Highland horse meat specialty

In the journey to explore the flavors of the northern border region in early spring 2026, besides the pink blossoms of cherry trees, diners cannot miss a unique culinary culture, as powerful as the very breath of the mountains: the specialty of horse meat from the highlands. Under the skillful hands of the ethnic people, horse meat has become a memorable dish for anyone who tastes it once.

The steamed horse meat stew (thang co) is a delicious dish during the winter months.

Horse meat stew (Thắng cố ngựa)

When talking about horse meat cuisine , one cannot fail to mention Thang Co – the signature dish of highland markets. The ingredients include cleaned and diced horse meat and offal, marinated with spices, and then simmered in a large cast-iron pot. The broth of Thang Co is dark brown, rich, and fragrant with characteristic herbs such as cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and galangal. In the biting cold, sitting beside a steaming pot of Thang Co, diners will experience the sweetness of the meat, the richness of the offal, and the spicy kick of ginger and lemongrass.

Stir-fried horse meat with mustard greens

If thang co (a traditional stew) is a dish of communal living, then stir-fried horse meat with mustard greens embodies the refined, rustic charm of a home-cooked meal.

The horse meat is selected from the tenderloin or fresh shank, sliced ​​thinly across the grain, and marinated with garlic, ginger, and a little white wine. Mustard greens – a type of vegetable with a slightly bitter taste and a characteristic crispness of the highlands – are washed and cut into pieces. The fire must be strong, and the hands must be quick; the horse meat must be cooked just right, retaining its tenderness and sweetness, blending perfectly with the mild bitterness of the mustard greens to create an incredibly harmonious whole.

This dish is best enjoyed hot with fragrant, sticky rice. The rich sweetness of the horse meat contrasts with the slightly bitter taste of the vegetables, but finishes with a lingering sweet aftertaste on the tongue.

Grilled horse meat in bamboo tubes

Grilled horse meat in bamboo tubes is a dish that requires meticulous preparation and careful selection of ingredients. Fresh horse meat is sliced ​​into bite-sized pieces, mixed thoroughly with mắc khén (a type of spice), hạt dổi (a type of spice), wild chili peppers, and finely chopped lemongrass. Then, the meat is tightly stuffed into young bamboo tubes, sealed at both ends with banana leaves, and grilled over hot coals. The heat from the bamboo tubes releases juices that permeate the meat, while also preventing it from burning or drying out.

When the bamboo tube is charred, the aroma of the meat blends with the scent of fresh bamboo, creating a fragrant fragrance. Splitting the bamboo tube reveals tender, juicy pieces of horse meat, infused with the spicy and pungent flavor of mắc khén (a type of spice), that will win over even the most discerning diners.

Highland horse meat cuisine is not just about nutrition; it also embodies the spirit of the mountain people. In the spring of 2026, take a trip to the highlands to be captivated by the sweet taste of horse meat and the warm hospitality of the highlanders.

Hoang Anh

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/van-hoa/am-thuc/202601/dac-san-thit-ngua-vung-cao-ce9645e/