As part of the journey, experiencing the local gastronomy is a way to discover the culture. The food in Pu Luong is particularly tasty, healthy and varied. We will find out in this article what not to miss when visiting Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
Special food in Pu Luong
The Pu Luong duck
As previously mentioned, the duck (Vịt Cổ Lũng in Vietnamese) is one of the most famous dishes/ food in Pu Luong. Hanoians are coming to Pu Luong with the purpose to taste it. It can be cooked in different ways, boiled, steamed, grilled. You will find it everywhere in Pu Luong, even if you have the chance to share a local meal with a family.
The banana flower or papaya salad
They are growing naturally and usually picked up directly from the tree to be prepared instantly. From the tree to the plate, without any chemicals, yummy and healthy. Perfect dishes to enjoy for lunch during the hot summer.
The buffalo dry meat
Consider as a luxurious dish, the buffalo dry meat is often served for special event (marriage, birthday or any kind of celebrations). Perfect marriage when dipping in the mixture of special local pepper and salt. Even better with a local beer for the beer lovers!
The Bamboo shoots
Pu Luong is the place of giant bamboo forest. Locals have used this natural asset to hunt the bamboo shoot to make a delicious dish. If you experience with a local family, you can ask them to come to collect the bamboo shoots with them. Or you can join one of our cooking class, and we will organize it for you.
The stream snails
Snails are on the top list of favorite dishes for Vietnamese. Every size, every kind, if the appearance can repel some, it really deserves a try. Even more in Pu Luong where the water from the stream is known as pure and rich.
The chả lá lốt
“Lá lốt”is a king of vegetable very popular. The chả lá lốt can be considered as a nem. Meat will be fried before being rolled into the lá lốt leave. If you can find that in many places, the lá lốt leave are fresh and organic in Pu Luong which makes it tasteful.
The fish in Pu Luong
The Cham river is full of fish and the local fishermen are making a living of it. The special one will be cooked in a banana leave at low heat. The meat will remain tender and will be soaked by the flavor of the leave. A must-try food in Pu Luong
The Com Lam in Pu Luong
Specialty of the Thai people, another must try! The sticky rice is slowly cooked in a bamboo stick, providing a smoked flavor very unique. You will accompany that with peanuts’ dust.
The Canh in Pu Luong
Canh is a traditional soup that you will find everywhere in Vietnam when having a family meal. All over the country, you will find many different Canh, from the vegetable one, seafood one or meat one. In Pu Luong, they have this special one named Canh Dang. It is made either with Chicken, pork or fish stomach with some herbs and vegetables. Very tasty and very suitable for winter time.
Note: The higher standard hotels and resorts offer now also a large selection of Western dishes. You can find food in Pu Luong at Pu Luong Retreat, Pu Luong BocBandi Retreat, Pu Luong Natura Bungalows for example.
Where to experience the food in Pu Luong?
There are different ways and places to experience the food in Pu Luong. Some restaurants are appearing in the tourism landscape. If you want to explore different savors, it is important to vary your gastronomic destinations. You can visit other homestays or if you are part of a tour, you can join a local meal with a local family. Pu Luong Excursions will recommend you some ideal places to awaken your taste buds.
Restaurants in Pu Luong
Options are still very limited in Pu Luong but there is few new ones recently opened named Gateway or Nha Hang Dac San Pu Luong, which offers excellent services. Located on the main road, at the entrance of Don village, nearby Pu Luong Retreat, they provide a cozy ambient with wooden and bamboo decoration. Moreover, you will benefit of a wonderful view on the Reserve.
TIP: As you may be busy during your visit to the Reserve, you can enjoy a meal at one of these restaurants while waiting for the shuttle bus to pass by. It’s convenient!
Local houses in Pu Luong
This is definitely the best way to learn about the culture and the traditional food in Pu Luong the locals have. It is not easy to join a family if you are traveling on your own and the barrier language can be an issue. Join of our tours in Pu Luong including the visit of a local house and a shared meal. The hosts will be happy to invite you in the kitchen to show you the way they cook. We can organize the meal in different villages as Don, Kho Muong, Hieu or even in Son Ba Muoi. Wonderful experience!
Cooking class
Not only to taste the local gastronomy, why not be part and learn the process and the recipes? We have designed different cooking classes depending on your preferences. It is not about cooking only. It is a full experience where you will first trek for an hour to reach the local house.
If you choose the banana or papaya salad or even the bamboo shoots, you will go to collect them directly in the jungle. Then you will be ready to start learning on the way to prepare them. You will finally be rewarded by tasting the fruit of your labor sharing the meal with your hosts.
NOTE: Food in Pu Luong is in our devoted series of Pu Luong Travel Guide that helps free travellers experience the best in Pu Luong Nature Reserve. For more information, contact us by Email us now