Buzz
Although this 'Vietnamese Pizza' is widely renowned nowadays, not everyone has the chance to explore the unique cuisine of this mountainous city, Da Lat.
Despite being considered a typical street food of Da Lat nowadays, grilled rice paper has only recently emerged within the city's misty ambiance. Initially just a simple grilled rice paper with lard and spring onions, it has evolved due to consumer preferences and vendor creativity, becoming as diverse and appealing as it is today.
Truly, claiming that Da Lat's grilled rice paper is the most delicious might seem a bit forced because, in Saigon, one can enjoy a much more diverse dish in terms of aroma, taste, and variety. However, in the year-round mild climate of the mountainous city, this humble dish becomes especially nostalgic. Referring to grilled rice paper as Vietnamese pizza or mountain street pizza isn't too far-fetched, as both the appearance and ingredients bear a resemblance to the pizza you're familiar with.
The unique difference lies in the pizza base, where Vietnamese pizza uses a very Vietnamese ingredient - rice paper. Authentic Dalat rice papers, thin and crispy, are placed on a grill over charcoal, topped with finely sautéed spring onions, fragrant lard, and savory shredded pork. Next comes a thin layer of golden beaten eggs and various other unique toppings.
There are countless ingredients that can be put into grilled rice paper, depending on preferences. One can choose from dried beef, pate, cheese, chicken, sausage, mayonnaise sauce... Vendors skillfully arrange all these ingredients on the delicate base, over the glowing charcoal stove, and in a moment, a fragrant and flavorful rice paper with the distinctive taste of the mountain city is ready.
Unique and renowned dishes abound in this city, yet not every traveler finds it easy to indulge. Those uninterested in exploration, solely following preset tour schedules, will struggle to savor this authentic street delicacy. Grilled rice paper is not found in upscale restaurants; it's only when strolling around Xuan Huong Lake or venturing into the night markets and alleys that one can find Dalat's grilled rice paper. This Vietnamese pizza is typically sold after 3 p.m., when Dalat is cold and misty, making Dalat cuisine most enticing.
Dalat also boasts many simple yet special dishes. The uniqueness lies not in the ingredients or preparation methods but in the essence Dalat infuses into these dishes. This gentle and charming city always leaves a mysterious impression on those who have visited.
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Source: Mytour Travel Guide - According to Depplus
MytourMarch 16, 2014
