A “Unforgettable” Delicacy

If you have the chance to visit Kim Boi—a destination blessed with stunning natural landscapes and a rich cultural identity—do not miss the chance to savor Muong Dong bamboo-tube sticky rice to fully experience the culinary essence of the Muong people. These fragrant, chewy tubes of rice are not only enticing for their flavor but also embody the simple, warm-hearted nature of the highlanders.

Muong Dong bamboo-tube sticky rice specialty is produced and packaged according to food safety and hygiene standards.

The tradition of making bamboo-tube sticky rice has been passed down through generations, originating from the need for a convenient meal when working in the fields or the forest. Over time, it has become a staple of the spiritual life of the locals, appearing at festivals, weddings, and Lunar New Year, and serving as a precious gift for distinguished guests.

According to producers in the Mo Da area, Kim Boi commune, the main ingredient is glutinous rice. The rice is washed and soaked before being stuffed into “hop” tubes (a plant in the bamboo family). Water is added, and the tubes are sealed with banana or dong leaves before being roasted over an open fire.

Currently, households have improved the roasting method by using ovens to produce larger quantities.

While traditional processes are maintained in the Muong Dong region, production methods have been modernized. To handle large orders, locals place many tubes at once into charcoal-fired ovens. Using corn cobs as stoppers helps the rice cook evenly and remain flavorful while preserving its nutritional value and traditional taste.

Mr. Bui Duc Tiep, a resident of Mo Da, reveals: "The quality of bamboo-tube sticky rice depends on the ingredients. The bamboo tubes must be fresh and young, containing natural sap. The rice must be yellow-flowered sticky rice, with plump, round grains and a natural fragrance. Notably, Muong Dong possesses a precious source of natural hot mineral water, which locals use in the cooking process, creating a unique distinction for this specialty."

The rice must be yellow-flowered sticky rice.

To add visual appeal, the people of Muong Dong creatively use natural ingredients from their gardens—such as pineapple leaves, magenta leaves, beetroot, and turmeric—to create vibrant colors while maintaining the original flavor. Bamboo-tube sticky rice is typically served with simple roasted sesame salt or paired with grilled dishes like skewered meat, grilled fish, or grilled chicken, capturing the true spirit of the mountains and forests.

Currently, there are nearly 100 households producing bamboo-tube sticky rice in the commune, concentrated mainly around the Kim Boi Mineral Spring Tourism Area. Linked to the development of tourism, this rustic dish has become an exotic delicacy featured in many restaurants and hotels. Many tourists who try it once find themselves ordering more to bring home as gifts.

Kim Boi Mineral Spring Tourism Area organizes experiential activities to introduce and promote the traditional craft of bamboo-tube sticky rice .

Furthermore, households actively showcase this specialty at trade fairs and consumer markets both inside and outside the province. Several production facilities have been selected as culinary culture experience sites, allowing tourists to learn about the traditional craft. A Kim Boi Mineral Spring Com Lam Production Cooperative has been established to supply this specialty nationwide, building a strong brand and expanding its market reach.

Bui Minh