Canh thut - a unique feature in the culinary culture of the M'nong people.

Amidst the majestic Central Highlands, where the resonant sound of gongs permeates the myriad colors of festivals, the cuisine of the M'nong people always possesses a distinct and unique character; it is not elaborate or overly formal, but rather embodies simplicity, essence, and the spirit of the mountains and forests. Among its specialties, "canh thut" (a type of soup) is considered a quintessential delicacy, clearly reflecting the culture of labor, daily life, and the philosophy of living in harmony with nature of the indigenous people.

In a traditional M'nong meal, the soup served in a mallow pot is an indispensable dish.

Simple and rustic, from the ingredients to the preparation method.

The most interesting aspect of "canh thut" (a type of soup cooked in bamboo tubes) lies in its cooking method. It's prepared in bamboo or rattan tubes – natural materials readily available in the forest or easily grown in the fields. The ingredients are all familiar products of the mountains and forests: bitter eggplant, bep leaves (rau nhiep), rattan shoots, chili peppers, rice flour, and meat or fish depending on the season, free-range chicken, pork, etc. All ingredients are prepared, chopped, and placed into the bamboo or rattan tubes. Then, the mouth of the tube is sealed with banana leaves or forest leaves and placed over a fire. During cooking, the cook continuously uses a small stick to push and mix the ingredients inside the tube. This is also the origin of the unique name – "canh thut" (stirred soup). The "stirring" process requires skill and experience from the cook. The bamboo (or rattan) tube must be young enough to be fragrant without cracking when exposed to the fire. The cook must adjust the force and time so that the ingredients blend together while preserving the natural flavor of the dish. When the bamboo tube begins to emit a strong aroma, that's when the soup is perfectly cooked.

The rich flavor of the forest

The flavor of the bamboo shoot soup is a harmonious blend of four distinctive nuances: sweet, bitter, nutty, and spicy. The bitterness of the bitter eggplant and bamboo shoots is a flavor that may not appeal to everyone, but it's addictive for those who are used to it. In Central Highlands culture, bitterness symbolizes challenges and the resilience of people in the face of harsh nature. The natural sweetness from the young bamboo shoots and meat creates a harmonious balance with the bitterness. Rice flour and bép leaves contribute to the thickness and subtle nutty flavor, making the soup even more well-rounded. What's even more special is the aroma of burnt bamboo infused into the ingredients. This is a unique fragrance found only in dishes cooked in bamboo tubes. After cooking, the soup is served in a bowl, and the fragrant smoke rises, carrying the scent of bamboo and the quintessential flavors of the mountain ingredients, immersing the diner in the vast wilderness.

Canh thut is not only an everyday dish but also appears in many M'nong festivals: the New Rice Festival, the Water Source Worship Festival, the Health Prayer Festival... The tubes of canh thut placed next to jars of rice wine, by the fireplace in the stilt house, create a warm picture of solidarity and community life.

Unique delicacies for tourists

Today, "canh thut" (a type of soup made with bamboo shoots) has become a intriguing and attractive dish for many tourists visiting the M'nong ethnic minority areas in western Lam Dong province. Mr. Ky Phuc Hau, a tourist from Vinh Long province, said: “Once, while passing through Gia Nghia, I had the opportunity to enjoy 'canh thut.' Since then, I've been hooked on this dish. It has many unique and delicious flavors that stimulate the taste buds. I like the taste of the 'la bep' leaves and bitter rattan shoots; they are both nutty and slightly bitter, yet sweet aftertaste. In the cold, rainy winter weather, the added spicy kick of the local chili peppers makes it even warmer and healthier. Since then, every time I have the chance to visit this area, I always stop by to enjoy 'canh thut' – a dish with a rich, unforgettable mountain flavor.”

Canh thut is not only a dish with the flavors of the mountains and forests, but also a vibrant cultural story of the M'nong people. Many Central Highlands specialty restaurants have included canh thut on their menus, but the most authentic, mountain-infused flavor is still best enjoyed in the villages themselves, by the fire in a stilt house, in the warm atmosphere of the M'nong people.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/canh-thut-net-doc-dao-trong-van-hoa-am-thuc-cua-dong-bao-m-nong-405492.html