Ninh Binh burnt rice – A 100-year-old traditional dish from Hoa Lu

Ninh Binh burnt rice, a 100-year-old traditional dish from Hoa Lu is a must-try for anyone visiting northern Vietnam. This unique dish is not only a delicious culinary delight but also a representation of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Cooked in a clay pot over a wood fire, the burnt rice has a smoky aroma and a crispy texture that is irresistible to the taste buds. As you indulge in this flavorful dish, you’ll be transported back in time to a bygone era and experience the true essence of Ninh Binh province.

Why is Ninh Binh burnt rice special

Ninh Binh burnt rice is a traditional dish from the Ninh Binh province in northern Vietnam. The dish is made by cooking rice in a clay pot until the bottom layer becomes slightly charred, creating a crispy texture and a nutty, smoky flavor. The top layer of rice remains soft and fragrant, absorbing the flavors of any ingredients added to the pot.

Ninh Binh burnt rice is often served with grilled pork, pickled veggies, and shrimp paste. It’s a beloved local delicacy and a source of pride for generations of Ninh Binh’s people. The dish is often served at special occasions and festivals in the province.

Today, Ninh Binh burnt rice has become a must-try dish for visitors to the province. The dish can be found at many restaurants and food stalls throughout Ninh Binh city and the surrounding areas. Many restaurants even offer cooking classes where visitors can learn how to make this traditional dish themselves.

The history of Ninh Binh burnt rice

Ninh Binh burnt rice has a history that dates back over 100 years. Legend has it that during the reign of King Dinh Tien Hoang, in the early days of Vietnam, the army had to prepare food for a long and difficult march. Rice was the staple food, but the soldiers had no cooking utensils or firewood. In a stroke of ingenuity, they burnt the bottom layer of the rice to make it crispy and tasty and mixed it with other ingredients to make a complete meal.

Over time, this cooking method became popular in Ninh Binh province and evolved into a unique local dish known as Ninh Binh burnt rice. The dish has been passed down from generation to generation and is now considered a cultural symbol of the region. Ninh Binh burnt rice is a testament to the ingenuity, resourcefulness, and resilience of the people of Ninh Binh, who turned adversity into an opportunity. Today, this beloved traditional dish continues to captivate the hearts and palates of locals and tourists alike.

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Why is Ninh Binh’s burnt rice special?

The taste/flavor of a burnt rice from Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh burnt rice has a unique flavor and aroma that comes from the combination of toasted rice and smoke from the clay pot. The bottom layer of the rice is crispy, slightly charred, and has a savory, nutty flavor. The top layer of the rice is softer and more fragrant, absorbing the flavors of any ingredients added to the pot. When eaten together, the two layers create a delicious balance of textures and flavors. When served, the dish is accompanied by a variety of condiments, including shrimp paste, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce. These condiments enhance the already rich and complex flavor of burnt rice.

The recipe/cooking method

Ninh Binh burnt rice is made by cooking rice until it becomes crispy and burnt on the bottom layer. To make the dish, the rice is first washed and soaked in water for a few hours to soften the grains. Then, the rice is drained and placed in a clay pot. The pot is then covered with a lid and cooked over a wood fire until the bottom layer of the rice turns golden brown and crispy.

The dish gains its flavor and texture from the addition of ingredients such as chicken, pork, or dried shrimp to the pot along with the rice. These ingredients are essential to creating the distinctive taste and texture of burnt rice.

Some versions also include vegetables like carrots, onions, or peas. The pot is then covered again and cooked until the meat and vegetables are tender and the rice is fully cooked.

Once the dish is ready, it is served hot with condiments such as shrimp paste, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce. The crispy burnt layer of the rice is considered the highlight of the dish and is often served separately in a small dish for diners to enjoy.

Some recommended places to enjoy delicious burnt rice from Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh province is famous for its stunning natural beauty, with towering limestone mountains and tranquil rivers. Visitors can also indulge in the local cuisine, including the popular burnt rice dish. Here are some recommended addresses:

Com Chay Thanh Van:

Add: 53 Hoang Hoa Tham, Ninh Binh city

This is one of the most famous places to try Ninh Binh burnt rice. The restaurant is located in the heart of Ninh Binh city and serves a variety of burnt rice dishes with different ingredients.

Com Chay Khanh Hoa:

add: 3 Phan Dinh Phung, Ninh Binh city

Com Chay Ba Doi:

Add: Hang Ca, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh province

This restaurant is located in Tam Coc, a scenic area known for its limestone karsts and rice paddies. Com Chay Ba Doi serves burnt rice cooked with fresh ingredients and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.

Com Chay Van Lam:

Add: Van Lam village, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province

Com Chay Van Lam, a small, family-owned restaurant, has been serving burnt rice for over 30 years. It is situated in the Gia Vien district. The restaurant’s burnt rice is cooked in a traditional way and has a distinct smoky flavor.

Com Chay Xuan Thanh:

add: 16 Hoang Hoa Tham, Ninh Binh city

Located in the center of Ninh Binh city, Com Chay Xuan Thanh is a popular restaurant among locals and tourists alike. The restaurant’s burnt rice is crispy and flavorful and is served with a variety of side dishes.

These are just a few of the many places where you can enjoy Ninh Binh burnt rice in its authentic form.

In conclusion, Ninh Binh burnt rice is a unique and flavorful dish that has been enjoyed by the people of Ninh Binh for over a century. With its crispy texture, smoky flavor, and fragrant aroma, this traditional dish has become a source of pride for the people of Hoa Lu and a must-try for visitors to the province. Whether served with grilled pork or pickled vegetables, Ninh Binh burnt rice is a dish that offers a taste of local culture and history. Through its continued popularity and the dedication of its cooks, Ninh Binh burnt rice will undoubtedly remain a beloved dish in Vietnam for generations to come.