Not only famous for its majestic natural scenery, Sa Pa also retains tourists with its unique cuisine, in which sturgeon hotpot and salmon salad are considered the "famous duo" to be missed.
Thanks to its year-round cool climate, Sa Pa is one of the few places in Vietnam that can raise cold-water fish such as salmon and sturgeon.
This special natural condition has created a source of fresh and delicious ingredients, contributing to creating a unique flavor for local dishes.
Sa Pa sturgeon hotpot impresses right from the moment it is served on the table with a simmering smoke and spreading fragrance. The sturgeon meat is firm, naturally sweet, almost no small bones, when dipped in hot hotpot broth, it still retains its chewiness and light fat.
Hotpot broth is usually cooked from tomatoes, pineapple and vegetables, creating a mild sour and sweet taste, very easy to eat.
In the chilly weather of the highlands, gathering around a hot pot, dipping in green vegetables and enjoying each piece of fresh fish is an unforgettable culinary experience.
If sturgeon hotpot brings a warm feeling, then salmon salad conquers diners with freshness and sophistication. The slices of salmon are skillfully thinned, retaining their golden orange color, served with herbs and perilla leaves to create a harmony of flavor.
When enjoying, salmon can be gently dipped in lemon juice to remove the fishy smell, combined with a little spicy mustard. The fatty taste of the fish blends with the characteristic sour and spicy taste, bringing a balanced and attractive overall.
This is a dish that requires ingredients to be really fresh and delicious, and Sa Pa salmon - raised locally - always ensures complete quality and flavor.
Coming to Sa Pa, it is not difficult for tourists to find addresses to enjoy these two specialties. Restaurants on Xuan Vien street are famous for selling fresh salmon and sturgeon hotpots and cozy spaces.
Some famous restaurants that are highly appreciated by diners include O Quy Ho restaurant, A Phu restaurant, Muong Lay Quan restaurant...
It can be said that in the chilly atmosphere of Sa Pa, enjoying hot sturgeon hotpot or a plate of fresh salmon salad is not just about eating and drinking, but also about experiencing unique culinary culture.
It is a combination of nature, people and sophisticated processing - creating dishes that anyone who has tasted them can hardly forget.
