Lạng Sơn Cuisine

Lạng Sơn Cuisine: Flavors and Lifestyle that I, mr.hotsia, Must Share

I, mr.hotsia, had the chance to visit Lạng Sơn, a northern province of Vietnam. This place is not only known for its nature and history but the food is the heart that impressed me the most and I want to tell everyone about it straightforwardly.

Let's start withLạng Sơn Roast DuckThis city is nicknamed “The Roast Duck Capital of Vietnam,” and having tasted it myself, I can say it did not disappoint. The roast duck here is unique because it is stuffed with Mắc mật leaves, a plant grown in northern Vietnam, southern China, and even Nan province in Thailand.Mắc mậtThese leaves not only provide a distinctive aroma but also have properties that help with dandruff. Who would have thought that roast duck hides such a secret!

Another interesting point is that Lạng Sơn roast duck must be eaten hot. I once encountered a place where the duck was cold and tasted a bit tough, but when freshly grilled, it’s truly heavenly. Street vendors here can match the quality of fancy restaurants. If you want to know more about roast duck, I have written an article titledLạng Sơn Roast Duckwhich I encourage you to read.

Besides roast duck, another dish I often ate for breakfast at the local morning market wasWater Hyacinth Noodle Soupknown locally asBún Cá(Bun Ca), a white thin rice noodle soup with crispy fried fish and fresh vegetables resembling water hyacinth, offering a refreshing and sweet flavor from the fish broth. I, mr.hotsia, really enjoyed the mild spice level that made it easy to eat without feeling heavy, and most importantly, the freshness of ingredients at Lạng Sơn’s morning market.

If you stay atHoang Son Hai Hotellike I did, I recommend trying the fried rice stall right next to the hotel. This place fries rice with a fragrant aroma and authentic Vietnamese rich flavors. They offer both fried rice and fried noodles, and the latest dish I discovered wasRaw Egg SoupHere, they separate the egg white, leaving only the yolk floating in a clear, sweet broth. The yolk has no fishy smell at all. Eating it felt like enjoying a simple yet full-flavored and impressive authentic Vietnamese soup.

My trip to Lạng Sơn was not just about food but also about experiencing the local lifestyle up close. The city has a morning market calledChợ Đông Kinhfull of colors and the sounds of vendors selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and freshly made food for tasting and buying to take home. I enjoy spending mornings walking through this market because it shows the simplicity and warmth of the Lạng Sơn people.

In the evening, there are many street stalls selling hot roast duck along with grilled pork. I have been searching for a grilled pork stall as good as the roast duck but haven’t found one I like yet. If you get a chance to visit, don’t forget to try the grilled pork too. I believe if you find a freshly made hot stall, it will be just as delicious.

For accommodation, I recommend choosing a tall hotel likeHoang Son Hai Hotelwhere I stayed. Besides offering beautiful high views of the city, it’s very convenient for traveling to markets and delicious restaurants.Read my article about hotels in Lạng Sơnto prepare for your trip.

If you want to see an overview of Lạng Sơn from above, I have an article and video that capture the atmosphere titledLạng Sơn Birds Eye View - Lạng Sơn Province, Vietnamwhich will make you feel like you are walking around the city yourself.

Finally, I, mr.hotsia, want to say that the food here is not just about taste but an experience that made me feel close to the culture and lifestyle of the Lạng Sơn people. Northern Vietnam here is truly unique, and I want everyone to experience it at least once.

For Vietnamese food videos I like related to the dining atmosphere here, check them out here:

• Vietnamese Grilled Button Squid
• Vietnamese Chicken Biryani
• Vietnamese Nem Fang

If you visit Lạng Sơn, don’t forget to try these local dishes and share your experience with me, mr.hotsia. I believe you will fall in love with this city just like I did!