When Dalat’s rainy season arrives, between May and October, the pine forests come alive with wild mushrooms emerging from the damp, pine-covered soil. On misty mornings near Tuyen Lam Lake, foragers set out on quiet treks in search of edible, nutrient-rich fungi concealed beneath layers of fallen pine needles.
In Vietnamese, the term “hunting wild mushrooms” suits this activity well, as these fungi thrive in wet conditions and often grow discreetly beneath the forest floor, making them hard to spot. The challenge of the search adds to the thrill. However, it is possibly more than just foraging. It is a meditative experience, allowing for a slowdown and a reconnection with nature through the forest’s aroma, textures, and quiet generosity.
