BHG - Every Lunar New Year (Tet), in the villages of the Tay ethnic minority people in Phuong Do Commune (Ha Giang City), the sight of ‘banh chung gu’ (hunchback glutinous rice cake) appears on festive trays and in sacred rituals. This small cake is more than just a rustic dish; it embodies the cultural beauty and traditional values of a community living harmoniously with nature. From the forest-sourced dong leaves to fragrant glutinous rice, everything blends together to create a dish rich in flavour and profound meaning, becoming the soul of the Tay people’s traditional New Year.
BHG - When it comes to Ha Giang street food, one cannot overlook the iconic Áp Chao pancake shop run by Mrs. Hoang Bich Ha. With over 20 years of history, the shop, located on Nguyen Trai Street in the heart of the city, has become a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. Not only be renowned for its signature Áp Chao pancakes, the shop also offers a variety of delightful snacks such as fried dough sticks, sweet potato cakes, and banana fritters.
BHG - Xin Man, a district located in the western part of Ha Giang Province, is renowned for its breathtaking destinations such as the Suoi Thau Steppe (often compared to the stunning landscapes of Switzerland), Tien Waterfall within the Deo Gio rainforest, Thien Thuy Cave, and the Nan Ma relic site.
BHG - Ha Giang Province is in its peak season for tourism, when buckwheat flowers are blooming everywhere and many festivals are being held amidst the mild weather. Coming to Ha Giang at this time, visitors should not miss the following dishes.
BHG - Made from a potentially toxic herb called "au tau" root, scientifically known as Aconitum, but through the processing method of the Mong ethnic group in Ha Giang, it has become a famous specialty.
BHG - ‘Bong’ fish (phoenix barb) has a strong attachment to the traditional culture of the Tay ethnic group in Ha Giang Province. It is considered a symbol of respect for ancestors and nature. For the Tay ethnic people, Bong fish is a delicious dish that carries cultural and spiritual values and is an indispensable part of daily life, especially during Tet holidays and important ceremonies.
BHG - When people think of Ha Giang, they often picture its untamed natural beauty, terraced fields, historical sites, and bustling highland markets brimming with the rich cultural heritage of ethnic minorities. All these elements create the majestic Ha Giang. Along with its diverse culture, the local cuisine of Ha Giang’s ethnic groups attracts both domestic and international visitors, especially Pho Ngo (corn noodle soup). Its eye-catching presentation and delicious flavour have truly won the hearts of many tourists who visit the rocky plateau region of Ha Giang.
BHG - If visitors ever set foot in Ha Giang — Vietnam’s northernmost province — they should not miss trying banh chung gu (humped banh chung) — a famous local specialty.
“Banh chung gu” — a must-have dish of Tay ethnic people during Tet
