What is Dong Tao Chicken? How much does Dong Tao Chicken cost per kg and where can you buy it?

"The exquisite and rare breed of Vietnamese chicken, Gà Đông Tảo, is a delicacy that has captivated the attention of many. Known for its unique attributes, this chicken variety originates from the village of Đông Tảo in Vietnam. With its distinct features and exceptional taste, Gà Đông Tảo has sparked curiosity among food enthusiasts and culinary explorers alike. In this guide, we unravel the mysteries surrounding this exquisite fowl, delving into what makes it so special, where it can be sourced, and the price point for this luxurious culinary experience."

0
100

Dong Tao chicken is an exquisite and rare breed, known for its delicious and tender meat. This unique chicken commands a high price, and its reputation for quality meat has made it a sought-after delicacy. To learn more about this exceptional breed, as well as how to select the best chicken, where to buy it, and why it’s so expensive, read on.

1 What is Dong Tao Chicken?

Origin of Dong Tao Chicken

Native to Dong Tao commune, Khoai Chau district, Hung Yen province, Dong Tao chicken, also known as Dong Cao chicken, is a rare breed with a long history. For centuries, this chicken has been reserved for royalty, nobility, and sacred rituals. It is a source of great pride for the people of Hung Yen and Vietnam as a whole.

Origin of Dong Tao Chicken

Characteristics of Dong Tao Chicken

Dong Tao chickens are large, weighing between 3.5 and 4.5 kg. They have sturdy and robust bodies with thick, red skin and feathers that are a mix of purple and black.

Despite their size, their meat is renowned for its tenderness, free from toughness and sinews, making it a favorite among connoisseurs. Dong Tao chicken is typically prepared by slow-cooking in herbal soups or simply boiled and served with salt dip.

Characteristics of Dong Tao Chicken

2 How to Identify Purebred Dong Tao Chicken

For Adult Dong Tao Chickens

Unlike hybrid breeds, Dong Tao chickens have substantial legs, resembling a human arm in thickness, with rough, red skin. Their four toes are evenly spaced, and adult males can weigh between 4 and 6.5 kg, while females typically weigh between 2.5 and 3.5 kg.

Adult Dong Tao Chicken

For Young Dong Tao Chickens

  • For one-month-old chicks: In an era of counterfeits, it’s challenging to distinguish purebreds from hybrids. To ensure you’re getting genuine Dong Tao chicks, source them from reputable and reliable suppliers.
  • For 2-3-month-old chicks: At this age, purebred Dong Tao chickens will have noticeably thicker legs and characteristic red skin, setting them apart from hybrids.
  • For chicks over three months old: As they mature, Dong Tao chickens display distinct traits: thick, sturdy legs comparable to a human thumb, red skin, thick meat, and a vibrant purple-red comb, all indicating robust health.

Young Dong Tao Chickens

4 How to Select the Best Dong Tao Chicken

When choosing a Dong Tao chicken, look for vibrant red combs and alert eyes. Feel the thighs and legs for firmness and springiness, and when cooked, the meat should be reddish, indicating the superior quality of purebred Dong Tao chicken.

How to Select the Best Dong Tao Chicken

5 Dong Tao Chicken Price and Where to Buy

Due to its rarity and exceptional meat quality, Dong Tao chicken commands a premium price. When sold by weight, adult chickens cost between 400,000 and 600,000 VND per kg, and in some places, prices can exceed 1,000,000 VND per kg.

For chicks and whole chickens, the price ranges are as follows:

  • Newly hatched chicks (1-3 days old): 100,000 – 150,000 VND each.
  • One-month-old chicks (approx. 300g): 250,000 – 300,000 VND each.
  • Three-month-old chicks (approx. 800g): 400,000 – 600,000 VND each.
  • Six-month-old chickens (approx. 3.5 kg): 1,300,000 – 1,500,000 VND each.
  • Adult chickens: 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 VND each.
  • Adults with exceptionally large and sturdy legs: 5,000,000 – 8,000,000 VND each.

Dong Tao Chicken Price

To ensure you’re getting high-quality, safe chickens, it’s best to source them from specialized Dong Tao chicken farms and reputable sellers in the market.

We hope this article has provided valuable insights into Dong Tao chickens and helped you identify reliable sources for purchasing them.

Frequently asked questions

Đông Tảo chicken is a rare and unique breed of chicken native to Vietnam, specifically the village of Đông Tảo in Hung Yen province. These chickens are known for their distinct physical appearance, with large, muscular legs and a small body.

Đông Tảo chickens have several distinctive characteristics. They have large, powerful legs with thick, scaly skin and long, sharp claws. Their legs are so strong that they can run and jump with great agility. The chickens also have a small body size, with adults weighing around 2-3 kg. They have a red comb and wattles, and their feathers can be a variety of colors, including black, white, and brown.

Đông Tảo chickens are considered a delicacy in Vietnam and are known for their high price. The cost of these chickens can vary depending on the market and the quality of the bird, but they typically range from $25 to $50 per kg.

Đông Tảo chickens can be purchased from specialized poultry farms or markets in Vietnam, particularly in the Hung Yen province. They are also sometimes available at high-end restaurants or through online retailers.

The Đông Tảo chicken breed is believed to have originated in the village of Đông Tảo, where they were traditionally raised by local farmers. Over time, the breed became known for its unique characteristics and high-quality meat, and it began to be sold at a premium price. Today, the breed is still primarily raised in the Hung Yen province, and it is considered a symbol of luxury and prestige in Vietnam.