Hoa Binh Cuisines - Food To Try & Love

In addition to its breathtaking landscapes, the cuisine of Hoa Binh continues to be a major attraction in the province. The specialties of Hoa Binh are diverse and unique to the Northwestern mountainous region of Vietnam. Here are some must-try dishes when you visit this enchanting area in 2025.

Lam Rice (Rice in Bamboo Tube)

Lam Rice captures the essence of the Northwestern mountains and forests beautifully. This dish primarily consists of sticky rice, prepared using a traditional method that involves cooking it in a bamboo cylinder. To make this delicacy, rice is combined with water in a bamboo tube, which is then covered with banana leaves and baked over a slow fire. When it's ready, gourmets simply break open the bamboo casing to enjoy the sweet aroma and flavor of the rice, which is even more delicious when paired with sesame salt.
Photo: dulichvietnam.com.vn

Loong Soup

Loong soup is a distinct dish made with ingredients such as poke and peeled bananas sourced from the forests of Hoa Binh. The bananas are harvested from deep within the forest, peeled, and then sliced into thin pieces. These banana slices are mixed with salt to reduce their sourness and are then cooked with piglet meat and local ingredients, including roasted Dổi nuts and sliced Lốt leaves. This dish is known for its refreshing and sweet flavor that keeps food enthusiasts coming back for more.

Meat Roll with Pomelo Leaf

This dish stands out not only for its delightful taste but also as a true representation of Hoa Binh's culinary uniqueness. To prepare it, high-quality pork belly is sliced into bite-sized pieces and seasoned with fish sauce and onions. Afterward, fresh pomelo leaves are halved, and each segment is used to wrap a piece of marinated meat, secured with bamboo sticks. Grilling these rolls over a slow fire releases an enticing aroma, blending the flavors of the poke and pomelo leaf that will entice any food lover.

Xôi Ngũ Sắc (Five Colors Sticky Rice)

Popular among the ethnic communities in the Northwestern region, Xôi Ngũ Sắc is visually striking, resembling a flower with its five vibrant colors: white, green, black, orange, and yellow. Each color symbolizes one of the five natural elements in Oriental philosophy. The different colors also contribute unique flavors, as they are created using various ingredients and cooking techniques. For instance, the green color is derived from pandan leaves, the orange hue from Gấc fruit, and the yellow results from cooked mung beans.
Photo: vanhien.vn