The Bat Trang Feast: A Quintessence of Vietnamese Gastronomy

Bat Trang Village, widely known for its exceptional pottery craftsmanship, cradles a lesser-known treasure in the field of culinary arts. The feast, composed of meticulously prepared traditional dishes, is among its most iconic traditions. Created to honor ancestors and deities during family celebrations and commemorations, Bat Trang’s feasts reflect age-old expertise and are a true testament to Vietnamese spirituality and culture.

For travelers exploring Hanoi, a visit to Bat Trang is a must. In addition to the elegant pottery, don’t miss the chance to be captivated by Bat Trang's traditional feast, which is flavorful and rich in symbolism.

What is there on a typical Bat Trang feast?

Bat Trang’s traditional food platter shares similarities with that of the Kinh Ky region (the former name of Hanoi), while retaining some distinctive features that define its identity. In the past, wealthy families of Bat Trang prepared a platter of six bowls and eight plates, symbolizing prosperity and affluence. For middle-class or modest families, the platter generally comprised four bowls and four plates, representing the four seasons and four cardinal directions.

What sets the Bat Trang feast apart is the richness of its flavors and the elegant presentation. Each dish tells a story, carefully selected and arranged on the platter to create a harmonious and meaningful whole.

Bamboo shoot and squid soup

This soup is one of the standout dishes on a Bat Trang feast owing to its sophisticated flavor and meticulous preparation. The main ingredients include dried bamboo shoots from Thanh Bi and female squid from Thanh Hoa, selected for their tender flesh and ability to enrich the broth.

The bamboo shoots are freshly prepared and dried for long-term preservation, while the squid is chosen for its natural sweetness. The broth uses pork bones, chicken stock, and shrimp to ensure a delicate and well-balanced flavor.

When served, the soup has an appetizing golden hue. On tasting, the slightly sweet freshness of the broth, the crunchy texture of the bamboo shoots, and the softness of the squid come together seamlessly, giving an unforgettable culinary experience.

Pigeon spring rolls

Once prepared exclusively for royal banquets, pigeon spring rolls are a must-have on the platter. At first glance, it’s hard to tell the difference between pigeon spring rolls and traditional spring rolls due to the similarity in presentation. Still, a key ingredient set them apart: pigeon meat replaces pork.

Finely minced and carefully seasoned, the pigeon meat is mixed with vegetables, eggs, and a touch of oil to preserve moisture and softness. Under the skilled hands of Bat Trang's residents, the rolls are wrapped with precision—neither too tight nor too loose. Once fried, they boast a golden, crispy exterior, while the filling reveals the tenderness and distinctive aroma of pigeon meat, delivering a perfect balance of crunch and softness.

Grilled shrimp skewers with unique flavors

Grilled shrimp skewers are another highlight of the Bat Trang feast, showcasing the richness of local ingredients and the finesse of charcoal grilling. Prepared with Nghe An shrimp, known for their tender texture and intense flavor, this dish embodies simplicity and authenticity.

The shrimp can be whole or finely chopped, then wrapped in piper lolot leaves before being grilled over charcoal embers. This traditional cooking method enhances the natural taste of the shrimp and imparts a subtle smoky flavor. Paired with a special sesame seed-infused dipping sauce, this dish offers a unique culinary experience and is one of the standout features of Bat Trang's feast.

Pork rind soup

Pork rind soup is an essential element of a traditional Bat Trang feast. Carefully prepared with over 10 ingredients, this soup perfectly exemplifies the sophisticated culinary art of the village. The pork skins, meticulously cleaned and cut into translucent diamond shapes, are immersed in a savory chicken or dried shrimp broth.

Carved vegetables such as carrots, turnips, and broccoli florets are added, along with meatballs, pork liver, and green onions. The result is a perfect harmony of colors and flavors. Each spoonful of this soup offers a delicate balance between the sweetness of the broth and the texture of the ingredients, leaving a lasting impression on gourmet taste buds.

Pan-fried vegetables and dried squid

This emblematic dish on the Bat Trang feast is especially favored during Tết celebrations. The recipe combines kohlrabi’s freshness and dried squid’s firm texture.

Kohlrabi is peeled, finely sliced into julienne strips, and mixed with carrots for a touch of color. Before cooking, the vegetables are lightly salted to draw out excess water, rinsed several times, and then carefully drained to preserve their natural crunch. This warm and fragrant dish is a true delight, reflecting the culinary creativity of Bat Trang.

Boiled chicken

Boiled chicken is a staple on feasts throughout Vietnam. In Bat Trang, this traditional dish stands out for its attention to detail and pursuit of excellence. The villagers carefully select less than a year old-young chickens for their tender meat and naturally golden, glossy skin after cooking. Rich in flavors, the chicken broth is often reused to prepare other soups, adding depth and continuity to the village's culinary offerings.

Where to Eat the Best Traditional Feasts in Bat Trang?

Hoa Thu's House

If you ask the locals of Bat Trang where to enjoy the most authentic traditional cuisine, many will recommend Hoa Thu’s house. The restaurant's dining space seems to transport visitors back in time, taking them to the era of northern Vietnam's villages while offering traditional dishes rich in flavor.

The dishes are prepared using family recipes passed down through generations, preserving the same delicious taste over the years. A typical meal at Hòa Thu includes a variety of dishes such as bamboo shoot and squid soup, stir-fried kohlrabi with dried squid, shrimp cakes grilled in betel leaves, pigeon spring rolls, stir-fried cauliflower with shrimp and fish balls, mixed salad, assorted soup, sticky rice with sweet soup, and fresh fruit for dessert. Depending on your preferences, customers can opt for a full meal or individual à la carte dishes.

Nguyen Thi Lam’s House

Nguyen Thi Lam is a renowned artisan known for her dishes. As the daughter-in-law of the famous pottery village, she has dedicated her life to preserving and passing down the region’s traditional recipes to future generations. When visiting Bat Trang, many tourists seek to visit Mrs. Lam's house to admire her old French-style architecture and taste her delicious traditional dishes. Typical regional dishes, like bamboo shoot soup with dried squid and braised birds with corn rice and lotus seeds, are not only appreciated for their savory taste but also for their careful and aesthetic presentation.

Pham Thi Dieu Hoai’s House

Suppose you are in Hanoi or its surrounding areas and want to discover traditional cuisine. In that case, you can visit the Ancient Trang An House, the home of culinary artisan Pham Thi Dieu Hoai, in Village 2 of Bat Trang. Here, you will not only have the chance to admire unique traditional architecture but also enjoy a wide variety of delicious dishes from Bat Trang, offering a true regional feast.

Hoai’s cooking expertise is a craft she inherited from her mother and grandmother. The traditional dishes she prepares are not only appetizing in appearance but also rich in authentic and traditional flavors. In addition to serving tourists, she is also known for preparing meals for local Hanoi families who wish to organize traditional Bat Trang feasts.

Tinh Hoa Restaurant

Tinh Hoa Restaurant is a place where the unique culinary culture of Bat Trang is preserved and passed on to both Vietnamese and international visitors. All the dishes here are carefully prepared by talented chefs, and meticulously selected.
A traditional royal meal from Bat Trang consists of refined dishes such as bamboo shoot soup with squid, shrimp cakes, and pigeon spring rolls, all beautifully presented. In addition to the culinary delights, the restaurant offers a simple yet warm atmosphere, evoking the charm of old Vietnamese villages.

TOLUNHA

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