Co To cuisine - the quintessence of the sea

If anyone has ever set foot on Co To, the beautiful pearl island in the middle of the Northeast sea and sky, visitors will surely not forget the feeling of being immersed in the beautiful nature, in harmony with the blue sea, white sand, and golden sunshine, so peaceful and poetic here. Not only does it have captivating scenery, Co To also attracts visitors with its unique cuisine with fresh seafood dishes, imbued with the essence and flavor of the ocean.

A variety of fresh seafood is sold at Co To Central Market.

Cuisine is an inseparable part of the journey of discovery of tourism in the pearl island of Co To. Co To sea is not only beautiful but also abundant in products. Seafood here is famous for its freshness, natural sweetness and high nutritional value. Seafood such as: Cu Ky, Ghe, Sa Sung, Abalone, Sea Urchin, Geoduck, Cuttlefish, Jellyfish, snails, clams... are all "golden" specialties considered as rare gifts from the sea.

One of the dishes that leaves a special impression on visitors is jellyfish salad, also known as jellyfish salad, a refreshing, crunchy dish, suitable for hot summer days. After being pre-processed, jellyfish only needs to be mixed with herbs, sour mango, carrots, crushed roasted peanuts and seasoned to taste, with a mild sour taste of lemon or vinegar, a little spicy of chili and garlic, creating a dish with harmonious flavors and colors.

Another outstanding specialty that cannot be missed when exploring Co To cuisine is the sea worm. Whether grilled or stir-fried, the sea worm brings a very characteristic sweet, rich, crunchy flavor. The sea worm is also considered the "miracle drug" of the sea because of its high nutritional value. Because of the combination of culinary and nutritional value, the sea worm is not only a dish to treat distinguished guests at parties on the island but also becomes a gift that many tourists buy to bring back as a package of the salty, passionate flavor of the sea of ​​Co To.

Tourists can buy seafood right at Bac Van port when the ship docks.

In addition, squid salad, boiled snails, steamed sea cucumbers, grilled oysters with scallion oil, sea cucumber soup, abalone... are all indispensable names in the islanders' welcoming menu. The way to prepare seafood in Co To is not too sophisticated, not too much spices, because the soul of the cuisine here is to fully retain the natural sweetness of the sea. The dish is often steamed, grilled, or stir-fried with lemongrass, ginger, chili, and galangal, which helps to preserve the original flavor and bring out the attractive aroma of the dish.

Not only enjoying the cuisine at the restaurants, visitors to Co To can also enjoy unique experiences, close to the life of local fishermen by going to the market or going to the port early in the morning or late in the afternoon to catch fishing boats that have just arrived, choosing to buy the freshest seafood... In particular, many homestays on Co To island also support visitors to participate in interesting activities such as fishing, squid fishing, and snail catching. With the seafood bought or caught, visitors can organize a BBQ party right on the beach, bringing a culinary experience that blends wild nature and fresh sea air.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga (a tourist from Hai Phong ) shared: “This is the first time I have been able to directly choose and buy seafood as soon as the ship docked, then prepare a barbecue party with my friends right on the beach. The seafood in Co To is extremely rich and fresh, just looking at it is already attractive. We were also introduced by fishermen, instructed on how to distinguish and choose each type of seafood to suit our taste and preparation method. Such experiences are not only interesting but also help me understand more about the working life of the local people, simple, close and extremely friendly”.

Boiled squid, stir-fried sea worms, and sun-dried mackerel are all attractive dishes with the flavor of Co To coastal region.

Perhaps thanks to its freshness, simplicity and sophistication, Co To cuisine not only “indulges” the taste buds but also touches the emotions of visitors. And when “marinated” with the full flavor of the sea in both the literal and figurative sense, visitors seem to be “charged” with fresh energy, becoming more relaxed and peaceful after busy days in the city. Each meal here is not only a culinary experience, but also a catalyst that evokes beautiful emotions about generous nature, about gentle, friendly people and about a simple but attractive Co To.

Duy Khoa

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/am-thuc-co-to-tinh-tuy-tu-bien-3359266.html