If you’re traveling to Gia Lai, you’ll want to bring back some unique gifts for your family and friends. If you’re unsure of what local specialties to buy, check out our top 10 suggestions for must-buy Gia Lai specialties.
1. Ant Salt
This is a specialty unique to Gia Lai
Ant salt may sound unappetizing, but this delicacy made from ants and various spices is a local favorite. Don’t be put off by the idea of eating ants—when paired with mango or plum, this salt is absolutely delicious.
Preparing ant salt is a laborious process. Locals collect the ants from the mountains in Krong Pa, Gia Lai, clean and dry them, and then roast them with spices like chili, lemongrass, and wild betel leaves. The final product is a flavorful salt that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Price: From 250,000 VND/250 grams
Where to buy: Pleiku Central Market, Dien Hong Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province
2. Forest Bamboo Shoots
Forest bamboo shoots are only available in Gia Lai during the 5th lunar month.
If you’re looking for a less adventurous delicacy, consider forest bamboo shoots. These shoots only sprout during the 5th lunar month, and they’re carefully harvested from the tre le bamboo trees in Mang Yang, Gia Lai. You can find fresh or dried bamboo shoots at the market during this time, making them a great gift option.
Price: From 80,000 VND/kg
Where to buy: Pleiku Central Market, Dien Hong Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province.
3. Forest Honey
Forest honey has numerous health benefits.
As a province in the mountainous region of Tay Nguyen, Gia Lai is home to vast forests that offer a unique specialty: forest honey. This natural product is highly valued for its health benefits and pure, unadulterated taste. The process of harvesting forest honey is challenging, which is reflected in its high price.
Price: From 300,000 VND/bottle
Where to buy: Pleiku Central Market, Dien Hong Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province.
4. Can Wine
Trying can wine is a must when visiting Tay Nguyen – Gia Lai.
Gia Lai is home to various ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture. When visiting Tay Nguyen, you’ll likely come across can wine, a specialty and cultural symbol of the region. This wine is made with great care using forest leaves, Chinese herbs, and a secret local recipe. It’s the perfect gift for family and friends.
Price: From 300,000 VND/jug
Where to buy: Can Wine Shop – 910 Le Duan, Chu A, Pleiku, Gia Lai.
5. Pleiku Coffee
Pleiku coffee has a distinctive flavor with a bitter-sweet taste.
Tay Nguyen’s fertile soil is ideal for growing valuable industrial crops like rubber, cashew, and coffee. Pleiku coffee, a famous brand from Gia Lai, is a must-buy specialty. Its distinctive flavor, with a bitter-sweet taste, will linger on your palate long after you’ve finished your cup. Many tourists buy this coffee as a gift for their loved ones.
Price: 150,000–500,000 VND
Where to buy: You can find it at local coffee shops or at the following address: Coffee Supplier, Thang Loi Ward, Pleiku, Gia Lai.
6. Semi-Dried Beef
Semi-dried beef is a popular choice for foodies and drinkers.
In addition to ant salt, semi-dried beef is another delicacy that’s sure to impress. This beef is made from the freshest, highest-quality meat from free-range cows in the mountains of Krong Pa.
Semi-dried beef is made from the leanest, freshest meat seasoned with spices.
The meat is seasoned and either sun-dried or semi-dried, then stored in bags. Before eating, it’s grilled over charcoal and often paired with ant salt for a truly mouthwatering experience.
Price: From 500,000 VND/kg
Where to buy: Bo Kho Chi Ba – 154 Phu Dong, Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province.
7. Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms mainly grow in the virgin forests of Kbang District.
In addition to forest honey, Gia Lai’s old-growth forests offer another precious gift: reishi mushrooms. These mushrooms mainly grow in the virgin forests of Kbang District, and because they grow naturally, their shape may differ from cultivated varieties. Their high price reflects their rarity and nutritional value.
Price: From 360,000 VND/bag
Where to buy: Nam Linh Chi Shop – 102 Phan Dinh Phung, Tay Son Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province.
8. Weasel Coffee
Weasel coffee is a blend of the humble and the luxurious.
While Pleiku coffee is known for its simplicity, weasel coffee takes it to the next level of luxury. Created from coffee beans digested by weasels, this coffee is truly special and expensive.
Weasel coffee’s high market price is due to the weasels’ diet of high-quality coffee beans.
The weasels are fed a special diet of carefully selected, pesticide-free coffee beans. Their droppings are then collected, cleaned, and processed to create this luxurious coffee.
Price: From 1,200,000 VND/125 grams
Where to buy: Ca Phe Chon Thu Ha – 9 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province.
9. Lake Shrimp
Lake shrimp is a popular choice for mothers.
If you’re not sure what to buy as a gift, consider lake shrimp, a famous specialty of Gia Lai. These shrimp are larger than regular dried shrimp and have a more intense flavor. A small jar of lake shrimp makes a great gift for your mother, as it can be used to cook delicious and nutritious meals for the family.
Price: From 100,000 VND/jar
Where to buy: Pleiku Central Market, Dien Hong Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province.
10. Handicrafts
Handicrafts make great souvenirs.
In addition to food specialties, Gia Lai offers a variety of handcrafted souvenirs, including toys, souvenirs, and brocade products. These unique and affordable gifts are perfect for giving to friends and family.
Price: 25,000–500,000 VND depending on the item
These are just a few of the many specialties that Gia Lai has to offer. We hope that our suggestions help you find the perfect gifts for your loved ones.
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