Top 6 Specialties of Hà Giang

Hà Giang, a mountainous province in northern Vietnam, is a captivating tourist destination known for its stunning landscapes and unique culture. With its towering mountains, challenging winding passes, and meandering rivers, Hà Giang offers travelers an unparalleled exploration experience. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the top 6 specialties of Hà Giang that you must try.

Thắng Dền is a traditional dish made from Yên Minh sticky rice. This rice variety is characterized by its large, white, and round grains, which become fragrant and sweet when cooked.

These sticky rice balls come with various fillings such as green beans and red beans. Upon biting, you’ll savor the chewy texture and mild sweetness along with the delicate aroma of sticky rice.

To enhance the flavor, you can add a bit of ginger-flavored apricot sugar syrup or coconut milk, sesame seeds, and roasted peanuts.

Recommended Address: 154 Trần Hưng Đạo – Thắng Dền Bà Béo

Price Range: 25,000 – 50,000 VND per bowl

Traditionally, Thắng Cố was made from horse offal. Nowadays, to cater to tourists and suit more palates, locals use beef, buffalo, and pork instead. The essence of Thắng Cố lies in its broth, simmered from bones and offal. For first-timers, it might be a bit challenging due to the strong aroma, but the more you eat it, the more addictive it becomes!

The dish is seasoned with 12 unique mountain spices including lime leaves, star anise, and cardamom, giving it a rich, meaty sweetness combined with a mild, spicy broth and an exotic fragrance that captivates many visitors.

Recommended Address: Đồng Văn Market – Đồng Văn Town, Hà Giang

Price Range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND per bowl

Smoked buffalo meat is one of the most Specialties of Hà Giang that represents Hà Giang’s culinary heritage, especially among the Thai ethnic group. It’s a common dish in daily meals, festivals, and as a gift for esteemed guests.

The meat is marinated with spicy mắc khén seeds and smoked over the kitchen fire, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor. The outer layer is dark brown, while the inside is a vibrant red, packed with intense flavors.

Price Range: 800,000 to 1,100,000 VND per kilogram

Where to Buy: Local markets or directly from local households

Locals in Hà Giang prepare smoked sausage to preserve meat for longer periods. The sausages are made from shoulder pork, finely chopped and mixed with spices like minced onion and mắc khén seeds.

This savory treat carries the rich taste of meat and a delightful smoky aroma. The sausages are smoked for 12 to 14 hours, allowing the flavors to permeate the meat.

Recommended Address: Xín Mần Market – Cốc Pài Town, Hà Giang

Price Range: 250,000 – 300,000 VND per 500 grams

Originally a breakfast dish from China, sour pho has become popular in northern Vietnamese regions such as Hà Giang, Lạng Sơn, and Bắc Kạn. It is made from fragrant sticky rice noodles served with a tangy-sweet sauce, char siu, roast pork, sausages, and sautéed chili.

The distinctive flavor comes from the sweet and sour sauce, made from a mixture of vinegar, sugar, cassava powder, and mountain spices. It’s often garnished with herbs like basil, fresh garlic, and shredded papaya for a full-flavored experience.

Recommended Address: Đồng Văn Market

Price Range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND per bowl

Buckwheat flowers are iconic in northeastern Hà Giang, and buckwheat cake has become a local specialty. You can find these cakes in local markets, often in purple, white, or yellow hues.

Price Range: 15,000 VND per piece

With this detailed guide to Hà Giang’s specialties, we hope you’ve added some must-try dishes to your list when visiting this beautiful region. Don’t forget to follow Bee Sophie for the latest updates on tourist spots both within and outside the country every day!