The cuisine of Ha Giang – Flavors of the Highlands Captivating Tourists

The cuisine of Ha Giang – Flavors of the Highlands Captivating Tourists

Ha Giang not only mesmerizes tourists with its majestic natural scenery but also with its unique culinary paradise, rich with highland flavors. If you are a food enthusiast, when traveling to Ha Giang, you must try the famous local specialties, from main dishes to snacks and souvenirs. Join our Ha Giang loop tour to discover the 10 signature dishes that define the culinary essence of Ha Giang. 

Ha Giang Loop

1. Thang Den – A Sweet Treat in the Cold Winter

Thang Den is a popular snack in Ha Giang, often found during the cold winter days. These small dumplings are chewy and sweet, made from Yen Minh glutinous rice flour, with a filling of mung beans or red beans. When served, they’re topped with ginger-infused syrup or coconut milk, and sprinkled with sesame seeds and roasted peanuts. Enjoying Thang Den, you’ll experience the fragrant, chewy texture of glutinous rice, the subtle sweetness of the syrup, and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds and roasted peanuts.

💰 Reference price: 25,000-50,000 VND/Bowl

2. Thang Co – A Specialty with the Flavor of the Mountains and Forests

Mentioning Ha Giang, one cannot forget Thang Co – a traditional, renowned dish closely associated with the H’mong culture. Initially, Thang Co was only made from horse offal, but nowadays, to suit tourists’ tastes, locals have diversified it with beef, buffalo, and pork.

The dish has a distinctive aroma as it is stewed from bones and offal. Thang Co features a rich countryside flavor, enhanced by the scent of 12 spices such as star anise, cardamom, and mac khen seeds. All of these create an appealing taste, especially when enjoyed with fresh vegetables. Combine with a bit of corn wine is the perfect combination for this special meal.

💰 Reference price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl

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3. Smoked Buffalo Meat – A Delicacy with the Flavor of Mountain Smoke

One of the most famous specialties of Ha Giang is smoked buffalo meat. This is a signature dish of the Thai people in Ha Giang. The meat has a dark brown exterior and a bright red interior, featuring a unique smoky flavor combined with the spicy heat of mac khen seeds. The meat is marinated with spices, especially mac khen, and then hung above the kitchen fire to be smoked for several days. When eaten, the meat has a rich sweetness, a slightly chewy texture, a distinctive smoky smell, and the aroma of mountain spices.

💰 Reference price: 800,000 – 1,100,000 VND/kg

4. Smoked Sausage – The Bold Flavor of the Highlands

Smoked sausage from Ha Giang is made from local pork, marinated with spices such as doi seeds and mac khen, then smoked above the kitchen. Thanks to its unique preparation process, the sausage has a distinctive flavor, slightly spicy, rich, and fatty but not greasy.

💰 Reference price: 250,000 – 300,000 VND/500g

5. Sour Pho – A Refreshing Dish

Sour Pho originates from China but has become a Ha Giang specialty with its unique flavor. After being introduced to the northern mountainous areas of Vietnam such as Ha Giang, Lang Son, and Bac Kan, it has been adapted to suit local tastes. The ingredients include soft pho noodles, sweet and sour sauce, char siu pork, roasted pork, sausage, and sautéed chili. When eaten, the light sourness combined with the ingredients makes this dish appealing, perfect for enjoying on hot summer days.

💰 Reference price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl

6. Buckwheat Cake – A Famous Gift from the Rocky Plateau

Buckwheat is one of the symbolic flowers of Ha Giang, and buckwheat cake is a must-try specialty in this region. The cake is made from buckwheat flour, with a mildly sweet, nutty, soft, and slightly tangy flavor. This is a popular snack, often sold in local markets.

💰 Reference price: 15,000 VND/piece

7. Five-Colored Sticky Rice – Colors of the Great Forest

Five-colored sticky rice is not only visually appealing but also a symbolic dish in the culture of the Tay people. Made from glutinous rice and consisting of five colors: white, red, yellow, purple, and blue, dyed with natural forest leaves such as cam leaves, gac fruit, and turmeric, this dish represents the five elements and fertility. Its rich, fragrant, and delightful flavor makes it irresistible to tourists.

💰 Reference price: 10,000 – 15,000 VND/portion

8. Dong Van Ancient Town Rolled Cakes – A Unique Flavor

Unlike the rolled cakes from the lowlands, Ha Giang’s rolled cakes are served with hot bone broth instead of mixed fish sauce. The soft, smooth rice cakes with flavorful meat filling combined with the rich broth make for an excellent breakfast dish.

💰 Reference price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/plate

9. Au Tau Porridge – A Nutritional Specialty

Au Tau porridge is made from au tau tubers, a type of tuber that is poisonous but becomes highly nutritious when prepared correctly. The porridge has a light brown color and a distinctive aroma, helping to nourish the body and keep it warm, especially suitable for cold winter days.

💰 Reference price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl

10. Banh Chung Gu – The Culinary Essence of the Red Dao People

Banh Chung Gu is a traditional cake of the Red Dao people, with a unique shape resembling a hunchback. The cake is made from glutinous rice, filled with mung beans and pork fat, and wrapped in dong leaves, creating a beautiful green color and distinctive flavor.

💰 Reference price: 20,000 VND/piece

Ha Giang’s cuisine is not only unique in flavor but also rich in the cultural heritage of the highland communities. If you ever get the chance to visit Ha Giang, don’t miss the opportunity to savor these specialties and fully experience the beauty of its culinary traditions!