Dien Bien brings unforgettable impressions on highland flavours

Dien Bien brings unforgettable impressions on highland flavoursI arrived in Dien Bien Phu City on a misty evening in November, 2024. The cool mountain air and the warmth of its people left an indelible impression on me. The heartfelt hospitality of Dien Bien’s residents, from their eager greetings to their wistful farewells, deeply moved me.

Tourists join a traditional folk dance with local people at Phieng Loi Cultural and Tourism Village in Dien Bien Phu City.

Tao Meo wine – A highland treasure

Sitting with the ethnic locals over a glass of tao meo wine, I learned about the son tra fruit, a unique produce found only in mountainous regions. Previously, I had only heard of this fruit in childhood tales, but now I can see it with my own eyes, touch it with my hands, and taste its essence.

Tao meo wine from Dien Bien Province is not only aromatic and sweet but also rich and profound, much like the highland life itself. Each glass brims with unspoken sentiments. I discovered that the best fruits for winemaking are those that have been touched by insects – a rustic yet meaningful philosophy: “If it’s good, even insects are drawn to it.”

The son tra trees grow sparsely across the mountains, yielding limited harvests but of unmatched quality. The golden, smooth tao meo wine is a prized gift that every visitor to Dien Bien wishes to bring home.

Muong Then Homestay’s staff prepare accommodations for guests.

Sticky rice – A gift from nature

Dien Bien is also renowned for its sticky rice made from nuong glutinous rice – a dish simple yet exquisite. Cultivated on terraced fields that soak in the essence of earth and sky, this rice is the pride of the local people.

Connoisseurs attribute its exceptional quality to the rare, potassium-rich soil and meticulous care it receives. The grains must be tender yet firm and fragrant to create the celebrated nuong sticky rice. When combined with colorful ingredients and natural dyes, it transforms into vibrant five-colored sticky rice, a dish as visually appealing as it is delicious, embodying the culinary essence of the highlands.

Dien Bien – A place where time slows down

In Dien Bien, I didn’t just savor its specialties. I also felt the serenity and depth of its way of life. Surrounded by the resonant sounds of the ethnic flute, sipping tao meo wine, and enjoying a plate of nuong sticky rice, I found an unparalleled peace of mind.

Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Dien Bien felt like a sanctuary, gently urging visitors to linger.

Dien Bien is not only a land of stunning landscapes but also a repository of rich cultural values. Humble offerings like tao meo wine and nuong sticky rice are more than just food. They are gifts from nature, infused with the soul and identity of the highland people.

With everything Dien Bien offers, it is undoubtedly a destination that captivates the hearts of travellers from all corners of the country. Dien Bien is a land to remember, to cherish, and to return to.

Dinh Thanh Trung

Dien Bien Phu News – en.baodienbienphu.com.vn