Black chicken - Specialty of the stone plateau

Amidst the wild and majestic rocky plateau, there is a precious breed of chicken that has been associated with the lives of the Mong people for generations. That is the native black chicken.

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Black chickens are naturally raised on steep mountain slopes, feeding on wild herbs, corn, bran, and even small stones. As a result, their meat is firm, lean, and naturally aromatic. Unlike industrial or fast-fattened chickens, black chickens grow slowly, reaching an average weight of only 1,2 to 1,5 kilograms, but their meat is prized for its superior quality and rich flavor.

What makes this chicken truly unique is that its skin, bones, meat, and even internal organs are all black - a rare genetic trait found in only a few chicken breeds worldwide. More than just a local delicacy, black chicken is highly valued in traditional medicine for its health benefits. It is believed to nourish the blood, boost vitality, and aid recovery, especially for the elderly, postpartum women, and those recovering from illness.

At local markets across the rocky plateau of Tuyen Quang, black chickens are either sold by ethnic minorities or prepared into flavorful dishes for visitors from near and far. Signature black chicken dishes include: Herbal black chicken simmered with Chinese herbs such as jujube, goji berries, codonopsis, and rehmannia root. The result is a fragrant, sweet, and nutritious broth that’s rich in flavor but not greasy. Charcoal-grilled black chicken, marinated with mac khen (a type of wild pepper), doi seeds, salt, and native forest spices, then grilled over hot coals to create a smoky and aromatic delicacy. For those who prefer a more natural taste, boiled black chicken served with lemon pepper salt or cham cheo (a traditional dipping sauce made from herbs and spices) offers a simple yet satisfying option.

Today, black chicken is not only a popular item at local markets but also part of small-scale farming initiatives aimed at preserving this rare genetic breed. Across the rocky plateau, many households are combining black chicken farming with community-based tourism, turning this unique delicacy into a cultural and culinary highlight for visitors.

Hoang Anh