Côn Minh Vermicelli – A Famous Specialty Of The Na Rì Highlands.

Speaking of Bắc Kạn cuisine, alongside Ba Bể Lake or the dishes rich in the flavors of the mountains and forests, one cannot forget the Côn Minh vermicelli – a famous specialty that has become a source of pride for the people of Na Rì. Made entirely from local dong riềng tubers and preserving traditional secrets through many generations, the transparent, chewy, and naturally fragrant vermicelli has captivated diners across the country, even reaching international markets.

The vermicelli-making village in the mountains of Na Rì

Côn Minh commune, Na Rì district has long been known as the cradle of traditional vermicelli making in Bắc Kạn. The craft of making vermicelli has been closely tied to the lives of the local people for decades, becoming the main source of income for many households. Currently, the craft village is concentrated in the Chợ B, Nà Làng, Bản Cuôn, and Bản Cảo hamlets, where hundreds of households still maintain the traditional craft of their ancestors.

Along with the development of the OCOP program, Côn Minh vermicelli has become a typical agricultural product of the locality, contributing to changing the economic landscape of the highland region of Na Rì.

The secret to making the famous vermicelli

The difference of Côn Minh vermicelli lies in the clean raw materials from the dong riềng plant grown on the slopes of Na Rì. After harvesting, the dong tubers are crushed, the starch is filtered, and processed according to traditional methods combined with modern technology.

Vermicelli makers pay special attention to the selection of raw materials, using clean water and absolutely not using bleaching agents or preservatives. Therefore, the finished vermicelli has a natural gray color – the characteristic color of pure dong starch.

The chewy and delicious vermicelli unmatched anywhere

Côn Minh vermicelli is famous for its natural chewiness, not being mushy or falling apart during cooking. One feature that many diners love is that the vermicelli retains its transparency after cooking and can be stored for a long time without clumping.

The light fragrance of the dong riềng tuber along with its natural sweetness makes the vermicelli suitable for many dishes such as chicken vermicelli, duck vermicelli, stir-fried vermicelli, or hot pot dishes. This is also the reason why the product is increasingly trusted and chosen by consumers.

From traditional product to national 5-star OCOP

One of the proud milestones of the craft village is the vermicelli product of Tài Hoan Cooperative being recognized as a national 5-star OCOP. This is the first 5-star OCOP product of Bắc Kạn and a testament to the outstanding quality of Côn Minh vermicelli.

Not only widely consumed domestically, the product is also exported to the European market, opening up new development opportunities for highland agricultural products in Bắc Kạn.

Experiencing the craft village attracts tourists

Today, the Côn Minh vermicelli craft village is not only a place for producing specialties but also an attractive destination in the journey to explore Na Rì. Tourists can witness the stages of making vermicelli, learn about the traditional processing methods, and enjoy dishes made from vermicelli right in the locality.

Amidst the peaceful mountainous scenery of Na Rì, the golden vermicelli drying in the sun has become a familiar image, contributing to the unique beauty of this land.

A specialty not to be missed when visiting Na Rì

Côn Minh vermicelli is not just a dish; it is also a story about the hard work, creativity, and aspirations of the people in the highlands of Bắc Kạn. From simple dong riềng tubers, the local people have created a product with a national brand and are gradually conquering the international market.

If you have the chance to visit Na Rì, don't forget to enjoy and buy some bundles of Côn Minh vermicelli – a gift rich in the flavors of the northern mountainous region of Vietnam.