In Harmony With Local Culture
“Khu Cao” Restaurant means “delicious” in the Dao language, a simple word that embodies the essence of local cuisine. Stepping into the restaurant feels like entering a northern highland village, where every detail tells a story of the Red Dao people. The space is adorned with handmade Do paper portraits celebrating the beauty of the local community, interwoven with traditional wooden cake molds and Dao figurines in festive attire, evoking a sacred atmosphere rich in culture and heritage.
Healing for Body, Mind, and Soul
Happiness sometimes lies in the simplest moments — sitting quietly to enjoy a fragrant bowl of pho or a soft, warm banana cake in the peaceful embrace of nature. At Khu Cao Restaurant, every dish is prepared with fresh, wholesome ingredients that nourish both body and spirit, bringing the comforting flavors of home to your table. Sitting on the terrace, surrounded by the green of the mountains, one finds a sense of calm and contentment that gently heals from within.
At Panhou Retreat, Buffalo Pho is a guest favorite. The broth is simmered for over eight hours using beef or pork bones, blended with fish sauce, coriander seeds, star anise, cinnamon, black pepper, roasted shallots, and ginger to create a deep, aromatic flavor. What makes it truly special is the use of fresh, tender local buffalo meat in place of the traditional beef or chicken, a unique highland twist that captures the authentic taste of the mountains.
Buffalo Pho
Pho is one of the first Vietnamese dishes to be listed in the Oxford English Dictionary, a testament to the global influence of Vietnamese cuisine. Originating from a humble buffalo stew once served along the Red River, pho has evolved into a true symbol of Vietnam’s culinary heritage and it would be a pity to visit the country without savoring this iconic dish.
Bun Cha
At Panhou Retreat, the traditional Vietnamese Bun Cha is prepared with great care, balancing the gentle sweetness and tang of a dipping sauce made from vinegar, fish sauce, garlic, and chili. The grilled pork patties are tender and flavorful, shaped evenly and cooked to perfection over open charcoal.
What makes Panhou’s version truly distinctive is the use of fresh lemongrass stalks, which are wrapped around the marinated pork before grilling. As the meat sizzles over the fire, the aroma of lemongrass blends with the smoky fragrance of the grill, creating an irresistible flavor that captures the hearts of travelers.
