Best Sapa Food – 7 Dishes You Don’t Miss Out

With its romantically majestic natural beauty, the misty town of Sa Pa captivates travelers along with the unique and delectable local cuisine. The richness of the terrain and the distinctive cultural elements have given Sa Pa’s gastronomy its own unmistakable character. Therefore, what to eat and where to dine while exploring Sa Pa becomes a delightful question for travelers. Let’s delve into the discovery of 10 delicious Sa Pa dishes that leave an everlasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to savor them.

1. Thang Co:

Originating from the Hmong community, the largest ethnic group in Sapa, Thang Co stands out as a robust soup crafted from horse meat, bones, and organs. Crafted with precision, the dish features a harmonious blend of 12 traditional spices, including the unique vegetation found in the highlands. Simmered for hours with water, salt, and an array of spices like star anise, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, this dish is traditionally accompanied by bread, vegetables, and a zesty sauce comprising chili, garlic, and vinegar.

This delectable dish was originally exclusively crafted from a single horse, sparing no part. However, in contemporary times, slight modifications have emerged. Different ethnic groups may incorporate buffalo or beef, showcasing the adaptability of Thang Co. A culinary sensation in Sapa, it is a must-try for travelers looking to savor the diverse flavors of the region.

To experience this authentic Hmong dish, venture into Sapa’s local markets, especially on weekends when Hmong vendors from neighboring villages converge to showcase their offerings and engage in social interactions.

For those eager to savor Thang Co, consider the following recommendation:

A Quynh Restaurant:

– Address: 15 Thach Son Street, Sapa Town

– Opening hours: 9:00 – 22:00

– Price range: $4.23 – $15

2. Salmon Sour Hotpot:

Salmon sour hotpot, or Lau Ca Hoi Chua, is a dish that you may not expect to find in Vietnam, a tropical country. But thanks to Sapa’s cool climate, salmon can be farmed in the rivers and streams of this region, providing a fresh and high-quality source of protein for the locals and visitors.

The highlight of the region is the salmon sour hotpot, a simple yet nutritious favorite among locals. The broth takes the spotlight, featuring mountain vegetables and freshly caught salmon. This dish is especially cherished in Sapa’s chilly weather, offering warmth, comfort, and nutrition.

With easy preparation, delightful taste, and health benefits, this dish boasts low-fat content and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, recognized for their positive impact on the heart, brain, and skin. While exploring Sapa, consider indulging in this culinary masterpiece—a testament to the unexpected gastronomic delights thriving in this mountainous terrain.

To savor the authentic flavors of this dish, let’s explore some recommended establishments for Thang Co in Sapa with the suggestions below:

Cầu Mây Sapa Restaurant: 92 Ngũ Chỉ Sơn, Sa Pa Town, Lào Cai
A Nguyên’s Delicious Thang Co Restaurant in Sapa: 06 Bamboo Garden Alley, Fansipan Ward, Sapa, Lào Cai.

3. Bamboo Sticky Rice:

Com Lam, known as Bamboo Sticky Rice, stands as an essential culinary gem of Northwestern Vietnam. Locals often indulge in Com Lam paired with grilled skewered meat or sesame salt. The aromatic, tender rice complements the robust flavor of the skewered meat, enhanced by the rustic and savory touch of sesame salt – a guaranteed remedy for instant satiation amidst the night.

Address to Explore: Red Dao – 4B Thác Bạc, Thị Trấn Sa Pa
Starting from: 10,000 VND per tube

4. Cap Nach Pork:

Cap Nach pork, or Lon Cap Nach, is a specialty of the Giay people, who live in the valleys and the lowlands of Sapa. Cap Nach pork is made from a special breed of pig, which is small, black, and hairy, and weighs only about 6 kilograms. The pigs are free-range and fed with natural food such as corn, cassava, and vegetables, giving their meat a tender and flavorful quality.

Cap Nach pork is usually roasted whole on a spit over a charcoal fire, or grilled on a flat iron pan. The skin is crispy and the meat is juicy, and the dish is served with a spicy sauce made from salt, chili, ginger, and wild leaves. Cap Nach pork is often eaten with rice or corn wine, and it is a popular dish for celebrations and festivals.

Despite its small size, Lon Cap Nach proves its resilience through free-range upbringing, resulting in a well-balanced combination of firm meat and alternating layers of fat, offering both a chewy and tender texture.

Must-Try Location: Hoa Đồng Tiền – 29 Cầu Mây, Thị trấn Sa Pa
Price Starting From: 130,000 VND/plate

5. Sapa Corn Wine:

Sapa corn wine undergoes a meticulous process to reach its peak quality.

The end product is a clear, potent, and aromatic corn wine, boasting an alcohol content of up to 50%. Embraced by locals, particularly men, as a means to warm up, socialize, and celebrate, Sapa corn wine holds a special place in the hearts of its community. It also serves as a symbol of hospitality, friendship, and respect, often offered to guests with pride.

Sipped from small cups or glasses, accompanied by heartfelt toasts or lively songs, Sapa corn wine epitomizes the spirit of camaraderie and tradition in this enchanting region.

Sapa corn wine is an affordable, robust beverage with a delightful aroma, making it a must-try for those seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture. It’s not only an experience but also a perfect souvenir to bring back home. Sapa corn wine is readily available at various locations across Sapa, including markets, restaurants, hotels, and homestays. Don’t miss the chance to savor this distinctive drink and, if you wish, purchase it as a thoughtful gift.

6. Thit Trau Gac Bep (Dried Buffalo Meat)

Thit Trau Gac Bep, or Dried Buffalo Meat, is a Vietnamese culinary gem with a unique and savory flavor profile. This specialty originates from the meticulous process of preserving buffalo meat, creating a delectable snack or an addition to various dishes.

To prepare Thit Trau Gac Bep, thin slices of buffalo meat undergo a careful drying and marinating process. The result is a flavorful, chewy texture that captures the rich essence of buffalo meat. The combination of traditional spices and seasonings enhances the overall taste, creating a distinctive and satisfying flavor profile.

When discovering Sapa cuisine, make sure to save the address:

Sapa Restaurant: 25 Cau May Street, Sapa Town
Sapa Grilling Areas: Cau May Street, Sapa Town

7. Ga Den (Black Chicken)

Black chicken is a distinctive breed indigenous to the Northwest, raised freely in the gardens by the Hmong people. Weighing in at a modest 350g – 1kg, the black chicken boasts ebony-hued skin, meat, and bones. Renowned for its firm texture and delightful aroma, the black chicken is not only a culinary delight but also a nutritional powerhouse, recognized as a medicinal ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

With various preparation methods such as stewing and boiling, the pinnacle of black chicken cuisine lies in the extraordinary Honey Grilled Black Chicken, an absolute must-try for travelers exploring Sapa.

Recommended Location: 18 Cầu Mây, Thị trấn Sa Pa
Starting Price: 300,000 VND per chicken

Here are the top 7 must-try foods in Sapa when you visit. Pack your bags and embark on a culinary journey through this fascinating land. I’m confident you won’t regret it one bit.