Ha Giang Food Guide – What & Where to Eat in Northern Vietnam’s Wild Frontier

Tucked in the misty mountains of northern Vietnam, Ha Giang is famous for its epic landscapes — but its cuisine is just as unforgettable. Influenced by the rich ethnic diversity of the region, Ha Giang’s food reflects centuries of tradition from the H’mong, Tay, Dao, and Lo Lo communities.

Whether you’re riding the Ha Giang Loop, staying in a local homestay, or wandering through a Sunday market, don’t miss the chance to savor these authentic northern flavors.

🥣 1. Thắng Cố (Thang Co) – A Traditional H’mong Dish

A hot pot-style stew made from horse meat and offal, simmered with dozens of local herbs. It’s traditionally eaten during festivals and served with corn wine.

⚠️ Strong, bold flavor — not for everyone, but a true local experience.
📍 Try it at Dong Van Market or Meo Vac Sunday Market.

🌽 2. Cháo Ấu Tẩu (Porridge with Tuber Roots)

A unique specialty of Ha Giang made with the bitter ấu tẩu root, pork bones, sticky rice, and fragrant herbs. It’s believed to help fight off the mountain cold.

✅ Best eaten at night for warmth
📍 Available in Ha Giang City’s night market

🌾 3. Five-Color Sticky Rice (Xôi Ngũ Sắc)

Prepared using natural plant dyes, this eye-catching dish symbolizes prosperity and is often served during festivals or family gatherings.

🌈 Colors include red, green, purple, yellow, and white
📍 Look for it in ethnic homestays or local celebrations

🐓 4. Hill Chicken (Gà Đồi Nướng / Luộc)

Free-range chickens raised in the hills make for juicy, flavorful meat, often grilled over charcoal or boiled simply with salt and ginger.

🍗 Usually served with mac khen (mountain pepper) dipping sauce
📍 Found in local restaurants in Dong Van or homestays

🥟 5. Men Men (Steamed Cornmeal)

A daily staple of the H’mong people, Men Men is made from ground corn, steamed and served with savory side dishes or broths.

🍽️ Simple, filling, and authentic
📍 Served in many homes across the Loop

🛍️ 6. Try Local Markets for the Best Experience

Markets in Ha Giang aren’t just for buying — they’re cultural hubs where locals gather to sell, eat, and socialize. Many markets rotate weekly and follow a “lunar calendar.”

📆 Best Markets:

• Dong Van Sunday Market

• Meo Vac Market

• Lung Phin & Du Gia Markets

📍Where to Eat in Ha Giang

• 🍜 Quán Ngon 7 Màu (Ha Giang City) – Good for sticky rice & porridge

• 🍖 Nhà Hàng Bản Cũ (Dong Van) – Ethnic dishes & grilled meats

• 🏡 Local Homestays – For the most authentic meals

Looking for a foodie-focused experience? Book a guided tour that includes local meals and village visits:

👉 4 Days. Ha Giang Mountains & Minority Culture
👉 5 Days. Scenic Ha Giang Road Trip

🌿 Travel & Taste with Heera Travel

At Heera Travel, we help you explore local flavors while respecting cultural traditions. Our Ha Giang tours offer:

• 🚐 Guided trips with ethnic food experiences

• 🏡 Homestay cooking & mountain picnics

• 📶 Free eSIM for staying connected

• 📲 24/7 support in English

📩 Contact us for custom food adventures: https://heeratravel.com/contact