𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐨 𝐇𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐁𝐚𝐜 𝐆𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠, 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦 - 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞-𝐩𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞
Tho Ha village, located in Viet Yen District, Bac Giang Province, is famous for its rice-paper making tradition—a type of specialty rice cracker from Northern Vietnam. The rice-paper craft in Tho Ha has a long-standing tradition and has become an important part of the region's culinary culture.
Drying rice paper in the sun in Tho Ha village (Source: Collected)
Rice-paper Making Process
Preparation of Ingredients: The main ingredients for making rice-paper are glutinous rice and water. The rice is soaked in water for an extended period to soften it and make it easier to process.
Rice Grinding: After soaking, the glutinous rice is ground into a fine rice flour. This flour is then mixed with water to create a sticky dough.
People drying rice paper (Source: Colleted)
Spreading the Dough: The rice dough mixture is poured onto a tray or round pan that has been coated with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking. The dough is spread into a thin, even layer.
Roasting the Crackers: After spreading, the dough is roasted over a charcoal stove. This roasting process requires skill to ensure that the crackers do not burn or become too hard. The crackers are roasted until they achieve a golden brown color and the desired crispness.
People drying rice paper (Source: Colleted)
Cooling and Storage: Once roasted, the crackers are allowed to cool before being packaged. To maintain their crispness for a longer period, they need to be stored in a dry, cool place.
Notable Features
Flavor: Tho Ha rice-paper has a distinctive flavor, with a crispy texture and not too sweet. The crackers are often enjoyed as a snack or combined with other dishes such as sticky rice, sweet soups, or used as a seasoning in various recipes.
Shape and Color: Rice-paper typically comes in a round shape, with an attractive golden-brown color achieved through the roasting process.
Traditional Techniques: The rice-paper-making process in Tho Ha still retains many traditional methods, from hand-spreading the dough to roasting over a charcoal stove, resulting in a product with consistent quality and unique flavor.
People are baking handmade rice cakes (Source: Collected)
When visiting Tho Ha village in Bắc Giang, tourists can enjoy a range of interesting activities and experiences related to the traditional craft of making rice-paper, as well as explore the local culture and daily life. Here are some highlights:
1. Tour the Rice-paper Production Process
Visitors can tour traditional rice-paper production facilities and witness the entire process of making the rice crackers from start to finish. This is a great opportunity to gain insights into the craftsmanship and precision involved in rice-paper production.
2. Experience Making Rice-paper
Some rice-paper producers offer workshops or hands-on experiences where tourists can participate in making rice-paper. You might get the chance to try your hand at spreading the dough, roasting the crackers, and even create your own small batch of rice-paper.
People are baking handmade rice cakes (Source: Collected)
3. Taste Rice-paper
In Tho Ha, you can taste rice-paper right at its source. The rice crackers are often served alongside other local dishes or enjoyed as a crispy snack. Sampling rice-paper with xôi (sticky rice) or chè (sweet dessert soup) is a delicious way to experience local flavors.
4. Explore Local Culture
Tho Ha is not only famous for rice-paper but also for its rich cultural traditions and customs. Tourists can learn about daily life in the village, local festivals, and unique cultural practices.
5. Enjoy the Scenery
The village of Tho Ha offers a tranquil and picturesque setting with lush greenery and traditional architecture. Visitors can stroll around the village, admire the old houses, narrow streets, and green gardens, experiencing the serene beauty of rural Northern.
Chirldens are drying rice paper (Source: Colleted)
6. Interact with locals people
Meeting and conversing with the locals is an integral part of the travel experience. The people of Tho Ha are known for their friendliness and are usually happy to share stories about rice-paper, their daily lives, and village traditions.
7. Shop for Local Products
Besides rice-paper, tourists can purchase other local specialties or souvenirs to take home. Items made from rice-paper or dishes incorporating the crackers can make meaningful gifts.
People drying rice paper (Source: Colleted)
8. Participate in Traditional Activities
Depending on the time of your visit, you might encounter traditional festivals, local markets, or folk performances. Engaging in these activities provides a deeper immersion into the local culture and festive atmosphere.