Top 10 Must-Try Foods on Ha Giang Loop with Jasmine Tours

1. Thang Co – The H'mong's Hearty Stew

Thang Co is one of the most traditional dishes of the H'mong people in Ha Giang. This hearty stew is made with horse meat, organs, and a mix of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and lemongrass. It's a bold dish that may seem adventurous, but trying Thang Co is a true local experience. On your tour with Jasmine Tours, we stop at local markets where you can savor an authentic bowl of Thang Co, best paired with local corn wine.

Read more about Ha Ginag Loop Cuisine

2. Buckwheat Cakes (Bánh Tam Giác Mạch)

Buckwheat flowers are a symbol of Ha Giang’s beauty, blooming in vibrant pink and purple hues across the mountains from October to November. But these flowers aren’t just for admiring—they're turned into delicious Bánh Tam Giác Mạch, or buckwheat cakes. This pancake has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and is a popular snack among locals. Jasmine Tours includes stops at local markets and villages where you can try this delightful dish, especially during the buckwheat flower season.

Read more about Best time to Visit Ha Giang

3. Ha Giang Sour Pho (Phở Chua Hà Giang)

Phở Chua, or Sour Pho, offers a unique twist on the traditional Vietnamese pho. This cold noodle dish has a tangy flavor, thanks to fermented vegetables and a special vinegar-based sauce. It’s usually topped with shredded chicken, peanuts, and herbs, making it both refreshing and satisfying. Jasmine Tours knows the best local eateries along the Ha Giang Loop where you can enjoy this specialty during your lunch breaks.

Read more about Legal Requirements for Riding in Ha giang and How to Get International Driving Permit

4. Thịt Gác Bếp (Smoked Meat)

A popular dish among the Tay and Dao ethnic groups, Thịt Gác Bếp is smoked meat that’s rich in flavor. It’s typically made from pork or buffalo, seasoned with spices, and slowly smoked over a wood fire. The result is a chewy, savory treat that pairs well with a glass of rice or corn wine. Jasmine Tours often organizes cultural dinner nights where you can sample Thịt Gác Bếp in a traditional homestay setting, learning more about the local way of life.

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5. Men Men (Steamed Corn Flour)

Men Men, a staple dish of the H’mong people, is made from ground corn flour that is steamed to create a hearty, dense meal. It’s commonly served with a side of bone broth or vegetable soup. Jasmine Tours ensures that you experience Men Men during your breakfast stops in H’mong villages, giving you a taste of the local lifestyle and filling you up for a day of riding through Ha Giang’s rugged terrain.

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6. Bánh Cuốn Đồng Văn (Dong Van Rice Rolls)

Bánh Cuốn in Dong Van is unlike the typical rice rolls you’ll find in Hanoi. Served with a hot bowl of bone broth instead of the usual fish sauce, these rice rolls are stuffed with minced pork, mushrooms, and herbs. The smoky aroma and warm broth make this dish a perfect breakfast option. During your Ha Giang Loop tour with Jasmine Tours, we start our mornings early in Dong Van town, where you can enjoy these rice rolls at a local eatery.

7. Xôi Ngũ Sắc (Five-Colored Sticky Rice)

Xôi Ngũ Sắc is a visually stunning sticky rice dish prepared by the Tay people during special celebrations. The five colors—red, yellow, green, purple, and white—are naturally dyed using local plants and each has a slightly different flavor. Jasmine Tours often arranges stops at cultural events and festivals where you can taste this vibrant dish, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances for a complete cultural immersion.

8. Chè Lam (Ha Giang Sweet Rice Cake)

Chè Lam is a sweet, chewy rice cake flavored with ginger and molasses, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This treat pairs well with a cup of green tea, making it a common snack among locals. Jasmine Tours includes visits to local markets where you can try Chè Lam fresh, often straight from the vendor's stall, as you explore the colorful market scenes of Ha Giang.

9. Lợn Cắp Nách (Free-Range Pork)

Lợn Cắp Nách, or “free-range pork,” comes from small pigs raised in the wild by local families. The pork is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, often grilled over charcoal or slow-cooked with herbs. It’s a must-try dish that you’ll likely encounter at homestays arranged by Jasmine Tours. Our guides also make sure to include restaurants that serve this specialty along the Ha Giang Loop route.

10. Bia Hoi Ha Giang (Ha Giang Draft Beer)

No food tour in Ha Giang is complete without trying Bia Hoi, the locally brewed draft beer. It’s fresh, light, and goes well with almost every dish mentioned above. At the end of a long day of riding, Jasmine Tours often brings travelers to local beer stalls to unwind, socialize, and share stories of the day’s adventures over a cold glass of Bia Hoi.

11. Conclusion

Ha Giang’s culinary offerings are as rich as its landscapes, with each dish telling a story of the people and traditions of this remote region. From the smoky flavors of Thịt Gác Bếp to the tangy, refreshing taste of Phở Chua, every meal is an adventure of its own. With Jasmine Tours, not only will you experience the breathtaking beauty of Ha Giang, but you’ll also get to savor the authentic flavors that make this region so unique. Join us on the Ha Giang Loop and taste the best of Ha Giang!

Contact Information for Jasmine Tours:

• Website: Jasmine Tours Official Website

• Email: support@jasminehagiang.com

• Hotline & WhatsApp (8am - 10pm):

  • +(84) 375 299 476

  • +(84) 974 205 994

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• Office Address: Jasmine Tours Office, No. 22, Phat Loc Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

• Addresses:

  • Jasmine Hostel, No. 61 Cau Me Street, Phuong Thien Commune, Ha Giang

  • Jasmine Retreat (Jasmine Hostel 2), Hoa Bac/Km11, Vi Xuyen Commune, Ha Giang