Western tourists try sweet and fragrant specialties in Thanh Hoa, visit the countryside market to see "strange" but delicious dishes

Not only was the Western visitor delighted to be introduced to some strange dishes in the countryside market in Thanh Hoa, he also enjoyed the sweet and fragrant specialty of Co Lung duck, eaten with betel leaves and dipped in salt, pepper and lemon.

Dalton Rhone – an American tourist recently traveled to Vietnam, exploring many provinces and cities such as Hanoi, Ha Nam (old), Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh (old) and Thanh Hoa.

In Thanh Hoa, Dalton visited Pu Luong, spent time exploring some of the local attractions and trying some delicious local food.

Thanh Hoa is the fourth province Dalton visited during his trip to Vietnam.

The Western tourist said he left Ninh Binh at 6am to get to Pu Luong early because he wanted to explore an interesting local market that only opens every Thursday and Sunday morning.

“I really want to visit this market because there are many cultural features of ethnic minorities such as Thai and Muong. I hope I can get to the market in time,” Dalton said.

The place that American tourists mentioned is Pho Doan market (Pu Luong commune, Thanh Hoa province).

When he arrived here, he saw that the market had many traditional features and attracted many tourists to visit.

Locals introduced bamboo worms and wild shrimp, making Western guests curious because of their "strange" appearance.

During his short time at the market, in addition to tasting Doi seeds - a spice known as the "black gold" of the Northwest region, and learning about local fruits, Dalton was also introduced to some strange dishes such as bamboo worms, wild shrimp, silkworm pupae...

At first glance at these dishes, the Western guest "cried out". Not everyone is brave enough to try these dishes, but they are popular with the locals, considered a unique and delicious specialty.

At Pho Cao market, Dalton also bought a kilo of crispy persimmons to bring back to his homestay to enjoy.

“The atmosphere at the market was quite pleasant, with many interesting things. I got to try Doi and Mac Khen seeds – two typical spices that I have wanted to experience for a long time. I also bought some persimmons. Overall, it was a pretty successful trip to the market,” he said.

Foreign guy enjoys some rustic dishes in Thanh Hoa such as grilled pork with betel leaves, fried fish...

Dalton also expressed that, during his trip to Thanh Hoa, although he encountered unfavorable weather due to storms and rain, he was able to enjoy some famous delicacies of this land.

One of which is Co Lung duck.

During the boiling process, even without adding spices, the Co Lung duck still gives off a fragrant aroma, the meat is sweet, firm, and low in fat.

Co Lung Duck is a specialty duck breed of Co Lung commune (old Ba Thuoc district). It has the characteristics of a round body, short legs, a large, retracted neck, and a sparrow-like feather color, especially with a white border around the neck.

Previously, this breed of duck was often raised by the highlanders in Ba Thuoc on a small scale in rivers, streams, and rice fields near their homes, mainly eating corn and rice.

According to local people, the area where Co Lung ducks live is located in Pu Luong nature reserve, between the Nam Ba, Nam Muoi, Pha Le and Pu Luong mountain ranges.

Here, the climate is cool all year round, with clear, clean streams. Thanks to drinking clean water and using abundant natural food sources such as stream snails, small fish, shrimp, etc., Co Lung duck is considered to have a unique flavor, not mixed with any other duck species.

Dalton praised the meat of Co Lung duck as firm, sweet and fragrant.

At the homestay, Dalton was served boiled Co Lung duck. He said that the ducks were raised naturally so the meat was firmer, less fatty and more chewy, so it didn’t feel boring to eat.

“When enjoying, you combine duck meat with betel leaves, dip it in salt, pepper, lemon or soy sauce, all are delicious,” Dalton shared his feelings.

Western guests also commented that Co Lung duck meat has a sweet taste, fragrant but not smelly, and is very attractive when eaten with betel leaves.

In addition to boiling, Co Lung duck meat is often processed into grilled and roasted dishes.

An Giang specialties with names that seem to be misspelled, but visitors who try them once will love them. When talking about An Giang specialties, in addition to the familiar names known to many people such as Long Xuyen fish noodles, palm cake, fish sauce hotpot, etc., there is also a dish with a strange name that visitors even think is misspelled.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/khach-tay-thu-dac-san-ngot-thom-o-thanh-hoa-ghe-cho-que-xem-mon-di-nhung-ngon-2465540.html