Ha Nam Specialty - Phuc Ha Rice Paper

Not only possessing picturesque landscapes and ancient historical relics, Hà Nam also offers delightful dishes that every visitor should try. Since ancient times, the livelihood of the local people here has been closely tied to the civilization of rice cultivation, utilizing rice grains to create unique and flavorful dishes. Phuc Ha rice paper is one such specialty of this region, known as Phuc Ha rice paper because it is produced and developed in Phuc Ha village, Hop Ly commune, Ly Nhan district, Ha Nam province.
 

Phuc Ha is situated along the Chau Giang River, a small branch of the Red River. Nurtured by fertile alluvial soil throughout the seasons, surrounded by vibrant flowers year-round, this provides ideal conditions for developing a culinary tradition rooted in rice cultivation, resulting in dishes like noodles, vermicelli, and rice paper. Phuc Ha village is a traditional craft village with over 100 years of history, dedicated to producing and preserving the exquisite flavors derived from the fragrant rice grains.
 

Phuc Ha rice paper boasts a distinctive aroma, texture, and flavor. The creation of its unparalleled taste relies heavily on the selection of ingredients, playing a crucial role in achieving the final product. The chosen rice must be aromatic, firm, and free of impurities. The water used for making the rice paper must be clean to ensure clarity and prevent discoloration. Stringent ingredient selection is a mandatory requirement to maintain the best flavor of rice paper.

Not only the ingredients, but the human element also directly influences the quality of Phuc Ha rice paper. The process of making rice paper is far from simple, demanding skill and patience. Thus, the artisans of Phuc Ha village diligently and tirelessly dedicate themselves to each batch of rice paper, ensuring consistent quality and the finest aroma.

Technical factors such as grinding the rice, spreading the batter, and drying under the sun demand the resilience and finesse of the rice paper makers. Any issue encountered during any stage affects the taste of the final product.
 

The process of making rice paper involves several steps. First, the rice is soaked. After soaking for several hours, the rice is removed and ground in stone mills. This stage requires a significant amount of effort, and the person grinding the rice must be experienced to achieve the right consistency of the batter. After grinding, the next step is spreading the batter onto trays. The process is similar to making spring roll wrappers, but Phuc Ha rice paper requires a thicker batter and longer cooking time. Once cooked, sesame seeds are sprinkled on top, and the rice paper is skillfully placed onto bamboo mats to prevent tearing or warping.
 

After spreading, the rice paper is taken outside to dry. This stage is highly dependent on the weather conditions. Sunny and dry weather facilitates easy drying, while rainy and humid conditions present challenges, leading to potential mold and spoilage. Therefore, the people of Phuc Ha have always chosen sunny days for this stage. However, unexpected weather changes can result in damp rice paper. To remedy this, the rice paper must be heated or dried to prevent mold. Once the surface of the rice paper is dry, it is turned over and further dried to ensure even drying.
 

Finally, the last step is baking the rice paper to create the traditional and distinctive Phuc Ha rice paper. The baking process requires consistent flipping. The baking process must ensure the rice paper becomes crispy and fragrant without burning. This demands the skills and experience of the rice paper makers to adjust the fire and baking time accordingly.
 

Various machine - made rice papers are available on the market to save labor and speed up production. However, in terms of flavor comparison, traditionally handmade rice paper still possesses the most delicious and aromatic taste. This is the reason why Phuc Ha rice paper continues to be favored in the market.

When visiting Ha Nam, many tourists choose Phuc Ha rice paper as a gift for their loved ones and families. If you can visit this region, try this gift to fully experience the unforgettable and remarkable flavors it offers.
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