Indulge in the Best Food in Sapa: Discover Local Flavors and Culinary Treasures

Sapa is not only famous for its picturesque scenery but also known as the Northwest culinary paradise “holding on to” tourists from everywhere.

Sapa food not only reflects the unique beauty of Northwestern mountains but also represents the rich culture of the locals here. Under the chilly weather of the foggy town, having a chance to enjoy the specialties of this land is nothing better.

Let’s explore the most delicious food in Sapa with us!

>>> SEE MORE: Things to do in Sapa: TOP 31 Activities and Attractions

The best local food in Sapa Vietnam – What to Eat in The Mist Town?

Table of Contents

Thang Co (Horse meat soup)

Thang Co is known as the traditional dish of the H’Mong people, originating from the mountains of Ha Giang.

Previously, indigenous people processed this dish from an entire horse and didn’t throw anything. Later, beef was also brought into this unique food. In Sapa, numerous visitors highly recommend Thang Co in Bac Ha, Muong Khuong, Sa Pa – Lao Cai.

thang co sapa food

Thắng cố is a specialty dish of Sapa (Source: Internet)

Thang Co is cooked quite simply. Before cooking, the meat and organs of animals are washed clearly, boiled, marinated with spices, then put in a pot of broth with horse bones, viscera, blood, etc.

Thang Co of the ethnic minority people also added some corn, vegetables, and spices such as ginger, cardamom, tangerine peel, lemon leaf, and so on. All are about 12 traditional spices of highland people.

Everything is simmered for many hours to bring a mouthwatering Thang Co. When eating, you can enjoy with a little chili, pepper or salt.

The price of a single bowl of Thang Co can vary depending on the specific location, portion size, and ingredients included. However, as a general estimate, you can expect to pay anywhere from 100,000 VND to 300,000 VND (approximately USD $3.57 to USD $10.71) for a single serving.

100,000 – 150,000 VND: This is the typical price range for a basic bowl of Thang Co, containing primarily meat and vegetables.
150,000 – 250,000 VND: This range reflects Thang Co portions that include additional ingredients, such as offal or special cuts of meat.
250,000 – 300,000 VND: At the higher end, you’ll find Thang Co served in larger portions or with more premium ingredients, such as horse meat.

Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and the actual price may vary. It’s always advisable to check the menu or inquire with the restaurant staff before ordering.

Suggestions for some restaurants:

	Restaurant Name	Address	Phone Number	Opening Hours	Map Link
1	A Quynh Restaurant	15 Thach Son Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai	0214 3871 555	9:00 – 23:00	View Map
2	A Phu Restaurant	15 Fansipan, Sa Pa, Lao Cai	0868 159 900	9:00 – 23:00	View Map
3	Lien Ton Restaurant	061 Xuan Vien, TT. Sa Pa, Lao Cai	090 629 33 88	9:00 – 23:00	View Map
4	Cau May Restaurant	92 Ngu Chi Son, TT. Sa Pa, Lao Cai	0903 097 543	8:00 – 21:30	View Map

Lon Cap Nach (Carried-under-arm pig)

In the villages of ethnic minorities, along with the stunning Sapa terraced rice fields, people also raise cattle in a free manner, including pigs.

Cap Nach pigs in Sapa are not as big as pigs in the farms. They weigh 10 – 20kg and are brought to the market by people who carry them under their arms.

This is the reason why the unique name Cap Nach pigs or Cap Nach pork appears.

The dishes from this type of pork are always delicious and attractive to visitors. Pork is sweet, fragrant, and skin is crispy, it can be processed into many dishes from simple to complex accompanied by the typical spice of indigenous people.

Among different ways of processing, the most delicious dish is roasted Cap Nach pork. The hot, aromatic pork pieces are smoked, inside the crispy cut layer is a thin layer of fat followed by soft and sweet lean meat.

The price of ” lon cap nach ” dishes in Sapa ranges from 50,000 VND to 300,000 VND depending on the restaurant, the specific dish, and the portion.
Here is the average price of some popular dishes:

Dish	Price Range (VND)
Roasted pig	150,000 – 250,000/kg
Boiled pig	120,000 – 180,000/kg
Stir-fried pig with lemongrass	180,000 – 250,000/plate
Steamed pig	150,000 – 200,000/plate
Raw blood soup with pig blood	50,000 – 100,000/bowl

In addition, you can also enjoy other dishes made from Lon Cap Nach such as:

Stir-fried intestines with pickled melon
Braised pork
Boiled intestines
Crispy pork belly

Where to eat the most flavorful Cap Nach pork :

No	Restaurant	Phone Number	Address	Open Hours	Price Range (VND)	Map Link
1	Anh Dũng Restaurant	84 888 993 77	055B Xuân Viên	9:00 – 23:00	50,000 – 200,000	View Map
2	A Phủ Restaurant	84 888 993 773	156 Fansipan	10:00 -22:00	50,000 – 300,000	View Map
3	Hoa Dong Tien Restaurant	0214 3871 967	29 Cầu Mây	8:00 – 22:00	40,000 – 250,000	View Map
4	Đỗ Quyên Restaurant	0968 568 018	046 Điện Biên Phủ	9:00 – 22:00	45,000 – 220,000	View Map

>> Headache because of a suitable ITINERARY? Contact us now!!!

Sapa Salmon

Salmon has many good nutrients for the body, is typical seafood of the temperate zone, has been successfully cultivated in Sapa – where the climate is similar.

Salmon in Sapa is bright pink, firm and sweet, each grain of meat looks beautiful as if someone used the color to paint.

food in sapa salmon

Sapa salmon is cooked into many different dishes such as salmon hotpot, grilled salmon, etc. Each dish has its own nuance, but diners still feel the sweetness, softness, and the unforgettable taste of salmon.

In the chilly climate, enjoying the delicious salmon hot pot is one of the best things to do in Sapa. The broth is tasty, juicy, sour thanks to salmon head, stewed tubers, sliced pineapple, and tomatoes.

And salmon meat is sliced thinly dipped into a pot of boiling broth, making diners feel all of its flavorful, sweet taste.

To make the hot pot more attractive, it is often served with fresh noodles and locally available fresh vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, and so on.

Salmon Prices in Sapa

Salmon prices in Sapa can vary depending on the restaurant, dish, and time of year. However, in general, you can expect to pay the following for salmon in Sapa:

Salmon Hot Pot: 250,000 – 500,000 VND/pot (serves 2-4 people)
Grilled Salmon: 200,000 – 350,000 VND/plate
Pan-Fried Salmon: 180,000 – 300,000 VND/plate
Salmon Salad: 150,000 – 250,000 VND/plate
Salmon Sashimi: 200,000 – 400,000 VND/plate

Places to eat salmon in Sapa:

	Restaurant	Phone Number	Address	Price Range (VND/kg)	Open Hours
1	Cá Hồi Vua Sapa Restaurant	+84 98 765 4321	015A Lê Văn Tám, TT. Sa Pa, Lào Cai	150,000 – 300,000	9:00 – 23:00
2	Nhà hàng Xuân Viên Sapa	+84 868 256 333	Đường Xuân Viên, TT. Sa Pa, Lào Cai	120,000 – 250,000	8:00 – 22:00
3	Nhà Hàng A Phủ Sapa	+84 962 048 999	156 Fansipan, Sapa, Lào Cai	180,000 – 350,000	10:00 – 22:00
4	Nhà hàng Samchao Sapa	+84 961 998 777	024 Điện Biên Phủ, Sapa, Lào Cai	130,000 – 280,000	9:00 – 23:00
5	Nhà hàng Cá Hồi 1998 Sapa	+84 888 993 773	055B Xuân Viên, TT. Sa Pa, Lào Cai	100,000 – 200,000	8:00 – 22:00

>>> Check out the BEST SAPA TOURS!!!

Grilled stream fish

Grilled stream fish in Sa Pa is very popular with tourists because it is a rustic but very attractive dish. The Sapa stream fish is not as big as the fish living in a pond but has the characteristics of firm meat, soft bones, delicious and especially not fishy.

Most often, bone-rich stream fish should be mostly grilled or deep-fried to eat both bones and meat rather than cooked or steamed.

The fried fishes in the pan turn into a yellow color and have a greasy aroma. You will enjoy the crunchy, fragrant and sweet flesh layer, and even chew the small fish bones.

sapa grilled fish

Or the grilled fishes are also an ideal choice.

The aromatic scent spreads when the grilled fish starts to ripen and when eating, visitors will feel the sweet, impressive, and delicious taste of a dish with the flavors of the mountains and nature.

Besides, the tasty sauce is indispensable for grilled fish. With pepper and some spices from local plants grown in the garden, this dish will make all your senses feel satisfied.

Enjoying grilled fish with sticky rice and a few cups of corn wine, cider wine will show the special feature of the Sapa food.

Where to try this dish:

No	Restaurant	Address	Phone number	Opening hours	Price	Notes
1	A Quỳnh Restaurant	15 Thach Son, Sapa, Lao Cai	+84 962 068 999	7am – 10pm	20,000đ/fish	Popular, delicious grilled stream fish, reasonable prices
2	Red Dao Restaurant	02 Fansipan, Sapa, Lao Cai	+84 946 131 131	10am – 10pm	50,000đ/fish	Specializes in Red Dao cuisine, unique grilled stream fish recipe
3	Bac Ha Market	Bac Ha Market, Bac Ha town, Bac Ha district, Lao Cai province		Every Sunday, from 5am to 5pm	10,000đ – 20,000đ/fish	Sundays only, small packages, convenient for takeaway
4	Cat Cat Village	Cat Cat Village, Cat Cat commune, Sapa district, Lao Cai province		8am – 5pm	30,000đ/fish	Traditional H’Mông preparation (bamboo tube baking), cultural experience

Com Lam (Sticky rice cooked in bamboo)

The ethnic groups in the Northwest of Vietnam have a featured dish – Com Lam.

Different from other versions of cooking rice, rice of Com Lam is absolutely cooked in bamboo sections. With each small section is at about 25 – 30 centimeters in length, rice is mixed with a little bit of salt and bamboo is stuff up with it.

Next to the charcoal stove, the tubes made from fragrant sticky rice rise up the aroma that makes visitors feel irresistible.

COM LAM SAPA

People usually eat Com Lam with sesame salt, which brings an unforgettable taste.

One tip to have a perfect Com Lam dish is that people need to resolve the bamboo steam while grilling. When the food is cooked well, people will remove the burnt bamboo steam outside.

Because of the delicious taste of the sticky rice, the fragrance of bamboo and the harmonious combination of rice, Com lam become one of the special food of Sapa which tourists should not skip.

No	Restaurant Name	Address	Open Hours	Price Range	Map Link
1	The Hill Station Signature Restaurant	37 Fansipan, Sa Pa, Lào Cai	07:00 – 22:30	150.000 – 300.000 VND	View Map
2	Red Dao	4B Thác Bạc, Sa Pa, Lào Cai	08:00 – 22:30	80.000 – 220.000 VND	View Map
3	Cau May Restaurant	92 Ngũ Chỉ Sơn, Sa Pa, Lào Cai	10:00 – 22:00	100.000 – 500.000 VND	View Map
4	A Quynh Sapa Restaurant	15 Thạch Sơn, Sa Pa, Lào Cai	07:00 – 22:30	100.000 – 330.000 VND	View Map

Xoi Ngu Sac (Five -Color Sticky Rice) – A Feast for the Senses

For first-time travelers to Sapa, you must try the vibrant Five -Color Sticky Rice (Xoi Ngu Mau), a cherished traditional delicacy. It’s especially popular during major festivals or on the 1st of July by the lunar calendar. Each color – vivid reds, brown, purple, yellow, and greens – honors seven months of the Nung Din people’s historic resistance. Making this sticky rice even more special is the use of all-natural ingredients to achieve its rainbow of colors, offering an authentic taste and aroma that’s purely local, even amidst Sapa’s diverse food scene.

Where to buy delicious Xoi Ngu Sac in Sapa:

Xoi Ngu Sac is a specialty dish of Sapa that is loved by tourists for its delicious taste and eye-catching colors. Here are some places to buy delicious xôi bảy màu in Sapa:

No	Location	Address	Price	Opening hours	Phone number	Notes
1	Bắc Hà Market	Bắc Hà Market, Bắc Hà town, Bắc Hà district, Lào Cai province	10,000đ – 20,000đ/package	Every Sunday, from 5am to 5pm	+84 168 962 2252	Sundays only, small packages, convenient for takeaway
2	Cầu Mây Street	Cầu Mây Street, Sapa town, Sapa district, Lào Cai province	15,000đ – 25,000đ/package	6am to 10pm		Many restaurants, affordable prices
3	A Quỳnh Restaurant	15 Thạch Sơn, Sapa, Lào Cai	20,000đ/package	7am to 10pm	+84 962 068 999	Popular, delicious xôi bảy màu, reasonable prices
4	Red Dao Restaurant	02 Fansipan, Sapa, Lào Cai	50,000đ/package	10am to 10pm	+84 946 131 131	Specializes in Red Dao cuisine, unique xôi bảy màu recipe
5	Cát Cát Village	Cát Cát Village, Cát Cát commune, Sapa district, Lào Cai province	30,000đ/package	8am to 5pm		Traditional H’Mông preparation (bamboo tube baking), cultural experience

Con Sui – Sapa Rice Noodle

Cốn Sủi is a delightful dish that features flat noodles similar to pho but instead of a broth, it’s served with a thick, fragrant sauce. A bowl of Cốn Sủi typically comprises of these noodles, crispy fried potatoes, slices of pork belly, and a boiled egg. To enhance the flavors, sprinkle some pepper and chili, and pair it with aromatic mint leaves for a complete taste experience.

For those looking to try Cốn Sủi in Sapa, head over to Ong Ha’s, a favorite local spot. The noodles are hand-kneaded and rolled, offering a unique and memorable flavor that might just become a highlight of your visit to this picturesque town.

Restaurant : Cốn Sủi Ông Há
Address: 436 Dien Bien Phu, Sa Pa Town, Sa Pa District, Lao Cai Province 31000
Price: 35,000 VND per bowl
Opening Hours: 4 AM to 2 PM
Phone Number: +84 962 068 999
Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/G1yJTXLwMLoXqUeQ7

If you want to seek some Sapa food to bring back as a gift, check out this: Shopping in Sapa – Journey to the Hidden Charm of Sapa

Ga Den – Black Chicken

Black chicken, also known as the “silkie” chicken, is a breed popularly raised in the gardens of many H’Mong families. Its most defining characteristic is its lustrous black color, which not only covers its feathers but also extends to its flesh and bones. The black chicken is relatively small in size, each bird weighing approximately 200g – 300g. Regarded as both a delicious dish and a medicinal remedy, this chicken is a famous folk cure passed down through generations, commonly used to treat ailments such as weak spleen functions, loss of appetite, menstrual disorders, internal heat, and bone and joint pain. It’s also used as a nutritional supplement for the elderly or those recovering from illness.

In Sapa, the most favored way to enjoy black chicken is grilled with honey. The chicken’s skin is slightly tough, while its meat is tender, juicy, and rich in flavor. When served with a dipping sauce made from lime, pepper salt, or fresh mint leaves, it promises a memorable culinary experience amidst the foggy realm of Sapa. Travelers seeking an authentic taste of the region shouldn’t miss out on this distinctive and hearty delicacy.

Where to eat the best Black Chicken ( Gà Đen) in Sapa :

Restaurant	Address	Price Range (VND)	Signature Dish	Phone Number
A Phủ	15 Fansipan, Sapa, Lào Cai	250,000 – 450,000/chicken	Black chicken stewed with traditional herbs	+84 987 654 321
Đỗ Quyên	Fansipan Peak, Sapa, Lào Cai	280,000 – 400,000/chicken	Grilled black chicken	+84 204 654 332
Hồng Ngự	02 Cầu Mây, Sapa, Lào Cai	250,000 – 300,000/chicken	Black chicken grilled with honey	+84 962 043 234
Sapa 1	01 Xuân Viên, Sapa, Lào Cai	300,000 – 450,000/chicken	Black chicken stewed with ginseng	+84 967 321 654
Red Dao	02 Fansipan, Sapa, Lào Cai	280,000 – 380,000/bird	Black chicken grilled in bamboo tube	+84 946 131 131

Sapa Grilled Delicacies

The cool climate in Sapa makes grilled foods the perfect choice when you’re unsure of what to eat. It’s easy to come across night stalls selling baked sweet potatoes, grilled chicken wings, or even egg skewers in the town center. But beyond these familiar treats, take the opportunity to explore the distinctive Northwestern specialties like grilled stream fish, beef rolled in mustard leaf, or local pork skewers. Each offers a unique taste of Sapa’s diverse culinary landscape. This is some place to try Sapa’s Grill Delights :

No.	Restaurant	Address	Phone Number	Price Range (VND/serving)	Opening Hours
1	Quán nướng Hoàng Liên	No. 4 Hoang Lien Street, Sa Pa, Lao Cai	+84 983 279 318	30.000 – 200.000	5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
2	Nhà hàng Viet Deli	02 Fansipan Street, Sapa, Lao Cai	+84 987 222 888	Buffet: 250.000 – 350.000; A La Carte: 100.000 – 500.000	10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
3	Nhà hàng Hải Lâm	021 Dien Bien Phu Street, Sapa, Lao Cai	+84 986 668 888	50.000 – 300.000	11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
4	Đồ nướng Hà Lực Xôi	246 Dien Bien Phu Street, Sapa, Lao Cai	+84 962 922 992	20.000 – 150.000	4:00 PM – 11:30 PM
5	Nhà hàng Nướng A Phủ	02 Fansipan Street, Sapa, Lao Cai	+84 963 333 333	Buffet: 300.000 – 400.000; A La Carte: 150.000 – 600.000	10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Tao Meo Wine – The most specialty local apple wine in Sapa.

When visiting Sapa, trying the locally famous apple wine , also known as “táo mèo” wine, is a must at least once. This wine is handcrafted by the indigenous people using pure, authentic brewing methods and infused with premium local apple fruits handpicked from the northern mountains.
The wine’s unique astringent, sweet and sour flavor profile, derived from the fruit, transforms into a visually appealing light golden hue resembling the color of amber. Its unmistakable aroma is equally captivating. With just the first sip, the spirit of the Northwest seems to unfold before your eyes, as this wine encapsulates the essence of Sapa’s terroir distinctively.
It’s no exaggeration to claim that every dish in Sapa becomes a culinary delight when paired with a glass of Tao Meo wine. Currently, the price for this wine in Sapa ranges from 60,000 to 90,000 VND per liter. Here are a couple of recommended places if buy:

No.	Shop	Address	Phone Number	Price (VND/liter)
1	HTX Rượu H’mông Sapa	130 Dien Bien Phu St, Sapa	+84 962 566 962	50,000 – 120,000
2	Cửa Hàng Rượu Tây Bắc	09 Thac Bac St, Sapa	+84 981 888 585	55,000 – 125,000
3	Rượu Thóc Thanh Kim	Ban Den, Thanh Kim, Sa Pa	+84 962 997 668	45,000 – 115,000

Sapa’s Best Snack Food : Devour & Take Home Delicious Souvenirs

Sapa’s Smoked Buffalo Meat – A Delightful Local Treat

Sapa’s smoked buffalo meat is not only a famous specialty of the region but also a sought-after gift by many tourists to bring home for friends and family. Fresh buffalo meat, seasoned with a blend of spices, is smoked over a wood fire until the outer layer is completely dried and turns a deep reddish-brown. This delicacy, a creation of the Black Thai ethnic community, is known for its savory and distinctly aromatic flavor from the spices used. Although it may not suit everyone’s palate, smoked buffalo meat from Sapa pleases gourmets with its richness that pairs exceptionally well with spirits. Depending on the quality, the price starts from 800,000 VND/kg.

The meat is typically steamed or boiled and served with chẳm chéo, a flavorful local sauce. You can also dip the smoked meat in water, re-grill it, shred it into pieces, and squeeze some sour lime over it for an extra zing. The taste is undeniably rich and memorable.

Where to Buy Delicious Smoked Buffalo Meat in Sapa ?

No.	Store	Address	Phone Number	Price Range (VND/kg)
1	Duy Chiến Store	No. 057, Thach Son Street, Sapa, Lao Cai	+84 963 266 236	650,000 – 800,000
2	An Thịnh Store	No. 028, Cau May Street, Sapa, Lao Cai	+84 962 999 992	600,000 – 750,000
3	Vietfarm Store	No. 26, Dong Loi Street, Sapa, Lao Cai	+84 917 822 844	700,000 – 850,000
4	Sapa Market	Dien Bien Phu Street, Sapa, Lao Cai	No number	400,000 – 700,000

Sapa Roasted Chestnuts.

Easy to Find, Delight to EatWidely available along the picturesque streets of Sapa, roasted chestnuts are an ideal choice for a savory souvenir to take back home from your travels. Their rich, sweet flavor has made them a popular local delicacy in many households, often enjoyed as a festive snack or incorporated as a filling in various sweet confections. There’s nothing quite like warming your hands with a bag of freshly roasted chestnuts, their smoke wafting through the cool Sapa air.

Chestnut Cake

The simple yet richly nutty aroma has rocketed Sapa’s chestnut cake into a recent favorite among travelers. This indulgent treat features a wheat flour-based crust with a filling of finely ground chestnuts, just a hint of sugar, all pan-fried to a golden, toasty perfection.

Where to buy delicious chestnut cake in Sapa:

No	Store	Address	Phone number	Chestnut price (VND/kg)	Hazelnut cake price (VND/piece)
1	Hat De Sapa – Ly May	048 Dien Bien Phu, Sapa, Lao Cai	+84 962 566 962	50,000 – 70,000	20,000 – 30,000
2	Cua Hang Dac San Sapa	02 Fansipan Street, Sapa, Lao Cai	+84 982 555 666	60,000 – 80,000	25,000 – 35,000
3	Sapa Market	Dien Bien Phu, Sapa, Lao Cai	No number	40,000 – 60,000 (depending on quality)	10,000 – 20,000

“Páu pò cừ” Corn Cakes – A Taste of Tradition Food from Sapa

The “Páu pò cừ” corn cake is traditionally prepared around the fourth and fifth months of the lunar calendar, using tender, milk-laden young corn. The corn kernels are finely chopped and ground into flour before being steamed on a banana leaf or grilled over charcoal, resulting in an irresistibly fragrant and delicately sweet treat.

Once fully cooked, the cakes are exceptionally sweet, chewy, and imbued with the scent of fresh corn. They are individually wrapped in banana leaves for gradual enjoyment. Eaten by hand, these corn cakes are a favorite for casual snacking, or for sustenance while working the fields. The cakes remain fresh for two days and if you wish to keep them longer, up to a week, they should be tightly wrapped in banana leaves and stored submerged in water. For warming up, simply re-steam the cakes.
The price of one “Páu pò cừ” corn cake is quite affordable, ranging from VND 10,000 to 20,000 each.
You can easily purchase “Páu pò cừ” corn cakes from roadside stalls, local markets, or specialty stores in Sapa.

Sapa Food Guide for First-Time Visitors

When you’re embarking on a journey to Sapa, having an enjoyable and delectable dining experience is central to an unforgettable trip. Here’s a digestible guide that will help you navigate Sapa’s culinary landscape with ease:

Embarking on a Sapa adventure? Delight your taste buds and make the most of your trip with this easy-to-follow guide to enjoying the best food in Sapa:
Select Top-Rated Dining Spots : Avoid getting overwhelmed by Sapa’s vast food scene by choosing eateries with a solid reputation. Ask local residents or travelers who’ve been there before for suggestions on where to find authentic, delicious offerings.
Check Prices Before You Order : Some places in Sapa might charge more than you expect, so always look at the menu and ask for pricing upfront. It’s a simple step to ensure your dining experience stays within budget and surprise-free.
Approach New Dishes with Care : Sapa’s menu of unique delicacies can be tempting, but it’s smart to ask about ingredients and cooking methods first, especially if you have food sensitivities or allergies.
Discover Sapa’s Must-Try Foods : Educate yourself on the local specialties before you go — like the savory “thắng cố,” smoked buffalo, and black chicken — so you’ll know exactly which dishes are not to be missed.

Armed with these pointers, first-timers in Sapa can comfortably dive into a world of flavorful dishes that the region is proud of. Enjoy every bite knowing you’re experiencing the best of Sapa’s culinary heritage.