A unique and delicious dish: Lao Cai-style steamed rice rolls.

Cuốn sủi, also known as phở khan, is quite similar to phở Tíu. It also consists of soft white rice noodles at the bottom of the bowl, topped with a layer of crispy roasted arrowroot noodles and beef, all simmered in a thick, flavorful sauce. The top of the cuốn sủi is garnished with peppercorns, peanuts, herbs, and a few slices of chili.

A bowl of "cuon sui" (a type of noodle soup) is served to diners, the aroma of various spices blending together in a fragrant way. The "cuon sui" comes with a piping hot sauce. Unlike pho, "cuon sui" doesn't have broth; instead, it's served with a sauce poured over white noodles. When eating, simply mix the sauce and spices with the noodles, add a little chili sauce and other seasonings, and enjoy it with fresh mint leaves – a delicious breakfast in this highland region.

Cuon sui (or pho khan) is a delicious, rustic dish suitable for all budgets.

In Lao Cai, there are many eateries selling steamed rice rolls (cuon sui) and restaurants serving Chinese-style dishes. However, most train passengers arriving in Lao Cai usually stop at a restaurant just a few steps from the train station. Here, while waiting for their steamed rice rolls, they can take the opportunity to freshen up and prepare their luggage for exploring Lao Cai. A delicious, unique, and fragrant bowl of steamed rice rolls with cinnamon, at an affordable price, is always a popular choice for young people visiting Lao Cai. Not only is it budget-friendly for working people, but it can also be enjoyed all year round, and once you've tried it, you won't forget its flavor.

Along with horse meat stew (thang co), steamed rice rolls (cuon sui) are a signature dish of Lao Cai province that anyone visiting the area would want to try at least once.

Text and photos: Lam Linh

The Thanh