Sapa Plums
You probably don't need much of an introduction to the excessively famous produce of Sapa. The vibrant red Sapa plums, plump and juicy, sweet and tangy, are bound to make anyone's mouth water. While plums are not uncommon, Sapa plums stand on a different level with their crispness and natural flavor, crystallized from the morning dew and chilly breeze.
Sapa Bamboo Shoots
Sapa bamboo shoots are the tender, newly sprouted shoots of bamboo, measuring around 20 - 30cm. People enjoy bamboo shoots for their mild bitterness intertwined with sweetness. You can prepare them in various dishes like boiled bamboo shoots, pickled bamboo shoots, or dried bamboo shoots.
Tamarind Preserves
What are the specialties of Sapa suitable for gifts?
Tamarind preserves are made from ripe tamarinds, marinated with spices, and then dried. After processing, tamarinds turn black and elongated, with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. This dish is not only a delightful treat but also helps cool down the body and reduce fat content.
Crossed Salty Salt
Crossed Spiced Salt is made from 10 different spices grown at an altitude of 1,600m, including some characteristic spices of Hoang Lien Forest such as Mắc Khén, Thảo quả, garlic, ginger, chili,... This salt pairs wonderfully with grilled dishes, seafood, boiled pork, and even fruits. The blend of spices in a bowl of salt awakens all our senses.
Buying Crossed Spiced Salt as a souvenir when traveling to Sapa is the perfect choice.
Stone Sprouts
Buying stone sprouts as a souvenir when traveling to Sapa
The name might sound like a joke, but in reality, this is a distinctive type of vegetable from the mountainous forests of Sapa. Stone sprouts grow on the cliffs, discovered by ethnic people who then collect seeds and cultivate them. This vegetable only appears at the end of winter, beginning of spring. From the outside, stone sprouts resemble pickle stalks, but when eaten, they have a sweet taste.
Mường Khương Chili Sauce
This is a famous specialty of Mường Khương district, Lào Cai province. The chili sauce is made from a special type of chili combined with garlic, fragrant coriander seeds, dồi seeds, and Thảo quả seeds, with a little salt and alcohol added according to traditional proportions and fermented for 2 months.
This chili sauce is addictive, once you've tasted it, you'll never forget.
Cat Mustard Greens
Cat Mustard Greens are a specialty unique to Sapa. Their crunchy texture and slight bitterness at the tip of the tongue will tantalize your taste buds.
Apple Cat Wine or Sán Lùng Wine
These are two famous wines from Sapa, fermented by ethnic minorities from forest fruits and leaves. Apple Cat Wine is soaked with apple cat fruits, while Sán Lùng Wine is fermented with traditional pumpkin yeast by the Red Dao people.
After reading these suggestions from Vntrip, you probably already have the answer to the question “What are the specialties of Sapa suitable for gifts? What to buy as gifts when traveling to Sapa?”, right?
2. Where to Buy Sapa Specialties as Gifts?
Which places should you visit to purchase the aforementioned Sapa specialties as gifts?
You can buy specialties as gifts when traveling to Sapa at the following addresses:
- Sapa Night Market: Center of Sapa town, Sa Pa town, Lào Cai province.
This is not only a place to buy souvenirs but also a popular hangout spot for many people visiting Sapa. The lively atmosphere of the market along with countless eye-catching items ranging from food to fabrics will broaden everyone's horizons.
- New Sapa Market Area: QL4D, Sa Pa town, Lào Cai province.
As for buffalo meat, you can purchase it in the villages: Cát Cát, Tả Phìn, Tả Van, Lao Chải,… to get high-quality buffalo meat from the ethnic people.
Here, Vntrip has provided you with guidance on what to buy as gifts when traveling to Sapa so you no longer wonder what specialties Sapa has for gifts.