In short
- Try Che Lam, a traditional nutty ginger sticky rice bar.
- Taste Tuong, the village's famous local soybean sauce.
- Book a tour to get a home-cooked lunch inside a heritage house.
In this article
When planning your trip to Duong Lam and Son Tay Citadel, save room for local specialties. Food options center around traditional agricultural products and family recipes handed down through generations. Bring Vietnamese Dong in cash, as cards are rarely accepted for small snacks.
What are the local snacks to try?
Che Lam is the most famous snack in Duong Lam Ancient Village.
Che Lam is a sweet, chewy bar made from sticky rice, ginger, and peanuts. Locals usually serve it alongside hot tea. You can buy these directly from residents in the village to eat while walking or to take home.
What is the famous sauce in Duong Lam?
The village is known for Tuong, a fermented soybean sauce.
Villagers produce Tuong using traditional fermentation methods in large clay jars. You will see these jars in the courtyards of the ancient laterite houses. It has a salty, savory flavor and pairs perfectly with boiled meat, vegetables, or rice.
Where can I get a full meal?
You can eat authentic home-cooked meals inside the village's historic laterite houses.
Many families living in the 400-year-old heritage homes offer lunch to visitors. These meals usually feature regional vegetables, meats, and the local soybean sauce. Booking a guided day trip is the easiest way to secure one of these home-cooked lunches.
Are there restaurants at Son Tay Citadel?
Son Tay Citadel does not have restaurants inside its walls, but you can find food nearby.
The citadel is a military site surrounded by a moat. For food, you need to exit the 16-hectare complex. If you visit on a Saturday evening, the Son Tay Walking Street around the citadel opens up with local snack vendors.
Do I need cash to buy food?
Yes, you must bring Vietnamese Dong to pay for all local snacks and meals.
Small vendors and families do not accept credit cards. Keep small bills handy for buying Che Lam or bottles of Tuong sauce. Guided tours often cover the cost of lunch, but you still need cash for extra drinks or food souvenirs.
Should I book a tour with lunch included?
Booking a tour with lunch removes the stress of finding a meal on your own.
Day trips typically cost between $40 and $70 USD and handle all logistics. They include round-trip transport from Hanoi, entrance fees, and a traditional lunch at a local home in Duong Lam. This guarantees you get to taste authentic dishes without navigating language barriers.
Questions travellers ask
What is Che Lam?
Che Lam is a traditional Vietnamese snack made from roasted sticky rice powder, peanuts, malt, and fresh ginger. It has a chewy texture and a sweet, nutty flavor.
Can I buy Tuong (soybean sauce) to take home?
Yes, many local families sell bottles of their homemade Tuong directly from their courtyards in Duong Lam Ancient Village.
Do I need to tip for food in the village?
Tipping is not required for street snacks or basic meals in Vietnam. If you take a guided tour, you can tip your guide or driver at your own discretion.
