Indulge in the Delights of Da Lat during the Chilly Year-end Weather

Embarking on a year-end journey to Da Lat provides the opportunity to relish the cool air and mystical, misty landscapes. So, what culinary wonders await in Da Lat amidst such romantic weather?

What to savor in Da Lat during the chilly year-end weather?

1. Chicken Hotpot with Exotic Leaves

Contemplating the culinary delights of Da Lat this season? Consider indulging in the exquisite Chicken Hotpot with special leaves. These leaves, sourced from the cinnamon tree, a petite member of the orchid family, are characterized by their fragrant aroma and subtle bitterness. The Da Lat specialty hotpot, crafted from local chicken, special leaves, sour bamboo shoots, and a variety of complementary vegetables, is a perfect choice to relish in the year-end chill.

Image: Fb Chicken Hotpot with Special Leaves Da Lat

Image: @mgmg_kaede

Delight your taste buds with the exquisite flavors of snail dishes, but it's the stuffed snails in Dalat that steal the show, especially in the crisp, cool weather. The characteristic feature of stuffed snails is captured in the image of a large bowl brimming with snails, placed on a red wood stove, ensuring they stay warm for diners to savor.

Not too small, not too large, these snails are finely minced and stuffed with meat, seasoned with spices, and then steamed. What sets them apart is the addition of finely chopped lemongrass inside each stuffed snail, enhancing the aromatic flavor. With a plethora of spices like chili, ginger, blended according to a secret recipe, the dipping sauce can be considered the 'soul' of this dish.

Image: @skinny.fat.kiddo

3. Dim Sum Sandwich

Start your day with the familiar breakfast delight of Dim Sum Sandwich, a common choice everywhere. However, the Dim Sum Sandwich in Dalat promises a unique experience. It would be a miss not to include this dish in your must-try list when planning what to eat in Dalat. Dim Sum is placed in a bowl, accompanied by fragrant and fatty pork skin, spicy broth, and served with crispy hot bread. Dim Sum Sandwich is an excellent choice for a hearty breakfast in the late-year weather.

Image: Leave Ngô/Foody

Image: Thanh Nien Newspaper

4. Crab Noodle Soup (Bun Rieu)

While Dalat Crab Noodle Soup may not be a specialty, it boasts a distinctive and delicious flavor, setting it apart from the northern version. Field crab, minced and mixed with dried shrimp and meat, fills a bowl of vermicelli. The crab blocks, combined with rich tomato-colored broth, tantalize the taste buds. Bun Rieu establishments always provide a variety of accompanying peppers: finely chopped fresh chili, green chili, chili powder, grilled chili, and garlic chili vinegar. The spicy and pungent taste of chili enhances the flavor and warms the soul.

Image: Dan Nhat/Foody

Steamed rice rolls with chicken heart is one of the breakfast options worth trying when you're undecided about what to eat in Dalat. A portion of Dalat-style steamed rice rolls includes chicken, chicken heart, young chicken egg, tongue and pig heart, fried shallots, onions mixed with spices and coriander, served with fish sauce. Some places slice the chicken into thin strips, or if you prefer, you can request the whole chicken thigh, with added young chicken egg and chicken heart. The crispy chicken, soft rice rolls, and sweet and sour fish sauce stimulate the taste buds of anyone.

Image: Duy Ronl/Foody

6. Grilled Pork Sausage

The main ingredient for Dalat Grilled Pork Sausage is ground pork. The pork must be fresh, with a mix of lean meat and fat to make the grilled sausage tender and rich. Small pieces of fat are finely chopped and mixed with ground pork. Chicken egg enhances the depth and fragrance of the grilled sausage. Purple onions and garlic are finely minced for added aroma. Wood ear mushrooms are softened and thinly sliced to provide a crunchy texture. The seasoning is carefully balanced to ensure a delicious flavor. A serving includes grilled sausage, crispy fried rice paper, fresh vegetables, and pickles. The always-warm dipping sauce is made from liver, shrimp, minced meat, and ground beans.

Image: Huynh Nhi

Image: Na Na/Foody

7. Beef Hot Pot

Beef hot pot is the perfect choice if you're unsure about what to eat in Dalat during this time. A standard beef hot pot includes various cuts of beef, tendon, tail or brisket, square-cut tofu, and an array of fresh greens like mustard greens, water spinach, morning glory, pennywort, and perilla leaves, depending on the season. Tender cooked beef is ladled into a bowl, added with broth, greens, tofu, and dipped in a special sauce made from fermented tofu and satay, creating a delightful combination.

Image: @1201.foodiz

Image: @jinnytasty

Image: Fb Beef Hot Pot Ba Toa – Bui Thi Xuan Branch

8. Grilled Rice Paper

As a Dalat travel enthusiast, you surely cannot miss the delightful Grilled Rice Paper. With simple ingredients like rice paper and a tempting mix of toppings including eggs, shredded pork, fried shallots, minced meat, and the aromatic, creamy cheese, it creates an irresistibly tasty snack. Grilled rice paper on the stove emits a fragrant aroma, blending seamlessly with the visually appealing filling.

Image: @trangbbog

Image: Ngan Tran

The enticing aroma emanating from the grilled rice paper on the charcoal stove makes every diner eagerly anticipate their portion. The authentic way to enjoy grilled rice paper in Dalat is to place it on a large plate and use scissors to cut it into small pieces before savoring. Eating it this way allows you to fully experience the crispy texture of the rice paper, the richness of chicken eggs, the creaminess of cheese, and the delightful fragrance of dried beef and shrimp floss.

Image: @trangbbog

9. Bánh căn (Mini Pancakes)

Mini pancakes are a popular breakfast choice, favored by many diners contemplating what to eat in Dalat. Just stroll through the charming small alleys, and you'll easily find delightful mini pancake stalls. For only around 20,000-30,000 VND, you can indulge in mini pancakes with crispy and soft exteriors, filled with aromatic minced beef, quail eggs, chicken eggs, seafood, and more. The pancakes come with bite-sized meatballs and plenty of fresh scallions. Each batch of hot pancakes, combined with the dipping sauce, is perfect for the current weather.

Image: @jinnytasty

Image: @jinnytasty

Image: soorie

Posted by: Pham Thi Thu Hien

Keywords: What to eat in Dalat in the chilly late-year weather?