Symphony of Ha Nhi flavors

For the Ha Nhi people, food is not only a necessity for sustenance but also a way to connect with nature. In the small kitchen of their square, earthen-walled house, a bright fire always burns, keeping the whole family warm, and also serving as the place where delicious dishes, imbued with the rich flavors of the mountains and forests, are prepared.

The Ha Nhi people typically prepare their dishes using readily available ingredients: wild yams from the mountain fields, fern shoots growing by the streams, forest leaves from their gardens, or free-range black chickens around their homes. This familiarity creates a unique identity for Ha Nhi cuisine – both rustic and refined. Dishes with distinctive flavors have become the "calling cards" of the Ha Nhi people. Smoked pork with its smoky aroma, salty taste blended with a hint of spiciness from pickled chili peppers and a touch of ginger… Black chicken soup with forest leaves – a dish that is both nutritious and a valuable folk remedy. Stir-fried fern shoots with garlic, simple yet leaving an unforgettable refreshing aftertaste. Especially noteworthy is a beverage with a very impressive name, "Ha Nhi beer" – a fermented drink made from rice and wild tamarind leaves – which is not only nutritious but also deeply rooted in their culture.

During Tet (Vietnamese New Year) or other festivals, the cuisine of the Ha Nhi people reveals their philosophy of life even more clearly. Their feasts are arranged in a balanced and harmonious way, not only to satisfy the taste buds but also to show respect for their ancestors and hospitality to friends from afar. The sweet taste of wild vegetables, the mild sourness of wild fruits, the spicy heat of fermented chili peppers, and the richness of local pork... all blend together to create a unique symphony of flavors. Each dish and each ingredient is carefully selected by the Ha Nhi people to convey messages of prosperity, unity, and gratitude. Therefore, for the Ha Nhi people, cuisine is not just a meal, but a unique cultural feature, a connecting thread between generations in the community.

During our visit to Choan Then village, Y Ty commune, home to the Ha Nhi ethnic minority, we were fortunate enough to join Ms. Ly Thi Mai – a Ha Nhi bride – in preparing a meal for guests. Stepping into the small kitchen, the aroma of forest leaves mingled with the smoke from the stove, filling our hearts with joy. That meal perfectly embodied the spirit of the mountains and forests: from hastily picked vegetables from the garden, to a pot of black chicken soup cooked with fragrant, sweet forest leaves, to a plate of smoked pork cut into neat squares. Especially noteworthy was the fermented chili pepper – an indispensable condiment in the Ha Nhi kitchen – which enhanced the flavor, offering a spicy yet subtly sour taste that awakened all the senses.

While busily preparing, Ms. Mai smiled and shared: "For the Ha Nhi people, cooking is a joy, a responsibility, and also a source of happiness. Daughters-in-law always take charge of the cooking, preparing everything from firewood to each ingredient. Because a meal is not just for eating, but also a way to show hospitality and respect."

In the flickering firelight, the feast for guests is arranged in a balanced and harmonious way, with dishes that are both rustic and elegant. This setting makes diners feel that Ha Nhi cuisine is an integral part of the village's soul.

The Ha Nhi people often prepare chicken soup simmered inside a pumpkin when entertaining honored guests. This dish requires meticulous preparation. They choose a local breed of black chicken with firm, flavorful meat, and a pumpkin that is not too old, with a golden yellow, naturally sweet flesh. The cook spends half a day preparing: cleaning the chicken, hollowing out the pumpkin, marinating it with spices, then placing the chicken and various forest leaves inside and simmering it slowly over a fire. When the pumpkin is tender, the sweetness of the chicken blends with the refreshing aroma of the forest leaves and the richness of the pumpkin, creating a dish that is both visually appealing and delicious. Chicken soup in a pumpkin is not only a culinary specialty but also a testament to the skill, sophistication, and hospitality of the Ha Nhi people.

For the Ha Nhi people, the hearth is the center of the home. There, daughters-in-law diligently cook, children gather around, and the elderly leisurely sip Ha Nhi beer. The fire not only illuminates the house but also keeps the flame of family affection and cultural heritage alive.

Cooking, therefore, is not simply a household chore. It is a responsibility, a source of pride, and a way for each Ha Nhi person to express their love for their family and community. Through each meal, cultural values are preserved and passed down from generation to generation. From the meal to the cultural identity, Ha Nhi cuisine is a delicate combination of nature and human hands. It is the flavor of the mountains and forests, the love of labor, and the inseparable bond between people and the earth.

Whether in everyday meals or festive feasts, the simple yet profound philosophy of life is evident: living in harmony, respecting nature, and fostering community bonds. Amidst modern life, the cuisine of the Ha Nhi people retains its essence, creating an irresistible appeal that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor who has tasted it.

Enjoying the cuisine of the Ha Nhi people is not just about savoring the taste buds, but also about experiencing the culture, a journey to discover the simple yet refined, rustic yet profound soul – the cultural beauty of the people in the Y Ty highlands.

Presented by: Bich Hue

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/ban-giao-huong-huong-vi-ha-nhi-post884048.html