The Cooler Side of Sa Pa: 7 Local Delicacies to Try

9 October, 2024

One of the most famous specialties in Sa Pa is Cốn Sủi, a dish similar to Hanoi’s pho, with a distinctive thick sauce, seasoned to perfection, and an alluring aroma. The dish is then topped with a layer of crispy tuber or sweet potato, combined with shredded pork and beef, half a boiled egg, pepper, and peanuts, creating a harmonious and captivating blend of flavors.

For just VND 30,000-45,000 per bowl, you can find this delicious treat at Cốn Sủi Ông Há on Dien Bien Phu Street in Sa Pa. This renowned eatery is a popular choice for many.

Salmon

Salmon is a must-try delicacy when visiting Sa Pa. Imported and farmed locally, this cold-water fish is a nutritious and delectable treat for tourists. Whether you prefer it raw with mustard and fresh vegetables or cooked in a hot pot with various vegetables, salmon is a versatile and tasty dish.

Thắng Cố

Thắng Cố is a traditional Hmong delicacy made from 12 different types of herbs and spices, many of which are unique to the highlands. The preparation and seasoning techniques vary across regions, adding to the dish’s intrigue.

Initially, Thắng Cố was made exclusively from horse meat, utilizing every part of the animal. Today, it is not uncommon to find variations made with beef or buffalo, depending on the region. This unique dish is a must-try when visiting Sa Pa.

Cat Ear Vegetables

No trip to Sa Pa is complete without trying Cat Ear Vegetables, a wild vegetable native to the northwestern region. This vegetable only thrives in the harsh, cold climate of Sa Pa, making it a true delicacy. It is commonly found in the daily meals of the Hmong people and is considered a staple in the diets of highland ethnic groups.

During the month of January, visitors to Sa Pa often seek out this vegetable, known for its crisp texture and subtle sweet flavor with a hint of bitterness. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, including stir-frying, boiling, or wrapping it with beef. It is also commonly added to hot pots. Moreover, this vegetable is believed to possess medicinal properties, aiding in dental pain relief, anti-aging, boosting immunity, improving skin complexion, and even preventing ovarian cancer.

Black Chicken

Also known as gà ác in Vietnamese, black chicken is a local delicacy reared by the Hmong people and used in their daily cuisine. Consuming black chicken is believed to offer numerous health benefits, especially for those recovering from illness or the elderly.

The chicken is typically grilled with honey, preserving its distinctive aroma, and the crispy skin, slightly sweet, is best enjoyed with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.

Sturgeon Hot Pot

There’s nothing quite like indulging in a sturgeon hot pot at the foot of Silver Waterfall, an unforgettable experience for any visitor to Sa Pa. Sturgeons are a rare species of slippery fish that thrive only in cold waters, and Sa Pa is one of the few places in Vietnam where they are farmed, along with Tam Dao and Lam Dong.

At Silver Waterfall, local farmers have established sturgeon farms, allowing visitors to try their hand at catching these delicious fish and preparing them on the spot.

Pygmy Hog

If you’re wondering what unique delicacy Sa Pa has to offer, look no further than Pygmy Hog. This dish is made from free-range pigs reared by the Hmong people, typically weighing around 5-6 kg. Despite their small size, these pigs pack a punch when it comes to flavor, with golden, crispy skin and juicy, aromatic meat that doesn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed.