Vietnamese Roasted Duck

Vietnamese roasted duck, a delicious specialty from Lang Son province

I, mr.hotsia, had the opportunity to travel and experience the traditional roasted duck flavors in northern Vietnam. One of the destinations that impressed me the most was Lang Son province, famous for its exquisite roasted duck that made me stop and eat several times.

Lang Son province is located near the Chinese border, featuring hilly and mountainous terrain, creating a fresh and beautiful natural atmosphere. I booked accommodation at Hoang Son Hotel in Lang Son city. I arrived in May, the rainy season, with weather not as hot as back home. Walking around the morning market, I could smell the aroma of local food mixed with the slight humidity of the rain.

The highlight of Lang Son that I discovered is the “Vietnamese roasted duck.” This is not the roasted duck we are familiar with at home but has a unique character in terms of spices and the technique of grilling the duck skin to be crispy but not too hard.

In Lang Son market, there are many roasted duck shops lined up to choose from. I noticed that every shop grills the duck fresh right in front of the store. Some use charcoal grills that fill the area with a fragrant aroma. Some shops have a special dipping sauce with a sweet, sour, salty, and slightly spicy taste. I ordered a medium-sized roasted duck dish served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables. The first bite revealed the clear aroma of spices like cinnamon, pepper, and garlic. The duck skin was crispy with intense flavor, and the meat inside was tender and juicy.

The deliciousness of Vietnamese roasted duck in Lang Son is not just about the taste but also the experience of eating closely with the locals. I sat eating roasted duck with villagers in a small shop that didn’t have many tables but was warm and cozy, making me feel like I truly experienced the lifestyle of Lang Son people.

If you travel to northern Vietnam and want to try something uniquely delicious, I recommend you stop byLang Son Provinceand try the Vietnamese roasted duck here at least once. I guarantee you will be as impressed as I, mr.hotsia, am.

The charm of Vietnamese roasted duck from mr.hotsia’s perspective

From my experience tasting roasted duck in many places in Vietnam, I found that in Lang Son, the roasted duck is more balanced and not greasy like in some cities, especially when eaten with hot sticky rice and a dipping sauce mixed with fresh chili and tamarind juice, which cuts through the duck’s fat very well.

Some shops also serve roasted duck with fresh vegetables such as coriander, lettuce, and cucumber, which add freshness and elevate the flavor variety. I personally enjoy walking around the morning market and ordering roasted duck immediately, eating while observing the local lifestyle. It’s an atmosphere that’s not just about eating but truly experiencing Vietnamese culture.

Besides roasted duck, Lang Son also has many interesting natural and cultural attractions such as Nhi Thanh Grotto and To Thi Mountain, which are not far from the city center, allowing me to plan a perfect trip combining sightseeing and eating.

Travel and accommodation recommendations for those wanting to try roasted duck in Lang Son

If you are interested in tasting Vietnamese roasted duck in Lang Son, I recommend booking accommodation in Lang Son city itself for convenience to walk to markets and restaurants. The Hoang Son Hotel where I stayed costs about 600 baht per night, which is reasonable and very comfortable.

To get to Lang Son, you can easily take a bus from Hanoi, which takes about 3-4 hours. The bus stops right in Lang Son city. Once there, I explored the city on foot and took taxis to various tourist spots.

Also, if you plan to continue traveling in northern Vietnam, don’t forget to read my article aboutLang Son Province, Vietnamto prepare information and plan your trip thoroughly.

Don’t miss! Vietnamese Roasted Duck video by mr.hotsia

For those who want to see real footage and the atmosphere of eating Vietnamese roasted duck, I, mr.hotsia, have made a short video. Check it out here.Vietnamese Roasted DuckYou will see the roasting process and the flavors that truly impressed me.

Finally, Vietnamese roasted duck in Lang Son is one of the dishes I highly recommend everyone to try because it’s not just about the taste but also about experiencing the genuine and warm local lifestyle and culture. I, mr.hotsia, will continue to seek out such delicious food on all my journeys. See you again in the next article!