The Tasty Treasures of Ha Nam: 8 Delicacies You Must Try When Visiting

The season for these herbs lasts from January to the end of April in the lunar calendar, mainly cultivated in Thanh Liêm and Kim Bảng districts. These herbs can be prepared in many mouthwatering dishes, such as fish soup, stir-fried with minced pork, or shrimp. Notably, the flowers of these herbs can be sautéed with beef for a delectable flavor.

These herbs are typically sold in local markets or roadside stalls at affordable prices, approximately 10,000 VND per bundle.

Rice Wine from Lang Voc Village

Rice wine from Lang Voc Village is one of the renowned specialties of Ha Nam, often chosen as a gift. The village is famous for its centuries-old tradition of winemaking. The wine is distilled from premium glutinous rice, combined with 36 varieties of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, resulting in a distinctive flavor.

The authentic wine starter has a unique fragrance, initially white but turning light yellow the next day. During the winemaking process, the rice is spread out on a bamboo tray, sprinkled with starter, and then left to ferment in a jar for about 5 to 6 days. The wine is distilled in copper or clay pots to maintain its crystal clarity and refreshing taste.

Nowadays, about 200 households in Lang Voc Village still uphold this traditional craft. Visitors can go directly to the village to observe the winemaking process and purchase authentic wine. A bottle typically costs around 120,000 VND.

Balut Crab Paste from Binh Luc

Balut crab paste from Binh Luc has a distinctive aroma, blending a salty taste with a mild spiciness. This paste is made from fresh balut crabs, pounded and mixed with ginger and galangal, then sun-dried and fermented underground.

The elaborate process of making this crab paste results in a perfect condiment for boiled vegetables, salted cucumbers, or salted cabbage, creating an irresistible savory flavor.

You can find this specialty in Ha Nam’s markets or shops, priced at approximately 15,000 VND per liter.

Fish Stew from Vu Dai Village

Fish stew from Vu Dai Village, also known as fish stew from Nhan Hau or Dai Hoang, is a renowned delicacy not only in Vietnam but also in many other countries.

This dish is prepared using large black carp, combined with three-layer pork belly, and various traditional spices. The fish is stewed over low heat for 13 to 14 hours to achieve a soft, fragrant texture, a deep brown color, and a robust flavor without any fishy taste. The bones become soft and easy to eat.

A pot of this stew ranges in price from 500,000 to 1,500,000 VND. You can find it in Nhan Hau village, Hoa Hau commune, Ly Nhan district, Ha Nam province.

Kien Khe Rice Crackers

If you’re looking for a unique Ha Nam specialty, don’t miss the Kien Khe rice crackers. These crackers have a crispy, fragrant, and buttery appeal.

Kien Khe rice crackers are made from rice, blended with peanuts, sesame seeds, and coconut. The manufacturing process involves several steps, including rice soaking, grinding, cracker forming, and drying. The final product has a golden hue, topped with sesame seeds and shredded coconut, creating a distinct flavor.

This rustic snack is very reasonably priced, only a few dozen thousand VND per bag. You can purchase these crackers in Kiện Khê town, Thanh Liêm district, Ha Nam province.

Dai Hoang Royal Bananas

Dai Hoang royal bananas, also known as “Tien Vua” (Bananas for the King), are often selected as gifts or displayed on ancestral altars during festive occasions. These bananas have a golden hue, green stems, and small, evenly sized fruits.

The locals employ a new planting method, allowing only one bunch of bananas per tree, resulting in larger and more beautiful fruits. To ripen the bananas, they use only husk and ash, ensuring food safety.

When ripe, these bananas emit a captivating aroma, with golden skin and soft, sweet flesh. You can buy these bananas in Dai Hoang village, Hoa Hau commune, Ly Nhan district, Ha Nam province. The garden price ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 VND per bunch.

Ly Nhan Tangerines

Ly Nhan tangerines are another specialty loved by visitors to Ha Nam. These tangerines are characterized by their flat shape, thin peel, golden color, and crisp, naturally sweet taste.

The soil in Ly Nhan is fertile, enriched by the Red River’s alluvium, making it ideal for growing tangerines and other agricultural products such as oranges, pomelos, fish, and shrimp.

In the past, Ly Nhan tangerines were chosen as a royal tribute. The harvest season falls between September and October of the lunar calendar. You can find these tangerines in Ly Nhan village or roadside fruit stalls, priced between 40,000 and 60,000 VND per kilogram.

Dumplings from Dam Village

Dumplings from Dam Village are another specialty of Ha Nam that you shouldn’t miss. The village has a centuries-old tradition of making dumplings. These dumplings are made from Hai Hau glutinous rice, combined with green beans from Nam Dinh, and three-layer pork with a balanced ratio of lean and fat, resulting in a distinctive buttery flavor.

The dumplings are steamed with clear rainwater, allowing them to be preserved for 5 to 7 days without spoilage. When enjoyed, the dumplings offer a delightful chewy texture and the savory taste of meat.

You can visit Dam Village in Liêm Tuyền, Ha Nam, to buy these dumplings and experience the local lifestyle. The price ranges from 30,000 to 35,000 VND per dumpling.