Exploring the culinary scene of Son Tra

*The Quang-style noodle dish with Son Tra sea fish invites tourists to experience it at a food festival. Photo: Tran Van Thang*

Gifts from the fishing village

Culinary culture is not just about exquisitely prepared dishes; it's also about stories that embody the soul of the land, layers of local values, and the profound memories of the community, preserved and passed down through time. Just as the hardships and the long journey of making a living in the coastal village of Son Tra have left their mark on each of the region's specialties.

From fresh anchovies marinated in sea salt to create a rich, savory flavor, to dishes grilled over charcoal from old fishing boats, evoking memories of arduous voyages at sea.

These simple delicacies are both a source of livelihood and a means of transportation, shaping local identity in harmony between people and nature. The intertwined forest and marine ecosystems provide abundant organic resources, and together with community-building festivals, further deepen the culinary story of Son Tra.

The epic of the fishing village is kindled by simple yet pure, sweet, and nutritious family meals. On rainy days, when the weather is chilly, nothing can warm the heart more than a steaming pot of braised mackerel with pickled vegetables, a bowl of tuna porridge cooked with fresh ginger, or crab hotpot served with wild herbs.

On a summer day, savoring fresh herring salad, with thinly sliced fish mixed with raw vegetables, grated coconut, and sweet and sour fish sauce, creates a refreshing and cool seafood flavor. Each dish is simple yet deeply rooted in tradition, reflecting the distinctive culinary culture of the people of Man Thai coastal village for generations.

Every dawn on Tho Quang beach, basket boats dock, laden with glittering nets overflowing with fish and shrimp. Nearby, the Man Thai seafood market attracts hundreds of tons of fresh "gifts from the sea" from fishing villages, where tourists can personally select still-swimming shrimp, crabs, and squid and have them prepared on the spot by locals, fully enjoying the taste of the ocean.

Mr. Tran Van Thang, CEO of Central Vietnam Central Cuisine, specializing in regional cuisine, observes: “The authentic value of Son Tra cuisine lies in its simplicity yet depth, fresh ingredients, accumulated history and culture, and the soul of the coastal region that captivates people. Many attractive factors contribute to making this a place that attracts and retains tourists .”

Light up the night sea

As a native of Son Tra, with many years of experience in the culinary and tourism industries, Thang understands that the "treasure" of his homeland lies in its fresh seafood and the unique local values hidden behind each dish.

Driven by a desire to preserve and spread the heritage of the coastal village, he initiated the establishment of the Son Tra Local Culinary Tourism Club in 2025. This is a pioneering community model, bringing together voluntary members who love food and tourism, are deeply connected to their local identity, and share the common goal of making Son Tra an attractive culinary destination, contributing to local economic development while preserving its cultural essence.

The club focuses on developing high-quality culinary tourism products, offering authentic and profound experiences, with a highlight being the "Lighting Up the Night Sea" journey. After a long day of sightseeing in Da Nang, visitors won't rush to bed but will continue with an exciting adventure along the Son Tra night sea. Enjoying the sea view, joining fishermen in catching seafood, and savoring instant noodles with squid or fish hotpot by a campfire...

Thang and his team also plan to build a street food area, learning from the successful model of Thailand, which will provide on-site seafood processing services, music, folk art, traditional games, cooking classes, forming an attractive culinary "hub" that creates value for both locals and tourists.

These activities will be boosted by modern technology, starting with the Fanpage and AI Chatbot for Local Culinary Tourism, expected to launch at the end of 2025. The chatbot will suggest seasonal dishes, provide information on fishing schedules, "live with fishermen" tours, seafood shopping locations, and many other exciting experiences on Son Tra beach.

The core objective is to support the people of Son Tra ward in developing their economy, improving their lives, and recognizing the value derived from their fishing activities and the local cultural stories they lead and embody. This will empower fishermen, giving them renewed energy and confidence to wholeheartedly preserve their traditional craft, fostering a sense of belonging and joy from the sea, spreading positive energy to tourists, and creating a vibrant, modern, and distinctive coastal tourism ecosystem.

Mr. Thang shared: “We aspire to develop culinary activities in a profound way, conveying the unique cultural values of the region to tourists, aiming to build sustainable tourism and support the community in preserving traditional crafts. The consensus and support of the leaders of Son Tra ward, as well as domestic and regional tourism, culinary, and restaurant associations, further strengthen our journey, with the mission of bringing the story of the coastal village to a wider audience.”

Source: https://baodanang.vn/ve-mien-am-thuc-son-tra-3303279.html