
Cultural depth
The author shared her experience at a Vietnamese restaurant in Eden Center, Virginia, USA: “The menu was quite long, with a diverse selection of dishes catering to Vietnamese people and those who wanted to experience one of the world ’s greatest cuisines. The dishes were numbered, numbering in the hundreds. I just needed to say the number of the dish, instead of struggling with Vietnamese. I chose dish number 140 – braised fish in clay pot.”
Thus, the Washington Post article describes the moment when the glossy, bubbling black clay pot is placed on the table: golden, tender, perfectly sized pieces of fish, easily picked up with chopsticks. Upon entering the mouth, layers of flavor emerge, blending together: the salty taste of fish sauce, the sweet, rich flavor of the fish, and a hint of spicy chili. “The taste is truly special. I don’t know how to describe it. In just the short time I enjoyed this delicious meal, I felt a simple joy – all my fatigue and stress seemed to vanish,” the author wrote.
A familiar, simple, and rustic dish in every Vietnamese family, braised fish in a clay pot quickly gained attention in American newspapers, attracting tens of thousands of views and numerous comments. Nguyen Hoang Nghi, Vice Chairman of the Binh Thuan Culinary Association, stated that this is a very proud sign for Vietnamese cuisine. Braised fish in a clay pot is a very ordinary dish, from its readily available ingredients to its traditional cooking method. The fact that a major newspaper like the Washington Post mentioned this dish shows that the world is increasingly interested in the cultural depth of Vietnamese cuisine. “Braised fish in a clay pot is not just a dish, but also a family memory, an image of a Vietnamese family reunion meal. It is these simple things that create a unique appeal to international friends,” Nghi shared.
You may also likeVietnamese cuisine is not only rich in flavor but also contains stories about its people and land. The fact that a simple, traditional dish has gained international recognition shows that the value of cuisine lies in its identity, authenticity, and affirms the increasingly prominent position of local cuisine.
Mr. Nguyen Hoang Nghi - Vice Chairman of the Binh Thuan Culinary Association

Local cuisine gradually took shape.
As one of the restaurants in Phan Thiet that has maintained the traditional cooking methods of cooking over an open fire and in clay pots for over 30 years, Ms. Ha Kim Anh - owner of Kim Anh Quan restaurant (Phu Thuy ward, Lam Dong province) shared: “The abundant seafood, especially fresh sea fish, combined with garlic, pepper, chili, and Phan Thiet anchovy fish sauce, creates a rich and distinctive flavor. The fish is braised in a clay pot over a low heat to absorb the spices, the sauce thickens, and the fish meat is tender yet firm. This is a very 'rice-consuming' dish, loved by both Vietnamese and international customers. Just eating it with a bowl of fragrant, sticky white rice, this simple dish overcomes all language barriers to conquer even the most discerning diners.”

The author of the article also affirms that this dish is worth trying; once you've tasted it, it's hard to forget the flavor, and you'll definitely add braised fish to your list of favorite dishes. Kevin, a reader, shared on social media: "I often travel to Vietnam, and the cuisine is very diverse and rich. You should try braised fish because the aroma is truly captivating, and you'll feel the richness of each piece of fresh fish with its uniquely blended flavors…".
Previously, braised fish in a clay pot was also included in the list of one of the most appealing seafood dishes in the world, as chosen by Business Insider (USA). More than just a dish, the American publication respectfully called the experience of enjoying braised fish in a clay pot a message about "finding and enjoying joy from the simplest things in life."

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/ca-kho-to-lam-say-long-du-khach-quoc-te-450669.html








