Cao Bằng Sausage or Vietnamese Sausage

Cao Bằng sausage or Vietnamese sausage from Cao Bằng

When talking about Cao Bằng Province in northern Vietnam, many may know it well as the city famous for Ban Gioc Waterfall. But for me, mr.hotsia, Cao Bằng has another charm that you must try: Cao Bằng sausage, which the Vietnamese calllạp sườnwhich has a unique character unlike any other sausage in Vietnam.

In the central market of Cao Bằng city, I passed by many sausage shops. Each shop demonstrated the process from mixing the meat, stuffing the casing, to hanging and smoking in a traditional home kitchen. This is the traditional method used to preserve food in this cold region. The sausages are smoked for at least three months before being fried or grilled. The flavor I tasted was not overly salty like typical sausages but fragrant with smoky aroma mixed with spices marinated in pork meat, shoulder, and ham combined with pork heart cleaned with dry alcohol for cleanliness and enhanced flavor.

At the first bite, the fragrant smoky aroma blended with the deep spice flavors in the meat reminded me of Thai sai ua mixed with som ton or ham, but with a stronger intensity and more pronounced smoky scent. This is the special feature clearly different from sausages in the lowlands. I tried it with hot sticky rice bought from the morning market in Cao Bằng city—a perfect breakfast.

Local Lifestyle and Food in Cao Bằng City

Cao Bằng is a small town located on a plain surrounded by high mountains and a large river flowing through. The town itself has a lively and clean morning market, which is a hub for diverse local foods and ingredients. I have written about it in the articleCao Bằng Morning Marketwhere besides the famous sausages, there is also roasted duck that differs from typical northern Vietnamese roasted duck.

Most locals in Cao Bằng are Tai people who still use Thai-Lao language and culture. I occasionally heard Thai spoken in the market, which felt warm and familiar like being home. Eating here is not just about taste but also experiencing the genuine lifestyle of the locals.

Firsthand Experience from mr.hotsia in Cao Bằng

When I stayed in Cao Bằng city, I chose Sunny Hotel Cao Bang, located not far from the market. Walking to the market took some time but offered beautiful city views from the hotel’s upper floors. The room had cool air conditioning and served Vietnamese-style breakfast. It was definitely worth the price. For those interested in accommodation, check out the details in my articleHotels in Cao Bằng Province, Vietnamthat I have written.

One morning, I walked to the market to find Cao Bằng sausage for breakfast. Most shops sold it fried or grilled. The taste was so delicious that I couldn’t resist buying several pieces to take back to the hotel. The crispy outside and tender inside became even more delicious when dipped in the sweet and sour sauce prepared by the shop.

Besides the sausage, I also tried other popular dishes in this province, such as Cao Bằng’s special roasted duck and boiled offal rice porridge sold at roadside stalls at night. All had a mellow flavor reflecting the Tai people's food culture in the area. For tourists looking for a restaurant, I recommend “Pizza Chi,” located in the alley opposite Cao Bằng market, offering pizza and local sausages to try.

The Specialness of Cao Bằng Sausage in the Context of Cao Bằng Province

Cao Bằng sausage is not just ordinary food but one of the identities reflecting the food preservation wisdom of the Tai people in this cold region. Cao Bằng Province borders China and is well known for Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world (read more inBan Gioc Waterfall (Detian Waterfall)). Tasting the sausage here is like experiencing the deeply blended lifestyle and culture of this province.

If you enjoy deep and immersive travel experiences, don’t miss trying Cao Bằng sausage when visiting this province. I guarantee the flavor I, mr.hotsia, tasted will leave a lasting impression. Moreover, exploring the morning market of Cao Bằng city and staying at the comfortable hotel I recommend will make your trip even more perfect.

For those interested in local food and culture, I recommend following my other articles aboutFood and Cuisine of Cao Bằng People, Vietnamto prepare before your trip. See you again with mr.hotsia for exciting travels!