To me, Tay Ninh is such a place. The Holy Land, where spirituality blends with nature, has created a unique culinary style, clearly reflecting the harmonious lifestyle of the people here. Among those simple dishes, Tay Ninh vegetarian noodle soup truly captivates people's hearts.
After more than 180 years of formation and development, Tay Ninh is not only a fertile land but also a place of harmony between many major religions such as Buddhism, Catholicism, and especially Cao Dai - a religion with strong national cultural identity.
Caodaism not only has a profound influence on people's spiritual lives, but also spreads the spirit of love, goodness and harmony among all species.
From that noble philosophy of life, vegetarianism - whether permanent or occasional - is not simply a religious habit, but also becomes a way to nourish the body and mind and preserve the living environment.
Gradually, vegetarian dishes in general, and vegetarian noodle soup in particular, have crept into every family meal, every rural market, and then sublimated into a delicate beauty in the culinary culture of Tay Ninh people.
Vegetarian noodle soup is an easy-to-cook and popular dish in the South, suitable for vegetarian days or when you want to change the taste with a light soup. Unlike many places, Tay Ninh vegetarian noodle soup has a very unique feature.
What makes this dish so special and so special is the broth. The broth is made from white radish, carrots, chayote, sugarcane, corn, squash and straw mushrooms… creating a natural, clear and refreshing sweetness.
No need for MSG or oil, just with vegetables, Tay Ninh people have distilled the flavors of heaven and earth, bringing a light yet rich feeling when enjoying.
The noodles are also a big plus, usually made from rice flour or tapioca flour; the noodles are white and soft but still retain a moderate chewiness, not falling apart when poured over hot broth.
The vegetarian noodle soup is enriched with side dishes such as vegetarian patties made from mung beans and tofu skin; crispy straw mushrooms and wood ear mushrooms; fried tofu or refreshing soft tofu.
Accompanied by a plate of fresh green vegetables with lettuce, bean sprouts, basil, herbs... and familiar spices such as fried onions, coriander, lemon, vegetarian fish sauce, Tay Ninh chili salt. All create harmony, making the dish more rich and flavorful.
I remember the first time I stopped by a small vegetarian restaurant by the roadside near the Tay Ninh Holy See. In front of me was a bowl of steaming vegetarian noodle soup, nothing fancy, topped with a few green onions, golden fried tofu, thinly sliced straw mushrooms, a few roasted peanuts, a few pieces of carrots and corn.
The noodles are made from rice flour, with large, soft but not crumbly strands. The broth is clear, naturally sweet from vegetables, fragrant with fried onions and a hint of pepper. When I tasted the first spoonful, I suddenly stopped. There was no strong mushroom smell, no harsh MSG taste – just a natural, gentle sweetness. A bowl of noodles is very affordable, but for me, it is a heartwarming moment in the middle of a sunny and windy morning in the Southern land.
I asked the owner what she used to make this broth. She smiled gently and answered in a simple voice: “I use radish, squash, straw mushrooms, and a little fresh coconut water.” So simple yet so delicious.
Each bowl of vegetarian noodle soup is a slice of Tay Ninh culture – not only a dish that nourishes the body, but also soothes the soul. You can easily find this dish everywhere, from small roadside stalls, street vendors in the market, to vegetarian restaurants. Each place has its own secret, but all retain the soul of Tay Ninh vegetarian noodle soup.
Especially, on the full moon and new moon days of the lunar calendar or major festivals of Cao Dai religion, the vegetarian culinary atmosphere in Tay Ninh becomes more vibrant than ever.
Hundreds of vegetarian restaurants have opened, serving tourists and locals, of which vegetarian noodle soup is always the most popular dish, proving the strong vitality of vegetarian cuisine in life here.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of life and hasty meals, a bowl of Tay Ninh vegetarian noodle soup is like an invitation to return to pure peace. Not luxurious. Not fussy.
This dish carries the heart of the cook, the taste of heaven and earth, and the serenity of a peaceful land. This dish will surely bring diners a memorable culinary experience. Because sometimes, the simplest things touch our souls the most.
Mai Thao
Source: https://baotayninh.vn/trai-nghiem-am-thuc-cung-banh-canh-chay-tay-ninh-a191392.html
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