Every Lunar New Year, as the stilt houses are hidden in the early morning mist and the hearths glow red throughout the winter nights, the Thai ethnic people in Son La are busy preparing the New Year's feast, a convergence of culinary excellence and the depth of traditional culture.
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A meal of the Thai ethnic people.
For the Thai people, the New Year's meal is not only a reunion feast but also a "gateway" to the spiritual life of the highlanders in Northwest Vietnam.
In the Thai people's belief, Tet (Lunar New Year) is an occasion to give thanks to ancestors, heaven and earth, and to pray for a new year of favorable weather, peace and happiness in the village. Therefore, the Tet feast is always meticulously prepared, with a full array of traditional dishes, mainly made from mountain and forest produce and self-sufficient labor of the family.
Sticky rice is an indispensable dish, usually white, purple, or multicolored. The fragrant, chewy rice grains symbolize abundance and community bonding. On the feast table, sticky rice is often placed in the center, reflecting the important role of sticky rice in the lives of the Thai people.
In addition, there are dishes of smoked buffalo meat and local pork, prepared and smoked many days before Tet. After being shredded, the meat is dipped in cham cheo, a special spice blend with mac khen, chili, garlic, and wild herbs, creating an unforgettable spicy and rich flavor.
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A meal of the Thai ethnic people.
Another highlight is the grilled stream fish dish called "pa pỉnh tộp," where the fish is stuffed with lemongrass, herbs, and mắc khén (a type of spice), then grilled over charcoal, giving off the fragrant aroma of the mountains and forests. This dish is often served to honored guests during the New Year. In addition, the Tet feast also includes bamboo shoot soup, bon soup, traditional cured meats, and, of course, rice wine and fermented rice wine – drinks closely associated with rituals and community life.
What makes the Tet cuisine of the Thai people in Son La so special is not only the food itself, but also the atmosphere: gathering around the fire, the sound of the flute, the lively laughter and conversation, the passing of cups of wine, and wishes for a peaceful new year.
Today, many Thai ethnic villages in Son La have become attractive community tourism destinations, where visitors can directly experience the local New Year celebration, participate in preparing the feast, cooking, and fully enjoy the flavors of spring in the highlands. This is a sustainable value that helps Son La tourism leave its mark with its unique and rich cultural identity.