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Top 08 Must-Try Delicious Dishes In Moc Chau, Vietnam

Sunday, September 10, 2023 Food & drink Nguyen Phuong

Moc Chau, located in the northwest region of Vietnam, is not only renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, lush tea plantations, and cool climate but also for its unique and flavorful cuisine. The cuisine of Moc Chau reflects the region's rich cultural diversity, with influences from the Thai, Hmong, and other ethnic groups that call this area home. If you're planning to visit Moc Chau, here are top 08 must-try dishes and culinary experiences.

1. Deep-fry Calf (Be Chao Moc Chau)
2. Green Tea Moc Chau
3. Cow milk – Sua bo Moc Chau
4. Buffalo smoked-meat (Thit trau gac bep Moc Chau)
5. Corn Alcohol – Ruou Ngo Moc Chau
6. Five coloured sticky rice ( Xôi ngũ sắc)
7. Salmon – Ca hoi Moc Chau
8. Nam Pia

1. Deep-fry Calf (Be Chao Moc Chau)

Deep-fry Calf

Deep-fry Calf (Be Chao Moc Chau) stands out as a renowned delicacy hailing from the picturesque Moc Chau region in Vietnam, celebrated for its temperate climate, stunning landscapes, and an array of distinctive agricultural products. This particular specialty is crafted from tender, young veal and showcases its versatility through various delectable preparations. Typically, the young veal is meticulously portioned into bite-sized morsels, lovingly marinated with an assortment of spices, and then skillfully submerged in sizzling hot oil. The end result emerges as a tantalizing platter of glistening, golden-brown veal, enveloped in wisps of steam. Upon tasting, one experiences the delight of succulent, mildly sweet meat that remains pleasantly unburdened by excess grease. The accompanying crispy skin imparts an alluring fragrance that heightens the culinary experience. Best enjoyed piping hot, this dish finds its perfect match in cold, rainy weather.

Some recommended addresses:

Nhà hàng Nam Hưng 70 - Phieng Luong, Moc Chau, Son La, Vietnam - +84 912 065 051

Google map : https://goo.gl/maps/pAnxVntCvNeTcsWg6

Nhà Hàng Xuân Bắc 181 - Phieng Luong, Moc Chau, Son La, Vietnam - +84 366 083 486

Google map : https://goo.gl/maps/7LUNPHGLBYhf6X6k6

2. Green Tea Moc Chau

Moc Chau is famous for its tea, particularly green tea. Tea plantations cover vast areas of the region's landscape. Visitors can immerse themselves in tea culture by visiting tea farms, where they can see the tea-making process, sample fresh tea, and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the tea gardens. Moc Chau tea is meticulously crafted from fresh tea buds, undergoing processes like withering, roasting, stir-frying, creasing, and drying to produce fine green tea leaves. Visitors can savor its famous varieties, such as San Tuyet, Oolong, and Kim Tuyen, each offering a unique taste. When in Moc Chau, don't forget to bring back these tea specialties as delightful gifts for friends and family.

Some recommended addresses:

Mộc Châu 24h - 68B Phan Dinh Giot, Moc Chau, Son La, Vietnam - +84 986 874 595

Google map : https://goo.gl/maps/dsWqVPB9iAfwvPWL8

3. Cow milk – Sua bo Moc Chau

In addition to its renowned tea, Moc Chau is equally famous for its dairy products, particularly cow's milk. Nowadays, Moc Chau's cow milk finds its way to markets across Vietnam and even abroad. However, the unparalleled delight of tasting fresh milk right in Moc Chau remains unbeatable. You can readily acquire fresh milk from local farms or directly through dairy companies. Moreover, a variety of dairy delights like yogurt, fresh milk, whey, and milk cakes are available, often sought after by tourists as unique and nutritious gifts. These dairy products derive their exceptional flavor and nutritional richness from the milk of Dutch dairy cows grazing on the picturesque Moc Chau steppes.

Some recommended addresses:

Dairy Farm - 168 Hoang Quoc Viet, Moc Chau, Son La, Vietnam- +84 986 874 595

Google map : https://goo.gl/maps/yMtZjNe51zT84LyA9

4. Buffalo smoked-meat (Thit trau gac bep Moc Chau)

Buffalo smoked-meat served as a clever means of preserving meat and preventing it from spoiling. Today, it has evolved into one of Moc Chau's most beloved local delicacies. This flavorful dish enjoys popularity not only among the local residents of Moc Chau but also among the ethnic communities of the Northwest mountains. Buffalo smoked-meat is crafted by marinating the meat with a blend of pepper, chili, and ginger before placing it over an open flame. What sets this dish apart is its distinctive preparation—slow smoking over kitchen embers, resulting in meat that's firm, succulent, and endowed with a truly unique flavor. Among the Thai people, it holds a special place, often making appearances during hospitality gatherings accompanied by wine. When you journey to Moc Chau, be sure not to miss the opportunity to savor this ancient and exceptional specialty.

Some recommended addresses:

Mộc Châu 24h - 68B Phan Dinh Giot, Moc Chau, Son La, Vietnam - +84 986 874 595

Google map : https://goo.gl/maps/dsWqVPB9iAfwvPWL8

Chị Lan - Moc Chau, Son La, Vietnam - +84 941 211 486

Google map : https://goo.gl/maps/GsR2AsYGCUrE35n69

5. Corn Alcohol – Ruou Ngo Moc Chau

Corn wine holds a special place as a regional specialty, particularly in the northwest mountains, with Moc Chau being a notable hub for its production. This unique libation is crafted from corn cultivated amidst rocky terrains, harvested four months later, and then skillfully distilled into a distinctive wine. Moc Chau's corn alcohol typically boasts an alcohol content of around 36 degrees, infused with the robust essence of corn. It serves as an excellent accompaniment to other local culinary delights like deep-fried calf and buffalo smoked-meat, enhancing both the flavor and overall culinary experience of these dishes

Some recommended addresses:

Thảo Nguyên Farm - 168 Le Thanh Nghi, Phieng Luong, Moc Chau, Son La, Vietnam - +84 985 297 587

Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/cbGY9xYpuWFCJUc98

6. Five coloured sticky rice ( Xôi ngũ sắc)

“Xôi” is a popular Vietnamese dish, and in Moc Chau, you can find variations made with local ingredients like green beans, peanuts, or sesame seeds. It's a hearty and satisfying snack or breakfast option.Five-color sticky rice" is a well-loved culinary treasure of the Northwest mountains. This delectable dish starts with fragrant sticky rice infused with an array of leaves, resulting in a visually stunning palette of black, red, yellow, purple, and orange hues. Rooted in the culinary tradition of Thai people, five-color sticky rice offers a delightful, sticky texture that's far from dry. Pairing it with sesame salt or finely crushed roasted peanuts enhances its allure even further.

Some recommended addresses:

Night Market Moc Chau - Phieng Luong, Moc Chau, Son La, Vietnam

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/F8t7hHAteNQh51VPA

7. Salmon – Ca hoi Moc Chau

Another delectable specialty you absolutely must savor in Moc Chau is the nourishing salmon dish, particularly perfect for those with a penchant for spicy flavors. Moc Chau's rendition of salmon can be prepared in various ways, including as salads, smoked, or grilled. However, what truly sets it apart is the fiery experience it offers. When indulging in Moc Chau salmon, it's customary to pair it with a bowl of intensely spicy mustard dipping sauce. This sauce packs a powerful punch, numbing the tongue and delivering an intense heat that may leave you a bit uncomfortable, yet craving for more. This dish is perhaps most suited for winter dining, especially amidst the chilling temperatures of the Northwest. It has a remarkable ability to warm you up. Each bite of the fresh salmon seems to melt in your mouth, mingling harmoniously with the accompanying vegetables, making it nearly impossible to resist taking another bite.

Some recommended addresses:

Nhà Hàng Cá Hồi Vườn Đào - Peach Garden, Moc Chau, Son La, Vietnam - +84 912 158 378

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/u2M6Y7brSFGyFtve7

8. Nam Pia

Being a uniquely delightful delicacy of Moc Chau, this dish offers an exceptional taste you won't easily encounter elsewhere. So, when you find yourself in Moc Chau, make sure not to pass up the opportunity to relish it. The ingredients used to create Nam pia are remarkably diverse, encompassing frozen blood, cartilage, tail, meat, silver lining, and even various organ meats such as intestines, stomach, liver, and small intestines.To enhance the dish's overall appeal and freshness, Nam pia is often accompanied by banana flowers and mint leaves. This combination creates a well-rounded and refreshing culinary experience. While Nam pia is traditionally savored on chilly days when Moc Chau's climate turns cold, even indulging in this dish on a sunny summer afternoon in Moc Chau can be a truly enchanting experience that captivates the taste buds of every diner.

Some recommended addresses:

Nhà Hàng A Páo Mộc Châu -107 Hoang Quoc Viet, Phieng Luong, Moc Chau, Son La, Vietnam- +84 979 003 999

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/LGzCx33WyHy7HGRk9

In conclusion, Moc Chau, a picturesque region in northern Vietnam, offers a diverse and delectable culinary experience that reflects the unique flavors and culture of the area. Moc Chau's cuisine offers a blend of traditional Vietnamese flavors, local specialties, and cultural diversity, making it a culinary destination worth exploring for any food enthusiast visiting the region. If you want your trip to be truly enjoyable, don't miss the above dishes.