‘Da’ cake: A captivating dish of Ha Giang Province

BHG - Ha Giang is renowned for its many specialities and famous dishes, such as ‘men men’ (corn cake), ‘thang co’ (horse hotpot), ‘banh chung gu’ (glutinous rice cake), and Shan Tuyet tea. Among these, the standout is the ‘da’ (stone) cake, a traditional delicacy highly appreciated by tourists.

Stone cake has vibrant colours from natural ingredients such as pandan leaves, purple leaves, butterfly pea flowers, turmeric, or ‘gac’ fruit.

Stone cake is a customary dish of the mountainous communities, often served during holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year). According to Ly Hoi Seo from Dong Van, making the cake involves meticulous steps. 

After harvesting rice, locals select high-quality grains and mix regular rice with sticky rice in a specific ratio. The mixture is soaked for 4–5 hours, dried, ground into flour, steamed until soft, and then pounded to achieve a sticky texture. 

The dough is shaped into large brick-like cakes while still warm to ensure cohesion. The cakes are naturally coloured using ingredients such as pandan leaves, purple leaves, butterfly pea flowers, turmeric, or ‘gac’ (momordica cochinchinensis) fruit.

Several production facilities have been established in Ha Giang to meet market demand and cater to tourists. One is Trung Hieu Cooperative in Phong Quang Commune, Vi Xuyen District. 

Phung Thi Thu Minh, the cooperative’s owner said that the cooperative has two branches in Dong Van District and Phong Quang Commune, which produce around 500 kg of cakes daily.

The cooperative offers diverse variations such as sliced, chunked, or round cakes and utilises modern equipment like grinders and vacuum sealers to enhance efficiency.

Voong Thi Thao, a tourist from Tuyen Quang Province, said that after watching food reviews on the internet, she was curious about the cake's texture. One describes the cake as “as hard as a rock”, but it then turns into a chewy and addictive treat after it is cooked. “The cake is an addictive dish among my family members. It boasts a rich flavour with a moderate chewiness that appeals to all ages.”

‘Da’ cake can be used in dishes like ‘thang den’ or cooked with broth for a noodle-like experience. It can also be fried or grilled with condiments like chilli sauce or condensed milk. 

HOANG YEN