Lao Cai has everything tourists usually look for in a travel destination, including beautiful natural scenery, a cool and fresh climate, a unique local culture, and distinct cuisine. When you come here, you will not run out of Lao Cai foods to enjoy. So, today, let’s find out what to eat in Lao Cai!
Thắng Cố – Unique Lao Cai food
Thắng Cố is a traditional dish of the Mong ethnic group, made with horse meat and organs, special herbs and spices from the Northwest region. Nowadays, goat meat and beef are also used to prepare this dish. Bac Ha District is the best place to savor the most authentic Thắng Cố. This Lao Cai food may feel a bit unsure at the beginning, but after first bite, it’s just too good to stop.
Some reference addresses
- Thắng Cố A Quynh Sapa (15 Thach Son Street, Sapa)
- Thắng Cố A Phu Sapa (5 Fansipan, Sapa)
- Cau May Restaurant (92 Ngu Chi Son, Sapa)
Lợn Cắp Nách – Carried-under-arm pig
A carried-under-arm pig is a small-sized pig that the locals usually carry under their armpit when selling it. They feed the pigs with vegetables and leftovers, without using bran to make them grow faster. As a result, the pig grows slowly, and the meat is firm and tasty. This type of pig can be used to cook many delicious dishes. This is the must-try in the list of Lao Cai foods.
Some reference addresses
- Phuong Ngoan Restaurant (13C Nguyen Hue, Sapa)
- Dung Trau Restaurant (85 Xuan Vien, Sapa)
- Hoa Dong Tien Store (29 Cau May, Sapa)
Cá Hồi Sapa – Sapa Salmon
Sapa Salmon is a popular Lao cai food that attracts every visitor’s attention. Restaurants offer a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes made from this salmon, such as sashimi, hot pot, grilled, sour soup, and more. Along with enjoying the delicious dishes, visitors can also buy fermented salmon paste rolls as gifts for their loved ones.
Some reference addresses:
- Xuan Vien Sapa Restaurant (39 Xuan Vien, Sapa)
- Sang Meo Restaurant (29 Fansipan, Sapa)
- Sapa King Salmon Restaurant (15A Le Van Tam, Sapa)
Thịt Trâu Gác Bếp – Dried Buffalo Meat
If you ask “What to eat in Lao Cai?” to any Vietnamese, they may have the same answer – Thịt Trâu Gác Bếp. Dried buffalo meat is prepared using fresh buffalo meat chosen from the best cuts. The meat is seasoned with spices such as salt, chili, and Indian prickly ash, then smoked on a wood stove until it gradually dries and takes on a smoky flavor. This dish creates a unique and unforgettable taste.
Some reference addresses:
- Viet’s farm (No. 26 Dong Loi, Sapa)
- Xuan Truong Supermarket (No. 046 Ngu Chi Son, Sapa)
- An Thinh Campus (Cau May Street, Sapa)
Phở chua Bắc Hà – Bac Ha Sour Pho:
When visiting Bac Ha in Lao Cai, if you ask the locals about their specialty, the most likely answer you will receive is “sour pho.” The broth for this pho is made by fermenting vegetables in sugar water until it becomes sour. The bowl of sour pho is a perfect blend of sour broth, chewy noodles, roasted peanuts, spicy chili sauce, and tender pork that is worth savoring!
Reference address: Bac Ha Market, Bac Ha Town, Bac Ha, Lao Cai
What to eat in Lao Cai in summer? Sapa Peach and Bac Ha Plum
Sapa peaches and Bac Ha plums are two well-known specialty fruits of Lao Cai that everyone should try. If you visit Lao Cai between June and July, make sure to visit the peach and plum gardens to take some great photos and enjoy these fresh and inexpensive fruits. You can even buy them as gifts for your loved ones.
Some reference addresses:
- Sapa Tourist Area, Lao Cai
- Bac Ha Market, Bac Ha Town, Lao Cai
Seng Cu Rice
Seng Cu rice is well-known for its fragrant aroma. This rice is mainly grown in two districts of Lao Cai, namely Muong Khuong and Bat Xat. The experts believe that Seng Cu rice from Muong Khuong is superior. As rice is the staple food, it can be a great gift if you’re not sure what to buy in Lao Cai.
Here are some places where you can buy Seng Cu rice:
- Lao Cai Product Supermarket (Bitexco Urban Area, Tran Hung Dao Avenue, Bac Cuong Ward, Lao Cai City)
- Anh Nguyen Clean Food Store (No. 109, Hong Ha Street, Coc Le Ward, Lao Cai City)
- Oanh Vinh Agent (Sapa new market’s gate, road N1 group 3B, Sapa)
San Lung Wine
San Lung wine, a specialty produced by the Red Dao people, is also a popular item to purchase in Lao Cai. This wine is made from upland rice. Rice is soaked until it sprouts and then brewed with herbal yeast. This wine has a delightful aroma of forest leaves blended with the rich taste of upland rice.
If you’re interested in buying San Lung wine, you can check out the following places:
- San Lung Wine Joint Stock Company (Lot 11 Bac Duyen Hai Industrial Cluster, Duyen Hai Ward, Lao Cai City)
- San Lung wine factory (Ban Pho 1 village, Ban Pho commune, Bac Ha, Lao Cai)
Muong Khuong Chili Sauce
Muong Khuong Chili Sauce is another popular item that you can purchase as a gift in Lao Cai. It is made with bird’s eye chili, corn wine, star anise, garlic, and granulated salt. After being ground, the mixture is aged in oak barrels for two months, which gives it an unforgettable taste.
Here are the addresses where you can find Muong Khuong chili sauce:
- Hoa Loi Muong Khuong chili sauce (Canh Chin village, Van Hoa, Lao Cai city)
- Suoi Ngan Muong Khuong chili sauce (Sang Chai, Muong Khuong town, Lao Cai Province)
Above are 9 must-try Lao Cai foods for your next visit. These culinary delights are not only a great way to experience Lao Cai’s culture and cuisine, but also make for great gifts to bring back home.
Some more information about Lao Cai:
- First trip to Lao Cai? All you need to know.
- Best 8 Lao Cai Restaurants for Experiencing Authentic Local Cuisine
- Discover 13 Stunning And Well-known Lao Cai Tourist Attractions
- Travel to Sapa Vietnam – Useful Guide for Your First Time
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