Tasting Buffalo Hide and Young Rattan at Huayxai

Tasting buffalo hide and young rattan at Huayxai, Bokeo Province, Laos

My latest trip with mr.hotsia took me to Huayxai, Bokeo Province, Laos, a small town by the Mekong River opposite Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai Province. Besides the peaceful riverside atmosphere and simple lifestyle, there is another charm I must share: the local food that is hard to find elsewhere, especially “buffalo hide” and “young rattan,” which I tried for the first time on this trip.

Before describing the taste and how to eat, let me tell you that Huayxai is a town where I stopped to rest and continue traveling because it is convenient to cross over from Chiang Khong (for those interested in travel details or the Huayxai bus station, you can read more atHuayxai Bus Station). There is a lively morning and evening market here, a hub for fresh ingredients and local food that lets us experience authentic Lao culture. So it’s no surprise that unusual foods like buffalo hide and young rattan are popular.

Buffalo Hide at Huayxai: A Unique Flavor You Must Try

The buffalo hide at Huayxai is not ordinary fresh hide but dried and fermented for several days to develop a unique flavor. When eating, they char the hide over fire until burnt, then scrape off the ashes. After that, it is cut into small pieces and eaten with white liquor or sticky rice. The taste is crunchy and enjoyable, with salty, sweet, and smoky notes. This is a dish I, mr.hotsia, have never encountered before. It reminds me of my hometown Bang Bo, which also has buffalo hide, but here the taste and eating method are completely different. It’s an experience that anyone who loves trying new things should not miss.

For those who want to try Thai-style buffalo hide, I recommend trying 'Yam Khon Nung' from my hometown Bang Bo, where dried buffalo hide is soaked for several days and then mixed with young coconut and chili paste. The flavor is mellow and sweet. But if you are in Huayxai, try the authentic Lao-style buffalo hide salad, grilled and eaten with sticky rice and white liquor. I guarantee you’ll get the true “Lao” experience.

Two Types of Young Rattan: Astringent and Bitter Flavors That I Loved

Another food I tried and want to recommend is “young rattan,” which is very popular among Lao people. There are two main types here: astringent rattan and bitter rattan.

The astringent rattan has a peel similar to what I’m holding in the photo above. I saw them char it over fire and then peel off the skin. The taste is slightly sweet and astringent. This type is perfect for making “Tam Hang Wai,” where shallots, garlic, and chili paste are pounded together with young rattan, seasoned with spicy and salty flavors to taste. The result is a balanced flavor that suits those who like bold tastes like me.

The bitter rattan is darker green and has a stronger bitter taste. It is also charred over fire before being mixed into Tam Hang Wai to add flavor complexity. The bitterness balances well with the sweet and astringent notes of the astringent rattan. This dish I ate in Huayxai impressed me as a very interesting local food, and I want friends visiting Huayxai to try it.Huayxaishould definitely try it.

Eating and Exploring Experience in Huayxai

I, mr.hotsia, had the chance to walk through Huayxai’s morning market. There are many fresh products here, including vegetables, fruits, and local ingredients like young rattan and buffalo hide sold in the market. Walking through this market is like opening a world of interesting food and culture. Besides food, the lifestyle of locals shopping is simple and friendly.

If you have enough time, I encourage you to visitWat Chom Khao Mani Ratwhich is located on a high hill with clear views of Huayxai town and the Chiang Khong side. You can experience both nature and Lao culture at the same time.

Travel and Recommendations

For travelers who want to try buffalo hide and young rattan like me, getting to Huayxai is not difficult. You can conveniently cross over from Chiang Khong. If you want to continue traveling to other Lao towns like Luang Namtha, you can take a bus from Huayxai bus station (travel details can be read atHuayxai Bus Station)

). Regarding accommodation and restaurants around Huayxai, there are several options. However, I recommend contacting locals or relatives there for recommendations on authentic local restaurants to truly experience the real taste and atmosphere of this town.

Summary

On this trip, I, mr.hotsia, experienced tasting unusual foods like buffalo hide and young rattan in Huayxai, Bokeo Province, Laos, a place full of interesting culture and lifestyle. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle and try something new, and taste unique local food, the crunchy grilled buffalo hide with spicy, sweet, and astringent Tam Hang Wai is something I highly recommend.

Don’t forget, if you visit Laos, don’t miss stopping by Huayxai, a small town with charm and local foods waiting for you to discover. If you want to read more travel stories about Huayxai and other recommended places in Bokeo Province, try clicking onHuayxai Morning and Evening MarketsandVisiting Ban Ton Phueng, Laosto explore more.