Five-color sticky rice specialty: Enjoy the delicious taste that brings together the quintessence of the Northwest land and sky

When mentioning the Northwest, people often immediately think of terraced fields, villages immersed in the morning mist or colorful highland markets. However, few people know that amidst that beautiful natural picture, there is also a quintessence of culinary culture - that is the specialty of the Northwest five-color sticky rice. This sticky rice dish is not only a typical culinary symbol of ethnic minorities but also the pride of the people here. Let's learn about this unique dish.

1. Origin and meaning of seven-color sticky rice

Five-color sticky rice – Cultural feature of highland people (Photo source: Collected)

The five-color sticky rice of the Northwest is a traditional dish closely associated with the cultural life of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups in the Northwest mountainous regions. This sticky rice dish often appears in important occasions such as festivals, weddings, housewarmings or spiritual ceremonies of the community. Each color on the sticky rice dish carries a profound message, expressing the close relationship between humans and nature and the earth.

Red symbolizes life, luck and new beginnings; green symbolizes forests and enduring vitality; yellow represents abundance and prosperity; purple reminds us of the land and our roots; black has the mysterious and sacred meaning of the Northwest mountains and forests. The colors blend harmoniously, creating a dish that is not only beautiful but also contains the cultural depth of the highland people.

2. The secret to creating a "rainbow" on a plate of sticky rice

Ingredients to create the colorful dishes of famous sticky rice (Photo source: Collected)

The Northwest's five-color sticky rice specialty stands out thanks to its vibrant colors created entirely from natural ingredients. The ethnic people here take advantage of leaves and fruits available in the forest to create colors. The bright red color is extracted from ripe gac fruit; the green color comes from the juice of sticky rice leaves and ginger leaves; the golden yellow color comes from turmeric; the purple color is made from purple leaves; and the unique black color uses sau sau leaves.

After being steamed, the sticky rice is divided into small pieces and soaked in water colored by leaves, creating sticky rice portions with distinct colors. Each small portion of sticky rice is rounded and arranged alternately on the plate, creating a vivid "rainbow picture", both beautiful and delicious. This is not only an attractive dish but also a unique cultural symbol in Northwest cuisine .

3. The distinctive flavor of the Northwest five-color sticky rice specialty

Tay people's sticky rice steamer (Photo source: Collected)

The Northwest five-color sticky rice specialty makes a strong impression on visitors not only because of its brilliant appearance but also because of the sticky, fragrant, sweet taste typical of upland sticky rice. Each color of sticky rice is made from natural forest leaves, bringing a gentle aroma and delicate flavor, making it difficult for anyone who has enjoyed it to forget.

Five-color sticky rice is often combined with sesame salt, roasted peanuts or boiled chicken, creating a harmonious blend of fatty, salty, nutty and sweet flavors of each ingredient. When eaten, the sticky rice gradually melts in the mouth, leaving a delicious, gentle aftertaste that lingers in the diners' memories.

Nowadays, the Northwest five-color sticky rice specialty is not only a traditional dish of ethnic minorities but also becomes a culinary highlight attracting many tourists on their journeys to explore the northern mountainous regions such as Sapa, Ha Giang, Yen Bai . Many local households have brought this sticky rice dish closer to tourists through street vendors or colorful highland markets.

Five-color sticky rice not only shows the creativity and meticulousness of the people of the Northwest in utilizing natural ingredients, but is also a symbol of unique culinary culture, connecting people with the mountains and forests. Each grain of sticky rice is the crystallization of heaven and earth, a bridge between tradition and modernity, preserving the quintessence of highland cuisine.

Coming to the Northwest, enjoying the Northwest's five-color sticky rice specialty is an indispensable experience. This simple dish but containing cultural depth will certainly leave an indelible mark on the heart of any visitor.

Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/dac-san-xoi-ngu-sac-v17504.aspx