnamese specialty cake.
The black Chung Cake of Mường Lò boasts a truly unique color.
8. Northwest Specialty: Delicious Dishes from Sơn La
22. Mộc Châu Grilled Beef
The first Northwest delicacy we want to introduce to you when you visit Sơn La is Mộc Châu Grilled Beef. Originating from Mộc Châu - Sơn La, this dish is at its finest in Sơn La. Mộc Châu Grilled Beef is made from young male calves raised in Mộc Châu's lush pastures. Particularly, locals only use male calves for meat, resulting in Mộc Châu Grilled Beef with exceptionally tender and nutritious meat. It's a perfect dish for gatherings during your Northwest travels.
Mộc Châu Grilled Beef – A must-try Northwest delicacy.
23. Nậm Pịa
Nậm Pịa is a unique dish from Sơn La, not everyone can enjoy it. Because Nậm Pịa is made from the rich intestinal secretions of buffalo, cattle, goats... and their viscera are stewed until tender.
Nậm Pịa has a bitter taste, but when eaten, it leaves a sweet aftertaste in the throat. Despite its unusual flavor and ingredients, Nậm Pịa is still loved for its spicy, salty, sweet, and fragrant taste. It pairs particularly well with grilled dishes and is an excellent dish to accompany alcoholic beverages.
Nậm Pịa – an incredibly unique Northwest delicacy.
Above, we've only mentioned some typical Northwest specialties from various provinces in the Northwest mountainous region. In addition to the Northwest delicacies we've mentioned, there are many other delicious specialties in the mountainous regions such as grilled duck with wild betel leaves, bamboo shoot salad, San Lùng wine, egg roll cake, baked bread, floating cake, pickled sour pork, grapefruit leaf rolls, and buffalo meat with lôm leaves. When traveling to the Northwest, don't miss out on these delicious dishes.
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