Cơm Lam – Colorful Culinary Delight in Xuan Son National Park

Xuan Son National Park is a popular tourist destination in Phu Tho province. It is a community area mainly inhabited by two ethnic groups, the Muong and Dao people. Due to this, the region has a unique and fascinating cultural identity, attracting many tourists who want to explore the daily activities, scenic landscapes, and local cuisine. One of the favorite dishes in the locals’ meals is “cơm lam,” a dish that cannot be missed whenever there is a celebration or hospitality for guests.

The ingredients for making cơm lam include glutinous rice, bamboo tubes, and various forest leaves. The white, round glutinous rice grains are thoroughly cleaned and then soaked in water infused with the essence of various leaves, creating an attractive color palette. The green of banana leaves, the red and purple of red and purple leaves, the yellow of fresh turmeric, and the natural white color of rice. What makes it even more special is that to produce delicious bamboo tubes, one needs to cut bamboo when it’s not too old but not too young. When peeled, there is a layer called the “lụa” layer, providing a simple, aromatic taste without being greasy.

After soaking, the rice takes on the characteristic color of the leaves. The rice is poured into bamboo tubes, and a chopstick is used to compress the rice evenly so that it becomes sticky and delicious. A little water is added to the bamboo tubes to prevent the rice from burning, and the mouth of the tubes is tightly sealed with banana leaves or dong leaves before being grilled over a charcoal stove. When the rice-filled tubes are cooked, use a knife to peel off the burnt outer layer, revealing the delicious and aromatic cơm lam inside. Cơm lam is used as a substitute for rice or sticky rice. It is convenient to bring along when traveling, clean and neat, easy to peel and eat on the go, and it is elastic and does not get stale easily.

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Colorful bamboo tubes of cơm lam make a unique gift for loved ones when traveling to Xuan Son National Park.

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Many locals sell these bamboo tubes to tourists…

If you have the opportunity to visit and experience Xuan Son National Park, remember to savor and appreciate the delicate and delicious taste of this colorful cơm lam dish. Moreover, not only can you enjoy it, but you also have the chance to learn how to make this unique dish with the local people. It will be an extremely interesting experience in your journey to this captivating tourist destination!