Developing tourism associated with culinary culture

Phu Tho is not only renowned for its historical relics and traditional festivals but also as an attractive destination for tourists due to its unique culinary culture. In particular, during the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day and the Cultural-Tourism Week of the Ancestral Land this year, tourism activities centered around culinary culture promise to offer visitors fascinating experiences.

Thanh Son sour meat attracts many tourists who come to purchase and enjoy it when visiting Hung King Temple.

Understanding that visitors to the Ancestral Land often wish to enjoy traditional dishes, local specialties, and purchase them as souvenirs, many establishments and cooperatives (HTX) producing sour meat in Thanh Son district have increased their production capacity to meet the growing demand.

Ms. Ha Thi Ngoc Diep, Deputy Director of the Thanh Son Sour Meat Cooperative, stated: "During this year’s Hung Kings' Death Anniversary, the Cooperative processes 200-300 kg of fresh pork daily, supplying the market with 1,300-1,800 products per day, featuring various traditional flavors such as garlic, chili, galangal, shredded spring rolls, and sour bamboo meat. From selecting the pork supplier, the Cooperative collaborates with An Tam Agricultural Joint Stock Company in Luong Son Commune, Yen Lap District, a supplier committed to maintaining high-quality standards. This ensures that the pork is always fresh, clean, and meets food hygiene requirements. After receiving the fresh meat, Cooperative members begin processing immediately according to a strict, closed process. As a result, our products quickly gain consumer trust."

In addition to Thanh Son sour meat, other specialties such as Doan Hung grapefruit, Lang Lieu sticky rice cake, Tu Da fermented fish, Thanh Ba purple bud tea, and sour pickled cassava have also attracted many tourists. Numerous OCOP products associated with local cuisine have been developed and widely promoted, further attracting visitors.

Grapefruit products and processed grapefruit products from the Hung Xuyen Agricultural Cooperative, Doan Hung District, serve tourists during the Hung Kings' Death Anniversary.

According to statistics from the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Phu Tho welcomed over 6.6 million tourists in 2024, with 923,000 overnight visitors and tourism revenue reaching 4,130 billion VND, marking a 22.7% increase compared to 2023. A significant contributor to this success is the development of culinary tourism.

Ms. Pham Thi Hoang Oanh, Deputy Director of the Hung King Temple Historical Site, emphasized: "Culinary culture plays an essential role in connecting tourism services to create tourism products. The typical culinary culture of a destination contributes to attracting more tourists, lengthening their stay, increasing average visitor spending, boosting tourism revenue, and generating income for the local area. To showcase the region’s traditional culture, we have developed the Hung King Temple Night Tour, which introduces the specialties of the Ancestral Land as part of the visitor experience. After visiting and admiring the sparkling, magical, and sacred beauty of Hung King Temple at night, visitors can stop at the Gieng Temple 5-way intersection to shop and enjoy dishes like Chung cake, Day cake, sour meat, and Lam tea. We hope that these delicious dishes leave a lasting impression on visitors, further attracting more tourists to explore the sacred Nghia Linh Mountain at night."

Before concluding the Hung King Temple night tour, Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong from Vinh Phuc shared with excitement: "Enjoying the beautiful scenery and tasting local specialties with friends right at the foot of the mountain has been an unforgettable memory for us. Through this trip, I’ll be sure to recommend this culinary culture experience to my friends and family when they visit the Land of Ancestors."

Today, culinary experiences are not just about fulfilling basic needs; for tourists, they offer a deeper insight into the cultural life and customs of each place they visit. Whether through the way food is prepared or enjoyed, the experience itself creates unique flavors. It is no coincidence that the typical dishes of the Ancestral Land captivate and are enjoyed by so many tourists. Localities, units, and production establishments in the province have actively integrated these dishes into their tourism activities, especially during the annual Hung Kings' Commemoration Day.

This year’s Hung Kings' Commemoration Day and Cultural-Tourism Week of the Ancestral Land continue to provide Phu Tho with an opportunity to further promote its culinary tourism potential. Numerous unique cultural and culinary activities are being organized, promising unforgettable experiences for visitors.

Hong Nhung