Chicken stew is a famous dish of the Northwest region of Vietnam. In Dien Bien Phu, it has an even more unique and special flavor due to the combination of many special local ingredients. The Thai people call it "cay truc cay moc," a very special dish that, in the past, was only eaten by kings and officials. Nowadays, it is often cooked by the Thai people during festivals, holidays, weddings, and to entertain honored guests. To make the dish delicious, the chicken is cleaned, chopped into small pieces, and marinated with spices such as ginger, lemongrass, chili, dill, dried onions, coriander, and wild herbs. Notably, chicken stew is also seasoned with mac khen leaves – a spice found only in the Northwest region.

According to experts, chicken meat has higher nutritional value and energy than red meat. The excellent source of protein, low calories, and low saturated fat in poultry make it a healthy dish. The preparation of this dish is very elaborate. The main ingredients are free-range chicken, along with characteristic spices such as: mắc khén (a type of spice), chili powder, ginger, lemongrass, and aromatic herbs like dill, young mustard greens, coriander… and especially, the indispensable fragrant sticky rice flour and fresh dong leaves from the forest. Chicken cooked in a traditional way, served with sticky rice, is an unforgettable specialty that was once only enjoyed by aristocratic families. Enjoying the chicken cooked to perfection, you'll experience the sweet taste of the fresh chicken, the intoxicating aroma of the spices, and the rich, savory flavor that blends together, creating a truly unique dish.

Visiting Dien Bien Phu during the time when the bauhinia flowers bloom, tourists can enjoy chicken cooked in a special way, enhanced by the unique flavor of the bauhinia flowers, creating a distinct and captivating taste. The name "Chicken Cooked in a Traditional Way" itself sparks curiosity, making it a must-try dish served with sticky rice or regular rice. The sweetness of the chicken meat blends with the herbs and sticky rice flour, creating an irresistible flavor. This is why many food-loving tourists come to Dien Bien to enjoy authentic mountain-style chicken dishes. Visiting the Northwest mountains means experiencing the unique flavors of the Thai ethnic cuisine of Dien Bien.