The Nung live at higher elevations and have a tradition of self-sufficiency. The Nung live close to nature and eat whatever they can grow or gather in the forest. Some of their dishes have become specialties of Lang Son’s tourism.
"Khau nhuc", a special dish of the Nung.
The
Nung grow both regular rice and glutinous rice. Steamed rice is the main food
in the daily meal, which also includes wild vegetables and beans. In the summer
they often have porridge for lunch. The Nung prefer to fry vegetables and roots
rather than boil them. After frying, they may add water to make soup. They eat
pork, chicken, and fish, not beef or and buffalo meat. At festivals they
prepare steamed glutinous rice and cakes with a special flavor for each
ceremony.
Nung
cuisine is well represented by their typical New Year feast, which is
considered a meal to counteract risks. The year-end party of the Nung Phan Sinh
in Lang Son province includes many dishes made from different kinds of meat,
bamboo shoots, and vegetables. Luong Van Bach, a Nung man who lives in Lang
Son, said: “The Nung Phan Sinh in Lang Son have upheld their traditional New
Year celebration. They prepare various dishes that include duck. They believe
eating duck will banish bad luck and they will enjoy a lucky New Year.”
Roasted ducks is popular among ethnic groups in Lang Son Province.
Duck
is part of several different dishes. The most popular dish is duck with sour
bamboo shoots. Khau nhuc is a kind of braised pork belly seasoned with several
kinds of herbs, such as cinnamon, anise, pepper, chili, and basil. Khau nhuc is
always served to guests and at parties for weddings, funerals, and longevity
celebrations.
Seasoned
with leaves of “mac mat”, a local sweet and aromatic plant, roasted duck and
pork are two other popular dishes of the Nung and other ethnic groups in Lang
Son, Cao Bang, and Bac Can Province. Nong Van Chi of Lang Son said: “Mac mat
leaves are indispensable with roasted pork and duck. The leaves are aromatic.
We also stuff “mac mat” fruit inside a suckling pig to bring out its flavor.”
Rice
wine is always part of a festival, wedding, funeral, or birthday party. The
Tay, Nung, and Thai groups in northern provinces drink wine with their arms
intertwined to show they will remain close to each other forever. Over the
years, Nung culture and cuisine have become tourism trademarks of Lang Son
Province.
By VOV5