What are the specialties of Phu Tho? What to buy as gifts?

Phu Tho – The Land of Hung Kings, a Sacred Place Famous for Historical Relics, Magnificent Temples, Traditional Crafts, and Distinct Folk Festivals Phu Tho is not only renowned for its sacred sites and historical relics but also famous for its rich culture, traditional craft villages, and special folk festivals. With such a long-standing cultural foundation, its cuisine is equally diverse, offering delicious specialties that captivate every heart. Let’s explore with Vietjet what specialties Phu Tho has to offer and what to buy as gifts for your loved ones!

1. A Brief Introduction to Phu Tho

Phu Tho is known as the "Land of the Ancestors," the birthplace of the Hung Kings, who established Vietnam's first nation - Van Lang. Therefore, it has become an ideal destination for those who are interested in history and culture. In addition, Phu Tho is home to many famous specialties, and anyone who has tasted them can never forget the delightful flavors, such as: bánh tai (ear-shaped cake), banh te mat (honey sticky rice cake), and tram om ca (pickled black nuts with fish).

In addition to tourist attractions, Phu Tho is also famous for its mouthwatering specialties.

2. Some Specialties of Phu Tho

2.1 Banh Tai (Ear-Shaped Cake)

Banh tai, also known as banh Hon, is a well-known specialty of Phu Tho. The name comes from the fact that the cake is shaped like an ear. Made from fragrant, soft, and sticky white rice flour, with a light sweetness, it is filled with savory pork seasoned to perfection. Despite being a humble breakfast dish, it is delicious and unforgettable.

Where to buy:

83 Bach Dang, Phong Chau, Phu Tho Province.
Local markets in Phu Tho.

2.2 Banh Te Mat (Honey Sticky Rice Cake)

Another popular specialty of Phu Tho is banh te mat. The main ingredients for this cake are sticky rice and sugarcane honey. Unlike regular banh te (sticky rice cakes), banh te mat has no filling. When eaten, you dip the cake into the honey, creating a delicate, sweet, and fragrant flavor that is very appealing. This dish is even better when paired with hot tea. Banh te mat is often offered at the local Thanh Hoang (patron god) festivals and during holidays.

Where to buy:

Dao Xa Market: Phu Xuan Street, Dao Xa, Thanh Thuy, Phu Tho Province.
Local markets.

2.3 Co om (Pickled Co Fruit)

Co om is a must-try specialty when visiting Phu Tho. The ce fruit, to make a delicious cọ ỏm, must be ripe, with thick flesh and golden-yellow pulp to create the signature rich, nutty flavor. After being harvested, the fruit is peeled and simmered for about half an hour in boiling water until tender. This dish is best enjoyed with sesame salt or chili fish sauce. If you're unsure about which specialty gift to choose from Phu Tho, you can buy some raw co fruits to give as a gift to friends or family, and guide them on how to make co om.

Where to buy:

Viet Tri City Center Market: Tien Cat Ward, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho Province.
New Viet Tri Center Market: Minh Nong, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho Province.

Choose ripe co fruits with thick flesh and golden-yellow pulp to make the signature co om with a rich, nutty flavor.

2.4 Buoi Doan Hung (Doan Hung Grapefruit)

Another specialty from Phu Tho that you can buy as a gift is buoi Doan Hung. This type of grapefruit has become famous nationwide thanks to its fragrant, soft, refreshing, and sweet segments. Buoi Doan Hung is round, with a slightly yellowish color resembling local grapefruit, thin white flesh, and juicy, off-white segments. The areas in Phu Tho that grow the most buoi Doan Hung include Chi Dam, Bang Luan, Kha Linh, Phuc Lai, Que Lam, Yen Kien, and Phuong Trung.

Where to buy:

Doan Hung Grapefruit Phu Tho: Khu 3, Doan Hung, Phu Tho.
Doan Hung Grapefruit - Thoam Huan: Thon 7, Doan Hung, Phu Tho.
Suu Ong Do Quoc Doan Grapefruit Orchard: Chi Dam, Doan Hung, Phu Tho.

2.5 Ca Thinh (Fermented Fish)

Ca thinh is one of Phu Tho's most attractive specialties to give as a gift. To prepare this dish, locals select fresh fish, clean it thoroughly, and then soak it in sour salt and corn flour for about 3 months. Ca thinh can be either fried or grilled, both offering a delicious and irresistible flavor. The fish has a tender, pinkish-white appearance, with a sour and nutty flavor, not as dry as sea salted fish or as mushy as fresh fish, providing a delightful and memorable culinary experience.

Where to buy:

Ca Thinh Ba Quy: Dong Can, Cam Khe, Phu Tho.
Ca Thinh Thoam Thao: Van Luong, Tam Nong, Phu Tho.
Hanh Ngua - Ca Thinh: Tran Phu Street, Tan Dan Ward, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho.

2.6 Thit Chua Thanh Son (Thanh Son Sour Pork)

Sour pork originates from the Muong people's traditional dish in Thanh Son. Initially created to preserve pork for later use after slaughtering pigs, this dish gradually became a specialty of Phu Tho. Thit chua is made from black pork, cleaned and roasted until just done, then cut into pieces, removing tendons, and mixed with roasted corn flour and spices. To preserve its delicious flavor, the pork is stuffed into bamboo tubes lined with guava leaves. You can enjoy thit chua with white rice, fresh vegetables, fish sauce, or shrimp paste.

Where to buy:

Thit chua Truong Foods: Ba Mo, Thanh Son Town, Thanh Son District, Phu Tho.
Thanh Son Sour Pork Cooperative: SN 70B, Ha Son Street, Thanh Son Town, Thanh Son District, Phu Tho.
Hong Chi Foods Sour Pork Production: 089 QL32, Thanh Son Town, Thanh Son District, Phu Tho.

2.7 Che Xuan Phu Tho (Phu Tho Spring Tea)

Phu Tho is the fourth largest tea-growing region in Vietnam, so tea is also a famous specialty of the province. The best tea harvest of the year is che xuan, harvested around the second lunar month. Che xuan is attractive with its fresh, vibrant green buds, clear green water, and fragrant aroma. Initially, it has a bitter taste but ends with a sweet, rich aftertaste. In addition, you can find various types of tea in Phu Tho, such as black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and scented tea.

Where to buy:

Da Hen Tea Production and Processing Cooperative: Dong Luong, Cam Khe, Phu Tho.
Thanh Nam Tea Cooperative: Bai Tan Village, Thanh Son Town, Thanh Son District, Phu Tho.

Long Coc tea hills are the birthplace of the famous Phu Tho che xuân specialty.

2.8 Banh Day Lang Lieu (Lang Lieu Sticky Cake)

Banh day Lang Lieu is a cake that embodies the deep cultural value of Vietnam in general and Phu Tho in particular. The outer shell of the cake is made from golden sticky rice flour, hand-pounded and mixed with smooth mung bean paste for the filling. The process of making the cake requires skill and precision to create a soft, fragrant, round, and flat banh day that is just right. This dish is an essential part of the Hung Kings’ Death Anniversary celebrations. When you visit Phu Tho during this time, you will experience and witness the lively cake-wrapping festival by the locals.

Where to buy:

Hung Temple: Lac Hong, Hy Cuong, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho.
Mo Chu Ha Craft Village: Bach Hac Ward, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho.

Banh day Lang Lieu is an essential specialty during the Hung Kings’ Death Anniversary.

2.9 Banh San (Cassava Cake)

Banh san is a humble yet incredibly appealing dish in Phu Tho. The outer layer of the cake is made from cassava flour, and the filling is made from mung beans, pork fat, onions, and various spices. The soft and chewy exterior of the cake combines with the fragrant, nutty, and savory filling, stimulating the taste buds and making you want to keep eating. In addition to banh san, you can also enjoy boiled cassava, a distinctive flavor of Phu Tho.

Where to buy:

Lam Huong Cassava Cake: 215 Hai Ba Trung, Tho Son Ward, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho.
Co Luan Hot Cassava Cake: 80 Phu Dong, Diu Lau Ward, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho.

2.10 Reu Da (Stone Moss)

Reu da is a unique and nutritious specialty of Phu Tho. It is usually harvested in late autumn or early winter from the rocky areas near clear, fast-flowing streams to prevent the moss from sticking to the soil. After harvesting, the moss is washed several times to remove any sliminess and then shaped into compact balls. Reu da has a distinctive aroma, soft texture, and a nutty flavor. You can prepare dishes such as sautéed moss, grilled moss, moss soup, or moss salad. It is also a highly nutritious food.

Where to buy:

Viet Tri City Center Market: Tien Cat Ward, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho.
New Viet Tri Center Market: Minh Nong, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho.
Tan Phu Market: Tan Phu, Tan Son, Phu Tho.

We hope this guide helps you select the most attractive specialties from Phu Tho to bring as gifts for your friends and family. Currently, Phu Tho does not have a commercial airport, so you need to fly to Hanoi first, then take a bus or rent a car to get to Phu Tho. Don’t miss the chance to catch a flight to Hanoi and grab a free domestic flight ticket during the special promotion from 12 PM to 2 PM every day.

Learn more: Hanoi Travel Guide: Attractions, Cuisine, and Cheap Flight Tickets.

You can also check the flight schedule and promotions for international flights at Vietjet’s official channels.