If you’re planning a trip to Sapa, aside from making fun plans and exploring the local culture, make sure to set aside some time to indulge in the region’s unique cuisine. Here’s a list of 19 must-try dishes and specialties that we recommend.
1. An Introduction to Sapa Tourism
Sapa is a captivating travel destination, favored by many tourists. The majestic scenery of towering mountains and sprawling villages in the valley will take your breath away. In addition, Sapa is renowned for its delectable and aromatic specialties.
An overview of Sapa tourism
2. Top 19 Must-Try Sapa Specialties
Delicious Treats to Try in Sapa
Cốn Sủi
Cốn Sủi
Cốn Sủi is a unique dish that consists of soft rice noodles similar to those found in Hanoi’s pho, served with a thick and fragrant sauce.
The dish is topped with crispy noodles made from either cucumber or sweet potato starch, along with various spices, thinly sliced beef and pork, a quarter of an egg, a sprinkle of pepper, and peanuts.
Estimated price: 35,000 – 45,000 VND/bowl
Where to find Cốn Sủi: Cốn Sủi Ông Há: 436 Điện Biên Phủ Street, Sa Pa town, Sa Pa district, Lào Cai province
Sapa Trout
Sapa Trout
Due to its temperate climate, Sapa provides the ideal conditions for farming this special species of fish. Those who have tasted Sapa trout rave about its firm texture, lack of fat, attractive pink color, and, of course, its characteristic tender and sweet flavor.
It can be prepared in a variety of ways, including sashimi, deep-fried, steamed, hot pot, and salad.
Estimated price: 200,000 – 500,000 VND/dish
Where to find delicious trout in Sapa:
Sapa Trout Restaurant: 039 Xuân Viên, Sa Pa town, Lào Cai province
A Phủ Restaurant: 15 Fansipan, Sa Pa town, Lào Cai province
Stream Fish, Fried or Grilled
Crispy Fried Stream Fish
Despite their small size, about the length of a finger, stream fish have a distinct sweet flavor and are not the least bit fishy. These fish can only be sourced from the wild, as they cannot be farmed like trout.
However, this also means that dishes made from stream fish are incredibly delicious and irresistible. The fish can be marinated and then deep-fried to a crisp or grilled and served with a dipping sauce.
Estimated price: 100,000 – 330,000 VND/dish
Where to find delicious stream fish in Sapa:
Hoa Đồng Tiền Restaurant: 29 Cầu Mây, Sa Pa town, Lào Cai province
Chapa Restaurant: 40 Cầu Mây, Sa Pa town, Lào Cai province
Black Chicken
Grilled Black Chicken
Black chicken is a type of poultry commonly found in mountain villages, often marinated with a special blend of spices sourced from the forest and then grilled to perfection. This dish is best enjoyed with a dipping sauce made from salt and pepper or mắc khén pepper.
Estimated price: 80,000 – 220,000 VND/dish
Where to find delicious black chicken in Sapa:
A Phủ Restaurant: 15 Fansipan, Sa Pa town, Lào Cai province
Red Dao Restaurant: 4B Thác Bạc, Sa Pa town, Lào Cai province
Thắng Cố
Thắng Cố
Thắng Cố is a specialty of the H’mông people, originating from Yunnan, China. The dish is prepared with horse meat and various distinctive spices.
Estimated price: 100,000 – 330,000 VND
Where to find delicious Thắng Cố in Sapa:
Thắng Cố A Quỳnh Sapa: 15 Thạch Sơn, Sa Pa town, Lào Cai province
Thắng Cố Sapa A Phủ: 15 Fansipan, Sa Pa, Lào Cai province.
Cắp Nách Pork
Cắp Nách Pork
Cắp Nách pork, also known as Mường Sapa pork, belongs to the còi and ri breeds of pigs, which are free-range and often carried to the market tucked under the seller’s arm or tied up.
Cắp Nách pork is renowned for its rich flavor and nutritional value.
Estimated price: 50,000 – 250,000 VND
Where to buy Cắp Nách pork:
A Dũng Restaurant: 85 Xuân Viên, Sa Pa town, Lào Cai province
Hoa Đồng Tiền Sapa Restaurant: 29 Cầu Mây, Sa Pa town, Lào Cai province
Bamboo-tube Rice
Bamboo-tube Rice
Bamboo-tube rice is made with fragrant sticky rice stuffed into bamboo tubes and grilled over charcoal. The rice, when cooked, is hot and fragrant, and it is typically served with sesame salt or grilled meat.
Estimated price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND
Where to find delicious bamboo-tube rice in Sapa:
Sapa Grilled Food Area: Cầu Mây Street, Sa Pa town, Lào Cai province
Hoa Phượng Restaurant: Tổ 7C Hàm Rồng, Sa Pa town, Lào Cai province
Five-color Sticky Rice
Five-color Sticky Rice
As the name suggests, this dish features five colors: red, yellow, green, purple, and white, representing the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.
Estimated price: 80,000 – 150,000 VND
Where to enjoy five-color sticky rice in Sapa:
Sapa Cuisine Restaurant: 535, next to Victoria Hotel, Xuân Viên, Sa Pa town, Lào Cai province
Anh Dũng Delicious Sticky Rice: 06 Xuân Viên, Sa Pa, Lào Cai province
Khâu Nhục
Khâu Nhục
Khâu Nhục is a dish of Chinese origin that has gained popularity among locals. It is made from pork combined with various spices such as basil, five-spice powder, garlic, and chili…
While it may resemble the meat stew commonly found in Southern Vietnam, Khâu Nhục has a unique and memorable flavor.
Estimated price: 50,000 – 100,000 VND
Where to find delicious Khâu Nhục in Sapa: Available at affordable eateries and Bắc Hà Market, about 65 km from Lào Cai city, approximately 2 and a half hours by bus.
Mèo Cabbage
Rock Sprouts
This vegetable gets its intriguing name from the fact that it typically grows during the winter months in Sapa. Interestingly, the colder the weather, the crisper and sweeter the sprouts become.
Rock sprouts are often stir-fried with buffalo meat or served as a side dish with grilled meat and rice wine.
Estimated price: 50,000 VND/kg
Rock sprouts can be found at Sapa markets:
Sapa Night Market: Center of Sa Pa town, Sa Pa district, Lào Cai province
New Sapa Market: QL4D, Sa Pa town, Lào Cai province
Sapa Pickled Bamboo Shoots
Sapa Pickled Bamboo Shoots
These bamboo shoots are foraged from the forest, cleaned, sliced thinly, drained, and fermented in a jar for 20 to 30 days, resulting in a pleasantly sour flavor.
This dish is often served as a “palate cleanser” for heavy meals or as a side dish with grilled meat or steamed sticky rice.
Estimated price: 80,000 VND/500 grams
Sapa pickled bamboo shoots can be found at local markets:<
