Buzz
The Bắc Hà Market ranks among the most renowned markets in Lào Cai and is an unmissable destination when exploring Sapa. Here, you'll not only discover the unique offerings of this market but also have the chance to purchase exceptional Sapa products as gifts. Moreover, indulge in distinctive dishes infused with the rich flavors of Sapa's mountains. Curious about the delicious cuisines awaiting you at the Bắc Hà Market? Let's delve into our article below for insights!
Specialties of the Bắc Hà Market:
1. Mèn Mén:
Though not as luxurious as some dishes, this one is unforgettable once tasted. Mèn Mén, made from local corn kernels, is a daily staple among the Mông ethnic community here. After each autumn harvest, the shiny yellow corn kernels are laid out on the house verandas or kitchen lofts by the Mông people to dry thoroughly before being used for making mèn mén. However, crafting delicious mèn mén requires numerous steps and time.
The H'mông People's Specialty, Mèn Mén
Mèn Mén, abundantly available at the Bắc Hà Market, is one of the must-try dishes when visiting this highland market.
2. Five-Color Sticky Rice:
Five-Color Sticky Rice is a quintessential dish at every Bắc Hà Market. The colors of the sticky rice are not derived from artificial flavors but are naturally dyed. To achieve the five beautiful colors representing the five elements, the people of Bắc Hà pay great attention to every step from selecting ingredients to the cooking process. A plate of five-color sticky rice costs 10,000 VND and can be enjoyed with sesame salt or local condiments. When tasting five-color sticky rice here, you'll have a completely different experience compared to eating it elsewhere.
3. Corn Gelatinous Cake:
Corn holds significant importance to the locals here. Besides mèn mén, corn gelatinous cake is also a familiar dish to the people of Bắc Hà, and you'll have the opportunity to enjoy it when participating in this highland market. The corn gelatinous cake is placed on a large tray and sliced only when guests are ready to eat. A slice of corn gelatinous cake costs about 10,000 VND. Additionally, this dish can be prepared by mixing corn with glutinous rice flour to create a chewy and fragrant cake.
4. Bắc Hà Pho:
Bắc Hà Sour Pho
Pho is a familiar dish to Vietnamese people, but when you come to Bắc Hà and taste the pho here, you'll notice that Bắc Hà pho has its own unique characteristics. In Bắc Hà, there are traditional pho dishes specific to the people of Bắc Hà, such as sour pho, cooked pho, and mixed pho. Bắc Hà pho may not differ much from pho elsewhere if not for the noodles made from red rice, a type of rice grown only in Bắc Hà, Lùng Phình. The noodles are entirely handmade here, offering two choices: pork pho and chicken pho, served with plates of wild vegetables, raw vegetables, and offal.
5. Thắng Cố:
When mentioning the delicacies at the Bắc Hà Market, one cannot overlook Thắng Cố. This is a distinctive dish of Bắc Hà, but not every traveler dares to try it due to its unusual ingredients and preparation method. The ingredients for this dish include horse, buffalo, and beef meat and offal, along with a variety of other spices.
Thắng Cố - A Must-Try Specialty When Visiting Sapa
Bắc Hà is renowned as the birthplace of Thắng Cố, and there's no better place to taste it than at the Bắc Hà Market. While famous restaurants in Sapa offer their versions of Thắng Cố, they're often adjusted to cater to the tastes of tourists. Imagine being in Sapa on chilly days, enjoying Thắng Cố alongside a glass of corn wine. It's simply marvelous.
6. Corn Wine from Bản Phố:
When visiting the Bắc Hà Market, don't forget to indulge in Bản Phố corn wine. This type of wine is distilled using traditional techniques of ethnic minorities. The fermentation starter used to make this wine is also unique, derived from glutinous rice. When you first taste corn wine, you'll notice its sweet and lingering flavor. Savoring the fragrant corn wine with Thắng Cố, hot pot, or grilled dishes from Sapa is truly delightful.
Discover the delightful delicacies awaiting you at the vibrant Bac Ha market. Planning a winter escapade to Sapa? Reach out to us via Leadtravel.com.vn or directly contact us at Hotline: 0979.017.395 * 0989.552.520 to secure the best-priced Sapa tours.
Authored by: Tống Triệu
Must-try treats when exploring the Bac Ha market on your travel agenda.
