Thanh Hoa, a central province of Vietnam, is renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also for its unique and delicious culinary specialties. If you’re a food enthusiast planning to explore the distinctive flavors of Thanh Hoa, this article is a must-read. Come go explore Thanh Hóa Speciality with us
Recago will accompany you through the top 8 Thanh Hoa specialty you shouldn’t miss, ensuring an unforgettable experience during your visit to this beautiful province!
Nem Chua (Vietnamese Fermented Pork Roll) | Thanh Hoa Specialty
When it comes to Thanh Hoa specialty, the first thing that likely comes to mind is Thanh Hoa Speciality’s famous Nem Chua. This standout dish is known for its mild sourness, a spicy kick from garlic and chili, and the slightly chewy texture of pork, making it an irresistible choice, especially for casual gatherings.
The main ingredients of this Thanh Hoa specialty include finely ground pork, pork skin, garlic, chili, and seasonings. Nem Chua undergoes natural fermentation over a few days, giving it its unique and appealing flavor.
Some popular places to enjoy Nem Chua:
- Nem Chua Đại Phát: 172 Duong Dinh Nghe, Tan Son Ward, Thanh Hoa
Phone: 0816 812 345 & 0584 853 333 - Nem Chua Hoa Thông: 13 Ngoc Giao, Thanh Hoa City, Thanh Hoa and 73D Dao Duy Tu, Thanh Hoa City, Thanh Hoa
Phone: 0947 651 111 - Nem Chua Cây Đa: 326 Truong Thi, Thanh Hoa City, Thanh Hoa, and 22 – 26 Hung Vuong Boulevard, Thanh Hoa City, Thanh Hoa
Phone: 023 7385 5719 & 023 7368 6888
Che Lam Phu Quang (Phu Quang Sweet Rice Cake) | Thanh Hoa Specialty
Che Lam Phu Quang is a traditional dessert with a light sweetness and chewy texture, a nostalgic treat for many Thanh Hoa locals and a delight for anyone with a sweet tooth exploring Thanh Hoa’s specialties.
The main ingredients include glutinous rice, sugar, honey, and roasted peanuts. The cake is cooked and cooled, resulting in a chewy, sweet delicacy with a distinctive aroma.
Some places to enjoy Che Lam Phu Quang:
- Vườn Hoa Market Thanh Hoa: Le Thi Hoa, Lam Son Ward, Thanh Hoa City
- Phu Quang Rice Cake – Duy Tan: 23 Tran Phu, Thanh Hoa City Phu
- Quang Rice Cake – Thanh Liem: 12 Bui Thi Xuan, Thanh Hoa City
Cheo Nhech (Spicy dipping sauce made from a Vietnamese fish) | Thanh Hoa Specialty
Cheo Nhech is a specialty from Thanh Hoa with a rich, spicy flavor and a perfect blend of wild eel meat and traditional spices, offering visitors a memorable culinary experience when visiting this region.
The main ingredients for making Cheo Nhech include eel meat (a type of wild animal), fish sauce, garlic, chili, and other seasonings.
Some popular spots to enjoy Cheo Nhech:
- Chẻo Nhệch – Hương Xưa: 18 Dao Duy Tu, Thanh Hoa City
- Chẻo Nhệch – Quán Vui: 31 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Hoa City
Banh Rang Bua (Rice Cake with pork and mushroom filling) | Thanh Hoa Specialty
Banh Rang Bua is another Thanh Hoa specialty that showcases the diversity of Vietnamese rice-based dishes. This speciality has a delicate rice flavor combined with a savory filling, leaving a lasting impression on visitors to Thanh Hoa.
Banh Rang Bua is made from carefully selected glutinous rice harvested each season. The filling includes pork belly, finely chopped wood ear mushrooms, dried shallots, pepper, salt, and fish sauce, all stir-fried before being wrapped in dong leaves.
You can find Banh Rang Bua at many markets in Thanh Hoa, such as the Dien Bien Market and the Vuon Hoa Market. Additionally, if you visit Thanh Hoa during the lunar dates of March 7-9, you’ll not only get to enjoy Banh Rang Bua in Tho Xuan district but also have the opportunity to join traditional activities held there.
Banh Gai Tu Tru ( Black Rice Cake) | Thanh Hoa Specialty
While Banh Rang Bua captivates visitors with its savory, traditional filling, Banh Gai Tu Tru impresses with its sweet, coconut-infused mung bean filling and soft, sticky outer layer.
The main ingredients include glutinous rice flour, mung beans, sugar, and gai leaves. This Thanh Hoa speciality, with its distinctive green color and rich, sweet flavor, is a popular treat during festivals and Tet celebrations.
Some recommended places to try Banh Gai Tu Tru:
- Mia Village, Tho Xuan, Thanh Hoa: Tho Dien commune, Tho Xuan district, Thanh Hoa City
- Banh Gai Tu Tru – Hoang Anh: 10 Le Thanh Tong, Thanh Hoa City
- Banh Gai Tu Tru – Bich Ngoc: 25 Ho Xuan Huong, Thanh Hoa City
Cha Tom (Shrimp Sausage) | Thanh Hoa Specialty
Another Thanh Hoa specialty you shouldn’t miss is Cha Tom. This dish impresses visitors with its crispy texture, the sweet flavor of shrimp, and a perfect balance of sour, spicy dipping sauce and fresh herbs, especially delightful when served hot.
The main ingredients for Cha Tom include prawns, pork, rice paper, gac fruit, papaya, carrot, onion, garlic, chili, and spices. After mincing the pork and shrimp mixture (hand-grinding preserves the meat’s natural sweetness), it’s mixed with gac fruit pulp. The mixture is then sautéed with spices before being wrapped in rectangular rice paper sheets to create the rolls.
Some popular spots to enjoy Cha Tom:
- Cha Tom Ba That: 9 Le Thi Hoa, Thanh Hoa City
- Cha Tom Thao Muoi: 14 Nha Tho, Truong Thi Ward, Thanh Hoa City
Banh Nhe (Sticky Rice Cake with mung bean and coconut) | Thanh Hoa Specialty
Another Thanh Hoa specialty that holds a special place in the childhood memories of locals is Banh Nhe. This nostalgic treat has a sweet flavor, with a soft, chewy outer layer filled with mung beans and coconut, combined with a light, sweet molasses syrup and a hint of ginger—perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Banh Nhe is relatively simple to make, requiring glutinous rice flour, mung beans, sugar, and spices. The cake is usually steamed, resulting in a delicious and uniquely flavored snack.
Some places to enjoy Banh Nhe:
- Banh Nhe – Ngoc Tuyen: 30 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Thanh Hoa City
- Banh Nhe – Huong Mai: 18 Bui Thi Xuan, Thanh Hoa City
Mam Tep (Fermented Shrimp Paste) | Thanh Hoa Specialty
Thanh Hoa’s Mam Tep was once a delicacy served to the king, highlighting its esteemed position among Thanh Hoa’s specialties. This unique condiment, with its salty and mildly sweet shrimp flavor, is often used to complement other dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The main ingredients include small shrimp, salt, and spices. Freshly caught shrimp are cleaned, mixed with roasted rice powder and salt, and then stored in jars. After a month of fermentation, the shrimp and rice powder blend together, creating a beautiful brick-red paste.
Some popular places to enjoy Mam Tep:
- Minh Chau Mam Tep: 17 Tran Phu, Thanh Hoa City
- Ngoc Ha Mam Tep: 8 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Thanh Hoa City
Conclusion
Thanh Hoa is not only an attractive travel destination with stunning landscapes but also a place where you can savor unique and delicious specialties. If you’re planning a trip to Thanh Hoa, don’t miss the chance to try these famous local dishes!
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