A warm story from Red Dzao House , Sapa

On a cool evening in Sapa, I decided to try one of the house specialties at Red Dzao House: a steaming hotpot made with fresh sturgeon. The restaurant felt like stepping into a wooden mountain lodge—warm lights, dark timber walls, and the soft hum of voices from both locals and travelers. It had that rare kind of atmosphere that instantly makes you relax.

A woman dressed in the beautiful, traditional outfit of the Red Dzao people approached my table. The red and white embroidery, the layered fabrics, and the distinctive headpiece were all hallmarks of this ethnic group that has lived in the hills around Sapa for generations. She carried herself with a calm confidence, the kind that comes from preparing hotpots hundreds of times.

With gentle, practiced movements, she lit the flame and began adding the ingredients to the pot in the perfect order—tender sturgeon, cabbage, local herbs, mushrooms, and noodles. It felt almost like a small performance, a quiet culinary dance.

The aroma slowly filled the room, mingling with laughter, soft conversations, and the clinking of glasses.

When I finally lifted the first spoonful of broth to my lips, I tasted warmth, depth, and the smooth, delicate texture of the fish. It wasn’t just a meal. It was a story—of the mountains, the people, and the traditions that shape this beautiful corner of Vietnam.

Red Dzao House wasn’t just a place to eat.

It was a place to experience.