What are the outstanding specialties of the Northwest? Top 10 famous dishes with bold flavors of the mountains and forests

The Northwest region not only attracts tourists by its majestic scenery but also by its unique Northwest specialties, imbued with the cultural identity of the highland ethnic groups. Each Northwest specialty contains a story about the people and nature here, captivating anyone who has ever tasted it.

The journey to explore the Northwest will be more complete when you enjoy the typical dishes of the Northwest mountains and forests. From fragrant smoked meat dishes to specialties made from unique ingredients of the mountains and forests, each Northwest specialty dish has its own unique flavor that cannot be found elsewhere.

1. Buffalo jerky

Buffalo jerky with Northwest flavor (Photo source: Collected)

Coming to the tourist destinations of the Northwest, the buffalo meat on the kitchen is a dish that cannot be missed. Made from the best buffalo meat, marinated with typical spices of ethnic people, then hung on the kitchen to smoke for many days. The smoking process not only helps preserve the meat but also creates a unique, delicious flavor that is hard to resist. When enjoying, the buffalo meat on the kitchen is often grilled over hot coals, creating an attractive aroma and natural sweetness of the meat.

2. Piggyback pig

Armpit pig - a famous specialty of the Northern mountainous region (Photo source: Collected)

Cap nach pig is one of the famous specialties of the Northwest, especially in Son La and Dien Bien . This is a local breed of pig raised freely in the forest, eating natural tubers and fruits, so the meat is firm and delicious. The name "cap nach" comes from the small size of this pig, people can easily take it home. Cap nach pig is often processed into many dishes such as grilled, boiled or smoked, each way brings its own unique flavor.

3. Wild Bee Pupa

Wild bee pupae - "Sweet honey" of the mountainous region that captivates diners (Photo source: Collected)

In the journey to the Northwest, wild bee pupae are a dish that has a strong highland identity. Harvested from wild beehives in the deep forest, bee pupae are a nutritious dish with a unique flavor. People often process bee pupae by stir-frying with betel leaves, wild vegetables or grilling directly on hot coals. The fatty, crispy taste and characteristic aroma make this dish a specialty sought after by many tourists.

4. Pa Pinh Top

Grilled pa pỉnh tộp over charcoal (Photo source: Collected)

Pa Pinh Top is a Northwest specialty of the Thai people, made from fresh stream fish. The fish is marinated with typical spices, then grilled over charcoal until golden brown and fragrant. The special feature of this dish lies in the dipping sauce made from mac khen, chili, garlic and wild herbs. When enjoying, diners will feel the natural sweetness of the fish, mixed with the spicy taste of spices.

5. Horse meat soup

Thang Co - Ha Giang specialty with special ingredients (Photo source: Collected)

Coming to the Northwestern tourist destinations, especially Sapa, visitors cannot miss the horse thang co dish. This is a traditional dish of the H'Mong people, made from horse parts along with many typical spices. This dish is not only unique in flavor but also has many cultural values, often served during important festivals of ethnic minorities.

6. Nam Pia

Nam Pia - a dish that challenges the taste buds of diners (Photo source: Collected0

Nam Pia is a unique Northwest specialty of the Thai people, made from fresh buffalo organs with herbs and typical spices. This dish requires complex and meticulous processing techniques, creating a rich, unforgettable flavor. Nam Pia is often enjoyed with corn wine or apple wine, creating a unique culinary experience during your Northwest tour.

7. Ash-buried goby

Among the specialties of the Northwest, goby fish buried in ash is a unique dish of the people in the highlands. Goby fish are caught from clear streams, then processed by the traditional method: buried in hot ash from charcoal. This processing method helps to preserve the natural sweetness of the fish, at the same time creating a characteristic aroma from the charcoal ash.

8. Apple wine

Apple wine is an indispensable drink in Northwestern tourist destinations. Made from apples - a typical fruit of the highlands, the wine has a sweet, slightly sour taste and a distinctive aroma. People believe that apple wine is not only a refreshing drink but also has health benefits.

9. Grilled rock moss

Fall in love with the delicious and unique taste of grilled moss from Ha Giang (Photo source: Collected)

Rock moss is one of the unique specialties of the Northwest, collected from the cliffs in the forest. This dish requires sophistication in the selection and processing, often grilled with typical spices of the highlands. The light, cool flavor of grilled rock moss brings an unforgettable culinary experience to visitors.

10. Moc Chau fried veal

Moc Chau Fried Beef - Irresistible specialty of the famous highlands (Photo source: Collected)

Moc Chau fried veal is a famous Northwest specialty, made from fresh veal combined with fermented bean curd - a typical spice of the highlands. The veal is stir-fried with fermented bean curd to create a rich, delicious flavor that is hard to resist. This dish is often served in restaurants in Moc Chau and is a highlight in the Northwest travel itinerary of many tourists.

Each Northwest specialty dish carries a unique cultural story, the crystallization of nature and people here. Come and explore the Northwest tourist destinations to fully enjoy the flavor of the mountains and forests through these special dishes. Book a Northwest tour today to start your fascinating culinary journey!

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/dac-san-tay-bac-v16012.aspx