Cuisine of the Cao Bằng People, Vietnam

Cuisine of the Cao Bằng People, Vietnam: Flavors from the Heart of the Tai People on the Borderland

When talking about Cao Bằng Province in northern Vietnam, many people think of the beautiful Ban Gioc Waterfall. But for me, mr.hotsia, equally impressive is the local cuisine that tells the story of the lifestyle and culture of the Tai people living in this area. Today, I will take you to taste the best dishes in Cao Bằng city, which I have personally tried and want to share without reservation.

Cao Bằng Sausage or Unique “lạp sườn”

I walked through the streets of Cao Bằng city to a small shop popular for its Vietnamese sausage called “lạp sườn,” also known by many as Vietnamese sausage similar to northern Thai sausage. This sausage is completely different from any I have tried before. Its flavor is rich but not overly salty, with a distinct smoky aroma like the northern Thai sausage, blended with complex spices similar to the northeastern Thai fermented sausage known as som tod or ham.

Another highlight is the traditional process where the shop uses pork shoulder, ham, and offal marinated with spices and dry alcohol, then stuffed into casings and smoked in the kitchen for up to three months. This creates a truly unique flavor specific to Cao Bằng. I have written a detailed tasting experience of this sausage inCao Bằng Sausage or Vietnamese Northern Sausagein case anyone wants to know the recipe and preparation in depth.

Cao Bằng Roasted Duck: A Special Recipe Different from Typical Northern Vietnam

After the sausage, I didn’t miss trying the roasted duck, a popular dish among northern Vietnamese, especially at the morning market in Cao Bằng city. The roasted duck here differs from the one in Lang Son that I have tried because it does not use Chinese star anise leaves but has a fragrant aroma and tender, juicy meat. I recommend going early in the morning to enjoy hot, fresh roasted duck at a reasonable price.

I sat eating roasted duck at a small shop behind the market with hot sticky rice, the aroma of the duck filling the air. It was a warm atmosphere rarely found in big cities of northern Vietnam. If you want the full morning market experience in Cao Bằng, I have written about it inCao Bằng Morning Marketwhich contains many interesting details.

Street Food and Recommendations for Tourists

If you stay at Sunny Hotel Cao Bang like me, you will notice many street food stalls around the hotel, especially rice porridge shops serving fresh boiled offal and offering beer and liquor in the evening. It’s a great option for those wanting to experience local atmosphere in an unpretentious but genuine way.

For tourists looking for easy meals with a variety of menus, I recommend “Pizza Chi,” located in the alley opposite Cao Bằng market. This shop offers Vietnamese-style pizza, a perfect fusion of Western and Vietnamese flavors. They also serve beef soup, local sausages, and other local dishes at affordable prices. The owner speaks good English and can provide travel information about the province comfortably.

Vietnamese Breakfast at Sunny Hotel

The breakfast at Sunny Hotel where I stayed was full of authentic Vietnamese flavors, including fried noodles, rice porridge, fresh orange juice, and seasonal fruits. The breakfast here is quite delicious. But if you prefer not to eat at the hotel, I suggest walking to the morning market behind the hotel where many shops sell bánh mì and phở. It’s a great chance to experience the morning market atmosphere and taste authentic Vietnamese food.

Atmosphere and Lifestyle Blending Thai-Vietnamese Cultures

Cao Bằng is a province where the majority of the population are Tai people. I heard some locals speaking Thai in the market and on the streets, which made communication not too difficult for me as a Thai. Eating here felt like deeply experiencing a culture blending Thai and Vietnamese influences.

Although this city does not commonly sell wine, there is local sticky rice liquor worth trying. Though the taste was not quite to my liking, it remains an experience that helps understand the local culture better.

Summary of Experience from mr.hotsia

Cao Bằng is not just a destination for lovers of Ban Gioc Waterfall but also a city full of unique local dishes. I, mr.hotsia, traveled and tasted them myself and must say it was truly a satisfying culinary experience.

If anyone is interested in accommodation in Cao Bằng, I recommend reading the articleHotels in Cao Bằng Province, Vietnambecause I have collected detailed information about many accommodations, including travel and the city’s atmosphere.

Finally, if you enjoy watching Vietnamese food mukbang clips or want to see fresh food scenes from Cao Bằng, I have several videos on my YouTube channel, such as grilled button squid and Vietnamese chicken biryani, sure to whet your appetite.