Warm Tet gift: Thai Bai fish from Tra river

The child said: "Here is Thai Bai fish, uncle! I ordered it from Ba Ca restaurant that you used to know a long time ago. Now Huong is Uncle Ba Ca's daughter and has taken over the business. I have this fish dish as a gift for you."

I was so happy, holding the box of steamed fish as if I had not seen a relative for a long time. It is true that for many years I have not had the chance to taste Thai Bai fish, perhaps because it is not sold in the market, or because the beloved owner Ba Ca passed away many years ago, so Thai Bai fish has also "disappeared", at least to me.

I don't know which other river in my country has Thai Bai fish, but since the day I returned to my hometown Quang Ngai , exactly 35 years ago, I have known about Thai Bai fish, and know that my Tra River has this wonderful fish, even though it is one of the smallest fish species. Small but delicious, small but "powerful", that is Thai Bai fish of Tra River.

For many years now, whenever Quang Ngai is mentioned, people in the country mention "Tra River Goby" as a branded specialty. But few people know that my hometown Tra River has another equally delicious fish dish, which seems to be more delicious and more profound when eaten, which is Thai Bai fish.

The name itself discreetly reveals the origin of this fish, its lifespan is equal to the lifespan of the Tra River. It is a very "Cham"-like name. Since ancient times, the Cham people living along the Tra River have been familiar with this fish, and they named it after enjoying the Thai Bai fish dish in the spring. That is the season when this small but delicious fish appears at the end of the Tra Khuc River.

If every river in Vietnam has famous seafood species, then my hometown Tra River has two specialties: Thai Bai fish and Bong fish. Because it only appears in the spring, and is very modest, both in shape and time of appearance, Thai Bai fish is little known to people in the country. But Quang Ngai people know. And just mentioning the name Thai Bai, they remember it immediately.

There are many ways to eat Thai Bai fish, but in my opinion, fresh fish steamed without seasoning, or seasoned and steamed are both delicious. When eating, eat with crispy grilled rice paper, herbs, beer or wine.

But nowadays, when you visit your friend or relative's house and are treated to Thai Bai fish with alcoholic drinks, please add a taxi or Grab for safety. That's it.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/mon-qua-tet-am-ap-ca-thai-bai-song-tra-185240216181246074.htm