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Traveling is incomplete without bringing back gifts for friends and family. Curious about Sapa's specialties for gifts? Vntrip has the answers in this article.
1. What are the unique gifts in Sapa?
Sapa's cuisine always surprises with its uniqueness and flavors, unexplored by many. With diverse ethnicities in Sapa, the local dishes are fascinating and appealing to those from the lowlands. Let's explore what unique gifts Sapa has to offer.
Buffalo meat hung by the kitchen - Sapa's specialty reflecting the unique culinary charm of the Black Thai people
Buffalo meat hung by the kitchen - a special Sapa delicacy perfect for gifts
Buffalo meat, prepared by the locals in a distinct way, differs significantly from the methods used in the urban areas. The meat is sourced entirely from native buffaloes, marinated with traditional spices, and smoked until cooked. Slow-cooking imparts a fragrant smoky aroma, blending into every meaty fiber.
When dried using this method, buffalo meat takes on a dark brown color, but when torn apart, it reveals a natural red hue. Indulging in buffalo meat hung by the kitchen, you'll experience the spicy kick of wild pepper, the earthy notes of wild ginger, and the enticing smokiness. The more you chew, the more you'll discern the distinct sweetness of the meat.
To enhance the flavor of this dish, squeeze a bit of lime, and dip it in chili sauce for that perfect touch.
Forest fragrant mushrooms - A natural specialty bestowed upon Sapa
Sapa's specialty, forest fragrant mushrooms, ideal for gifting
Forest fragrant mushrooms are a distinctive dish in the mountainous region of Sapa. The atmosphere and climate here have produced fragrant and pristine mushrooms that captivate the heart.
Sapa Plums
Surely no need for an extensive introduction to these incredibly famous plums in Sapa. The red, plump, sweet and sour Sapa plums will make anyone's mouth water. While plums are not rare, Sapa plums reach a different level with their crispness and natural flavor, crystallized from morning dew and chilly winds.
Bamboo Shoots
Sapa Bamboo Shoots are young shoots of bamboo, measuring about 20 - 30cm. People appreciate bamboo shoots for their slight bitterness combined with the sweet taste. You can prepare them in various dishes like boiled bamboo shoots, pickled bamboo shoots, or dried bamboo shoots.
Tamarind Fruit Leather
What unique specialties does Sapa have for gifts?
Tamarind fruit leather is crafted from ripe tamarinds, marinated with aromatic spices, and then air-dried. After processing, the tamarind becomes black and elongated, offering a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. This delicacy serves not only as a delightful treat but also helps cool the body and reduce body fat.
Crosshatch Salt
Crosshatch salt is made from 10 different spices cultivated at an altitude of 1,600m, including some distinctive spices from the Hoang Lien Forest such as Wild Pepper, Thao Qua, garlic, ginger, chili, and more. This salt pairs excellently with grilled dishes, seafood, boiled pork, and even fruits. The intermingling aromas of various spices in a bowl of salt awaken all our senses.
Buying crosshatch salt as a gift when visiting Sapa is the perfect choice.
Stone Sprouts
Choosing stone sprouts as a gift when traveling to Sapa
The name may sound like a playful jest, but in reality, this is a distinctive vegetable of the Sapa mountainous forests. Stone sprouts grow on mountain cliffs, discovered by ethnic people who then propagate and cultivate them. This vegetable is only available at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. From the outside, stone sprouts resemble pickle sticks, but when consumed, they have a sweet taste.
Muong Khuong Chili Sauce
This is a renowned specialty of Muong Khuong district, Lao Cai province. The chili sauce is made from a special variety of chili combined with garlic, wild ginger seeds, wild cardamom seeds, and thao qua seeds, along with a pinch of salt and a bit of traditional wine, fermented for two months.
This chili sauce is addictive, once you've tried it, you'll remember it forever.
Cat Mustard Greens
Cat Mustard Greens are a specialty unique to Sapa. The crisp and slightly bitter taste on the tip of the tongue will stimulate your taste buds.
Apple Cat Wine or San Lung Wine
These are two famous wines of Sapa, fermented by ethnic people using apples and forest leaves. Apple Cat Wine is steeped with cat apple, while San Lung Wine is brewed with traditional yeast of the Red Dao people.
After reading these suggestions from Vntrip, you probably have already answered the question “What specialties does Sapa have for gifts? What to buy as souvenirs when traveling to Sapa?”, right?
2. Where to buy Sapa specialties as gifts?
Which places should you visit to buy the mentioned Sapa specialties as gifts?
You can purchase specialties as gifts when traveling to Sapa at the following addresses:
- Sapa Night Market: Town center, Sapa town, Lao Cai province.
This is not just a place to buy souvenirs but also a popular entertainment spot when visiting Sapa. The lively atmosphere and a plethora of eye-catching items, from food to fabrics, will captivate everyone's attention.
- New Sapa Market Area: QL4D, Sapa town, Lao Cai province.
For buffalo meat hung by the kitchen, you can purchase it in the villages such as Cat Cat, Ta Phin, Ta Van, Lao Chai,... to get high-quality buffalo meat from the ethnic communities.
Above, Vntrip has guided you on what to buy as souvenirs when traveling to Sapa, so you no longer wonder what specialties Sapa has for gifts.
