The essence of Lang Son in every Masa Foods product

Driven by the passion of locals in the borderlands, Mai Sao Cooperative (Masa Foods), located in Man Duong Village, Nhan Ly Commune, has written a new chapter for Lang Son cuisine. By producing traditional dishes such as khau nhuc (braised pork belly), lap suon (smoked sausage) and mang ot (chili bamboo shoots) according to OCOP standards, Mai Sao Cooperative not only preserves the culinary soul of their homeland but also brings Lang Son’s flavors closer to consumers.

Visitors to Lang Son has not only been captivated by the majestic beauty of its limestone mountains and the northward-flowing Ky Cung River but also with its cuisine deeply imbued with the identity of the Northeastern highlands. From familiar wild-harvested ingredients like chili bamboo shoots and mac mat (Clausena indica) leaves to the skillful hands making roasted duck and khau nhuc, every dish encapsulates love and pride in one’s roots. Enjoying Lang Son specialties is not just about tasting delicious flavors; it is about feeling the hospitality of the local people in every family meal. With the aspiration to "package the essence of the homeland" for delivery across the country, Mai Sao Cooperative has dedicated its efforts to researching and standardizing modern processing while fully preserving traditional flavors passed down through generations. Through these passionate hands, each Masa Foods product transcends nutritional value to become a "cultural ambassador," proudly affirming its quality through 3-to-4-star OCOP certifications.

A special gift set featuring signature "Lang Son" dishes: Lap suon – khau nhuc – mang ot. Photo: Collected.

From its early days, Mai Sao Cooperative faced numerous challenges due to a lack of experience gaps and the difficulty in preserving the freshness of Lang Son specialties. The cooperative devoted itself to research, drawing lessons from failures to find optimal product solutions. In early 2024, it invested in a modern production line (including steamers and vacuum seamers) to standardize the manufacturing process. Each tin of khau nhuc is made from a combination of selected fresh ingredients and a meticulous processing sequence (boiling, piercing, marinating, and frying). The most significant difference lies in the application of retort sterilization technology instead of traditional methods, which helps the product retain its full flavor while extending shelf life from 3 to 6 months at room temperature. Along with quality, the product's exterior has been upgraded with sophisticated packaging and integrated QR codes for transparent traceability. This systematic investment in both quality and presentation helped Mai Sao khau nhuc achieve a 3-star OCOP certification in September 2024.

Mai Sao khau nhuc achieved 3-star OCOP certification (September 2024). Photo: Collected.

Building on these successes, Mai Sao Cooperative has continuously expanded its production scale with new flagship product lines such as mang ot and lap suon. Determined to keep traditional flavors intact, the cooperative maintains strict processing standards to satisfy both taste and food safety requirements. Notably, the mang ot is produced in a sterile environment with rigorous control from preliminary processing to bottling. Before reaching the market, every product is fully labeled with a QR code, ensuring transparency of origin. In October 2025, both the Mang ot and lap suon of the cooperative officially achieved 3-star OCOP certification. Additionally, the cooperative has continued to research and launch new products including herbal braised deboned pork trotter and Mai Sao roasted duck, both of which have officially received 3-star OCOP certifications.

Lap suon product. Photo: Collected.

Mang ot products are fully labeled with QR codes. Photo: Collected.

The journey of Mai Sao Cooperative is more than just a business of specialties; it is a story of the ambition to elevate local agricultural products and create sustainable livelihoods for its members. Each OCOP certification serves as a validation of the right direction: a harmonious blend of Lang Son identity and modern standards. In the future, the cooperative will continue to introduce the flavors of the homeland further, contributing to the vibrant economic tapestry of the border region.