Com Lam (Bamboo Sticky Rice)

Com lam is a traditional dish of ethnic minorities in Vietnam’s northwest mountains, especially popular in Sapa. Fragrant sticky rice is cleaned, lightly salted, placed inside fresh bamboo tubes, and roasted over hot coals. Thanks to the bamboo, the rice becomes soft, sticky, and infused with the aroma of the forest and smoky notes. This dish is not only tasty but also deeply rooted in the cultural life of local communities. Com lam is often served with roasted peanuts, grilled meat, or sausage.

Today, com lam is no longer limited to festivals or forest meals, it has become an essential part of Sapa’s culinary scene. Visitors can easily find it at local markets, restaurants, or roadside food stalls. Some places even offer creative pairings with unique dipping sauces or forest vegetables. No matter the variation, com lam still retains its rustic and authentic mountain charm. It’s a perfect choice for anyone eager to taste traditional Vietnamese highland cuisine.

Recommended spots:

A Phủ Restaurant - 15 Fansipan (with its cozy atmosphere and decor inspired by traditional Hmong culture)