Ninh Hoa fish noodle soup - the sweet taste of the Khánh Hòa coastal region.

Walking along the streets of Ninh Hoa ward, it's easy to spot roadside fish noodle soup stalls with steam rising from early morning until late at night. These small stalls, with just a few simple tables and chairs, are located near the market or in front of houses, but they are always crowded with customers. For the locals, fish noodle soup is an indispensable dish.

It's easy to find a fish noodle soup stall along the roadside in Ninh Hoa.

From the early morning, many people visit the restaurant to order a steaming bowl of fish noodle soup to energize themselves for the start of the day. By evening, fish noodle soup becomes a comforting meal after a day's work. This familiarity has made fish noodle soup not just a simple dish, but also a part of the memories of people in the coastal region. Ms. Le Huyen (Hoa Thang ward) shared: "I was born and raised in Ninh Hoa. We Ninh Hoa people are used to eating fish noodle soup; we eat it in the morning, in the evening, and never get tired of it."

For the people of Ninh Hoa, fish noodle soup is a dish that can be eaten at any time of day.

The ingredients for this fish noodle soup are quite simple, but require meticulous preparation. Mackerel, tuna, and other types of fish are selected from fresh catches just arriving at the local sea. The fish are steamed, deboned, and then shredded into bite-sized pieces to preserve their natural sweetness. This unique characteristic is why this ingredient is called "shredded fish."

Fish stew is usually made from barramundi or tuna.

The broth is also a key element in creating its unique flavor. Fresh fish bones are simmered for many hours to extract a delicate sweetness. Cooks often add a little pineapple and tomatoes to give the broth a light aroma, a harmonious color, and maintain its characteristic clarity.

Pot of broth for fish noodle soup.

If the broth is the sweet and savory essence, then the fish cake is the "soul" of a bowl of Ninh Hoa fish noodle soup. Many places still maintain the traditional method of making it by hand. The fish chosen for the fish cake are usually red snapper, barracuda, or false mackerel, which are pounded and ground until sticky and chewy, creating the characteristic firm and slightly crunchy texture. Seasoning is added to taste to create a delicious fish cake. Those who like a rich and fragrant flavor will choose the golden-fried fish cake; those who prefer a lighter taste will like the soft and smooth steamed fish cake.

Fish cake - the soul of the dish.

A truly authentic bowl of fish noodle soup is incomplete without fresh, thinly sliced ​​green vegetables, herbs, bean sprouts, and banana blossom. When the bowl is served, diners are easily captivated by the harmonious colors of the tender white fish slices, golden fish cakes, and flavorful marinated fish, all blended with the clear, steaming broth. Just add a squeeze of lime, some chili sauce, and a few slices of chili peppers, and the aroma instantly becomes incredibly enticing.

Fresh vegetables are served as an accompaniment to fish noodle soup.

Ms. Co, a fish noodle soup vendor in Ninh Hoa ward for over 20 years, shared: "To have a delicious bowl of noodle soup, the fish must be fresh, and the fish cakes must be carefully prepared. The broth is made from fish bones, giving it a natural sweetness. Many tourists visit here, eat, and then come back again."

The delicious and appealing fish noodle soup attracts diners.

Not only popular in Ninh Hoa, fish noodle soup has now become a famous specialty of Khanh Hoa province. In Nha Trang - the province's tourism center - many fish noodle soup restaurants are always bustling with tourists coming to enjoy it. For many people, visiting Khanh Hoa without eating fish noodle soup is considered not to have fully experienced the flavors of this coastal region.

Ms. Mang Thuy (Tuy Hoa ward, Dak Lak province), who has visited Nha Trang many times, said that Ninh Hoa fish noodle soup is always her favorite dish whenever she comes to the coastal city. “The first time I ate it, I found it very much to my liking because the broth was sweet and savory, and the fish cakes were chewy and delicious. Every time I come to Nha Trang, I always look for fish noodle soup – a characteristic dish of the coastal region, both simple and very appealing,” Ms. Thuy shared.

A delicious bowl of fish noodle soup.

What makes Ninh Hoa fish noodle soup so appealing is not just its flavor, but also the familiar feeling it evokes. For many who are far from home, just smelling the broth or seeing the golden-brown fish cake brings back childhood memories. Eating Ninh Hoa fish noodle soup is not just about enjoying a dish; it's about feeling the "soul of the countryside" through each slice of fish and each sip of the sweet, savory broth. A simple dish, yet it embodies the warmth, memories, and generosity of the people of the coastal region.

THAI NGOC HUY

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/du-lich-am-thuc/202605/bun-ca-ninh-hoa-vi-ngot-cua-mien-bien-khanh-hoa-3687f35/