eating roasted duck Roasted clay pot duck with Vietnamese kimchi dip

Eating roasted clay pot duck with Vietnamese kimchi dip with mr.hotsia

When talking about Vietnamese food, many people often think of pho, banh xeo, or fresh spring rolls. But for me, mr.hotsia, tasting the unique roasted duck recipe unlike any other in northern Vietnam, especially clay pot duck with spicy kimchi dip, is an experience to treasure.

Once, I traveled toLang Son Provincewhich is a border town with diverse cultures and distinctly different cuisine. This place not only has beautiful mountains and the Ky Cung River flowing through the city, but also amazing local food, especially the clay pot roasted duck I found at the Lang Son morning market.

Clay pot roasted duck, Lang Son's special recipe

The clay pot roasted duck here is unlike any roasted duck I have ever eaten because it is cooked in a traditional kiln using a clay pot. The aroma of the duck meat marinated with Vietnamese spices deeply penetrates the meat. The flavor is perfectly balanced between salty and sweet. The skin is crispy but not too hard, and the meat is tender and juicy. It’s a sensation that made me want to eat several plates.

The key element that makes this clay pot roasted duck special is the “kimchi dipping sauce,” which is not the typical Korean kimchi but a Vietnamese-style kimchi adjusted to complement the duck meat. The spicy, hot, and sweet-sour dipping sauce perfectly cuts through the richness. Biting into the duck with the kimchi dip, I almost forgot all my travel fatigue.

Lang Son Market, the start of a special meal

I, mr.hotsia, must say that Lang Son Market is a perfect place for those who love to explore fresh and local food. The market is located in the city center, just a few minutes’ walk from the Hoang Son Hotel where I stayed. The market offers fresh produce, vegetables, fruits, and a wide variety of ready-to-eat foods. But what impressed me most was the clay pot roasted duck stall that had a clay pot oven right in the middle of the market, filling the area with a delicious aroma.

Coming here is not just about eating clay pot roasted duck but also an opportunity to experience the lifestyle of Lang Son locals—from the sounds of people bargaining, the scent of spices in the air, to the diverse foods that sometimes I had never seen anywhere else.

Travel tips and recommendations for those who want to try

If you want to follow my delicious footsteps, mr.hotsia recommends going in the morning because the clay pot roasted duck will be fresh and hot from the oven. Some stalls may sell out quickly as this is a specialty and limited in quantity. Especially during the hot summer when Lang Son’s weather is quite warm, eating spicy food and hot roasted duck refreshes and satisfies like no other.

For traveling to Lang Son, I stayed at Hoang Son Hotel, which is affordable and conveniently located near the market. Walking around the city is enjoyable, and in the evening I like to sit by the Ky Cung River to cool off and enjoy the peaceful city view.

Connecting with northern Vietnam trips and other stories

If you are interested in more travel stories about northern Vietnam, I have recommended articlesLang Son Province, Vietnamthat describe the lifestyle and interesting places in detail. Or if you like natural scenery and beautiful Buddhist temples, check outBuddhist temples in Da Latwhich I have visited and is another impressive destination in Vietnam.

For those interested in traveling in southern Vietnam, such as using transportation services or Vinh Long bus station, you can also readVinh Long bus stationwhere I shared my firsthand experience.

Video recommendation from mr.hotsia

For those who want to see live footage and the atmosphere of eating clay pot roasted duck, I made a videoeating roasted duck Roasted clay pot duck with Vietnamese kimchi dipto watch, showing how to eat and the flavors I described in detail.

Summary of the experience

Clay pot roasted duck with kimchi dip in Lang Son is not just a delicious dish that impressed me, mr.hotsia, but a window into the lifestyle and local culture of northern Vietnam that still preserves its uniqueness. Tasting food made with heart and local wisdom, along with the fresh market atmosphere and charming small town, made this trip a memory I highly recommend everyone experience themselves.