The true origin of Cot Den pate

The destruction of 2 tons of "Cot Den Hai Phong" pate, made with pork infected with African swine fever, has led many to confuse it with the traditional Cot Den pate, a long-standing dish of Hai Phong.

ZNews•09/01/2026

On January 7th, authorities in Hai Phong City destroyed 2 tons of pate bearing the "Cot Den Hai Phong" brand name, produced by Ha Long Canned Food Company.

Previously, authorities determined that the suspects had transported and sold more than 1,270 kg of slaughtered pork that "smelled foul, had no clear origin, and tested positive for African swine fever virus" for consumption at food processing companies and facilities in the area.

Notably, the name "Cot Den Hai Phong" pate coincides with Cot Den pate - a famous traditional dish of Hai Phong, sold for many years by small businesses in the Cot Den market area, now part of Chua Hang street (formerly Le Chan district).

The similarity in names has led many people to mistakenly believe that the traditional Cot Den pate is related to the contaminated pork incident.

Cot Den pate (image 1) Cot Den pate (photo 2)

Canned "Cot Den Hai Phong" pate (left) and traditional Cot Den pate. Photo: Halong Canfoco, Ms. Kim Loan.

However, in reality, these are two completely different products. The "Cot Den Hai Phong" brand is an industrially produced canned product manufactured by a company. Meanwhile, traditional Cot Den pate is a handcrafted dish made by households in the Cot Den market area, having survived for many years thanks to word-of-mouth reputation and its unique flavor.

Pate originated in France, was introduced to Vietnam during the colonial period, and gradually adapted to suit local tastes. In Hai Phong, pate is not only a familiar dish but also closely associated with the history of its long-standing markets, becoming a part of the culinary memories of the port city's residents.

The name "Cot Den pate" originates from Cot Den Market, which was once a bustling pate trading hub. It's not the name of a specific brand, but rather a general term for the pate sold in this area.

Among them, the pate stall opposite No. 1 Chua Hang Street is frequently mentioned, and over time, the name "Cot Den pate" has become a familiar way of referring to the pate with the distinctive flavor of the neighborhood.

Cot Den pate (photo 3)

Traditional Pate Cột Đèn is distinguished by its unique fat processing method. Photo: Ms. Kim Loan.

The distinguishing feature of traditional Cot Den pate lies in its handcrafted processing method, most importantly the way the fat is handled. The fat is shredded, placed at the bottom of the pot, and simmered for many hours, resulting in a soft, rich pate that is not greasy. This is the key element that creates its unique and unmistakable flavor.

The Hai Phong Department of Tourism has included Cot Den pate in its Hai Phong Culinary Map, introducing it as a must-try dish when visiting the city.

Regarding the recent confusion, a representative from the Co Kim Loan Cot Den pate production facility stated that some information circulating on social media has led consumers to equate all pate products bearing the name "Cot Den". This has affected consumer confidence as well as the reputation of traditional pate producers.

"Authentic Hai Phong Pate Cot Den is a handcrafted product, made using traditional methods, and has been closely associated with the culinary life of the local people for many generations. Our family is one of the households that has preserved and continued this method to this day," a representative of the establishment said.

This institution affirms its respect for the community's right to access information and its right to voice opinions on food safety-related issues.

However, the organization hopes that the information will be reflected clearly and with specific distinctions, avoiding any impact on the traditional culinary values that have been built up with seriousness and dedication over many years.

Cot Den pate (photo 4)