Travelling Tips

27.02.23

Discovering the Unique Flavors of Northern Mountains: Exploring Vietnam's Rich Cuisine

Mike Nguyen

Vietnam is known for its delicious cuisine, and the Northern Mountains region of Vietnam has a unique food culture that is worth exploring. The mountainous region is home to various ethnic groups, each with its own unique dishes and cooking methods. Here are some of the unique foods of the Northern Mountains in Vietnam.

1. Thang Co

Thang Co is a popular dish in the Northern Mountains of Vietnam, especially among the Hmong and Dao ethnic groups. The dish is made of horse meat and viscera, including organs such as the heart, liver, and lungs. The meat is boiled with vegetables and spices for several hours, giving it a rich and flavorful taste. It is often served with corn wine, which is also a specialty of the region.

2. Com Lam

Com Lam is a traditional dish of the Muong ethnic group in the Northern Mountains of Vietnam. The dish is made of glutinous rice cooked inside a bamboo tube over an open fire. The bamboo tube gives the rice a smoky flavor and aroma, making it a delicious and unique dish. Com Lam is often served with grilled meat or fish, and it is a popular food during festivals and special occasions.

3. Dried Meat

Dried Meat is a specialty of the Mong ethnic group in Ha Giang Province. The meat is made from buffalo or beef that is marinated in a mixture of salt, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass before being hung to dry. The result is a tender and flavorful meat that can be eaten as a snack or used in cooking.

4. Chao Au Tau

Chao Au Tau is a soup made with pig’s blood and various herbs and spices, including lemongrass, ginger, and chili. The soup is a popular dish among the Tay and Nung ethnic groups, who believe that it has medicinal properties and can help to cure certain ailments.

5. Muong Pork

Muong Pork is a dish made from the meat of a special breed of pig that is raised by the Muong ethnic group in the Northern Mountains of Vietnam. The pork is marinated in a mixture of local herbs and spices and then grilled over an open fire.

6. Ruou Can

Ruou Can is a type of rice wine that is made by the ethnic groups in the Northern Mountains of Vietnam. The wine is brewed in a large jar and then served in small bamboo tubes. Ruou Can has a strong and pungent flavor and is often served with grilled meats and vegetables.

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These are just a few of the many unique foods that can be found in the Northern Mountains of Vietnam. The region is known for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, which reflects the history, culture, and traditions of the various ethnic groups that call the area home.

If you want to experience the unique food culture of the Northern Mountains in Vietnam, you may want to booking a Local Buddy from Tubudd. Local Buddies are knowledgeable and passionate locals who can show you the best food spots in the region and provide insider knowledge about the food and culture. Tubudd offers a variety of tours and experiences, including food tours, cooking classes, and cultural activities, which can be customized to fit your interests and preferences. By booking a Local Buddy from Tubudd, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine of the Northern Mountains and make unforgettable memories.