Dong Tao chicken is an exotic and rare breed unique to Vietnam. This breed is primarily raised in Dong Tao commune, Khoai Chau district, Hung Yen province. In the past, Dong Tao chicken was a precious gift from the people of Khoai Chau to the king during major events. Today, it has become a delicacy, usually reserved for the upper class.
The most striking feature of the Dong Tao chicken is its legs, which can reach a diameter of up to 20cm, with rough and thick meat. Notably, the legs are considered the most valuable part of the chicken; the larger and rougher the legs, the higher the value. The meat is firm and fresh red, with each bite bursting with flavor and sweetness, unlike any other chicken.
Local people cannot pinpoint the exact origin of the Dong Tao chicken breed, but it has existed for hundreds of years in Khoai Chau. Some believe that this breed was initially crossbred for cockfighting, taking advantage of their strong legs. Nowadays, many people in Dong Tao commune also raise these chickens to participate in beauty contests and as pets, showcasing their admiration and appreciation for this unique breed.
In 2020, the American publication Business Insider released a video introducing this famous Vietnamese specialty chicken, Dong Tao. This video quickly garnered over 1.4 million views and a series of comments from global viewers, expressing their fascination with the unique beauty of this “peculiar” breed.
The Dong Tao chicken brings significant economic value, with market prices ranging from 400,000 to 600,000 VND per kilogram. This means a 3 to 5 kg Dong Tao chicken can cost between 1.5 and 3 million VND. Notably, individuals with striking appearances and robust legs can fetch prices up to tens of millions of VND.
The high price of Dong Tao chicken is due to the exceptional quality of its meat. Those who have tasted this delicacy agree that the meat is both sweet and fragrant. The thigh meat is firm but not dry, while the breast meat is tender, unlike many popular breeds that tend to be mushy.
Ms. Ngoc, a resident of Khoai Chau, shared that there are numerous ways to enjoy Dong Tao chicken. You can boil the chicken and dip it in salt and lemon juice to savor the authentic flavor of the meat. Additionally, it can be braised with Chinese herbal soup or turned into delicious salads.
Ms. Ngoc added that Dong Tao chicken is in high demand during the Lunar New Year. Many customers are willing to travel to the commune to select and order the chicken months in advance.
Recognizing the economic potential of Dong Tao chicken, many households have decided to invest in capital and research to expand the farming model. The method of raising Dong Tao chicken is similar to that of other breeds, with a primary diet of rice bran and corn flour, supplemented with vitamins and minerals. Additionally, some farmers include mung beans to promote the growth of the chickens.
The Dong Tao breed stands out for its superior health and resilience compared to native breeds, especially in enduring harsh weather conditions. Mr. Bo, a farmer in Hung Yen, shared that to identify a standard Dong Tao chicken, one should look for a robust build, a firm body, bright red skin, and a majestic head with sturdy legs.
Chickens with potential are carefully selected and raised using unique care methods. For instance, their legs are soaked in a mixture of tea and salt to stimulate leg growth, and they are fed a protein-rich diet to ensure even growth. They are even given dedicated sunbathing time each day, resulting in chickens that command sky-high prices.