Cao Bằng Cuisine – Must-Try Local Specialties

Cao Bằng is not only famous for its breathtaking natural landscapes but also captivates visitors with its rich and diverse cuisine, deeply rooted in ethnic traditions. If you have the chance to visit this land, don’t miss out on these specialties:

1. Cao Bằng “ Bánh Cuốn” – Unique with Bone Broth

Unlike other regions where rice rolls (bánh cuốn) are served with fish sauce, Cao Bằng’s version is paired with a rich, savory bone broth. The soft, thin rice sheets are filled with minced meat and fragrant fried onions, creating a distinct flavor. A steaming hot bowl of these rice rolls in the morning will surely win your heart.

Time :

• Morning: 6 AM – 9 AM
• Evening: 7 PM – 10 PM

• A plate of freshly made rice rolls with a silky texture
• A bowl of clear, flavorful bone broth
• A street vendor making rice rolls over a glowing charcoal stove

2. Cao Bằng Sour Pho “Phở Chua” – A Perfect Balance of Flavors

Sour pho (phở chua) is a signature dish of the Tày people, often enjoyed in summer. It features chewy rice noodles, roasted pork, crispy duck, cucumbers, peanuts, and a tangy-sweet sauce. The harmonious blend of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors makes it a favorite among visitors.

Time :

• Morning: 6 AM – 10 AM

• A colorful bowl of sour pho with various toppings
• A vendor drizzling the signature sauce over the noodles
• Tourists enjoying sour pho at a street-side eatery

3. Áp Chao Cake – The Perfect Winter Snack

Bánh áp chao is a deep-fried delicacy with a crispy golden crust and a rich duck filling. Served with fresh herbs and spicy garlic fish sauce, this street food is a wintertime favorite in Cao Bằng.

Time :

• Afternoon to evening: 2 PM – 7 PM

• A batch of bánh áp chao sizzling in hot oil
• A plate of golden-fried cakes with fresh greens and dipping sauce
• Locals enjoying this snack at a bustling street stall

4. Cao Bằng Smoked Sausage (Lạp Sườn) – The Taste of the Mountains

Cao Bằng’s smoked sausage (lạp sườn) is made local pork, marinated with mac mat leaves, rice wine, and ginger before being naturally smoked. When grilled, it releases an irresistible aroma, making it a delicious accompaniment to rice or sticky rice.

• Strings of sausages hanging over a smoky kitchen fire
• A plate of grilled sausage, golden-brown and juicy, served with fresh herbs
• Villagers preparing handmade sausages in traditional workshops

5. Xôi Trám – A Rustic Yet Unique Sticky Rice Dish

There are two variations of xôi trám: the rich, nutty black trám sticky rice and the mildly sweet white trám sticky rice. When mixed with glutinous rice, trám fruits enhance the dish with their natural sweetness and creamy texture.

• A platter of both black and white trám sticky rice
• Villagers carefully removing trám seeds for cooking
• A traditional bamboo tray filled with colorful sticky rice

6. Bánh Khảo – A Traditional Tày & Nùng Treat

Bánh khảo is a traditional cake made glutinous rice flour, filled with roasted peanuts or mung beans and sugar. Commonly enjoyed during Lunar New Year, it has a light, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, symbolizing warmth and family bonds.

• Neatly wrapped bánh khảo in vibrant red paper packaging
• Local artisans crafting bánh khảo by hand
• A festive Tày and Nùng New Year feast featuring this delicacy

7. Cao Bằng Roasted Duck – A Signature Delicacy

Cao Bằng roasted duck is a must-try specialty, known for its distinctive marinade and traditional roasting method.

What makes it special?

• Unique seasoning: The duck is marinated with honey, mac mat leaves, dổi seeds, and mắc khén (a type of Sichuan pepper), creating a fragrant and flavorful dish.
• Roasting method: The duck is slow-roasted over charcoal or in a specialized oven, ensuring crispy skin and juicy, tender meat.
• Special dipping sauce: Served with a signature sweet-savory sauce made honey, mac mat leaves, or a tangy-spicy blend.

Conclusion

Cao Bằng’s cuisine is a vibrant reflection of its cultural heritage, combining natural ingredients with traditional cooking techniques. If you ever visit this beautiful province, be sure to indulge in these specialties to experience the true flavors of the Northeast!

Additionally, in Cao Bằng you can enjoy Northwest-style grilled dishes along the city streets in the evening.

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