Taste of the Mountains: Top 10 Must-Try Foods in Cao Bang
- Travel Vietnam Guides
- May 21
- 4 min read
Cao Bang, a captivating province in Northern Vietnam, is a land of dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Beyond its natural wonders, Cao Bang offers a distinctive culinary scene, shaped by the local ingredients and the traditions of its diverse ethnic minority groups. For travelers venturing to this less-explored gem, delving into its unique local cuisine is an essential part of the journey. Here are ten must-try dishes that promise a memorable gastronomic experience.
1. Bánh Cuốn Cao Bằng (Cao Bang Steamed Rice Rolls)
This is arguably Cao Bang's most famous culinary export. Unlike other Bánh Cuốn versions, Cao Bang's specialty features extremely thin, delicate steamed rice sheets. They are often filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, and crucially, served with a unique dipping sauce made from rich bone broth (sometimes with a hint of fermented fish sauce) instead of the lighter nuoc cham. A fried egg or slices of Vietnamese sausage (chả) are common accompaniments.
Where to Eat: Many local eateries throughout Cao Bang City, especially around the central market. Look for "Bánh Cuốn Nóng" (Hot Bánh Cuốn).
Price: Around VND 25,000 - 40,000 per serving.
2. Phở Chua Cao Bằng (Cao Bang Sour Pho)
A refreshing and distinct variation of pho, "Phở Chua" is a cold or lukewarm noodle salad with a sweet and sour dressing, quite different from the hot soup pho found elsewhere. It typically includes char siu pork, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, fried shallots, and sometimes crispy fried pork skin, all tossed with a tangy sauce.
Where to Eat: Local noodle shops in Cao Bang City. Ask locals for their favorite "Phở Chua" spots.
Price: A bowl typically costs VND 30,000 - 50,000.
3. Vịt Quay Bảy Vị (Seven-Flavor Roasted Duck)
This specialty duck dish is unique to Cao Bang. The duck is marinated with a blend of seven distinct local spices and herbs before being roasted to perfection, resulting in incredibly aromatic skin and tender, flavorful meat.
Where to Eat: Restaurants specializing in roasted duck in Cao Bang City.
Price: Varies depending on the size of the duck, but expect to pay VND 200,000 - 400,000 for a whole duck.
4. Bánh Khảo (Cao Bang Rice Cake)
A traditional sweet treat made from roasted glutinous rice flour, sugar, lard (or vegetable oil), and often flavored with grapefruit blossom essence or pandan. It has a dry, powdery texture that melts in your mouth and is often pressed into decorative molds.
Where to Eat: Available at local markets, specialty food stores, and as souvenirs throughout Cao Bang.
Price: Varies by size and quantity, typically VND 30,000 - 80,000 per pack.
5. Xôi Trám Cao Bằng (Black Canarium Sticky Rice)
A simple yet incredibly delicious dish made from sticky rice cooked with black canarium fruit (quả trám). The fruit imparts a unique earthy, slightly bitter, and savory flavor to the rice, turning it a distinctive purple-black color.
Where to Eat: Often found at local markets or small eateries serving breakfast and local snacks.
Price: Very affordable, around VND 10,000 - 20,000 per portion.
6. Hạt Dẻ Trùng Khánh (Trung Khanh Chestnuts)
Trung Khanh, a district in Cao Bang, is famous for its sweet, buttery chestnuts. These are larger and more flavorful than other varieties. They are often roasted, boiled, or used in various local dishes.
Where to Eat: Commonly sold by street vendors, at local markets, especially during the harvest season (autumn-winter), or used in dishes at restaurants.
Price: Varies by season and quantity, often sold by weight.
7. Lạp Xưởng Cao Bằng (Cao Bang Sausage)
A type of cured sausage, similar to Chinese lap cheong, but with a distinct Cao Bang flavor. It's made from lean pork, seasoned with local spices, and traditionally smoked over charcoal fire, giving it a unique aroma and slightly sweet, savory taste.
Where to Eat: Available at local markets and specialty food stores. Often cooked as a side dish or with sticky rice.
Price: Varies by weight, typically sold as a souvenir or for home cooking.
8. Bánh Trôi (Floating Cakes)
While found elsewhere in Vietnam, Cao Bang's Bánh Trôi are often made with indigenous ingredients. These small, glutinous rice balls are typically filled with either mung bean paste (sweet) or savory minced meat. They are boiled and served in a clear ginger syrup (for sweet) or a light broth (for savory).
Where to Eat: Local street food stalls and small eateries.
Price: Very affordable, VND 10,000 - 20,000 per bowl.
9. Thắng Cố (Horse Meat Hotpot)
A traditional dish of the Hmong people, Thắng Cố is a hearty hotpot made primarily from horse meat and offal, stewed with various herbs and spices. It has a strong, unique flavor and is often shared communally, especially during festivals or market days. It's an adventurous dish for the truly daring foodie.
Where to Eat: Predominantly found at local markets in remote districts (like Dong Van or Meo Vac if combined with a Ha Giang trip), or specialized local restaurants in Cao Bang City catering to local tastes.
Price: A pot can range from VND 150,000 - 300,000 depending on size.
10. Cao Bang Sticky Rice Varieties
Beyond Xôi Trám, Cao Bang offers various colorful and flavorful sticky rice dishes. These often incorporate local ingredients like the leaves of various trees to create natural dyes (e.g., black sticky rice, purple sticky rice) and unique aromas. They can be served plain or with toppings.
Where to Eat: Common at local markets, small street food stalls, and as breakfast items.
Price: Very affordable, around VND 10,000 - 20,000 per portion.
Exploring Cao Bang's cuisine is an integral part of understanding its culture and people. From the delicate Bánh Cuốn to the hearty Vịt Quay Bảy Vị, these dishes offer a unique and memorable taste of Vietnam's fascinating northern mountains.
Travel Vietnam Guides
Comments