Tuy Loan Rice Paper Craft Village

Located about 15 km southwest of Da Nang city center, the Tuy Loan rice paper craft village is an appealing destination for travelers eager to explore the Quang region’s traditional culture and cuisine. The craft village is linked to the ancient village of Tuy Loan, a site with a history spanning over 500 years, where generations of residents have preserved the secret techniques of hand-crafting rice paper.

On February 21, 2024, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially inscribed the craft of making Tuy Loan rice paper on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition honors the cultural value and traditional production techniques passed down through generations.

What makes Tuy Loan rice paper so special?

The craft of making Tuy Loan rice paper dates back to the 15th century, emerging alongside the development and settlement of the Quang Nam – Da Nang region. Despite many historical upheavals, the kilns have remained active, helping establish this product as a renowned Da Nang specialty.

Unlike the thin rice paper sheets typically used for wrapping, Tuy Loan rice paper comes in circular discs about 50 cm in diameter; it is thicker and meant to be grilled until crispy.

The ingredients include rice, white sesame seeds, ginger, garlic, fish sauce, salt, and sugar. This combination creates a rich, savory flavor, fragrant with toasted sesame and spices, so the rice paper can be enjoyed on its own after grilling, without many additional accompaniments.

A unique aspect of the production process is that the rice paper is dried using heat from charcoal, rather than relying solely on sunlight. The makers must carefully control the temperature to ensure the rice paper dries evenly, retains its flavor, and lasts longer.

Tuy Loan rice paper is more than just a humble, rustic food; it is a key component in many renowned Central Vietnamese specialties. Whether served with Quang-style noodles, paired with stir-fried baby clams, used as a wrapper for various rolls, or included in traditional ceremonial feasts, these crispy, fragrant rice papers are essential to the local cuisine’s unique character. The aroma of toasted sesame seeds, the satisfying crunch, and the rich, savory notes from traditional seasonings have made this product a popular local gift for visitors traveling to Da Nang.

Exploring the Tuy Loan Rice Paper Craft Village

At the craft village, travelers can observe the manual production process, from preparing ingredients and mixing the batter to spreading, drying, and grilling the rice paper. The skilled hands of the artisans determine the thickness, shape, and quality of every single piece.

At households that welcome visitors, guests can learn the secrets behind the craft, try their hand at spreading the batter under local guidance, and enjoy freshly grilled rice paper right at the source.

Tuy Loan rice paper is also deeply intertwined with local cultural life. During holidays, Lunar New Year, and death anniversaries, it frequently appears on ancestral altars. Notably, the Tuy Loan Communal House festival features rice-paper-making and grilling contests, which help promote and preserve this traditional craft.

Furthermore, by exploring the rice-paper-making trade, visitors can also tour the Tuy Loan Communal House and enjoy Quang-style noodles, another famous local delicacy.

Beyond its traditional rice-paper-making craft, Tuy Loan is also renowned for a complex of ancient houses that embody Central Vietnam’s traditional architectural style. These centuries-old homes, featuring a three-bay, two-lean-to layout, roofs covered in traditional yin-yang tiles, and frameworks crafted from precious jackfruit wood, remain remarkably well-preserved. As visitors stroll along the village paths shaded by lush greenery, they can easily sense the peaceful rhythm of a long-established rural community nestled within the heart of a modern city.