CƠM LAM GÀ NƯỚNG : H ‘BLA T’RƯNG

If you want to experience the true taste of the Central Highlands, be sure to stop by the "H'Bla T'Rung Bamboo Rice and Roasted Chicken" restaurant. This is one of the most famous gastronomic spots in the city of Pleiku, where the culinary traditions of ethnic minorities meet modern hospitality. The establishment specializes in two iconic regional dishes: grilled chicken (gà nướng) and sticky rice baked in bamboo tubes (cơm lam).

Com Lam Grilled Chicken H'Bla T'Rung. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Located in Gia Lai province, Vietnam, this restaurant offers guests more than just a meal; it’s an immersion into an authentic atmosphere. The grounds are designed in the style of traditional mountain villages with flower gardens and cozy stilt houses (chòi nhà sàn). It is an ideal place for those looking for an honest taste and wanting to take colorful photos for social media.

The main secret behind the restaurant's popularity lies in the ingredients: they only use free-range farm chickens, whose meat is known for its firmness and aroma. A marinade of forest pepper, salt, and local herbs combined with the smoky flavor of bamboo rice creates a unique gastronomic ensemble highly appreciated by locals and travelers alike.

For your convenience, we have gathered the current contact information for the restaurant so you can easily find it or book a table in advance.

The main ritual here is tasting the famous roasted chicken. According to tradition, it is meant to be pulled apart by hand while it's still piping hot. Be sure to dip the juicy pieces into the special green salt with é leaves or a mixture of salt, pepper, and lime — this enhances the wild, forest aroma of the meat. Accompanying the chicken is cơm lam: peel the bamboo skin off the rice and enjoy its chewy texture and light sweetness.

In addition to the main hits, the menu features other treasures of the Tây Nguyên region. You can try aromatic lau hotpots with rich broth, salads made from fresh forest herbs, rolls, or fried meat with spices. To balance the flavor of the fatty grill, locals recommend pairing it with pieces of green banana or tart mơ leaves.

Between courses, take a stroll around the restaurant grounds. There are many photo zones set up with bright flowers and ethnic decor. The lively atmosphere, the view of the open fire where orders are prepared, and the spacious outdoor areas make this place an excellent choice for a family dinner or an evening meeting with friends.

The restaurant is located in the quiet Trà Bá district of Pleiku. The easiest way to get here from the city center is by taxi or via Grab apps. The ride takes about 10–15 minutes and costs approximately 50,000 – 100,000 Vietnamese Dong. If you are arriving from Pleiku Airport (PXU), the journey by car will take between 20 and 30 minutes.

For those who prefer public transport, you can use local buses or motorcycle taxis (xe ôm) heading to Lê Duẩn Street. From the stop, you will need to walk for about 5–10 minutes. If you have rented a bike, simply follow the main Lê Duẩn road — the establishment is well-marked and popular, so it’s hard to get lost.

The area has plenty of parking spaces for cars and motorcycles. In the evening, the route is well-lit, and any local resident will be happy to show you the way if you say the magic words "gà nướng cơm lam".

The culinary traditions presented in this establishment are rooted in the ancient history and culture of the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands (Tây Nguyên). Chicken and rice dishes here are not just food, but part of the festive and everyday lifestyle of the highlanders, who for centuries used only the natural gifts of nature.

Of particular interest is Cơm lam — an authentic method of cooking rice in bamboo tubes over an open fire. This method was essential for mountain tribes during treks and forest work, and today it has turned into an exquisite culinary symbol of the region. In Pleiku, this combination has become the city's signature, highlighting its unique identity.

While the H’Bla T’rưng restaurant itself is a modern incarnation of these traditions and has become widely popular among tourists since the 2010s, the establishment's masters strictly adhere to ancient recipes. The use of forest spices, such as mắc khén and é leaves, allows for the preservation of the very same primordial taste that was valued by the ancestors of today's highland residents.

For a full visit to the restaurant, it is recommended to set aside 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This time is quite sufficient to enjoy the main dishes without rushing, wait for the chicken to reach the perfect condition over the coals, and take some memorable photos in the cozy garden.

If you plan to come with a large group or want to try the expanded menu featuring hotpots (lau) and a variety of appetizers, your visit may extend to 3 hours. The atmosphere of the establishment encourages long, leisurely relaxation and unhurried conversations accompanied by the aroma of smoking bamboo.

The restaurant is hospitably open to visitors daily from 09:00 to 22:30. This schedule allows you to drop by for an early lunch as well as a late dinner.

Many travelers recommend coming closer to evening, when the lights come on and the atmosphere becomes especially cozy and lively. Nevertheless, before visiting on public holidays, it is worth checking the information on the establishment's official pages or by phone.

After a hearty and flavorful lunch at the restaurant, it is worth taking some time to get to know the surroundings. Exploring nearby locations will allow you to better feel the rhythm of Pleiku and find interesting spots for relaxation or entertainment.