Sapa food review: 3 full days of unforgettable deliciousness! 🍲🍢🍰🇻🇳

Sapa, a small town in the northern mountains of Vietnam, is blessed with stunning nature and the unique culture of its hill tribes. Besides its beautiful scenery and cool climate, Sapa is also home to a diverse and highly sought-after local cuisine. I spent three full days there and sampled some of the best dishes I'll share with you: Day 1: Start your trip with a sturgeon hotpot and vegetable buffet (Nhà Hàng Cá Tầm Sapa) As soon as I arrived in Sapa, I was determined to find something warm to offset the chilly weather. The sturgeon hotpot at Nhà Hàng Cá Tầm Sapa, located opposite the Stone Church Square in the center of town, was my first choice. • Atmosphere: A medium-sized restaurant with simple wooden tables decorated with photographs of Sapa's mountain scenery, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere. • Recommended dish: The hotpot features fresh, firm sturgeon in a carefully simmered herbal broth. The flavor is well-balanced, not too salty or sweet. • Vegetable buffet: The buffet offers a wide variety of fresh vegetables, including local vegetables. And the winter vegetables are crisp and fresh, and you can refill them as much as you want. • Tip: We recommend ordering the restaurant's freshly pounded chili sauce to enhance the flavor. This will enhance the spiciness and richness of the hot pot. Eating hot pot at this restaurant is perfect for those who have just arrived in Sapa and need to warm up and recharge before continuing their adventure. Day 1 Evening: Don't miss the chestnut cake at the night market (Quán Bánh Hạt Dẻ Hằng). After exploring the city and taking photos at the stone churches at night, I stopped by the Sapa Night Market, which was filled with bright lights and lively conversation. A popular dessert is the chestnut cake from Quán Bánh Hạt Dẻ Hằng. • Market Atmosphere: The night market was bustling with both tourists and locals. There were a variety of stalls selling food, clothing, and souvenirs. • Chestnut Cake: This soft and smooth cake is made with fragrant roasted chestnuts, with just the right amount of sweetness. Paired with hot tea, it's even more heartwarming. • Specialty: This restaurant uses specially selected chestnuts from the Sapa mountains. This creates a unique aroma and flavor, unlike typical chestnut cakes. • Tip: Try it in the evening or late at night, as the cakes are freshly baked and warm from the oven every day. The chestnut cake here is a perfect dessert for the cold weather, and it also makes a great souvenir to take home. Day 2: Lunch: Refreshing gelato and ethnic-style roast pork Fresh gelato shop: Sapa Gelato After strolling around the city and stopping at a nearby cafe, I tried fresh gelato from Sapa Gelato, a small shop recommended by locals. • The ice cream is rich but not too sweet, made with fresh ingredients. It features flavors of temperate fruits and fresh milk, and is incredibly sweet and smooth. • Perfect for the cooler weather, it's refreshing without being too rich. • The shop's decor is charming, with plenty of photo opportunities. Ethnic-style roast pork: Nhà Hàng Dê Núi Sapa (Mountain Goat Restaurant) The main dish on the second day was roast pork, made using an authentic hill tribe recipe. This shop is located not far from the city center. • The roast pork is tender and juicy. The pieces are not too thick and grilled until fragrant, with a distinct aroma of local spices. • Served with a secret sweet and sour dipping sauce made by the hill tribes themselves, paired with fresh vegetables and sticky rice. • The restaurant has a homey, relaxed atmosphere, with live local music on some days. • We recommend ordering the grilled pork and grilled vegetables, which enhances the rich and flavorful flavors. Day 2 Evening: Sapa Barbecue at Lẩu Nướng Sapa On my second night's dinner, I enjoyed a full-on Sapa barbecue at Lẩu Nướng Sapa. • Grilled over a charcoal grill, using fresh ingredients: pork, chicken, beef, vegetables, and mushrooms. • The aroma of charcoal and spices whets your appetite as soon as you walk in. • The dipping sauces are both spicy and sour, enhancing the flavors of the food perfectly. • The restaurant's atmosphere is friendly, perfect for a relaxing meal with friends or family. • A selection of local beverages, such as fermented rice wine, are available. It helps keep you warm on cold nights. Day 3: Fresh Fruit and Special Rice from Do Quyen Mountain Fresh Fruit Market: Chợ Sa Pa (Sapa Market) Before returning, I visited the fresh market in central Sapa to buy seasonal fruits for snacks and souvenirs. • The pears, persimmons, and other temperate fruits were fresh, sweet, and crunchy. • The friendly vendors were always happy to recommend the best seasonal fruits of the day. • The market also sells fresh produce and local spices. Special Rice from Do Quyen Mountain: Nhà Hàng Do Quyen Sapa This restaurant serves special rice from Do Quyen Mountain as the final dish of the trip. • The rice is grown at high altitudes, giving it a unique flavor and aroma. • It is served with a variety of local dishes, including wild vegetables, meats, and herbs. • The restaurant's atmosphere is calm and shady, perfect for relaxing and savoring the food slowly before returning. Final Conclusion: Sapa is not only beautiful with its natural beauty and diverse culture, but also a paradise for local food lovers who want to sample authentic flavors, both hot and cold, desserts, and fresh fruits. From sturgeon hot pot at Nhà Hàng Cá Tầm Sapa, chestnut cake at Quán Bánh Hat Da Hẻ Hằng Night Market, fresh gelato at Sapa Gelato, ethnic-style grilled pork at Nhà Hàng Dê Núi Sapa, Sapa barbecue at Lẩu Nướng Sapa, fresh fruits at Chợ Sa Pa Market, and special rice from Do Quyen Mountain at Nhà Hàng Do Quyen Sapa, each menu and restaurant has its own charm and memorable flavors, making dining in Sapa a must-try experience. #sapa #sapavietnam #sapatour #vietnam #vietnamtrip #vietnamesefood