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What to eat in Ngoc Chien of Muong La District in Son La province

  • BLOG
  • May 28, 2025
Ngoc Chien, nestled in the beautiful Muong La District of Son La Province, is not only a destination known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant ethnic cultures but also a culinary paradise. The region offers a rich tapestry of flavors and traditional dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. From hearty stews and aromatic broths to unique delicacies influenced by the local Thai ethnic community, Ngoc Chien presents a gastronomic journey like no other. In this article, we will explore the must-try dishes that showcase the vibrant culinary heritage of Ngoc Chien.
Table of Content

Ngoc Chien, nestled in the beautiful Muong La District of Son La Province, is not only a destination known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant ethnic cultures but also a culinary paradise. The region offers a rich tapestry of flavors and traditional dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. From hearty stews and aromatic broths to unique delicacies influenced by the local Thai ethnic community, Ngoc Chien presents a gastronomic journey like no other. In this article, we will explore the must-try dishes that showcase the vibrant culinary heritage of Ngoc Chien.

1. Com Lam (Bamboo Rice):
Com Lam, or Bamboo Rice, is a signature dish of the region and a must-try when visiting Ngoc Chien. This unique dish involves cooking glutinous rice in bamboo tubes, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful rice dish. The bamboo infuses the rice with a subtle earthy aroma, giving it a distinct taste. Com Lam is often served with grilled meat or fish and accompanied by fresh vegetables and local herbs, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

2. Ca Lang Nuong Trui (Grilled Stream Fish):
With rivers and streams abundant in Ngoc Chien, it’s no surprise that Grilled Stream Fish is a popular and delicious local specialty. The fresh fish, usually caught from nearby rivers, is marinated with local herbs and spices and grilled over an open flame. The result is tender, flavorful fish with crispy skin. This dish is often enjoyed with a side of rice or wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs and vegetables, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

3. H’mong Black Chicken:
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The Black Chicken, known as “Ga Do” in Vietnamese, holds a special place in the food culture of the H’mong people, an ethnic minority group residing in the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam. This unique breed of chicken, as the name suggests, is characterized by its black feathers, skin, and even internal organs. The H’mong people have long appreciated the distinctive qualities of the Black Chicken, considering it not only a source of nourishment but also a symbol of luck and prosperity. Here are some key aspects of the Black Chicken and its culinary significance:

4. Fried Bamboo Shoots:
Bamboo shoots play a significant role in the cuisine of Ngoc Chien, and one dish that highlights their unique flavor is La Cap Nach. This dish features young bamboo shoots that are thinly sliced and stir-fried with garlic, chili, and other spices. The bamboo shoots retain a slight crunch and absorb the flavors of the seasonings, creating a delicious and satisfying side dish or appetizer.

5. Mien Ngu Sac (Five-Color Vermicelli):
Mien Ngu Sac, or Five-Color Vermicelli, is a visually stunning and delicious dish that represents the creativity of Ngoc Chien’s cuisine. This dish consists of thin rice vermicelli noodles dyed naturally using various ingredients like butterfly pea flower, turmeric, and pandan leaf. Each color represents a different flavor, ranging from savory to sweet. Mien Ngu Sac is often served with a variety of toppings, including grilled meat, herbs, peanuts, and a tangy fish sauce-based dressing.

6. Canh Moc (Moc Soup):
Canh Moc is a traditional soup that showcases the culinary traditions of the Thai ethnic community in Ngoc Chien. This hearty soup features minced pork or chicken, mixed with fragrant herbs and spices, and shaped into small meatballs. The meatballs are then cooked in a flavorful broth with vegetables and served piping hot. Canh Moc is a comforting and nourishing dish that is perfect for cooler days or when you’re in need of a comforting meal.

7. Local Fruits and Herbal Teas:
Ngoc Chien is also known for its abundance of fresh fruits and herbal teas. While exploring the region, be sure to try the local fruits such as plums, peaches, and persimmons, which are grown in the fertile valleys. Additionally, you can enjoy a cup of herbal tea made from local herbs and flowers, offering a refreshing and aromatic experience that complements the local cuisine.
Ngoc Chien in Muong La District, Son La Province, is not only a visual paradise but also a culinary haven. From the unique flavors of Com Lam and Lam Rice to the delightful Grilled Stream Fish and Fried Bamboo Shoots, the cuisine of Ngoc Chien reflects the richness and diversity of the region’s cultural heritage. So, when you visit Ngoc Chien, take the time to indulge in these mouthwatering dishes, explore the vibrant local markets, and experience the warm hospitality of the Thai ethnic community. Your culinary journey through Ngoc Chien will be a feast for the senses, leaving you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the flavors of northern Vietnam.
To get more details on many other Vietnam Motorbike Tours to the North of Vietnam, you can visit at Northern Vietnam Motorcycle Tours and Northwest Vietnam Motorbike Tours

Central North In 4 Days Motorbike Tour: NC410
Central North In 4 Days Motorbike Tour: NC410

Today is the first day of this Central North in 4 days motorbike tour. Before starting to ride, we will have a short briefing to let you know about the rules. In addition, the guide will show you how to understand him by his body language. We start around 9.30am after the rush hour.
Ride to Song Thao via Hoa Binh, cross the barrage, and then head up north following the dyke road (west side of the Black River). In fact, Song Thao is a very small village lost in the hills on the west bank of Black River. The particular thing is that this is the place where we grow lacquer trees to collect the precious substance called lacquer.
We are welcome in the house of our friends. You meet Kinh (ethnic Vietnamese). We propose to stay in the house of the two “uncles”, the direct descendant of the ancestor who discovered the property of this tree and the way to use it, about four hundred years ago (quite recently compared to China who knew about lacquer few thousands years ago).

Duration: 3 - 4 days
Country: Vietnam
Central North 4 Days By Train & Bike: GTT409
Central North 4 Days By Train & Bike: GTT409

Today is the first day of this Central North 4 days by train & bike. Before starting to ride, we will have a short briefing to let you know about the rules. In addition, the guide will show you how to understand him by his body language. We start around 9.30am after the rush hour.
This is an easy ride on the sealed road to Thac Ba Lake from Hanoi. Then follow the little road to Vu Linh. Vu Linh is a Dzao village by the side of the lake, very friendly people and the welcome is exceptional.

Duration: 3 - 4 days
Country: Vietnam
North Centre 4 Days Homestaying: GTT408
North Centre 4 Days Homestaying: GTT408

Today is the first day of this North Centre 4 days homestaying by bike. Before starting to ride, we will have a short briefing to let you know about the rules. In addition, the guide will show you how to understand him by his body language. We start around 9.30am after the rush hours.
Easy drive to on the sealed road to Thac Ba Lake and then follow the little road to Vu Linh. Vu Linh is a Dao village by the side of the lake, very friendly people and the welcome is exceptional.

Duration: 3 - 4 days
Country: Vietnam
4 Days North Centre Motorbike Touring: GTT407
4 Days North Centre Motorbike Touring: GTT407

Departure from Hanoi at 9.30 pm. However, you need to ride the bikes to Tran Quy Cap street gate earlier (around 7pm) to load the bikes on the train. In fact, there is only one cargo wagon so if you arrive there close to 9pm there could be no ticket for the bikes available.
Arrival in Lao Cai at 6.10 am.

Duration: 3 - 4 days
Country: Vietnam
4 Days Delta Motorbike Tour Home staying: GTT406
4 Days Delta Motorbike Tour Home staying: GTT406

Today is the first day of this 4 days Delta Motorbike Tour home staying. Before starting to ride, we will have a short briefing to let you know about the rules. In addition, the guide will show you how to understand him by his body language. We start around 9.30am after the rush hour.
Ride to Song Thao via Hoa Binh, cross the barrage, and then head up north following the dyke road (west side of the Black River). Song Thao is a very small village lost in the hills on the west bank of the Black River. The particular thing is that this is the place where we grow lacquer trees to collect the precious substance called lacquer.
We are welcome in the house of our friends. You meet Kinh (ethnic Vietnamese). We propose to stay in the house of the two “uncles”, the direct descendant of the ancestor who discovered the property of this tree and the way to use it, about four hundred years ago (quite recently compared to China who knew about lacquer few thousands years ago).

Duration: 3 - 4 days
Country: Vietnam
4 Days Roof Roads Motorbike Tour: GTT405
4 Days Roof Roads Motorbike Tour: GTT405

Today is the first day of this 4 days Roof Roads Motorbike Tour. Before starting to ride, we will have a short briefing to let you know about the rules. In addition, the guide will show you how to understand him by his body language. We start around 9.30am after the rush hour.
Ride to Song Thao via Hoa Binh, cross the barrage, and then head up north following the dyke road (west side of the Black River). Song Thao is a very small village lost in the hills on the west bank of Black River. The particular thing is that this is the place where we grow lacquer trees to collect the precious substance called lacquer.
We are welcome in the house of our friends. You meet Kinh (ethnic Vietnamese). We propose to stay in the house of the two “uncles”, the direct descendant of the ancestor who discovered the property of this tree and the way to use it, about four hundred years ago (quite recently compared to China who knew about lacquer few thousands years ago).

Duration: 3 - 4 days
Country: Vietnam
4 Days Hoang Lien Range Motorbike Tour: GTT404
4 Days Hoang Lien Range Motorbike Tour: GTT404

Today is the first day of this 4 days Hoang Lien range motorbike tour. Before starting to ride, we will have a short briefing to let you know about the rules. In addition, the guide will show you how to understand him by his body language. We start around 9.30am after the rush hour.
This is, in fact, an easy ride on sealed roads. You ride through rural areas with a beautiful rice field along the road. In general, it is a nice and quiet cruising.
Night in a hotel.

Duration: 3 - 4 days
Country: Vietnam
Red River Delta In 4 Days Motorbike Tour: GTT403
Red River Delta In 4 Days Motorbike Tour: GTT403

Today is the first day of this Red River Delta in 4 days motorbike tour. Before starting to ride, we will have a short briefing to let you know about the rules. In addition, the guide will show you how to understand him by his body language. We start around 9.30am after the rush hours.
Once out of the Red River Delta, which brims with traditional farming activity, we pass through limestone monoliths and into foothills populated by Muong people. Then we head straight at the main range before breaching a high and beautiful forested pass, which descends into the hidden valley of Mai Chau where we have lunch with friends in a White Thai village.
On good road looking high over distant mountains, we head up into a forested region populated by H’mong people before descending into a mountainous tea-growing region where we spend the night in a hotel.

Duration: 3 - 4 days
Country: Vietnam
North-Centre In 4 Days: GTT402
North-Centre In 4 Days: GTT402

Today is the first day of this North-Centre in 4 days. Home staying. Before starting to ride, we will have a short briefing to let you know about the rules. In addition, the guide will show you how to understand him by his body language. We start around 9.30am after the rush hour.
Once out of the Red River Delta, which brims with traditional farming activity, we pass through limestone monoliths and into foothills populated by Muong people. We head straight at the main range before breaching a high and beautiful forested pass, which descends into the hidden valley of Mai Chau where we spend the night with friends in a traditional Thai stilt house.
The valley of Mai Chau lies between two rivers: the Da River and the Ma River. Therefore, Mai Chau is very fertile and rich in varied landscapes, medium mountains, forest, lake, rivers, and infinitude of small footpaths and offer many possibilities of a trek. In the valley of Mai Chau and its surroundings are Muong, White Thai, H’mong (in the height), and the Dao who we meet at the markets or in their villages.

Duration: 3 - 4 days
Country: Vietnam
Standard & Best 4 Days North Centre Vietnam Motorbiking: GTT401
Standard & Best 4 Days North Centre Vietnam Motorbiking: GTT401

Today is the first day of this standard & best 4 days North Centre Vietnam motorbiking of Vietnam. Before starting to ride, we will have a short briefing to let you know about the rules. In addition, the guide will show you how to understand him by his body language. We start around 9.30am after the rush hours.
Once out of the Red River Delta, which brims with traditional farming activity, we pass through limestone monoliths and into foothills populated by Muong people. We head straight at the main range before breaching a high and beautiful forested pass, which descends into the hidden valley of Mai Chau where we spend the night with friends in a traditional Thai stilt house.
The valley of Mai Chau lies between two rivers: the Da River and the Ma River. Therefore, Mai Chau is very fertile and rich in varied landscapes, medium mountains, forest, lake, rivers, and infinitude of small footpaths and offer many possibilities of a trek. In the valley of Mai Chau and its surroundings are Muong, White Thai, H’mong (in the height), and the Dao who we meet at the markets or in their villages.

Duration: 3 - 4 days
Country: Vietnam

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