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) 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 hometown's specialties. Folk knowledge - priceless assets Dong Tao chicken (also known as Dong Cao chicken) has a long history, according to legend, was once used as an offering to the king, in ceremonies on important occasions. Over many generations, the people of Dong Tao commune have formed a rich system of folk knowledge, from how to choose breeds, care, process to preserve rare genetic resources. This system of knowledge is not only technical knowledge but also contains enthusiasm and vivid experiences 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 the Folk Knowledge of 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. The "difficult" chicken breed and dedicated breeders Dong Tao chicken has a unique appearance: large, rough legs like mulberry shells; red skin; sturdy body. Adult roosters weigh 5-6kg, hens over 3.5kg. 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 around. The chickens are often raised in the garden, fed natural food, and do not use growth stimulants. On average, it takes 12 to 18 months to produce a quality batch of chickens.
Currently, in the commune, there are over 2,000 households raising Dong Tao chickens with a total herd 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 processes 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 Mr. 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 chickens are increasingly popular. I am very proud that my hometown's specialty has been honored as a national cultural heritage.
Towards sustainable development
Not only famous for its nutritional value, firm meat, low fat, low cholesterol, Dong Tao chicken is also the 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... 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, Dong Tao chicken will not only be the pride of Hung Yen, but also a unique cultural and economic symbol on the map of Vietnamese agricultural products.

Duong Mien - Huong Giang

Source: https://baohungyen.vn/ga-dong-tao-tu-tri-thuc-dan-gian-den-di-san-van-hoa-phi-vat-the-quoc-gia-3182158.html