Lạng Sơn Delicacies: 15 Mouth-watering Specialties to Try and Buy as Gifts

Lạng Sơn is renowned for its delectable specialties, offering a culinary journey that delights both locals and tourists alike. Discover the top 15 must-try delicacies of this region, a true epicurean's paradise, where flavors burst forth, tantalizing your taste buds and providing an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

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Lang Son is not only blessed with breathtaking landscapes but also boasts a plethora of unique local specialties. If you’re wondering what to buy in Lang Son as gifts for your loved ones, we’ve got you covered!

1. An Introduction to Lang Son Tourism

Lang Son is one of the provinces in Vietnam renowned for its picturesque landscapes. Located over 180km from Hanoi, Lang Son enjoys a pleasant climate all year round, making it a popular tourist destination. Discover 20 captivating attractions that will surely entice you!

An Overview of Lang Son Tourism

2. Top 15 Lang Son Specialties to Try and Buy

Must-Try Local Specialties in Lang Son

Hữu Lũng Grilled Spring Rolls

Hữu Lũng Grilled Spring Rolls

A trip to Lang Son is incomplete without tasting these grilled spring rolls. This dish stands out from traditional spring rolls, showcasing the region’s distinct culinary style.

The spring rolls are wrapped in banana leaves and allowed to ferment before being grilled over charcoal, imparting a unique flavor that captivates locals and tourists alike.

Those who indulge in this delicacy often buy it as a gift for their loved ones, sharing the distinctive taste of the mountainous region.

Estimated price: 20,000 – 25,000 VND/piece

Suggested places to buy: Specialty shops in Hữu Lũng district and Lang Son city

Reference:

Bánh phồng (Rice Crackers)

Bánh phồng of the Tay ethnic group

This traditional cake of the Tay ethnic group is a must-try delicacy when visiting Lang Son. The main ingredient is glutinous rice, soaked in the ash of the Cha Du tree, which is unique to the highland region.

Bánh phồng is delicious on its own, but many locals also fry it in a pan to make it crispy and fragrant.

This exceptional snack is a favorite among tourists, who often buy it as a gift for children or to savor at home and reminisce about their trip to Lang Son.

Estimated price: 30,000 VND/bag

Suggested place to buy:

Lang Son Vegetables

Fresh Vegetables from Lang Son

Lang Son vegetables stand out for their exceptional freshness. Even though they may wilt quickly, visitors still opt to buy them due to their superior quality.

These vegetables are an integral part of every meal in Lang Son, featuring in dishes such as stir-fried bo khai vegetables with rice noodles. Each type of Lang Son vegetable carries the essence of the mountains, enticing visitors to purchase them as gifts.

Estimated price: 5,000 VND/bundle

Suggested place to buy:

Sour Pho

Sour Pho – A Unique Dish in Lang Son

This specialty of Lang Son is a favorite among tourists, featuring an enticing and unusual flavor. Lang Son-style sour pho consists of two main parts: the broth and the dry ingredients, including rice noodles, pork belly, fried dough sticks, quail eggs, and more.

When eating, you mix the two parts together, resulting in a refreshingly sour and slightly sweet dish that’s utterly addictive.

Estimated price: 35,000 – 40,000 VND/bowl

Suggested place to buy:

Egg Banh Cuon

Egg Banh Cuon – A Unique Twist on a Classic Dish

Another Lang Son specialty you can indulge in is banh cuon, or steamed rice rolls. What sets this dish apart is the addition of an egg in the center of each roll and a unique broth.

To prepare, the cook cracks an egg into the center of each rice roll, covers it, and steams it until both the egg and the rice roll are cooked, then sprinkles roasted scallions on top before serving.

To enhance the flavor, you can dip the rolls in a small bowl of broth made from bone stock and garnished with chopped scallions.

Estimated price: 10,000 – 20,000 VND/serving

Suggested places to buy:

Ap Chao Cake

Ap Chao Cake – A Unique Local Delicacy

Ap Chao cake is a lesser-known dish to outsiders, so don’t miss the opportunity to try this intriguing delicacy while in Lang Son!

The filling of this cake consists of cha lua (Vietnamese pork sausage), which is then dipped in a sauce made from papaya-infused fish sauce and spicy chili peppers.

Each bite of this cake offers a delightful combination of the sticky texture of glutinous rice flour on the outside and the soft, fatty duck meat on the inside.

Estimated price: 5,000 – 10,000 VND/piece

Suggested place to buy:

Khau Nhuc

Khau Nhuc – A Flavorful Local Dish

is a Lang Son specialty typically served during local festivals. The intricate preparation process results in a flavorful dish that captivates the taste buds.

is marinated with various spices such as five-spice powder, anise, galangal, liquor, and more, then steamed with mac mat leaves until the meat is tender. The meat takes on a beautiful golden-brown color and absorbs the flavors of the spices, making it irresistible.

Estimated price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl

Suggested places to buy:

Roast Duck and Pork

Roast Duck and Pork – A Local Favorite

While roast duck and pork are common across Vietnam, Lang Son’s versions are set apart by the use of mac mat leaves, a local specialty. Marinating the meat with these leaves imparts a distinctive flavor and aroma.

The roasted duck and pork boast a golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy meat.

Estimated price: 150,000 – 180,000 VND/kg of roast pork, approximately 180,000 VND/roast duck

Suggested places to buy:

Lang Son Specialties to Buy as Gifts

Bac Son Tangerine

Bac Son Tangerine – A Local Favorite

The fertile soil and mild climate of Lang Son create the perfect conditions for tangerines to thrive, resulting in fruits that are plump and juicy. The Bac Son region is renowned for producing the finest tangerines in Vietnam, characterized by their golden-yellow hue and thick, juicy segments.

The tangerines have a smooth peel, and there are two varieties: round and flat, with the round ones being slightly sweeter and lighter. Choose the variety that suits your preference to gift your loved ones a taste of Lang Son.

Estimated price: 25,000 – 35,000 VND/kg

Suggested places to buy:

Hoa Hoi (Star Anise)

Hoa Hoi (Star Anise) – A Signature Spice of Lang Son

When it comes to Lang Son, one immediately thinks of hoa hoi, or star anise – a local specialty often purchased as gifts by tourists. Star anise is most abundant in August, when the weather turns dry. Each star anise has 5 to 8 segments arranged in a star-like shape.

Frequently asked questions

Lang Son is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine. Some must-try specialties include ‘Gà Nướng Bản Mara’ (grilled chicken with a unique marinade), which can be found at local restaurants or street stalls. ‘Cháo Ấm Quảng Lạc’ is a comforting rice porridge served with a variety of toppings, and it’s a popular breakfast choice. You can also try ‘Bánh Co Giáy’, a sticky rice cake with a delicate, sweet flavor, available at local markets or specialty shops. For a unique snack, look for ‘Kẹo Sô Đú’, a traditional candy made from peanuts and sesame seeds.

Lang Son’s cuisine is characterized by the use of fresh, local ingredients and a blend of flavors from the region’s ethnic groups. You’ll find a variety of herbs, spices, and unique ingredients like bamboo shoots, wild vegetables, and mountain eggs. The province is also known for its high-quality rice and sticky rice, which are used in many dishes and snacks.

Absolutely! Many of Lang Son’s specialties can be purchased as gifts. ‘Kẹo Sô Đú’, the traditional peanut and sesame candy, is a popular choice and can be found at local markets. ‘Bánh Co Giáy’, the sticky rice cakes, are also a great option and can be easily transported. If you’re looking for something more savory, you can buy packaged ‘Gà Nướng’ (grilled chicken) or ‘Chả Nướng’ (grilled pork patties). Local honey, known for its high quality and unique flavor, is also a wonderful gift option.

Yes, there are several notable restaurants and eateries in Lang Son known for their delicious food. One famous spot is the ‘Nhà Hàng Ẩm Thực Dân Tộc Chúc Bài’, which serves a variety of traditional ethnic dishes in a beautiful setting. For a more casual option, try the ‘Quán Ăn Gia Đình 365’, a local favorite for grilled dishes and fresh beer. The ‘Bánh Cuốn Bà Hoành’ restaurant is also renowned for its ‘Bánh Cuốn’ (steamed rice rolls) and other Vietnamese delicacies.

Lang Son offers a wealth of attractions beyond its cuisine. The province is known for its stunning natural scenery, including the majestic Núi Tô Thị mountain and the picturesque Bản Giữ and Bản Xá villages. The Kỳ Cùng River is also a popular spot for boat trips and offers a relaxing way to take in the region’s beauty. Don’t miss the historic Đồng Đăng Market, where you can find a variety of local products and souvenirs. The Na Lay border gate is another unique attraction, offering a glimpse into the border trade and exchange between Vietnam and China.
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