What Is Nem Bui Ninh Xa? (Fermented Pork Dish) Explained

Nem Bui Ninh Xa, a distinctive fermented pork dish, is a must-try when exploring Vietnamese cuisine. SIXT.VN offers seamless travel experiences, ensuring you can savor this local delicacy and discover the cultural richness of Bac Ninh hassle-free. With SIXT.VN, your trip will be unforgettable, exploring Vietnamese food, culture, and history with confidence.

1. Discovering Bac Ninh: A Cultural Gem

Bac Ninh, located in northern Vietnam, is renowned for its well-preserved historical and cultural traditions. This province offers a deep dive into Vietnam’s rich heritage, from its ancient temples to its vibrant festivals. The area is dotted with craft villages and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic Vietnamese experience.

2. Best Times to Visit Bac Ninh

Bac Ninh offers unique experiences throughout the year:

• January to March: Experience the Lim Festival, Dau Pagoda Festival, and Do Temple Festival during the cooler months.
• Summer and Autumn: Ideal for exploring the natural landscapes and craft villages.
• December: Capture the beauty of the Duong River’s canola fields in full bloom, a favorite for photographers.

3. Exploring the Festivals of Bac Ninh

3.1. Lim Festival

Taking place from the 13th to 15th days of the first lunar month, the Lim Festival is a vibrant celebration of Vietnamese culture.

• Activities: Enjoy traditional games like wrestling, pot breaking, tug of war, and human chess.
• Quan Ho Singing: The main highlight is the quan ho (Vietnamese folk music) performances, a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Cultural Significance: With approximately 500 festivals each year, Bac Ninh is the heart of traditional Vietnamese festivals.

3.2. Do Temple Festival

Celebrated in the third lunar month, the Do Temple Festival honors King Ly Cong Uan, founder of the Ly Dynasty.

• Gratitude and Homage: The festival expresses gratitude to those who contributed to the country, especially the Ly kings.
• Ceremonies: Includes processions honoring Queen Dowager Pham Thi and other Ly Kings.
• Performances: Features the dragon dance, traditional sports, rice cooking competitions, calligraphy, and quan ho singing.

4. Must-See Historical Sites in Bac Ninh

4.1. Dinh Bang Communal House

This stunning wooden structure is a testament to ancient Vietnamese architecture.

• Worship: Dedicated to the Mountain Spirit Cao Son Dai Vuong and the Water Spirit Thuy Ba Dai Vuong.
• History: Rebuilt by local artisans after Ming invaders destroyed the original structure.
• Atmosphere: Located in the same complex as Do Temple, offering a step back in time.

4.2. Tieu Pagoda

An important Buddhist center during the Ly Dynasty, Tieu Pagoda showcases historical and architectural preservation.

• Three Jewels of Buddhism: Used to worship the Buddha, the dharma, and the sangha.
• Historical Significance: Zen Buddhist Monk Van Hanh, who raised King Ly Thai To, once presided here.
• Artifacts: Home to rare artifacts and records chronicling Vietnamese Buddhism, including documents related to King Ly Thai To.
• Unique Feature: It does not feature a merit box, commonly placed in temples and pagodas so that visitors can donate money for temple repairs, daily operations, monks’ salaries, and charitable donations.

4.3. Dau Pagoda

Built between 187 and 226 near the Luy Lau citadel, Dau Pagoda is known for its unique architecture and spiritual significance.

• Hoa Phong Tower: Features the distinctive Hoa Phong tower in the center.
• Restoration: Restored by Confucian scholar Mac Dinh Chi in 1313.
• Bronze Bells: Houses a set of bronze bells cast in 1793 and 1817.

4.4. Phat Tich Temple

An ancient temple on Lan Kha Mountain, Phat Tich Temple is renowned for its unique animal statues.

• Kneeling Animal Statues: Features ten unique kneeling animal statues from the 11th century.
• Stone Spirit Beasts: Stone spirit beasts, including lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinoceroses, and horses, guard the Three Jewels Gate.

4.5. Cung Temple – Ngoc Well

Located in Diem village, Cung Temple is famed for its legend and the sacred Ngoc Well.

• Local Legend: The imperial army prayed here before a victorious battle along the Cau River.
• Ngoc Well: Visitors drink the well’s water for its cool, natural sweetness, believed to bring good health and beauty.

5. Exploring the Craft Villages of Bac Ninh

5.1. Dong Ho Painting Village

Located on the Duong River, Dong Ho village is famous for its traditional woodcut paintings.

• Unique Technique: Paintings are printed using woodblock printing molds.
• Diep Paper: The paper is made from the inner bark of the do tree mixed with powdered scallop shells.
• Cultural Depictions: The paintings depict national identities and cultural themes.

5.2. Phu Lang Pottery Village

Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016, Phu Lang Pottery Village is known for its unique ceramic products.

• Ceramic Products: Offers a variety of household and decorative ceramic items.
• Distinctive Colors: The ceramics feature brown, black, and light yellow colors.
• Embossment Techniques: Carving-based embossment techniques give the pottery a natural and unique appearance.

6. Le Chi Vien Relic Area

Located in Dai Lai village, this relic area is dedicated to the national hero Nguyen Trai.

• Historical Significance: Honors Nguyen Trai, who fought alongside Le Loi against the Ming invaders.
• Literary Contributions: Nguyen Trai was the author of poems and the “Great Proclamation upon the Pacification of the Wu.”
• Historical Site: Associated with the death of King Le Thai Tong and the subsequent accusations against Nguyen Trai.

7. Accommodation Options in Bac Ninh

7.1. Homestays

For group travelers, homestays like My Retreat – Hien Van, Jungle House Bac Ninh, and Zen Villa provide excellent options.

• Cost: Ranging from VND2,000,000 to 3,000,000 per night for a group of four to eight people.

7.2. Hotels

Hotels like Le Indochina Hotel, Muong Thanh Luxury Bac Ninh, and Mandala Hotel & Spa offer a more private and luxurious experience.

• Cost: Ranging from VND1,000,000 to 1,600,000 per night.

7.3. Budget-Friendly Options

Less expensive options include Hana Apartment & Hotel, Asia Apartment Hotel Bac Ninh, and Xuan Hoa Motel.

• Cost: Ranging from VND300,000 to 450,000 per night.

8. Must-Try Foods in Bac Ninh

8.1. Dinh Bang’s Phu The Cake (Conjugal Cake)

A specialty of Bac Ninh, Phu The cake is a delightful treat with a transparent yellow crust.

• Ingredients: Made with steamed green beans, white sugar, copra, lotus seeds, and five spices.
• Texture and Flavor: The cake offers a combination of elastic sticky rice, crunchy papaya, and the rich taste of green beans, copra, and lotus seeds.

8.2. Banh Te (Rice Cake)

A specialty of Cho village in Yen Phong District, Banh Te is a savory rice cake wrapped in dong leaves.

• Ingredients: Made with plain rice and filled with pork, wood ear mushroom, fried shallots, and seasoning.
• Taste: Best enjoyed hot, with a soft and chewy texture and a fragrant aroma of dong leaves.

8.3. Nem Bui (Fermented Pork)

Nem Bui, also known as nem thinh, is a famous dish in Bac Ninh made with ground roasted rice.

• Ingredients: Fermented pork mixed with thinh (ground roasted rice).
• Serving: Wrapped with fig leaves and dipped in chili sauce or fish sauce.
• Flavor Profile: The sharp taste of fig leaves, the sweetness of the meat, and the aroma of roasted rice powder create a unique culinary experience.
• Origin: Originating in Bui village, Ninh Xa Commune, Thuan Thanh District.

8.4. Diem Village’s Banh Khuc (Sticky Rice Balls)

Made in Diem village, Banh Khuc is a traditional dish made with cudweed leaves.

• Ingredients: Made with cudweed leaves, sticky rice, and savory fillings.
• Preparation: Prepared during Tet holidays, summer festivals, and other special occasions.
• Unique Flavor: Offers a unique flavor that is hard to find elsewhere.

8.5. Van Village’s Wine

Van village’s wine is a must-try local beverage made with glutinous rice, heirloom yeast, and medicinal herbs.

• Ingredients: Made with glutinous rice, heirloom yeast, and 35 rare medicinal herbs.
• Flavor: Offers a smooth and rich flavor.

9. Getting to Bac Ninh

Bac Ninh is approximately 40 kilometers from Hanoi, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway.

• Transportation Options:
  • Bus: The most affordable option, with tickets costing around VND10,000.
  • Motorbike, Private Car, or Taxi: Offer more flexibility and convenience.

10. Why Choose SIXT.VN for Your Trip to Bac Ninh?

Planning a trip to Bac Ninh involves several key considerations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

10.1. Comprehensive Travel Services

SIXT.VN offers a wide range of services to make your trip to Bac Ninh seamless and enjoyable.

• Airport Transfers: Start your trip stress-free with reliable and comfortable airport transfer services.
• Hotel Booking: Choose from a variety of accommodations to suit your budget and preferences.
• Tour Packages: Explore Bac Ninh with expertly crafted tour packages.
• Flight Booking: Find the best deals on flights to and from Hanoi.

10.2. Benefits of Choosing SIXT.VN

• Convenience: Enjoy hassle-free booking and reliable services.
• Trustworthiness: Count on SIXT.VN for high-quality and dependable travel solutions.
• Expert Support: Receive personalized assistance to plan your perfect trip.

10.3. Explore with Confidence

With SIXT.VN, you can explore the cultural richness of Bac Ninh, savor the local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this northern province without any worries.

Address: 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotline/Whatsapp: +84 986 244 358
Website: SIXT.VN

FAQ: Discovering Nem Bui Ninh Xa and Bac Ninh

1. What exactly is Nem Bui Ninh Xa?

Nem Bui Ninh Xa is a fermented pork dish originating from Ninh Xa Commune in Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam. It’s made with ground pork mixed with roasted rice powder (thinh) and spices, then wrapped in fig leaves and often dipped in chili sauce or fish sauce. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a unique culinary experience.

2. Why is Nem Bui considered a specialty of Bac Ninh?

Nem Bui is considered a specialty of Bac Ninh because it originated in the Bui village of Ninh Xa Commune. This dish has been passed down through generations, becoming a signature food item that represents the local culinary heritage of Bac Ninh.

3. What are the key ingredients in Nem Bui Ninh Xa?

The key ingredients in Nem Bui Ninh Xa include:

• Ground pork
• Roasted rice powder (thinh)
• Spices (such as salt, pepper, and garlic)
• Fig leaves (for wrapping)

4. How is Nem Bui typically served and eaten?

Nem Bui is typically served wrapped in fresh fig leaves and is meant to be dipped in a sauce. Common sauces include:

• Chili sauce
• Fish sauce (nước mắm)

5. What is the best time to visit Bac Ninh for cultural experiences?

The best time to visit Bac Ninh for cultural experiences is during the festival season, which typically runs from January to March. During this time, you can experience vibrant festivals like the Lim Festival, Do Temple Festival, and Dau Pagoda Festival.

6. How can SIXT.VN help me plan a trip to Bac Ninh?

SIXT.VN offers comprehensive travel services to help you plan a hassle-free trip to Bac Ninh, including:

• Airport transfers: Ensuring smooth and reliable transportation upon arrival.
• Hotel booking: Providing a range of accommodations to fit your budget and preferences.
• Tour packages: Offering expertly crafted tour packages to explore Bac Ninh’s cultural and historical sites.
• Flight booking: Helping you find the best deals on flights to and from Hanoi.

7. What are some other must-try dishes in Bac Ninh besides Nem Bui?

Besides Nem Bui, other must-try dishes in Bac Ninh include:

• Banh Te (Rice Cake): A savory rice cake wrapped in dong leaves.
• Dinh Bang’s Phu The Cake (Conjugal Cake): A sweet cake made with green beans, coconut, and lotus seeds.
• Diem Village’s Banh Khuc (Sticky Rice Balls): Sticky rice balls made with cudweed leaves.
• Van Village’s Wine: A local wine made with glutinous rice and medicinal herbs.

8. What are some historical sites I should visit in Bac Ninh?

Some key historical sites to visit in Bac Ninh include:

• Do Temple: Honoring King Ly Cong Uan, founder of the Ly Dynasty.
• Dinh Bang Communal House: A stunning wooden structure dedicated to local spirits.
• Tieu Pagoda: An important Buddhist center during the Ly Dynasty.
• Dau Pagoda: Known for its unique architecture, including the Hoa Phong tower.
• Phat Tich Temple: Featuring unique kneeling animal statues from the 11th century.

9. Are there any craft villages in Bac Ninh worth visiting?

Yes, Bac Ninh is known for its traditional craft villages, including:

• Dong Ho Painting Village: Famous for its traditional woodcut paintings.
• Phu Lang Pottery Village: Known for its unique ceramic products and carving-based embossment techniques.

10. How far is Bac Ninh from Hanoi, and what are the transportation options?

Bac Ninh is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Hanoi. Transportation options include:

• Bus: The most affordable option, with tickets around VND10,000.
• Motorbike, Private Car, or Taxi: Offer more flexibility and convenience.

Visiting Bac Ninh offers a chance to explore Vietnam’s rich culture and history. With the convenience and support of SIXT.VN, your trip to Bac Ninh is sure to be a memorable experience.