TransportHa Giang food is something you can’t miss, but many travelers overlook the best local dishes! It’s easy to stick to familiar meals, but you’re missing out on some amazing flavors. If you’re curious about the true tastes of Ha Giang, keep reading! I’ll share the must-try dishes that will make your trip even more unforgettable. Let’s dive in!
16 Best Ha Giang Food: Iconic Dishes You’ll Absolutely Love
Hey there! If you’re planning to visit Ha Giang, you’re in for a treat because the food there is AMAZING. Let me take you through some dishes you just have to try!
1. Au Tau Porridge
This is the kind of breakfast that’ll make you feel all warm inside! Au Tau Porridge is made with rice, meat, and some delicious herbs. It’s soft, comforting, and full of flavor—perfect for starting your day in Ha Giang. Trust me, if you’re in need of something hearty and filling, this is it!
2. Thang Co
Thang Co is a must-try soup! It’s made with either beef or pork, plus a bunch of veggies and herbs. The flavor is rich and unique, and it’ll totally make you feel like you’re diving into the local culture. Enjoy it with rice, and you’ll be good to go. Don’t miss out on this one!
3. Five-colour sticky rice
Okay, this dish is seriously fun! It’s sticky rice that generally comes in five colors: red, yellow, green, purple, and white. Not only is it sweet and yummy, but the colors make it so much more exciting to eat. It’s perfect for festivals, but hey, anytime’s a good time for five-color rice!
4. Buckwheat cake
A little sweet treat while you’re soaking in Ha Giang’s stunning views? Yes, please! Buckwheat cake is soft, chewy, and made from buckwheat flour. It’s simple but totally delicious – just what you need for a snack while exploring the area.
5. Hunchback chung cake
This one’s super cool (and a little quirky)! Hunchback chung cake is a must-try dish in Ha Giang, especially for the Red Dao people! This cake is made with upland sticky rice, small green beans, and black pork raised by the locals. Wrapped in galangal leaves, it’s boiled for 8-10 hours using a traditional wood stove. It’s so unique and packed with flavors you won’t forget!
6. Local Phở
Ha Giang’s version of Phở is rich and flavorful. The broth is made from local herbs and fresh ingredients, giving it a distinct taste. The noodles are soft, and it’s usually served with fresh herbs and vegetables on the side. It’s a warm, comforting dish that will make your day!
7. Lau (Vietnamese hot pot)
Lau is a fun and interactive meal. You get a big pot filled with broth, and you cook meats, vegetables, and herbs right at the table. Ha Giang’s Lau often features local meats like beef or pork, creating a deliciously rich and flavorful dish that everyone can enjoy together.
8. Thang Den
Thang Den is a sweet Ha Giang food made with sticky rice, beans, and sugar. The combination creates a chewy and satisfying treat. It’s a popular dish in Ha Giang, especially in the colder months, and it’s a perfect way to end your meal while experiencing the flavors of the region.
9. Local snacks
When you’re walking around the markets or streets in Ha Giang, you’ll spot tons of yummy fried snacks! There are fried doughballs, sweet fried pancakes filled with sweet potato or corn, crispy churros, and fried bread. You’ll also find steamed buns (with pork, custard, or just plain), butter popcorn, fried corn, puffed rice cakes, and don’t miss the honey-covered buckwheat or rice flour cakes – they’re so good!
10. Smoked buffalo meat
Smoked buffalo meat is a special Ha Giang food. The meat is tender, smoky, and full of flavor. It’s often served with herbs and a dipping sauce, making each bite even more delicious. If you’re a fan of savory meats, this is definitely a dish you need to try!
11. Ha Giang steamed rice rolls (Banh cuon)
These soft and delicate rice rolls are a local favorite. Filled with ground pork, mushrooms, and herbs, they’re served with fresh vegetables and dipping sauce. The texture is amazing, and it’s a great breakfast or light meal to enjoy while exploring Ha Giang!
12. Sour Pho (Pho chua)
To make sour pho, locals prepare a sour and spicy soup by mixing vinegar with sugar and tapioca. The soup is then flavored with tamarind, chili peppers, fish sauce, and other herbs and spices. A bowl of sour pho comes with toppings like sliced char siu, sausage, roasted duck, carrot, cucumber, and papaya. This Ha Giang food is a popular street food in Ha Giang, so you can find it easily at local markets, food stalls, and restaurants.
13. Bac Me bamboo rice
Bac Me bamboo rice is a must-try Ha Giang food! It’s made with sticky rice cooked inside bamboo tubes, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. The rice is soft and has a lovely bamboo aroma. Locals use the best upland glutinous rice and water from streams to make it taste amazing. The tubes are cooked over a fire for about an hour, and the result is so tender! You can enjoy it with sesame salt, grilled meat, or fish – it’s so tasty, you’ll definitely love it!
14. Pa Pinh Top: Grilled Fish in Bamboo Tubes
If you’re a seafood lover, Pa Pinh Top in Ha Giang is a must-try! This dish features fresh fish marinated with local herbs and spices, then grilled inside bamboo tubes. The bamboo imparts a unique, smoky flavor to the fish, keeping it tender and juicy. The combination of the fish and bamboo creates a delicious and aromatic experience that’s truly special. When you take a bite, you’ll taste the perfect balance of freshness and smokiness.
15. Nem Chua: Fermented Pork Sausage
Besides Pa Pinh Top, you can’t miss Nem Chua, a fermented pork sausage that’s very popular in Ha Giang. It’s made by mixing minced pork with garlic, chili, and local herbs, then letting it ferment. The result is a slightly sour and savory sausage that packs a punch of flavor. It’s usually served with fresh herbs, rice vermicelli, and dipping sauces, making for a delicious and refreshing snack.
16. Xoi Khuc: Sticky Rice Dumplings
Xoi Khuc is a delicious sticky rice dumpling. Inside the soft, sticky rice, you’ll find a savory filling made from minced pork, mung beans, and a blend of aromatic spices. These dumplings are wrapped in banana leaves, which adds a distinctive fragrance that makes them even more special. Whether enjoyed as a snack or dessert, Xoi Khuc is a perfect example of the skill and tradition behind Vietnamese rice-based dishes.
17. Happy Water (Corn Wine)
Happy Water, or corn wine, is a super cool drink in Ha Giang! It’s made by grinding corn into a coarse meal, fermenting it with yeast, and then distilling it to create a strong, flavorful drink. The best part? The way it’s made has been passed down through generations! You’ll find it at celebrations, festivals, or family gatherings. It’s all about sharing, having a good time, and enjoying great company!
18. Tam Giac Mach Cake
The cake is made from tam giac mach, a type of grain that’s dried and ground into flour. You might not think about using this grain for cake, but it’s actually delicious! The cake is shaped into rounds and grilled over a light fire, and its smell is so inviting. It’s really affordable too, so when you’re in Ha Giang, definitely give it a try. The best part? It’s most scrumptious when it’s still hot – don’t miss it!
Conclusion
Don’t let your trip to Ha Giang be just about the views! The Ha Giang food here is a huge part of the experience, and many miss out on its true flavors. By exploring the local dishes Ha Giang Nomad has mentioned, you’ll add a whole new layer to your journey. So next time you’re in Ha Giang, make sure to taste everything the region has to offer!
