Lào Cai Province, nestled in the northern mountains of Vietnam, is a great place for food lovers seeking unique and flavorful dishes. With its cool climate and rich ethnic diversity, this region boasts a variety of local specialties that reflect both tradition and the natural abundance of the area. Here are some must-try dishes when visiting Lào Cai.
1. Black Chicken in Pumpkin
This dish is a true delicacy, featuring the nutritious black chicken, a local specialty known for its tender meat and high protein content. Chefs slow-cook the chicken inside a hollowed-out pumpkin, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich and aromatic dish. The sweetness of the pumpkin balances the savory flavors of the chicken, creating a harmonious taste experience. This is in fact my favorite dish in Lào Cai Province!
2. Sturgeon/ Salmon Hotpot
A prized fish from Lào Cai’s cool waters, sturgeon is the star ingredient in this hearty hotpot. The dish features sturgeon slices cooked in a tangy and fragrant broth, often enriched with local vegetables and mushrooms. This warming meal is a favorite among visitors, especially in the chilly highland evenings. Besides sturgeon slices, salmon slices are also usually available for the hotpot.
3. Black Pork Belly
Ethnic minority communities in Lào Cai raise black pigs, known for their rich flavor and firm texture. Chefs often grill or slow-cook black pork belly to enhance its natural juiciness and depth of taste. Served with fresh herbs and dipping sauces, this dish is a must-try for those who appreciate well-marinated, succulent meats.
4. Deep-Fried River Fishes
Freshwater fish caught from the region’s pristine rivers are deep-fried to golden perfection, offering a crispy texture. Due to its tiny size, there were almost no flesh but crispy edible bones. Often served with a side of local herbs and dipping sauce, this dish highlights the fresh and natural flavors of Lào Cai’s aquatic bounty.
5. Salmon
Thanks to Lào Cai’s cool climate, salmon farming has flourished in areas like Sapa. Local restaurants serve salmon in various preparations, including sashimi, grilled fillets, and hotpot. The fresh, high-quality salmon provides a delicate, buttery texture that pairs well with regional spices and herbs. Chefs also mix minced salmon with vegetables, wrap them into rolls, and deep-fry them to perfection. They pair well with the given dipping sauces!
6. Sapa Chestnut Cake
In the highland town of Sapa, locals make this beloved treat using locally grown chestnuts, grinding them into a fine paste and mixing them with glutinous rice flour. The result is a soft, slightly chewy cake with a nutty aroma and mild sweetness, perfect as a snack or souvenir to take home. As there are no preservatives, their shelf life is pretty short of up to a week after vacuum sealed.
All in all, the following are some top dishes in Lào Cai Province which I found worthy of sharing. The are in fact many more which I might not had the opportunity to try yet. Perhaps next time?
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