Dishes not to be missed when coming to Sapa
Coming to Sapa, you will not only admire the beauty of terraced fields, immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of the Northwest mountains and forests, discover the unique cultural beauty of the villages, but you will also enjoy delicious dishes and specialties that only Sapa has. It would be a pity if you missed the attractive specialties such as: Bamboo rice, salmon hotpot, local pork, thang co... along with the fragrant grilled food stalls at night in the town center. Each dish has its own flavor but blends together to create a flavor rich in the Northwest mountains and forests.
Bamboo Rice, Seven-Color Sticky Rice The main ingredient of this dish is sticky rice, put into bamboo tubes, when eating, just peel off the burnt outer layer, the rice has a rich flavor, mild aroma, very sticky. In addition to Bamboo Rice, you also have the opportunity to enjoy seven-color sticky rice - a traditional dish of the Nung people in Muong Khuong, Lao Cai. Sticky rice is processed into colors: pink, bright red, dark red, blue, yellow green, yellow, white. All of its colors are made from forest leaves so it is very safe. The ethnic people here believe that eating five-color sticky rice will bring good luck.
Local pig: Also known as nawchs pig, the pig is allowed to roam freely from birth until it weighs about 20kg, people can lead the pig or carry it under their armpits to the market to sell, hence the name. Under the skillful hands of the chef, the large nawchs meat is steamed, roasted, grilled... every dish is irresistibly delicious. The meat is thick, crispy, sweet, rich in flavor, especially not greasy at all.
Grilled dishes: Sapa has a whole street on Ham Rong Street specializing in grilled dishes. Grilled dishes here are extremely diverse, it seems like anything can be grilled. From corn, potatoes, cassava, tofu, chicken eggs... to meats such as pork, quail, beef wrapped in cat cabbage... Every dish is delicious and attractive. Enjoying grilled dishes on cold evenings will surely be an interesting experience for visitors.
Salmon hotpot: Salmon raised in Sapa has a very unique flavor, the meat is firm, low in fat, and the fresh pink meat is very nutritious. The broth of the hotpot is simmered with salmon bones, so it is very sweet when eaten with cat's whiskers, fresh chayote, and each slice of salmon has a fragrant, characteristic aroma, giving visitors a truly delicious meal. Therefore, if you travel to Sapa, do not miss this attractive dish. A salmon hotpot is not too expensive, about 500,000 - 600,000 VND, you can have a hotpot for 3-4 people. Another rustic fish dish that visitors have the opportunity to enjoy is grilled stream fish. After catching the fish, the scales are removed, marinated with spices and grilled over hot coals. When eaten, dip it in lemon salt, which is very delicious and not fishy at all.
Thang Co in Sapa: Thang Co is a traditional dish of the Mong people in Bac Ha and Muong Khuong regions. However, over the years, this dish has been imitated and modified by most ethnic groups. However, it still has the typical flavor and ingredients such as the organs and bones of horses, cows and pigs. Thang Co is cooked with many herbs. Usually at market days, people cook Thang Co in a large pot for dozens of people, simmer for several hours, and when eating, scoop it into small bowls. Eating Thang Co with a glass of corn wine or apple wine will definitely bring visitors an unforgettable experience.
Bac Ha Plums: If you come to Sapa in the summer, you will have the opportunity to enjoy this delicious fruit. Unlike plums from other regions, Bac Ha plums are large, have thick flesh, and a sweet taste that you will never get tired of eating. In addition to plums, there are also peaches and green pears, all of which are attractive gifts that nature has bestowed upon this beautiful town.
