People in the Northwest highlands have their special way of cooking, unique and attractive. Each of the dishes creates unforgettable aftertaste for the diners.

The Northwest not only captivates people with its enchanting natural scenery but also causes "nostalgia" with its mountainous dishes. Northwest cuisine has countless dishes, each of which retains a unique flavor that is hard for anyone to refuse. Now, let's explore 5 dishes you must try when coming to this land through the article below!

Thắng cố hot pot

Referring to the cuisine of the Northwest, it is impossible not to mention Thắng cố, a traditional dish of the H'mong people. Thắng cố is made by simmering the meat and organs of the horse. The most special thing about the dish lies in the seasoning. There are up to 12 special spices used such as cardamom, cinnamon, salt, lemon leaves and many others.

Thắng cố hot pot

Thang Co is always a dish that captivates many diners because it has a wonderful aftertaste of highland cuisine. Anyone who tries it would eat the second time, the third time… and it's easy to get addicted to the smell of this specialty mixed with a bit of bitterness. Therefore, if you come to Sapa, you should definitely try this dish.

Hung buffalo meat

Hung buffalo meat is known as “thịt trâu gác bếp” in Vietnam. “Gác bếp” is the way buffalo meat is seasoned and then hung in the kitchen to store it.

Hung buffalo meat, a typical dish of Dien Bien, makes many people nostalgic. When eating it, you will feel the sweetness of the meat and the rich taste of spices, creating an irresistible attraction.

Hung buffalo meat

To make hung buffalo meat, it is necessary to filter out all the tendons and fat, then cut into longitudinal pieces and marinate for 2-3 hours with a mixture of spices including citronella, ginger, garlic, chili and "mắc khén" - a special flavour of Northwest, which taste like pepper. Meat is dried with just enough ripeness so that it does not lose its sweetness.

Moc Chau pan-seared veal

As a dish full of love for the Moc Chau plateau, the veal dish attracts diners with its yellow-aromatic meat and rich nutrients. Anyone who has eaten once will certainly not be able to forget the special taste of this specialty.

When you bite the skin you will feel crispy, but if you chew it carefully, you will find it a bit chewy. Behind the skin is a layer of yellow flesh. As young veal, it is very soft, sweet and greasy, but not cloying. Eating pan-seared veal with raw vegetables while sipping a cup of wine from Docynia Indica, there would be nothing more to say about this taste.

Sapa salmon

If you have the opportunity to come to Sapa, you should definitely try salmon, a Northwest mountain cuisine. The salmon is fresh so that it keeps appetising and fragrant. Salmon is processed into many dishes such as fried salmon, salmon hot pot, salmon salad, etc. Each dish brings its own distinct flavors, once eaten, you will never forget it. It would be a pity that one does not enjoy such an extremely nutritious dish.

Salmon hot pot

Gam river Bỗng fish salad

As a specialty of the Northwest, the Gam river's Bỗng fish salad makes it difficult for diners to forget once they have eaten it. The sweet and savory taste of fish, a little sour, buttery taste from the vegetables and a little spicy taste of pepper blend together. 

Gam River Bỗng fish salad

All create an attractive aftertaste that is hard to describe. The dish will be perfect when dipped in “nước chẻo” - a special sauce of Northwest people, making diners addicted.

Tags: Northwest cuisine, Northwest food, Northwestern Vietnamese cuisine, Northwest cuisine review, Northwest harvest food, Northwest natural food, Northwest native food, Northwest nutritional food