1. 7-flavor-roasted duck (Vịt quay 7 vị)

It is called  7-flavor-roasted duck because Cao Bang people marinate the whole duck meat with 7 different seasonings and spices. The Tay people from Eastern Cao Bang has their own secret of processing 7 flavor roasted duck, which is unlike the ordinary roasted duck. This dish is elaborate from the duck-selecting stage which is required that the duck should not be grass-raised ducks or too fat and big; ideally, ducks should weigh around 1.8 to 2 kilogram. The most important stage is marinating the cleaned duck with fish sauce and salt mixed in 7 flavor liquid. These 7 flavors are so special that visitors cannot find this taste outside the eastern Cao Bang area.

After being roasted with a layer of honey covering the whole duck on fire, the duck skin turns into light red-brown skin and its smell is the most charming thing on earth with peach pink well-done pieces of meat.

2. Ant-egg cake (Bánh trứng kiến)

Not all ant eggs can be eaten. Only the eggs of black ants (often called as Tua Rày by Tay people) which have a small body, sharp tail are can be used. Therefore, around April and May Tay ethnic group in Cao Bang go together into the forest to find black ant eggs and bring back home to make cakes. Black ant egg cakes are made of glutinous rice and young fig leaves. Dark black ant eggs are very high in fat and protein.

Though this cake worths trying due to its special ingredients, however, not everyone can eat as some people might have minor allergies if they are not familiar with.

3. Sour rice noodles (Phở chua)

It is not only the specialty of the region but also listed in Vietnam specialty list. As a cold dish, sour rice noodle is preferred to eat in Autumn and Summer.

Cao Bang sour rice noodle is delicious because of the plasticity of the meat, combined with the fat of the duck meat, and its taste, the sour spicy taste of chili bamboo. It makes us feel warm when eating in cold weathers and cool in hot seasons. The sour taste left raises up our appetite. It will be strange for the first time eating, but in the second or even the third time, you will feel addicted to its unique flavor.

4. Áp Chao fried cake (Bánh Ap Chao)

The Cao Bang winter has a very special dish, the food quickly dispelled the cold of mountain and forest. The appearance of the dish is like a donut at first glance, but not a donut, the Cao Bang call it Áp Chao.

Ingredients for making Áp Chao include sticky rice, glutinous rice, and duck meat. Cao Bang people are not only eating a delicious cake but also enjoy and feel the love of each other as the mix of rice flour, glutinous rice, and duck meat.

5. Chongqing chestnut (Hạt dẻ Trùng Khánh)

Only in Cao Bang is there Chongqing chestnut. Chestnut has a hard, thick, and fluffy coat. It can be boiled, steamed or brought into the oven, and you will find a natural fragrance from it. Just take a moment to soften it out in your mouth. Chestnuts appear at the end of autumn. When eating the nuts in the cold you will be able to feel the taste of the mountains and the heart of who has been caring the chestnuts.

Trang Dam