Dong Tao Chicken – From folk knowledge to national intangible cultural heritage
Not only famous for longan, lychee, banh te... Hung Yen is also known for the rare Dong Tao chicken breed, with unique economic and cultural values. On June 10, 2025, Dong Tao Commune (Khoai Chau) Folk Knowledge of Raising and Processing Dong Tao Chicken was honored to be included in the List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, opening a new direction for the preservation and development of the value of the homeland's specialties....
Folk knowledge – priceless assets
Dong Tao chicken (also known as Dong Cao chicken) has a long history, and is said to have been used as an offering to the king and as an offering in important occasions. Over many generations, the people of Dong Tao commune have formed a rich folk knowledge system, from how to choose breeds, care for them, process them, and preserve rare genetic resources. This knowledge system is not only about technical knowledge but also contains passion and vivid experience from real life, passed down orally through generations.
Dong Tao chicken (also known as Dong Cao chicken) has a long history, and is said to have been used as an offering to the king and as an offering in important occasions. Over many generations, the people of Dong Tao commune have formed a rich folk knowledge system, from how to choose breeds, care for them, process them, and preserve rare genetic resources. This knowledge system is not only about technical knowledge but also contains passion and vivid experience from real life, passed down orally through generations.
According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Quyet, Chairman of Dong Tao Commune People's Committee, the recognition of Folk Knowledge on Raising and Processing Dong Tao Chicken as a national intangible cultural heritage is not only a worthy recognition for local people, but also an important driving force in preserving and promoting cultural values associated with traditional agriculture.
“Difficult” chicken breeds and dedicated breeders
Dong Tao chickens have a unique appearance: large, rough legs like mulberry shells; red skin; sturdy body. Adult roosters weigh 5–6 kg, hens over 3.5 kg. But to have a standard chicken breed requires perseverance and extensive knowledge.
Dong Tao chicken, Hung Yen specialty
According to long-time breeders, this breed of chicken “does not like to live in confinement” and needs a large space to move. Chickens are often raised in gardens, fed natural food, and do not use growth stimulants. On average, it takes 12 to 18 months to have a quality batch of chickens. Currently, there are over 2,000 households in the commune raising Dong Tao chickens with a total flock of over 40,000 chickens, selling tens of thousands of commercial and breeding chickens each year. Thanks to Dong Tao chicken farming, people have a stable income of 8-10 million VND/person/month, becoming one of the main occupations to improve rural life.
Mr. Le Quang Thang, Director of Dong Tao Chicken Breeding and Trading Cooperative, shared: In addition to maintaining traditional farming methods, we also apply VietGAHP procedures to improve meat quality and ensure food hygiene and safety. The cooperative is also implementing an artificial insemination model to preserve valuable genetic resources, increase hatching rates, and improve economic efficiency.
Dong Tao chicken farm of Giang Minh Duoc's family, Dung Tien village
Mr. Giang Minh Duoc, a large farmer in Dung Tien village, said: My family currently raises more than 2,000 chickens. Every year, we sell 7-8 tons of meat chickens and tens of thousands of breeding chickens to the market. Dong Tao chicken is increasingly popular. I am very proud that my hometown's specialty is honored as a national cultural heritage.
Towards sustainable development
Not only is it famous for its nutritional value, firm meat, low fat, low cholesterol, Dong Tao chicken is also an ingredient for a series of special dishes. From chicken feet stewed with Chinese herbs, steamed thighs with lemon leaves to grilled sausage, fake dog meat, skin mixed with rice powder... each dish contains the sophistication and long-standing processing experience of the people here.
Towards sustainable development
Not only is it famous for its nutritional value, firm meat, low fat, low cholesterol, Dong Tao chicken is also an ingredient for a series of special dishes. From chicken feet stewed with Chinese herbs, steamed thighs with lemon leaves to grilled sausage, fake dog meat, skin mixed with rice powder... each dish contains the sophistication and long-standing processing experience of the people here.
Dishes made from Dong Tao chicken
To serve the diverse market, in recent years, facilities in Dong Tao have created and processed many new products such as Dong Tao chicken ham, lemongrass and lime chicken feet, salted chicken, chicken sausage, etc. Many products have achieved 3-star and 4-star OCOP certification, are beautifully packaged, have traceability stamps, and meet the tastes of consumers both inside and outside the province.
Salt-cured Dong Tao chicken products, Dong Tao chicken ham... were introduced at the 2nd Hung Yen Province Culinary Festival in 2025
The recognition of folk knowledge about Dong Tao chicken as a national intangible cultural heritage not only helps to enhance the value of this endemic livestock, but also opens up economic development opportunities associated with eco-tourism - experience - cuisine.
Dong Tao Chicken Competition 2024 attracts many people and tourists to participate
Hopefully, the relevant departments and local authorities will continue to have specific policies to preserve, honor and promote the value of this heritage. Thereby, making Dong Tao chicken not only the pride of Hung Yen, but also a unique cultural and economic symbol on the map of Vietnamese agricultural products.
Dương Miền – Hương Giang
