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If you have the chance to visit the coastal beauty of Hoi An, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy fish cu – one of Hoi An's unique specialties. Fish cu captivates visitors with its delicious aroma and tender, sweet flesh.
A Unique Seafood: Fish Cu
Those who have lived in the coastal areas of Central Vietnam are probably familiar with a seafood delicacy known as 'fish cu'. This fish, found in salty waters, boasts smooth skin and tender, fragrant flesh. It resembles tuna or bonito but has a slightly flattened shape. With its abundant and flavorful meat, locals can create many beloved dishes from this Hoi An specialty.
Locals can prepare fish cu by simmering it in broth with noodles, or simply adding it to rice porridge or sour soup along with some bamboo shoots, tamarind leaves, and star fruits for extra allure. Additionally, this fish can be deep-fried to crispiness and served with a dipping sauce made of garlic, chili, sugar, lime, and accompanied by fresh vegetables. Among these options, the most popular dish remains the hotpot.
This is considered a delicious dish of Hoi An that you can find in seafood restaurants here. Besides its delightful flavor, fish cu hotpot is also a nutritious dish.
If you have the opportunity to travel to Hoi An, do not miss the chance to taste this unique seafood dish.
Delightful Dishes Made with Fish Cu That You Should Try
Fish cu can be transformed into many favorite dishes, yet fish cu hotpot remains a beloved Hoi An specialty.
To prepare an authentic fish cu hotpot, chefs must select fresh fish cu, cut into bite-sized pieces, marinate with a mixture of pepper, chili, onions, and fish sauce. Next, they bring the broth to a boil, add the fish heads and tails first, then include fragrant herbs like cinnamon basil, finely chopped cilantro, and various vegetables such as tomatoes and corn. This will be the base broth for the hotpot. Once the broth absorbs all the flavors and the fish cu is cooked, it's ready to serve.
Fish cu hotpot entices diners at various dining establishments with its refreshing sourness from tamarind leaves, star fruits, and a hint of sour bamboo shoots... When the hotpot is boiling, additional ingredients like sugar, MSG, fish sauce, lemongrass, and chili are added.
Indulging in the sweet seafood broth combined with the tangy flavors of natural spices, accompanied by chewy soft noodles, will be culinary experiences that you won't forget.
For a more rustic experience, you can enjoy grilled fish cu. The fish is rubbed with salt and chili, then wrapped in banana leaves before grilling. In no time, the fish emits an enticing aroma, urging diners to savor this wonderful dish immediately.
Furthermore, fish cu porridge is a delicious and nutritious dish beneficial for health as it contains abundant nutrients. After a long and tiresome journey, travelers from afar will feel refreshed after enjoying a bowl of fish cu porridge.
To prepare this porridge, the chef also requires meticulous effort. The fish must be fresh and vibrant red in color. After cleaning, the fish is marinated with ginger, salt, sugar, and pepper for a while. The rice used for cooking porridge needs to be plump and slightly roasted until golden before adding water to cook, ensuring the porridge doesn't become too thick.
Once the seasoned fish is added to the boiling porridge, after 5 - 7 minutes, the chef turns off the heat, adds scallions, pepper, and chili to enjoy.
Fish cu porridge is available at many places in the Central region, but it's in Hoi An where it boasts the richest flavor thanks to the tender, sweet, and creamy fish slices. The sweet and gentle taste, coupled with a spicy warmth, will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
When in Hoi An, indulging in Hoi An's specialty fish cu with its rustic flavor is the perfect choice for diners seeking to experience the taste of the Central coastal region.
Explore more:
- Traveling to Hoi An: From A to Z
- Places to Visit in Hoi An
- Enjoying the Delicious Hoi An Chicken Rice
