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A trip to Northwest Vietnam offers more than just stunning natural landscapes of majestic mountains and forests. The delicious, unique dishes of the Mong people are another highlight that will make your journey even more enriching and memorable.
1. Thắng Cố
For those who have traveled to Northwest Vietnam, the iconic 'thắng cố' is a dish you’ve probably already tasted. This Mong traditional dish is loved for its distinctive flavors and is widely found in areas such as Sơn La, Lào Cai, and Hòa Bình. Originally made from horse meat, some regions now use beef or buffalo depending on local preferences. However, the classic horse meat version still remains a favorite for many.
'Thắng cố' is typically cooked in a large pan, enough to serve dozens of people. The dish made with horse meat uses every part of the animal: intestines, stomach, and other organs, all mixed with bones and horse blood. The addition of 'pịa' (animal bile) creates a strong, pungent aroma. But once you get used to it, you’ll appreciate the rich, smooth, and unique taste. The secret to 'thắng cố' lies in the broth. When simmering bones, blood, meat, and organs, it’s crucial to maintain an even heat until the broth is fully boiling.
It's best to enjoy 'thắng cố' while it's still hot. With each bowl, you'll get tender pieces of meat accompanied by a savory broth, served with fresh herbs. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for your health. Don’t miss the chance to try 'thắng cố' if you have the opportunity!
Địa chỉ thưởng thức món thắng cố ở Sapa, Lào Cai:
- Thắng cố A Nguyên – 591 đường Điện Biên Phủ, thị xã Sapa, tỉnh Lào Cai hoặc 6 ngõ Vườn Treo, thị xã Sapa, Lào Cai.
- Nhà hàng Hải Lâm Sapa – 69 Xuân Viên, thị xã Sapa, Lào Cai.
- Mẩy Quán – Tinh Hoa Ẩm Thực Sapa – 57 Xuân Viên, thị xã Sapa, Lào Cai.
- Nhà Hàng Cầu Mây – 172 đường Thạch Sơn, thị xã Sapa, Lào Cai.
2. Ớt nướng
Từ lâu, ớt đã trở thành một món ăn chính trong bữa cơm hàng ngày của người dân Sapa. Cụ thể, ở Lao Chải (Sapa), người H’Mông có một món ăn vô cùng đặc sắc từ ớt, đó là ớt nướng. Để làm món này, người ta dùng những quả ớt xanh đã già, cho vào bếp củi nướng chín. Tới khi hơi cay bị xì hết ra thì bỏ ra, phủi sạch bụi than rồi giã nhuyễn cùng với muối hạt rang. Có gia đình còn cho thêm một chút dầu hoặc mỡ đun nóng, rồi bỏ ớt đã giã cùng muối vào xào qua lên cho thơm.
Vì đã được nướng trên than củi nóng, hơi cay trong quả ớt bị xì bớt ra ngoài nên ớt không quá cay như chúng ta ăn thông thường. Ngoài ra, cho ớt vào xào cũng làm tăng thêm độ thơm và hấp dẫn của món ăn. Người H’Mông thường ăn ớt nướng kèm với những bữa cơm thường ngày. Du lịch Tây Bắc, nếu có dịp trải nghiệm văn hóa và cuộc sống của người đồng bào ở các bản làng, bạn đừng bỏ lỡ những bữa cơm dân dã nhưng đầy cuốn hút này.
3. Bánh láo khoải
Lao Khoai cakes are commonly made during the Lunar New Year by the Hmong people living in the provinces of Lao Cai and Ha Giang. The cake is made from corn, which is peeled to remove the outer husk, leaving a thin layer, and stored on a wooden shelf for preservation. The kernels are then separated, ground into fine flour, sifted to remove husks, and soaked in water for about 5-6 hours. The dough is then drained, steamed, and cooked thoroughly. A distinctive feature of this process is that the corn is ground with a stone mortar, and the dough is steamed twice on a wooden pan.
Once the steamed corn dough is ready, it is placed into a stone mortar and pounded to create a sticky and smooth texture. The dough is then shaped into oval cakes on a stone slab. The surface of the cakes is brushed with lard and honey, giving them a beautiful golden appearance. These cakes can last for several days. When ready to eat, the Hmong people often cut the cakes into small pieces and grill them over charcoal. Alternatively, the pieces are cut smaller and cooked in sugar water, seasoned like a soup, which enhances the flavor and makes it more unique. If you’re traveling to the Northwest during festivals or the Lunar New Year, you can visit local markets to try Lao Khoai cakes.
Where to buy Lao Khoai cakes:
- Lao Khoai cakes from Muong Khuong – a specialty of Lao Cai – Lot 7, H6 Street, Minh Duc Subdivision, Bac Lenh Ward, Lao Cai.
4. Men Men
Men Men is a famous traditional dish of the Hmong people from the highland region of Dien Bien. The Hmong areas are often surrounded by rocky mountains, dense forests, and cornfields. As a result, corn has long been the staple food of the Hmong people. The main ingredient in Men Men is corn. The corn kernels are separated and ground into fine powder using a stone mortar. After grinding, the corn flour is sifted to remove large pieces of corn, mixed with water, and left to soak for 5 minutes for absorption. The dough is then steamed twice before it is ready to eat.
5. Corn Wine
Corn wine reflects the cultural identity of the highland communities of Lao Cai and the northern mountainous provinces in general. Among them, the corn wine from the highlands of Lao Cai – a specialty of the Hmong people – is particularly famous for its unique taste and aroma. Made from corn and Hong Mi yeast, it typically has a clear white color with a fragrant corn scent and a spicy, pungent taste.
The corn used to make this wine is grown by locals on rocky mountain ranges with a cool climate. The yeast used in its production is also crafted using traditional methods, which imparts a distinctive fragrance to the corn wine. The distillation of the wine takes place in a carefully chosen wooden vat, often made from pine. Corn wine is commonly sold at highland markets in Lao Cai, such as the Bac Ha market (held every Sunday), Can Cau market, Pha Long (Saturdays), and Coc Ly market (Tuesdays). If you’re traveling to the Northwest and visiting Lao Cai, you can find corn wine in the local villages of Bac Ha, Muong Khuong, and Si Ma Cai.
According to Mytour.vn
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Source: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnJune 11, 2024
