Awe-inspiring Culinary Delights from the Land of Nam Dinh

The homeland of Nam Dinh, linked with the legendary Tran Quoc Tuan, captivates wanderers with a variety of unique specialties like xiu pao, nem nam, siu chau candy,...

1. Beef Pho

While Hanoi often takes the spotlight in discussions about pho, the roots of this iconic dish trace back to both Hanoi and Nam Dinh. Nam Dinh's beef pho, a subject of ongoing debate, offers a distinct twist with its focus on beef variations of this famous Vietnamese soup.

Nam Dinh's beef pho, cooked following each family's secret recipe, features a rich, fragrant broth, small rice noodle strands, and sweet, tender beef. Despite the widespread presence of 'Pho Nam Dinh' signs in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, or even abroad, to truly savor this renowned dish, one must indulge in it amidst the heart of Nam Dinh.

2. Giao Thuy Spring Rolls

Nem Nam – A Familiar Delight in Social Gatherings

Giao Thuy Spring Rolls proudly represent Giao Thuy district in Nam Dinh, offering a flavorful combination of thinly sliced pork, pigskin, rice flakes, and various spices. The hand-cut strands of Giao Thuy's nem, wrapped in banana or lagenaria leaves and dipped in Sa Chau fish sauce, unveil a distinctive flavor – rich, savory, and sweet.

3. Siu Chau Candy

In the memories of many, Nam Dinh's specialty is reminiscent of sweet, crunchy, and nutty Siu Chau candies. Crafted skillfully from peanuts, sesame seeds, and the adept hands of the locals, these candies represent a pure and flavorful rural gift.

Siu Chau Candy is similar to peanut candy, sharing ingredients such as peanuts, sesame seeds, sugar, and malt. However, Nam Dinh's specialty uses more peanuts and less malt, resulting in a more fragrant and delicious taste. Particularly popular during Tet and the arrival of spring, enjoying a piece of Siu Chau Candy is a crispy, fragrant, and sweet experience without sticking to your teeth. Pairing it with a cup of hot tea in the chilly atmosphere of spring rain is an unmatched delight.

4. Doi Candy

Dainty Dồi Candy originates from Nam Dinh province, initially trading in local markets in rural villages. Gradually, it evolved into a rustic gift, a specialty of the region, spreading to cities and beyond. The whimsical name is inspired by its resemblance to the popular northern Vietnamese dish, 'dồi'.

The candy boasts a translucent white outer layer, crispy and round, encasing a fragrant roasted peanut filling. It's neither overly sweet nor cloying. Paired with peanut candy, Dồi Candy is a delightful companion for savoring green tea, favored by many.

5. Hải Hậu Lychee Cake

Lychee cakes aren't made from lychee fruit or carry its aroma. They are named simply for their round shape and color resembling lychee fruit. Crafted from the region's rich agricultural products, aromatic glutinous rice or cái hoa yellow-flower sticky rice from Hải Hậu, once nationally and internationally famous.

The ingredients and processing stages for making the cake are meticulously chosen and executed. Sticky rice, chicken eggs, sugar, and lard must be of good quality to produce perfectly round, glossy, and evenly textured cakes. When eaten, they are crispy, cool, and have a refreshing taste. Those who have experienced lychee cakes will never forget the fragrant and crispy taste. Nowadays, lychee cakes are present throughout Nam Dinh province, contributing to the rich culinary culture of the region.

6. Xiu Pao Cake

Xiu Pao Cake, a delectable and rustic treat, was once a culinary delight of the Chinese community living on Khach Street (now Hoang Van Thu Street, Le Hong Phong) in Nam Dinh province. The cake has layers reminiscent of pia cake, but the filling is savory, featuring char siu, wood ear mushrooms, lard, chicken eggs, and more. The golden-brown fried Xiu Pao Cake has long been a familiar snack for many generations of students in this area.

7. Gai Cake

Nam Dinh is the birthplace of aromatic, sweet, and chewy Gai Cakes, a representative specialty of this Thanh Nam land. The most famous Gai Cake in Nam Dinh is Mrs. Thi's Gai Cake. This traditional cake maintains the original flavor of pandan leaves and glutinous rice. Along with the cake's filling, a blend of ingredients like peeled green beans, fatty meat, peanuts, lotus seeds, and coconut creates a harmonious and distinct aroma - fragrant, sweet, and nutty.

8. Pot-Steamed Grilled Fish

Elaborately prepared, Pot-Steamed Grilled Fish is usually reserved for special occasions and Tet celebrations, yet it doesn't lose the distinctive essence of Nam Dinh. In the early days of spring, in any household in Nam Dinh, alongside traditional dishes, you'll be invited to savor this unique grilled fish.

The fish has a golden crispy skin, similar to grilled squid, and firm, fragrant flesh. Carefully selected and fresh fish is placed in a specialized pot, covered in straw, and slow-cooked for about 5 hours. The fish absorbs heat through the pot, preventing burning or water leakage, resulting in naturally firm and flavorful goodness.

As per depplus

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour