Gia Lai, a province in Vietnam, is not only famous for its breathtaking natural landscapes and unique indigenous culture but also for its delectable and renowned specialties. Join us as we explore 15 irresistible specialties that will make your trip to Gia Lai unforgettable.
1. An Introduction to Gia Lai Tourism
Gia Lai is located on a vast ancient rock foundation, over 4,000 meters thick, situated almost entirely east of the Truong Son mountain range. The province’s terrain comprises three main types: hilly, highland, and valley landscapes, each offering its own captivating and majestic beauty.
The local ethnic groups, including the Ja-rai, Ba-na, Xo-dang, Thai, and Muong, contribute to a rich and diverse cultural heritage, notably the gong culture of the Central Highlands. Gia Lai is truly an ideal tourist destination that captivates visitors from all over.
From November to April, the dry season, is the perfect time to visit Gia Lai, as you’ll be greeted by pleasant weather, vibrant scenery, and dry roads that are ideal for motorcycle adventures.
November to December is the most beautiful time to visit, as the mountain city of Gia Lai comes alive with the vibrant yellow of the golden shower trees and the ripening rice fields, complemented by the blooming wild sunflowers that paint the villages and hamlets with their sunny hues.
March is also an excellent time to visit Gia Lai, as you’ll witness the white blossoms of the coffee trees and enjoy the pleasant, comfortable weather.
An overview of Gia Lai tourism
2. Top 15 Gia Lai Specialties to Try
Delicacies to Try in Gia Lai
Dry Pho
Dry Pho
Dry pho is a renowned dish known for its unique flavors and eating style that piques the curiosity and delight of many visitors.
A proper bowl of dry pho includes chewy pho noodles tossed with herbs, shredded chicken or pork, and other ingredients, skillfully prepared by the chef to create a dish that is both delicious and visually appealing.
Accompanying the dry pho is a bowl of sweet and clear broth, simmered for hours from chicken or pork bones to achieve a full-bodied flavor. The dish is incomplete without a side of herbs to enhance its appeal.
What sets this dish apart is the ability for diners to adjust the seasoning of the noodles according to their personal preference, making it a favorite among many.
Price range for dry pho: 25,000 – 35,000 VND/bowl
Recommended dry pho restaurants:
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Pho Kho Hong: 22-24 Nguyen Van Troi, Hoi Thuong Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai
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Pho Kho Ngoc Son: 15 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi Thuong Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai
Crab Noodle Soup (Bún Mắm Cua)
Crab Noodle Soup
Crab noodle soup is considered a delicacy in Gia Lai that may not suit everyone’s palate due to the distinctive flavor of the crab paste.
A proper bowl of crab noodle soup consists of a harmonious blend of various ingredients such as fried pork skin, river crab, and pork belly, skillfully arranged to create an enticing and mouthwatering dish.
While the strong flavor of the well-cooked crab paste may be an acquired taste for first-time diners, those who acquire a taste for it will find themselves craving it time and again.
Price range for crab noodle soup: 35,000 VND/bowl
Recommended crab noodle soup restaurants:
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Bun Mam Cua: 302 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Pleiku City, Gia Lai
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Bun Cua Chi: 2 Phung Hung, Hoi Thuong Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai
Mountain Forest Herb Salad (Gỏi Lá Rừng Phố Núi)
Mountain Forest Herb Salad
Mountain forest herb salad is recognized as one of the most irresistible dishes in Gia Lai.
This salad is a harmonious blend of herbs that capture the essence of Gia Lai’s mountain city, resulting in a dish that is both refreshing and elegant, featuring herbs such as dinh lang and ngo om. The precise ratio and preparation techniques used by the locals create a truly captivating dish.
The salad is typically served with a dipping sauce made from local glutinous rice, imparting a unique and indescribable flavor. To enhance the dish, additional ingredients such as pork belly can be added.
Price range for mountain forest herb salad: 100,000 – 150,000 VND/serving
Recommended mountain forest herb salad restaurant:
- House Lá: 248 Cach Mang Thang Tam, Hoa Lu Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai
Fermented Fish Sauce Noodles (Bún Mắm Nêm)
Fermented Fish Sauce Noodles
Fermented fish sauce noodles is a popular and delectable dish in Gia Lai, known for its unique blend of ingredients.
The allure of this dish lies in the combination of thin noodles, pork belly, herbs, and the star of the show—fermented fish sauce made from fresh anchovies. The savory sauce blends perfectly with the sweetness of the meat and the refreshing herbs, creating a dish that captivates the palates of many diners.
Recommended fermented fish sauce noodles restaurant:
- Duyen Bun Dau Mam Nem Restaurant: 199 Phan Dinh Phung, Tay Son, Pleiku City, Gia Lai
Reference:
Grilled Beef in Bamboo Tubes (Thịt Bò Nướng Ống)
Grilled Beef in Bamboo Tubes
Grilled beef in bamboo tubes is a must-try dish when visiting Gia Lai, offering a delightful culinary experience that captivates food enthusiasts.
The beef is cut into bite-sized pieces and marinated with a blend of spices before being placed in bamboo tubes and grilled over charcoal. The result is tender, flavorful meat infused with the aroma of bamboo, creating a dish that delights the senses and captivates diners.
Price range for grilled beef in bamboo tubes: 150,000 VND/serving
Recommended grilled beef in bamboo tubes restaurant:
- Thien Thanh Garden Restaurant: 58 Pham Van Dong, Hoa Lu Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai
Forest Herb Hot Pot (Lẩu Lá Rau Rừng)
Forest Herb Hot Pot
If you have the opportunity to visit Gia Lai, don’t miss out on the forest herb hot pot, a popular choice among visitors to the region.
This hot pot is a delightful fusion of various forest herbs, each carefully selected for its unique health benefits. The result is a dish that is not only delicious but also exceptionally healthy. To enhance the flavor, consider adding fermented pork wrapped in forest herbs, creating a spicy and savory dish.
Price range for forest herb hot pot: 150,000 VND/serving
Recommended forest herb hot pot restaurant:
- Pleiku’s Ngon Restaurant: 33 Le Hong Phong, Dien Hong Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai
Grilled Lụi (Lụi Nướng)
Grilled Lụi
This dish is a favorite among young people due to its mouthwatering flavors and distinctive characteristics.
Lụi grilling involves a combination of minced meat and ram, seasoned and grilled over charcoal. The golden-brown ram complements the savory meat, and when paired with a sweet and sour mam me dipping sauce, it creates a dish that delights the taste buds.
Price range for grilled lụi: 80,000 VND/serving
Recommended grilled lụi restaurant:
- Pleiku’s Ngon Restaurant: 33 Le Hong Phong, Dien Hong Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai
Thac Lac Fish Cakes (Chả Cá Thác Lác)
Thac Lac Fish Cakes
This dish is a favorite among visitors to Gia Lai due to its masterful blend of flavors.
Thac lac fish cakes are made from the fresh meat of thac lac fish, seasoned with salt, pepper, and onions, among other spices. These fish cakes can be fried or used in soups, and they pair exceptionally well with rice.
Price range for thac lac fish cakes: 100,000 VND/serving
Recommended thac lac fish cakes restaurant:
- House Lá: 248 Cach Mang Thang Tam, Hoa Lu Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai
Grilled Chicken (Gà Nướng Mọi)
Grilled Chicken
This dish is a rustic yet distinctive delicacy. The chicken is carefully selected to ensure tender, juicy meat, and it is grilled directly over charcoal, resulting in crispy, charred skin and evenly cooked, sweet-tasting meat that will satisfy any food connoisseur.
Price range for grilled chicken: 250,000 VND/chicken
Recommended grilled chicken restaurant:
- Thien Thanh Garden Restaurant: 58 Pham Van Dong, Hoa Lu Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai
Gia Lai Specialties to Buy as Souvenirs
Yellow Ant Salt (Muối Kiến Vàng)
A unique specialty found only in Gia Lai
Yellow ant salt is a specialty unique to Gia Lai. The main ingredient is yellow ants, which are roasted with various spices. While the name may sound unappetizing, the preparation of this salt is a laborious process, and the resulting flavor is incredibly enticing.
Locals travel to Krong Pa to collect plump, golden ants, which they then clean, dry, and roast with spices such as lemongrass, salt, and la é before grinding them into a fine powder. The flavor is unique and tantalizing.
Price range for yellow ant salt: 250,
Enjoy Traditional Hanoi Crab Noodle Soup from only 20,000 VND/bowl
Have you ever tried the delicious bún soup at Thanh Ha alley? This amazing soup has been served here for a long time, with a price of only 20,000 VND per bowl. Once you taste it, you will never forget the amazing flavors.
A Tasty Adventure: Indulge in the Mouthwatering Banh Da Ngan in Hong Bang, Hai Phong
If you’re a foodie exploring Hai Phong, don’t miss out on the chance to indulge at Banh Da Ngan – a gem of a restaurant tucked away in Alley 73 on Dien Bien Phu Street. This eatery has earned a reputation for its unique and mouthwatering specialty: mixed Banh Da Ngan.
A Taste of Tradition: Crab Noodle Soup on Hoè Nhai Street
For over 30 years, this humble crab noodle soup restaurant has been a beloved fixture in the heart of Hanoi. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind this longstanding favorite and explore what makes it so special.
A Tasty Treat: Indulge in Hai Phong’s 40-Year-Old Crab and Shrimp Banh Da Delicacy
Uncover the unique delights of Hai Phong’s famous crab and shrimp ‘banh da’ at a 40-year-old culinary institution, owned by the esteemed Mrs. Thanh Thuy. This mouth-watering local specialty has become a magnet for foodies far and wide.
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