If you’re planning a trip to Tam Dao, don’t miss out on the local specialties. Whether you’re looking for delicious treats to try or unique souvenirs to take home, Tam Dao has a lot to offer. In this article, we’ll introduce you to 15 must-try specialties and give you a glimpse of the area’s vibrant tourism scene.
1 An Introduction to Tam Dao Tourism
Tam Dao is a district located in the northeastern province of Vinh Phuc, Vietnam. Endowed with abundant natural resources and vast tourism potential, Tam Dao boasts a plethora of scenic attractions, including pristine forests, national parks, rivers, streams, and waterfalls.
The district comprises nine administrative units, including three towns and six communes, with approximately 44.5% of the population belonging to ethnic minority groups, primarily the San Diu people. Tam Dao is also home to numerous historical sites, religious monuments, and vibrant cultural festivals.
With its diverse attractions and natural beauty, Tam Dao is an emerging destination that is steadily gaining popularity among travelers seeking immersive cultural experiences and breathtaking natural surroundings.
Tam Dao – A Vibrant Tourist Destination
2 Top 15 Tam Dao Specialties to Try and Buy
Delicious Treats to Try in Tam Dao
Tam Dao Su Su Shoots
Su su shoots are a renowned specialty of Tam Dao, and you’ll be surprised to find them featured in most restaurants in the area. Locally grown su su boasts a sweet and crisp taste, delicious whether stir-fried or prepared in other creative ways.
Tam Dao Su Su Shoots – A Local Delicacy
Estimated Price: 50,000-100,000 VND/plate
Address: Quan – QL2B, TT. Tam Dao, Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc
Ant-bitten Grilled Beef
This dish has a unique preparation method that involves hanging freshly cut beef slices on ant nests, allowing the ants to cover the meat. The meat is then washed and grilled over charcoal, resulting in a sweet and aromatic flavor unlike any other.
Ant-bitten Grilled Beef – A Unique Delicacy
Estimated Price: 350,000 VND/kg
Address: Hai Dang Tam Dao Restaurant – TT. Tam Dao, Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc
Tam Dao Hill Chicken
Free-range chicken from the hills of Tam Dao is a must-try delicacy when visiting the area. The chickens are allowed to roam and feed naturally, resulting in meat that is tender, sweet, and flavorful. Whether boiled, fried, grilled, or used in hot pot, this chicken is a culinary delight.
Tam Dao Hill Chicken – A Local Favorite
Estimated Price: 200,000 – 300,000 VND/chicken
Address: Long Thanh Restaurant – 33 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Dinh Trung, Vinh Yen, Vinh Phuc
Tam Dao Hill Pork Skewers
Pork from the hills of Tam Dao is known for its firm texture due to the free-range farming practices in the vast forest areas. Try a few skewers of grilled pork dipped in a special sauce, and you’ll be treated to an aromatic and mouthwatering culinary experience.
Tam Dao Hill Pork Skewers – A Tasty Treat
Estimated Price: 200,000 – 300,000 VND/kg
Address: Khanh Ly Restaurant – 35 Phan Chu Trinh, Khai Quang, Vinh Yen, Vinh Phuc
Tam Dao Banh Cuon (Rolled Cake)
The banh cuon in Tam Dao is truly special. These thin rice flour sheets are served with grilled wild boar meat and a delicious dipping sauce. Take a bite, and you’ll be treated to the perfect combination of crispy, golden-brown grilled meat and soft, tender rice rolls.
Tam Dao Banh Cuon – A Local Specialty
Estimated Price: 50,000 VND/plate
Address: Pho Nui Restaurant – Hop Chau, Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc
Vinh Tuong Bamboo Cake with Molasses
Vinh Tuong, located within the Tam Dao district, is famous for its bamboo cake made with molasses from Tan An. This cake is shaped into large, pointed rolls and cooked with a generous amount of molasses, resulting in a sweet and chewy treat. If you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to try this local delicacy.
Vinh Tuong Bamboo Cake with Molasses – A Sweet Treat
Estimated Price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/plate
Address: Tay Thien Restaurant – Dai Dinh, Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc
Tam Dao Rice in Bamboo Tubes (Com Lam)
Com lam is a favorite among tourists visiting Tam Dao. The rice is soaked and placed inside small bamboo tubes, then grilled over charcoal, infusing it with the aroma of bamboo and giving it a unique flavor. It’s a simple yet delightful dish that captures the essence of Tam Dao’s cuisine.
Tam Dao Rice in Bamboo Tubes – A Smoky Treat
Estimated Price: 50,000 VND/tube
Address: Long Thanh Restaurant – 33 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Dinh Trung, Vinh Yen, Vinh Phuc
Lap Thach Fermented Fish
This specialty is made from fish caught in local fields and then marinated with salt for 4 to 8 days, rinsed, dried, and mixed with fermented sticky rice or corn, and finally seasoned with star fruit leaves for added fragrance. The result is a delicious treat that is a staple in the local cuisine.
Lap Thach Fermented Fish – A Local Delicacy
Estimated Price: 50,000 – 100,000 VND/200gr
Address: Hai Dang Tam Dao Restaurant – TT. Tam Dao, Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc
Specialties to Buy as Souvenirs
Tien Tuu Ngoc Hoa Coconut Wine
When in Tam Dao, don’t miss the opportunity to sample the local coconut wine, Tien Tuu Ngoc Hoa. This wine is crafted entirely from coconuts using a unique recipe specific to the region. What sets it apart is that it doesn’t cause headaches like other types of alcohol, and its aroma, a blend of fermented sticky rice and coconut, is simply irresistible.
Tien Tuu Ngoc Hoa Coconut Wine – A Local Specialty
Estimated Price: 50,000 – 70,000 VND/coconut (500ml)
Address: Km6 National Highway 2B, Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc
Tam Dao Banana (Chuoi Ngự)
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, consider Tam Dao bananas, known for their small size, exceptional sweetness, and fragrance. A single bunch can have up to 10 to 15 hands, making it a generous gift for your loved ones back home.
Tam Dao Banana – A Sweet Treat
Estimated Price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/bunch
Address: Tam Dao Market
Tam Dao Forest Pears
These forest pears have a unique appearance, with round shapes and bright red-yellow skin that is taut and glossy. Their sweet flavor and aroma make them a sought-after treat, and they are not commonly found in regular markets, making them a true specialty of Tam Dao.
Tam Dao Forest Pears – A Rare Treat
Estimated Price: 25,000 VND/kg
Address: Tam Dao Market
Tam Dao Forest Bamboo Shoots
The season for Tam Dao forest bamboo shoots is typically between August and October, so if you’re visiting during this period, be sure to buy some. These bamboo shoots have a distinctive sweet and fragrant flavor, but it’s recommended to boil them first to reduce their natural bitterness before cooking.
Tam Dao Forest Bamboo Shoots – A Seasonal Treat
Estimated Price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/kg
Address: Vinh Yen Market
Milk Ginseng
Milk ginseng is a specialty unique to Tam Dao, known for its sweet and refreshing taste, juicy texture, and fragrant aroma. You can enjoy it right after peeling, making it a convenient and delicious snack during your travels.
Milk Ginseng – A Refreshing Treat
Estimated Price: 120,000 – 200,000 VND/kg
Address: Tam Dao Market
Tam Duong Pineapples
Tam Duong is known for its diverse selection of pineapples, including the popular Huong Dao, honey, and chicken fat varieties. Each type has its own distinct flavor and aroma. You can enjoy fresh pineapple right in the vast pineapple gardens or try
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