Go beyond the usual Vietnamese fare and delve into the unique Sapa local food specialties shaped by the mountain environment and ethnic cultures. Be adventurous and try Thang Co, a traditional H'mong stew made from horse meat and organs (though beef and buffalo versions are sometimes available), often found at local markets. For something less intimidating, look for delicious salmon or sturgeon hotpot (Lau ca hoi/ca tam), using fish farmed locally in the cool mountain waters.

Other Sapa must-try dishes include Com Lam (sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes), grilled stream fish (Ca suoi nuong), Cap-nach pork (free-range 'armpit' pig, grilled or roasted), black chicken (Ga den), and various grilled skewers available in Sapa town, especially in the evenings. Don't forget to try local fruits like Sapa peaches and wild pears, or warm up with roasted chestnuts (Hat de nuong).