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A miniature Paris
In the early 1900s, Da Lat was a summer resort for the French during their occupation of Vietnam. It was so popular that it earned the nickname "Little Paris".
The French influence on this region is still evident in colonial architecture and, most notably, in cuisine. From baguettes to pâté, the French imported and introduced many ingredients during this period, including cheese.
And that culture continues to this day, at a cheese factory in Don Duong district, about an hour's drive from the center of Da Lat. From this factory, a large quantity of cheese is produced and sold to hotels, restaurants, and dairy shops throughout the region.
The factory produces various types of cheese, including blue cheese, Camembert, mozzarella, raclette, scamorza, ricotta, and marscapone, for hotels, restaurants, and dairy shops throughout the region.
Initially, the cheese factory in Don Duong used less than 50 liters of milk per day, but now, with 30 workers, they use up to 5,000 liters of milk daily to produce 13 different types of cheese, from ricotta to bocconcini. All cheeses are 100% natural, with no additives.
The Don Duong cheese factory uses up to 5,000 liters of milk daily to produce 13 different types of cheese, from ricotta to bocconcini.
Their milk supply comes from numerous farmers and farms. However, in an effort to further improve the quality and consistency of their milk, they plan to build their own dairy farm.
All cheeses are 100% natural, with no additives.
ENHANCE VIETNAMESE CUISINE
One of the most notable cheeses produced in Da Lat is Camembert, made in collaboration with a craftsman trained in France. However, the most popular cheeses at the Don Duong factory are burrata and mozzarella. Each day, the factory produces 1,500-2,000 pieces of burrata and 2,000-3,000 pieces of mozzarella.
Every day, the Don Duong cheese factory handcrafts 1,500-2,000 burrata balls and 2,000-3,000 mozzarella slices.
During the French colonial period, the French in Da Lat often ate imported cheese from their homeland rather than establishing local production facilities. Vietnamese people at that time weren't particularly interested in cheese either. It wasn't until recently that cheese factories began to appear in Da Lat, taking advantage of the local milk supply. Therefore, although influenced by French flavors, Da Lat cheese doesn't completely imitate European techniques but is made in its own unique way.
Da Lat cheese can be delivered to restaurants and shops within 24 hours of production.
One of Da Lat's specialties that uses cheese is yogurt. Da Lat yogurt has a very unique flavor, rich and smooth, a truly unique combination of milk and cheese fermented at the right temperature. The cheese yogurt has a bright yellow surface; when scooped with a spoon, you'll find both thick cheese on top and smooth yogurt underneath, with a rich fresh milk flavor and just the right amount of sourness, making it very easy to eat.
Starting this summer, you can visit Da Lat to enjoy the freshest cheeses, local wines, ripe strawberries, fresh artichokes, and wholesome local herbs.
