After the storm, people in Quang Tri province flocked to the fields to catch fish.

After typhoon number 5, many rice fields in Quang Tri province are still extensively flooded. People flocked to the fields, casting nets, using scoops and baskets, and caught countless fish and shrimp.

After Typhoon No. 5, many rice fields in Quang Tri province are still flooded. At this time, people are going out to the fields to cast nets, using bamboo traps, scoops, baskets, and other fishing gear to catch countless fish and shrimp. Nets overflowing with fish are being brought back - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

In the fields of northern Quang Tri province, from early morning, people wade out into the still-waterlogged rice paddies to catch freshwater fish.

Many people use nets to surround the rice fields, while others skillfully catch schools of fish swimming close to the banks, along the irrigation ditches.

The fish caught are mostly snakehead fish, tilapia, carp, catfish, etc. - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

“Heavy rains wash fish from rivers, streams, and ponds into the fields. The rising water also makes casting nets easier. With just a morning's effort, we can have enough fish stew for the whole family to eat for several days,” said Nguyen Van Hung (36 years old), excitedly showing off his basket of freshly caught tilapia.

The fish caught are mostly tilapia, carp, and occasionally snakehead fish. Especially during this season, the fish are very clean and fat.

This season, the fish are very clean and plump. The dark, firm-bodied snakehead fish are given top priority, as they are used in braised dishes with turmeric leaves – a traditional Central Vietnamese dish that has existed for generations. - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

The dark, firm-bodied snakehead fish are considered a "top priority" by many, as they are used in braised dishes with turmeric leaves – a traditional Central Vietnamese dish that has existed for generations.

These days, the family of Ms. Dang Thi Hoa (55 years old, Phu Trach commune) is also mobilizing the whole family to go to the fields to catch fish.

The fish, after being caught, is cleaned, lightly grilled over charcoal to enhance the aroma and firmness of the flesh, then simmered in an earthenware pot over low heat with fresh turmeric, finely ground galangal, fish sauce, pepper, and chili - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

“In the old days, the fields were full of crucian carp, but now even the common carp are becoming scarce. Common carp stewed with turmeric leaves or soy sauce is a delicious, rustic dish of the people here. With this dish, you can eat all the rice you have. After a storm, having a pot of golden, fragrant stewed fish with turmeric and galangal helps to alleviate some of the worries about crop failure due to the storm,” Mrs. Hoa said happily.

The way the locals here braise snakehead fish is quite elaborate. The fish are cleaned, lightly grilled over charcoal to enhance the aroma and firmness of the flesh, then placed in an earthenware pot and simmered over low heat with fresh turmeric, finely ground galangal, fish sauce, pepper, and chili.

The fish must be simmered for hours so that the fish meat absorbs the spices, the bones become soft and tender, and you can chew them whole when eating - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

The fish must be simmered for hours so that the fish meat absorbs the spices, the bones become soft and tender, and you can chew them whole. Locals say that the longer the fish is simmered, the tastier it becomes; a bite of the tender, sweet fish, eaten with white rice, is incredibly delicious and makes you want to eat a lot of rice.

Besides being used in turmeric-based dishes, freshwater fish are also used by locals to make sour soup or deep-fried until crispy. After each storm and flood, freshwater fish become a "gift from nature" for the people, providing fresh and delicious food, helping them have warm and comforting meals during these difficult times.

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THANH NGUYEN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/sau-bao-dan-quang-tri-do-ra-dong-bat-ca-20250827093933299.htm