Located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, Gia Lai is a popular destination because of its beautiful mountains and forests. Named for the Jarai people, this area is home to a diverse blend of cultures in cuisine. The food in Gia Lai is worth a visit on its own, so don’t forget to try out the best Gia Lai food when you’re in the area.
About Gia Lai
From Chu Dang Ya Volcano to Phu Cuong Waterfall, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to explore in Gia Lai. Within this densely populated province, visitors can visit the main city, Pleiku. The area’s indigenous people also host regular cultural festivals and events.
Other than checking out the rice growing festival or stabbing buffalo festival, visitors can get a firsthand glimpse into the province’s lifestyle and eating habits. There are many restaurants worth visiting in the area, so allot time in your schedule to try some of the best food in Gia Lai.
Best Types of Food in Gia Lai
Once you’re in the area, there are plenty of Gia Lai food dishes to check out. From Gia Lai street food to gourmet restaurants, you’ll find dishes available for every price range.
Crab Sauce Noodles
If you’ve ever tried this Gia Lai food dish, you’d remember the distinctive smell. Known as one of the best dishes in Gia Lai, the crabs in this dish come from rice paddies. Once the dish is made, it must be fermented for an entire day before you can eat it.
Dry Pho Gia Lai
When you’re looking for the best food in Gia Lai, order the dry pho Gia Lai. This dish is similar to other pho dishes, but the pho bread is served in a separate bowl from the broth. Because of this, it is sometimes known as two bowls of pho.
Bep (Bago) Leaves Soup
This is one of the best Gia Lai food dishes. Bago is a kind of herb native to Gia Lai’s mountains, and it tastes sweet. A few of these leaves can be easily turned into a delicious soup or broth.
Cooking Classes in Gia Lai
Once you’ve discovered your favorite food to eat in Gia Lai, the next step is figuring out how to make it on your own. Fortunately, there are many cooking classes in the area where you can learn how to make Gia Lai food.
Lemon Basil Cookery
While the basic Lemon Basil Cookery school is located outside of Hoi An, it has tour packages for local villages, like Tra Que. You can get street food tours, foot massages, and basket boat rides with your cooking class.
Coconut Fragrance Cooking Class
Coconut Fragrance Cooking Class offers tours throughout the region. Other than trying out delicious Vietnamese and Gia Lai street food, you can learn how to make your favorites with the help of an experienced chef.
Gia Lai Ecotourist
If you’re in the area, the Gia Lai Ecotourist can teach you how to make all of the top food in Gia Lai. Started in 2012, this tour operator offers cooking classes in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Other than cooking classes and food tours, you can also sign up for kayaking, trekking, and camping tours.
Don’t Miss Out on Delicious Gia Lai Food
For a truly unforgettable experience, don’t miss out on food in Gia Lai. From dry pho noodles to bago soup, there is a wide variety of Gia Lai food to learn about. Once you’ve discovered your favorite dishes, you can even sign up for a cooking class to learn how to make them after you have returned home.
Vietnam Visa
Ready to take a trip to Vietnam to enjoy the many culinary delights? Make sure to apply for your Vietnam visa before you go.
