Vietnam’s Lunar New Year celebrations are renowned for their vibrant festivities, rich traditions, and sumptuous feasts. Among the many culinary delights savored during this auspicious occasion, Dong Tao chicken, affectionately known as “dragon chicken,” has emerged as a prized delicacy, capturing the hearts and palates of locals and enthusiasts alike.
Hailing from Dong Tao, a picturesque village nestled 30 kilometers southeast of Hanoi, Dong Tao chickens are famed for their distinctive appearance, characterized by unusually large feet, reminiscent of mythical dragons. Once a culinary treasure reserved exclusively for royalty, these majestic birds are believed to symbolize prosperity and good fortune, making them a quintessential centerpiece for Lunar New Year celebrations.
Weighing up to a staggering 6 kilograms (13 pounds) when fully matured, Dong Tao chickens command significant value in Vietnam’s culinary landscape. The allure of their succulent meat, renowned for its crunchy texture, fragrant aroma, and rich flavor, has sparked a surge in demand, particularly among the affluent elite of one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.
Le Trong Dung, a seasoned chicken farmer from Dong Tao village, attests to the burgeoning popularity of these prized birds, noting that a mature dragon chicken can fetch prices ranging from 5 to 10 million dong ($205.38 to $410.76). This steep price tag underscores the esteemed status of Dong Tao chickens as culinary treasures.
For Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung, another local poultry farmer, the most coveted aspect of the Dong Tao chicken lies in its robust legs, revered for their unique texture and taste. As she cradles a two-year-old rooster in her hands, Nhung exemplifies the reverence bestowed upon these majestic creatures by aficionados.
In Hanoi, Chef Loc Duc Toan, a culinary maestro renowned for his expertise in Vietnamese cuisine, extols the virtues of Dong Tao chicken, emphasizing its optimal flavor profile when aged between 13 to 15 months. Toan recommends steaming as the preferred cooking method, allowing the chicken’s skin to achieve a delectable crispiness while imparting a delicate fragrance and sweetness to the tender meat.
While Dong Tao chickens are now cultivated beyond their native village, catering to a broader audience of discerning consumers, local agriculture official Phan Van Hieu emphasizes that chickens reared in Dong Tao village and nourished on a diet of paddy rice and corn yield the most exquisite flavor profiles. Despite growing demand, production struggles to meet domestic consumption, ensuring the exclusivity of Dong Tao chickens as a culinary indulgence.
As Lunar New Year festivities approach, the allure of Dong Tao chickens continues to captivate food enthusiasts and connoisseurs, embodying the spirit of abundance and prosperity synonymous with the auspicious occasion. Whether served as a centerpiece at lavish banquets or enjoyed in humble family gatherings, these revered avian treasures symbolize the timeless traditions and culinary heritage of Vietnam.
