The Thắng Cố Quành 2 restaurant is an intriguing destination in Sa Pa for those who love to indulge in unique and specialty dishes made from horse meat. Firstly, the ambiance of the restaurant is warm and comfortable, with simple yet culturally rich mountainous ethnic decorations, creating a sense of closeness and tradition.
The greatest strength of Thắng Cố Quành 2 lies in its diverse menu. The restaurant offers a wide range of horse meat dishes, from popular options like hot pot, stir-fries, grilled dishes, to more unique choices such as horse meat vermicelli, grilled horse beef, or interesting salads. Each dish is meticulously prepared, using fresh and quality ingredients, delivering the distinctive flavors of highland cuisine.
Priced between 200,000 VND to 500,000 VND, the horse meat defied my initial expectations; it was incredibly tender, surpassing the tenderness of both beef and pork. We decided to order a plate of grilled horse meat, which was pleasantly soft and had a texture akin to a mixture of beef and fish, devoid of any toughness. Additionally, we ordered a plate of fried horse meat and another of horse meat stir-fried with green pepper and chili. The tender, succulent meat combined with the spicy kick of pepper and chili made for a fantastic accompaniment to rice.
Sa Pa's chilly weather, with temperatures hovering just a few degrees Celsius, adds to the appeal of this highland area in northern Vietnam. After sampling these horse meat dishes, we opted to try the horse meat hotpot, complete with tofu, noodles, and various horse internal organs such as stomach, tripe, intestines, and even horse genitals, which are considered quite chewy (priced at 500,000 VND, roughly 21 USD for a large-sized horse genital). In Vietnamese culture, some men appreciate these dishes due to the belief that eating such parts contributes to health.
Especially noteworthy are the friendly and attentive staff at Thắng Cố Quành 2. They assist patrons in selecting dishes that suit their preferences and cater to every customer's needs. The service here is prompt and professional, ensuring that guests feel comfortable and content.
However, it's important to note that the prices at Thắng Cố Quành 2 might be higher compared to regular restaurants, given its specialization in horse meat dishes, a regional specialty.
Overall, Thắng Cố Quành 2 is an intriguing spot for those seeking a culinary adventure, offering a diverse range of horse meat dishes that pleasantly surprise with their tenderness and flavors. The chilly climate of Sa Pa only enhances the appeal of these hearty and flavorful dishes.