6 typical foods of Ha Giang

Ha Giang has never failed to impress visitors with it’s authentic specialties, offering us a panoramic view of the majestic mountain and the freshly local made food cooked with the ingredients from this highland. Whatever the place chosen, in a restaurant along mountainous street or simply in the sky market, you will hardly feel regretful. 

1. Banh tam giac mach - Buckwheat cake 

Since mid-October, the limestone plateau of Ha Giang turns it’s majestic self into a charming wild appearance by dressing up a splendid pink and purple buckwheat flower coat. Not only the poetic scene, these little flowers also bring along many other advantages for local habitant. In particular, It makes the residents possible to create an extremely inimitable cake, which is both delicious and nutritious, presenting as a healthy dessert. To make a good buckwheat cake, the northern people tenderly collect the seeds from the plant and crush them with water until the whole is fully bound. The dough is then put in small molds to finally be steamed. Interestingly, the cake is served when it is still hot, believed that it will bring out the best savory. This can be a very good gift idea to offer as a souvenir since it can be easily be found in any ethnic market in Ha Giang with the price of VND 15,000 (Less than $1) 

2. Thang co - Soup of offal of horse, beef, or even goat

“Thang co” is a very typical and special food of the ethnic group living in the mountainous region of Vietnam, giving the authenticity and wild taste in every ingredient. This dishes may not match the taste bud of some people, especial people from the West, due to the special recipe of which it’s made. However, it’s worth trying if you are a pack backers or travelers seeking for brand new experience. Releasing multiple flavors, “Thang Co” is served as a broth burning and greasy combination of meat, lemongrass, pepper and mountainous herbs. With only 20 000 VND, you can enjoy "Thang co during your visits to the markets of Dong Van, Meo Vac or Lung Cu, Ha Giang. 

3. Banh cuon trung – Salty steam rice crepes with egg

As soft and thin as French crepes, “Banh cuon trung” or Salty steam rice crepes with egg, appears to be one of the most typical dishes of Ha Giang. Unlike Western version of crepes, this specialty is cooked by the heat of steam water, making it less greasy and adding the benefit for health. “Banh cuon Ha Giang” consist of a fresh egg and minced pork, covering by a thin and transparent rice paper with some crunchy fried onion. In additions to the different between Vietnamese salty steam rice crepes and European traditional crepes is the creation of deeping sauces.  A little of sweet comes along with the sour of lemon and the spicy of chili peppers has made the dish becomes more flavorful and attractive. Tourists can enjoy this dish in many restaurants on Ly Tu Trong Street in Ha Giang City, Dong Van Market or Dong Van Old Quarter. The price for one plate of “Banh cuon” costs only 25,000 VND, equal more than $ 1. 

4. “Chao Au tau” – “Mac mat” porridge

Congee or rice porridge may not be a new term to some people, those loves Asian cuisine; however, what make the “Chao Au Tau” or Ha Giang congee is the special taste of “Mac mat” fruit. “Mac mat” belongs to the family of non- toxic tubers, growing in the rocks of the northern mountains. With traditional recipe, these local master chef knows how to get rid of the bitterness and turns the fruits into a tasty and edible food. The root is first soaked in rice water overnight, then boiled to a paste. It is then added to a soup that mixes sticky rice, classic rice and ham. Visitors can add a poached egg and bamboo, which reduces the bitter taste of “Mac mat”. "Au Tau" is served daily near Ha Giang Square or Dong Van Market and costs only 20,000 VND. It is an unusual and authentic specialty that must be tasted! 

5. “Lon cap nach”- Dwarf pig

Tourists may be attracted by the mountainous atmosphere in every sky markets, which are not held daily but just twice a month. And during market days in the countryside of Ha Giang, it is very common to meet people who carry small pigs to sell. These dwarf pigs are called in Vietnamese "lon cap nach" (pigs who wear under the arm), and their meat is very popular. It is also found in many dishes such as skewered meat skewers, boiled meat, sausage or ribs of steamed pigs. All these dishes can be enjoyed in many restaurants and kiosks along the highland roads of Ha Giang.  

6. “The Xoi Ngu Sac” Five - color steamed rice 

As a quintessential combination of Vietnamese sticky rice, this specialty typically consists of five colors: white, red, green and purple, representing the basic elements of the cosmos (earth, water, fire, wood and steel). The colors are obtained through leaves or tubers that come straight from the forest, so the dish is entirely natural. It is impossible to go to the market of Ha Giang without stopping in front of the sticky rice pots which is as beautiful to watch as to taste. It costs more than 5,000 VND.