Come visit Duc Hue to enjoy delicious rustic dishes

People catch paradise fish in flooded fields

Famous fermented paradise fish

When mentioning the specialties of Duc Hue district, fermented paradise fish is probably the first thing that comes to mind, because it is an indispensable part of the culinary culture of the people here. Despite being a rustic dish, it has its own unique and attractive flavor, captivating many people even when they have just tasted it for the first time.

Paradise fish are quite small in size, living in many fields and ditches in the marshy areas of Duc Hue district. The fish have beautiful colors, and are raised by many people as ornamental fish, especially by children in the countryside in the past. However, in Duc Hue district, paradise fish is widely used in making fermented fish, because the fish has firm, fatty meat and a very unique delicious flavor.

Because of that characteristic deliciousness, many households and establishments in Duc Hue district have gradually made this fish into finished products for sale, helping to increase income and promote to many people. Gradually, fermented paradise fish has become famous in many areas inside and outside the province. People here also make a living by catching and making fermented fish.

Establishments use machines to help select fish, ensuring that no other fish are mixed into the batch

From dawn, people who catch fish bring necessary tools such as baskets, basins, etc into flooded fields and ditches to catch fish. The fish are brought back to sell to households and establishments to be processed into delicious fermented fish, rich in the flavor of the homeland.

Fermented paradise fish is processed by hand. There are establishments that use machines in the fish selection process to reduce labor and ensure that no other fish are mixed in. The dish is often made based on family experience. The tiny fish, after being cleaned, are salted, mixed with rice bran and stored in small jars, earthenware jars or glass jars. After more than 1 month, the fish ferments naturally, giving off a strong aroma.

Fermented paradise fish is put in a jar for more than 1 month

Fermented paradise fish has a variety of unique ways to eat. The most popular way is to eat it raw as a dipping sauce. Just mix the fermented fish with a little lemon, sugar, chili, garlic and maybe add shredded raw mango to have a rich dipping sauce to eat with raw vegetables, rice paper rolls with boiled meat or with white rice, all of which are very delicious.

Fermented paradise fish is also used to make stewed dish by mixing it with minced meat, eggs, pepper and shallots and then steaming it. This dish enhances the characteristic aroma of fermented fish, and is very popular when eaten with white rice.

In addition, fermented paradise fish is also used to make braised sauce. Just saute garlic, add fermented fish, a little pork fat, green onions and green pepper to have a delicious braised sauce with boiled vegetables, enough to captivate the diners.

Thanks to its not too salty taste, sweet aftertaste, light fat, the fish meat is not mushy, especially the meticulousness in catching it from nature as well as processing it according to traditional methods,fermented paradise fish retains its characteristic flavor, reminiscent of childhood, a home-cooked meal with family.

Delicious, unique taste of lasia spinosa

Another rustic dish that is also typical in the culinary culture of Duc Hue is lasia spinosa. It can be used to make many delicious, unique dishes and is loved by many people, especially sour dishes.

People picking lasia shoots

Lasia spinosa is a species of plant belonging to the araceae family, often growing wild in wet land and covered by a canopy above. In Duc Hue district, lasia spinosa grows along the banks of rivers, canals, streams, seas, etc.

Many people near the river go to pick lasia spinosa shoots to eat or sell. Among them, there are households that grow the plant, harvest regularly and make all kinds of products from fresh, processed to sour depending on the needs of customers. According to many people, lasia spinosa is not only delicious but also has medicinal value, so it is quite popular.

This rustic vegetable is processed into many delicious, unique dishes and leaves an impression on the diners. With fresh lasia spinosa, the first thing to mention is soup.

This vegetable can be cooked with shrimp, meat, fish or eel to bring out the natural sweetness and nutrition. It can also be stir-fried with garlic to make the dish more delicious. The easiest way to prepare is boiled it to dip in fish sauce or braised sauce or made into salad, full of the flavor of the homeland.

Fermented lasia spinosa shoots

Fermented lasia spinosa has a new, unique, and strange flavor because of the characteristic sour taste and retain the crunchiness.

The rustic dishes with the rich flavor of Duc Hue's homeland leave many memories in the people who have enjoyed. These dishes also contribute to creating the culinary brand of this land, as an invitation for visitors from far away to come and enjoy./

By An Nhien - Translated by Q. Thien

Source: https://baolongan.vn/ve-xu-dong-bung-thuong-thuc-mon-ngon-dan-da-a191015.html