The distinctive cuisine of Tan Trao

A visit to Tan Trao is a journey back to the roots of history, but the experience would not be complete without savoring the distinctive flavors of the mountains. From the fragrant sticky rice in bamboo tubes to mountain-raised chicken, each dish embodies simplicity and sincerity, capturing the essence of the land and the people.

A distinctive tray of rice.

Perhaps the most popular dish among visitors is Com Lam (rice in bamboo tube). Sticky rice, soaked and cleaned, is lightly salted and carefully wrapped in young bamboo tubes. When roasted over glowing charcoal, the rice cooks slowly, absorbing the fresh aroma of bamboo sap. Breaking open the charred bamboo skin and holding the white, sticky rice in your hands, you can almost feel the spirit of resilience and camaraderie that defined the difficult days of the revolutionary era.

To enhance the flavor of Com Lam, the region’s mountain products are essential. The free-range chickens of Tan Trao, raised on the hillsides covered in palm trees and tea bushes, are known for their firm meat and crispy skin. Locals often boil the chicken simply and serve it with a dip of salt, pepper, and lime to preserve its natural sweetness. Another highlight is the fresh, lively mountain fish, seasoned with a unique blend of spices such as mac khen (a local pepper) and hat doi (a wild seed), then grilled on fresh bamboo skewers over hot coals. The golden, crispy skin of the fish, infused with a smoky aroma, complements the tender, white flesh inside, which is rich in the taste of the mountains.

A meal would not be complete without vegetables. Depending on the season, it might include bamboo shoots, either stir-fried with garlic or stuffed with meat, or wild greens like rau don and rau bo khai, freshly picked from around the house. The slightly bitter, astringent taste of these wild herbs serves as a reminder of the purity of Tan Trao’s nature.

All these flavors come together on the bamboo tray. The tray is a way of presenting food that is both artistic and cultural: pieces of Com Lam, shredded free-range chicken, grilled fish, bamboo shoots, and wild greens arranged neatly on the tray.

Eating a tray of rice in Tan Trao, you can truly taste the flavor of history and the warmth of human connection. It’s a heartwarming memory that lingers long after leaving this land of origins.

Hoang Anh