Tây Giang – a verdant highland region – captivates travelers not only with its majestic natural beauty but also with its distinctive, flavorful Tây Giang specialties. In this article, FVG Travel highlights the most renowned traditional foods of Tây Giang, Quảng Nam that you simply must try when visiting.
1. Ba Kích Wine – A Renowned Tây Giang Specialty
Ba Kích wine is among Tây Giang’s celebrated specialties, evoking the essence of the Quảng Nam highlands. It’s crafted from the roots of the rare Ba Kích plant, offering a subtly sweet, slightly bitter flavor with a rich, lingering aftertaste. Locally, Ba Kích wine features prominently at traditional ceremonies and when hosting honored guests—most Cơ Tu households keep a jar ready. Don’t miss sampling this regional treasure and bringing some back for friends and family.
>> Read more: Top 20 Must-Try Quang Nam Specialties to Bring Home as Gifts
2. Stir-fried Rock Frog – A Highland Delight
Stir-fried rock frog stands out as one of Tây Giang’s most delectable mountain dishes. Though its preparation is rustic, the result is remarkably flavorful and nutritious. Freshly caught, firm rock frogs are cleaned, marinated in mountain spices, then stir-fried in a hot pan until golden and aromatic. Another local favorite is frog roasted in bamboo tubes—seasoned, packed into fresh bamboo, and grilled over glowing coals.
3. Rạ (Z’ră) – Traditional Cơ Tu Specialty
Z’ră is a beloved traditional dish of the Cơ Tu people, combining wild vegetables, sticky rice, and meats like chicken, pork, or stream fish. These ingredients are cooked together and mixed, resulting in a deliciously harmonious and aromatic dish. Though its preparation is simple, it requires careful selection and preparation. Enjoying z’ră reveals subtle sweetness, distinctive fragrance, and the delicate texture of sticky rice.
>> Explore: TOP 5 Irresistible Đông Giang Specialties
4. Buffalo Horn Cake
Buffalo Horn Cake, also known as bánh cuốt, is a signature Tây Giang dish that reflects the cultural identity of the Cơ Tu people. Named for its distinctive curved shape resembling a buffalo horn, this cake is indispensable during festivals, harvest celebrations, and weddings. Made from fragrant sticky rice and wrapped in đót leaves—a type of local forest leaf—the preparation is straightforward yet demands precision to create uniformly shaped, visually appealing cakes. When unwrapped, the cake releases a delicate aroma, with a soft, sweet, and chewy texture that evokes the rustic charm of the highlands.
5. Cơm lam – Bamboo-Piped Sticky Rice
While Hội An is famous for its chicken rice, the Cơ Tu's cơm lam is a source of local pride. Sticky rice is packed into fresh bamboo, sealed with banana leaves, and roasted over charcoal. The smoky fragrance of bamboo blends with the rice for a savory, hearty taste. Typically served with sesame salt, grilled bamboo-cooked meat, or roasted river fish, it creates a deeply satisfying and authentic highland meal.
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6. Grilled Meat in Bamboo Tube
This traditional Cơ Tu delicacy features meat marinated with mountain spices, placed inside a young bamboo tube, and grilled over ember coals. The bamboo infusion preserves tenderness and imparts a delightful aroma, resulting in a flavor that’s both rich and rustic.
7. Tà-vạt Wine
Tà-vạt wine is another celebrated Tây Giang specialty that reflects Cơ Tu heritage. Fermented from sticky rice with a wild-leaf yeast, it yields a smooth, slightly spicy, or floral aroma. This fragrant wine is typically consumed during festivals or to welcome honored guests, showcasing the region's hospitality. Don’t miss this traditional spirit on your visit.
8. Sour-Pickled Meat – A Beloved Tây Giang Dish
While sour-pickled meat appears in many regions, Tây Giang offers a uniquely local version. Pork is fermented with rice or grain, then aged for 7–10 days over a hearth. The result is tender, rosy meat with hints of chili heat and cinnamon fragrance. Locals enjoy it with fresh forest vegetables, creating a tangy-spicy taste that’s both unusual and satisfying.
9. Amót Wild Pepper
Amót wild pepper, harvested deep from mountain forests, is a signature Tây Giang spice. Its aroma and heat are stronger and more complex than typical pepper. Locals use it in traditional Cơ Tu dishes or mix it with salt as a dipping condiment. It’s a meaningful souvenir reflecting the flavors of the highlands.
On your Tây Giang adventure, consider extending your journey to Hội An to explore destinations like the Tấn Ký Ancient House, Bảy Mẫu Coconut Forest, Cửa Đại Beach, and Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary. Don’t miss the eco-tourism haven of Cổng Trời Đông Giang, where you can:
- Walk the Ngọc Rồng Skybridge (“Sacred Dragon Grasping the Pearl”) and soak in the symbolic Lion’s Breath bridging sky and earth
- Refresh in cool mountain streams, paddle SUP boards, and bathe beneath natural waterfalls Immerse in Cơ Tu culture and traditions
- Enjoy adrenaline-pumping forest treks and explore Thiên Cung cave
- This combined route delivers a diverse journey through stunning landscapes and distinctive Central Vietnamese cultures
These Tây Giang specialties—with rich flavors rooted in traditional mountain living—are essential experiences for any visitor. Each dish and drink tells the cultural story and soul of these highlands. Be sure to bookmark this list so you don’t miss a delicious discovery when you explore Tây Giang, Quảng Nam!
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