Buzz
Lào Cai's culinary scene is abundant with delightful dishes, but among the many, 5 specialties stand out as both delicious to eat and meaningful to bring back as gifts. These include 'stolen armpit' pork, San Lùng wine, cat-ear greens, and more.
Why are these 5 Lào Cai specialties popular choices among tourists for meaningful gifts?
- Because these 5 specialties from Lào Cai represent the exquisite flavors of Northwestern cuisine.
- Enjoy these delectable dishes right here, and afterwards, consider purchasing some to take home as gifts.
- The preservation of these Lào Cai specialties is straightforward, ensuring an extended shelf life.
Explore right away with PasGo.
1/ 'Stolen Armpit' Pork – A captivating specialty from Lào Cai that is irresistible as a gift.
Special Breed of High-altitude Pigs in Sapa, Lào Cai
'Stolen Armpit' Pig (or Mường Sapa pig, dangling pig, stump pig, or curly-tailed pig) is a crossbreed between wild pigs and Mường pigs. This specialty pig in Lào Cai is raised in the mountainous regions, left to roam freely, weighing only around a dozen kilograms, quite small in size.
The process of making 'stolen armpit' pork is also quite intricate.
The pig is meticulously cleaned and slaughtered. Then, local people use lime to remove all the dirt clinging to the hair, wash it thoroughly, and either rub rice straw or use sugarcane bagasse for fragrance.
'Stolen Armpit' Pig – A Specialty in Lào Cai.
The 'stolen armpit' pork is undeniably a delight.
'Stolen armpit' pork can be prepared in various ways, such as steaming, fake roasting, but the most delicious is still the grilled 'stolen armpit' pork in Lào Cai. It is neither greasy like fatty pork nor dry like wild pork. When you taste it, you can feel the sweetness, tenderness without being cloying, the crispy skin. It's a must-try; once you taste it, you'll crave more.
The best way to enjoy 'stolen armpit' pork in Lào Cai is by grilling.
Where to Buy Delicious 'Stolen Armpit' Pork in Lào Cai? Is the Price High?
'Stolen armpit' pork is usually sold by local residents at market fairs. Therefore, it's not difficult for you to find and purchase delicious 'stolen armpit' pork, a specialty from Lào Cai, to bring back as a gift. According to the locals' experience, it's advisable to choose pork from neutered male pigs when they are still small; this way, the meat will be more flavorful.
The price of 'stolen armpit' pork in Sapa, Lào Cai is around 130,000 VND/kg.
2/ San Lùng Wine – A Distinctive Lào Cai Specialty with an Unforgettable Rich Flavor.
San Lùng Wine in Lào Cai is likened to the celestial elixir of the Pò Sèn stream.
San Lùng translates to 'Three Dragons,' used specifically for offering to celestial beings and ancestral spirits, earning its title as the celestial elixir of the Pò Sèn stream. Sapa's San Lùng Wine, a specialty from Lào Cai, is made from glutinous rice and local herbs from the highlands.
What specialties does Lào Cai have? Lào Cai has San Lùng wine.
Drinking San Lùng wine suddenly makes one feel like a celestial being.
San Lùng Wine, a specialty of Lào Cai, is infused with herbs, providing a refreshing and invigorating experience. Enjoying this unique wine leaves you feeling light, cheerful, and notably headache-free. It makes an ideal gift for the gentlemen in your life.
Having fallen victim to purchasing 'cleverly marketed' specialties as gifts multiple times, you might want to consider some tips for buying Vietnamese specialties as gifts.
Where to buy San Lùng Wine specialties for gifts.
You can visit the San Lùng commune, where the Dao people brew the finest wine, or explore specialty shops in the tourist areas of Lào Cai for your choice of San Lùng Wine gifts.
Price range for San Lùng Wine in Lào Cai: 210,000 – 300,000 VND/liter (depending on the type).
3/ Buffalo 'gác bếp' meat – A familiar and delectable specialty from Lào Cai.
The name 'gác bếp' buffalo meat is likely no longer unfamiliar when it comes to Northwest Vietnam specialties. This Lào Cai delight is crafted from the robust, free-roaming mountain buffalo.
Do you know how delicious the specialty 'gác bếp' buffalo meat from Lào Cai is?
'Gác bếp' buffalo meat from Lào Cai is not just a name you've heard; it's an experience waiting to be savored. The dried buffalo piece retains the smoky aroma without any discomfort, making Lào Cai's specialty even more enticing.
The piece of 'gác bếp' buffalo meat from Lào Cai boasts a captivating deep red hue.
Despite being dried buffalo meat, it showcases a deep, dark red color while maintaining a tender and sweet texture. Preserving the distinctive taste of buffalo meat, each bite unfolds a robust, slightly spicy flavor blended with the enticing smokiness. This culinary delight from Lào Cai is a perfect gift, especially for those who appreciate a fine glass of wine.
Where to buy delicious and affordable 'gác bếp' buffalo meat in Lào Cai? Look no further!
You can purchase directly from the buffalo 'gác bếp' workshops or visit the Sapa night market for a delightful dining and souvenir shopping experience.
Price range for 'gác bếp' buffalo meat in Lào Cai: 350,000 – 500,000 VND/kg.
4/ Bắc Hà's Sweet Plums – A delectable and budget-friendly specialty from Lào Cai.
Bắc Hà's sweet plums, a quintessential Sapa-Lào Cai delicacy, are a favorite among women. These plums boast a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors, with a crisp bite that's instantly appealing. Unlike red or common plums, Bắc Hà's sweet plums are large, greenish-yellow, and incredibly delicious and fragrant.
Bắc Hà's Sweet Plums – A unique specialty from Lào Cai.
Sapa's sweet plums start ripening in June and July. If you're visiting Sapa-Lào Cai during this time, don't forget to buy the special Bắc Hà plums as souvenirs.
Where to buy delicious Bắc Hà plums?
During the plum season, locals often pick and bring them to the market. You can visit the local markets to purchase the freshest and most delicious plums. Price: 20,000 – 40,000 VND/kg.
5/ Sapa's Cat-Ear Greens – Lào Cai's refreshing specialty.
Opinions on the taste of cat-ear greens vary—some find it bitter, while others discover sweetness. So, what about Sapa's cat-ear greens? They offer a unique combination of both, featuring a crisp texture. Initially, a subtle bitterness unfolds, followed by a lingering sweetness on the palate. First-timers may find the bitterness off-putting, but continuous consumption reveals the delightful sweetness.
According to the shared wisdom of the Mông people, opt for small cat-ear greens with tiny, white-haired leaves for a more delicious preparation than the larger variety.
The price of Lào Cai's cat-ear greens is approximately: 30,000 VND/kg.
According to the shared wisdom of the Mông people, opt for small cat-ear greens with tiny, white-haired leaves for a more delicious preparation than the larger variety.
The price of Lào Cai's cat-ear greens is approximately: 30,000 VND/kg.
In addition to the aforementioned 5 Lào Cai specialties for souvenirs, there are many other delicious specialties such as Nùng Dín's seven-color sticky rice, Nùng Dín's ginger-flavored meat, Sapa's chayote, Thác Bạc salmon, and renowned tourist spots in Lào Cai like Bắc Hà market, Phanxipang peak, Thác Bạc waterfall, Ô Quý Hồ pass, Cốc San,...
Follow the Blog PasGo – Regional Specialties page to discover more about Vietnam's unique culinary delights.
_ Khánh An_
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