Located about 160km from Hanoi, Lang Son has become a popular destination in northern Vietnam, thanks to its convenient transport, short travel time and affordable costs, making it ideal for food-focused trips.

Below are some dining spots and dishes visitors should not miss, based on recommendations from Nguyen Minh Duc, a travel blogger from Hanoi.

Roast duck - the signature flavor

No mention of Lang Son cuisine is complete without its famous roast duck.

After being thoroughly cleaned, the duck is marinated with onion, pepper and mac mat leaves - a local herb that gives the dish its signature aroma. The ingredients are stuffed inside the duck before it is sewn shut, while the skin is brushed with honey.

The duck is first roasted over charcoal for about 15 minutes, then dipped into hot oil and turned repeatedly until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown.

The dish is typically sold for VND280,000 - VND290,000 per duck (US$11 - US$11.5), depending on its size.

Minh Duc recommends trying roast duck at Nga Doanh restaurant on Bac Son Street, where the meat is tender, flavorful and paired with a rich dipping sauce made from duck juices, soy sauce and chili.

Roast duck pho - a rich breakfast choice

Another highlight is roast duck pho, a local variation that combines soft rice noodles with fatty broth and slightly sour bamboo shoots.

“I chose roast duck pho as my first meal upon arriving in Lang Son. The noodles were soft and thick, the broth light yet rich, and the duck meat perfectly seasoned,” Duc shared.

He suggests Pho Vi Tang on Dai Hue Street, a popular spot among locals, where a bowl costs around VND40,000 (US$1.6).

Char siu sausage pho and sour pho

Beyond roast duck pho, visitors can explore other unique variations such as char siu and fresh sausage pho.

At Dung Son eatery near Loc Binh market, the dish features thinner noodles and a lighter broth, with sliced char siu and aromatic sausage creating a balanced and fragrant combination.

Sour pho, however, stands out as one of Lang Son’s most distinctive dishes.

Unlike traditional pho, it is served without hot broth. Instead, it is mixed with a cool, sweet-and-sour sauce, similar to a salad.

A typical bowl includes blanched noodles, char siu, pork offal, roasted duck, thinly sliced sausage, crispy fried sweet potato or potato strips, herbs and cucumber.

The sauce is made from duck fat or broth, combined with fried garlic, fish sauce, vinegar, sugar and ginger, then thickened slightly for texture.

According to Duc, the dish impresses with its refreshing taste, generous herbs and a balance of sour and sweet flavors.

He recommends a well-known eatery on Than Cong Tai Street, where sour pho is served throughout the day from VND40,000 per bowl (approximately US$1.6).

Unique local cakes

In addition to hot dishes, Lang Son is also known for a variety of traditional cakes that are both unusual and delicious.

Cao chang cake is made from rice flour, minced meat and a tangy sauce, often served with chili sauce and soy sauce.

Cooc cake resembles dumplings and is eaten with a sour dipping sauce.

Coong phu, similar to glutinous rice balls, features a soft outer layer with mung bean filling, served hot in sweet syrup with crushed peanuts and grated coconut.

Another standout is ngai cake, made from mugwort leaves, giving it a dark green color and a mild herbal taste. The filling typically includes cane sugar and roasted sesame.

Visitors can also try grilled bread, a simple yet appealing street snack.

Affordable and memorable experience

During his two-day culinary exploration, Minh Duc spent around VND500,000 (US$20) on food.

Among all the dishes, roast duck left the strongest impression due to its rich seasoning and juicy texture.

“Many places serve roast duck, but Lang Son’s version has a distinct flavor that really sets it apart,” he said.

Beyond food: cultural highlights

In addition to its cuisine, Lang Son offers a range of cultural and historical attractions.

During the trip, Duc visited Lang Son ancient citadel, Thanh Pagoda, Ta Phu - Ky Cung Temple, Tam Thanh Pagoda, as well as Tan Thanh and Huu Nghi border gates.

He also experienced the Ky Cung - Ta Phu Temple Festival, one of the largest traditional festivals in the province.

Thao Trinh