Braised fish from Vu Dai village

Kha Ninh

20:10 | 19/12/2024

Originating from a rustic countryside and undergoing a meticulous preparation process, Vũ Đại village's braised fish boasts a distinctive flavor—fragrant without being fishy, ​​rich without being greasy.

Famous for its role in Nam Cao's novel "Chí Phèo," Vũ Đại village is also the author's hometown. Currently, Vũ Đại village has been renamed Nhân Hậu village, located in Hòa Hậu commune, Lý Nhân district, Hà Nam province. (Image: Vũ Đại village today. Photo: Kien1980v)

This place is famous for its renowned braised fish dish. This dish has a long history, traditionally cooked by the people of Ha Nam during Tet (Lunar New Year). Nowadays, braised fish from Vu Dai village has become a specialty, with many villages producing it to meet customer demand. (Source: Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Magazine)

Besides the famous Vu Dai braised fish, this dish has many other names such as Ba Kien braised fish, Dai Hoang braised fish, Nhan Hau braised fish, Ha Nam braised fish… (Source: Ha Nam)

The secret to making customers remember the brand forever lies not only in the brand name but also in its unique, distinctive flavor that is rarely found elsewhere. (Source: Wow Weekend)

According to local accounts, the braised fish dish from Vu Dai Village has existed for many years. Back then, during the Lunar New Year, the people of Vu Dai Village didn't have the means to buy a variety of foods to offer to their ancestors. However, they still wanted to offer the best food, a lavish feast, so they came up with the idea of ​​braising fish. (Source: Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Magazine)

Braised fish can be preserved for a long time, has a rich flavor, and tastes even better the more times it's reheated. Therefore, this dish was very suitable for people during times of hardship. (Source: Ha Nam)

Braised fish from Vu Dai village is special compared to braised fish from other places because the ingredients are entirely natural, without preservatives. It's fragrant without being fishy, ​​rich without being greasy, and the braised fish pieces have a dark brown color, firm flesh, and soft bones, so nothing needs to be discarded when eating. (Photo: Loan Tran)

The spices that give traditional braised fish its distinctive flavor include galangal, ginger, chili peppers, lime, onions, salt, sugar, crab broth, fish sauce, bone broth, coconut milk, etc. The secret and flavor of a perfect pot of braised fish is mainly determined by the seasoning process. (Source: VOV)

Making braised fish involves three main steps: preparing the fish, arranging it in the pot, and braising it. Each step has strict requirements to ensure a high-quality dish. The fish is then braised continuously for 12 to 14 hours over a consistent, moderate heat. Finally, rice husks are used to keep the pot simmering gently. (Source: VTC News)

The type of firewood used for braising fish must be longan wood, because longan wood provides high heat, removing the earthenware smell and helping the fish bones soften. During the braising process, water must be added continuously as it dries up, until only about a spoonful of water remains in the pot before turning off the heat. (Source: VTC News)

A perfectly cooked braised fish dish should be free of any fishy smell, each piece fragrant, firm, and with its fibers intact. (Source: Ha Nam)

This dish captivates diners with its simplicity, rustic charm, and rich, authentic flavor. That's why this specialty is so famous far and wide. In fact, many villages in Ha Nam have developed the craft of making braised fish, distributing it to various locations throughout the country. (Source: VTC News)

For the people here, braised fish evokes memories steeped in community spirit and neighborly affection every spring, imbued with the fond recollections of the New Year's feast from a time of hardship. This simple, rustic dish has long been renowned, bringing honor and contributing significantly to the transformation of the old Vu Dai village. (Source: VOV)

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ca-kho-lang-vu-dai-dac-san-nuc-tieng-gan-xa-cua-ha-nam-297949.html