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Kiên Giang, a coastal province in the Mekong Delta of southern Vietnam, boasts numerous renowned landmarks such as Phu Tu Islet, Thach Dong Cave, and Phu Quoc Island... The culinary culture here is incredibly rich and diverse, featuring hundreds of Kiên Giang specialties: from pickled herring to conch salad... but the most famous are these 7 dishes.
1. Pickled herring salad
When it comes to Kiên Giang's specialties, pickled herring salad immediately comes to mind. As you may know, herring is a familiar fish used in various dishes. However, few utilize it for salad. There are 2 types of herring: smooth herring and spiny herring, but for a delicious herring salad, smooth herring is preferred due to its firm flesh and small bones. In places like Tam Tien (Nui Thanh), Binh Minh (Thang Binh), Phu Quoc – Kiên Giang, and the coastal area of Hoi An, locals consider pickled herring salad a delicacy. Moreover, herring is directly caught from the sea, preserving its fresh and authentic flavor.
Anyone who has had the pleasure of indulging in Kiên Giang's specialty pickled herring salad will forever remember its unforgettable taste. The tender fish meat combined with a hint of rich peanuts, eaten with fragrant herbs, chili, and onions, will leave a lasting impression. Kiên Giang pickled herring salad is often enjoyed with rice paper and a bowl of soy sauce prepared according to a unique recipe.
2. Ha Tien horn noodle
Ha Tien horn noodle is one of the famous specialties of Kiên Giang that many tourists inquire about when visiting the coastal region of Kiên Giang, especially Ha Tien horn noodle, a specialty of Ha Tien – a city located in the northwest of Kiên Giang province. Ha Tien horn noodle is meticulously prepared with various stages, resulting in a distinct flavor. The main ingredients of Ha Tien horn noodle are sea fish such as snakehead fish, red snapper, and golden rabbitfish...
Ha Tien horn noodle, famous throughout the Kiên Giang region
When savoring Ha Tien horn noodle, don't forget to add various types of herbs and cucumber. The distinctive feature of Ha Tien horn noodle is the ground dried shrimp on top. Each bowl of noodle costs only about 20,000 Vietnamese dong. So, don't forget to indulge when visiting Kiên Giang.
3. Banh canh conger eel cake
In addition to Ha Tien horn noodle, banh canh conger eel cake is also favored by many. Although banh canh conger eel cake is not a particularly special dish, it is very famous in the Kiên Giang coastal area. Because the conger eels used to prepare the dish are caught and processed immediately, ensuring freshness and sweetness.
Famous delicious banh canh conger eel cake
To achieve a fragrant and sweet broth, the chef used dried shrimp and pork bones to simmer. When eating banh canh conger eel cake, you can also enjoy additional toppings such as fish cake, shrimp cake, according to your preference.
4. Xiêm sticky rice
Xiêm sticky rice is a Kiên Giang specialty that you shouldn't miss. Xiêm sticky rice is made from Thai glutinous rice with just the right elasticity. The rice is cooked using the steaming method, so it doesn't become mushy or broken. The special feature of this sticky rice lies in the filling. The chef will use native chicken eggs along with xiêm coconut water and a little palm sugar along with pandan leaves to prepare the rice filling.
Ha Tien Xiêm sticky rice renowned in the Western region
The harmonious blend of all the ingredients will give the sticky rice a distinct flavor. You will taste the sweetness of sugar, the stickiness of glutinous rice, and the fragrance of coconut milk as soon as you take the first bite. Don't forget to add a little coconut cream when enjoying it to enhance the flavor.
5. Cà Xỉu
Cà Xỉu is one of the renowned specialties of the Ha Tien region, Kiên Giang, deeply rooted in Vietnamese – Khmer – Chinese culinary culture. Looking from the outside, cà xỉu resembles both a seafood species with two shells and an insect species. Cà Xỉu is usually preserved in salt. People in Kiên Giang pass on the word that this dish is very nutritious, especially the mustache which is good for male vitality and is highly favored by gentlemen. You can buy Kiên Giang specialty cà xỉu as a gift because salt-preserved cà xỉu can be kept for consumption throughout the year.
Cà Xỉu is a Kiên Giang specialty extremely beneficial for male vitality
When eating, simply sauté the cà xỉu with a bit of garlic. Add some spices to enhance the rich flavor of the dish. Cà xỉu can be eaten with rice or noodles. This dish also helps to boost male vitality.
6. Phu Quoc shiitake mushrooms
Phu Quoc shiitake mushrooms are a specialty mushroom of Phu Quoc, Kiên Giang, often found during the rainy season. Phu Quoc shiitake mushrooms have a fan-shaped appearance and a purple color. These mushrooms grow naturally on Phu Quoc Island and are commonly used to make delicious, flavorful soups. Phu Quoc shiitake mushrooms have a sweet, mild taste, with a slight bitterness that is unique.
Stir-fried Phu Quoc shiitake mushrooms with squash is an unforgettable dish
Notes when enjoying shiitake mushrooms:
Shiitake mushrooms taste better when eaten with Phu Quoc fish sauce. If you buy Phu Quoc specialty shiitake mushrooms as a family gift, remember not to reheat them because it's not good for health.
7. Phu Quoc conger eel rice
While Huế has its famous clam rice, Kiên Giang also has irresistible Phu Quoc conger eel rice. Phu Quoc conger eel rice is not overly colorful and its preparation is not too complicated. However, the flavor of this Kiên Giang specialty Phu Quoc conger eel rice is unlike any other rice dish from other regions.
Kiên Giang's specialty conger eel rice is made from white rice stir-fried with conger eel, onions, and tomato sauce. You can enjoy conger eel rice with some tomatoes, cucumbers, and fish sauce mixed according to a special recipe.
Phu Quoc conger eel rice, famous and delicious
Above are 7 specialties of Kiên Giang recommended by locals. When traveling to Kiên Giang, remember to try them all, or you'll regret it.
Additionally, on the PasGo Blog, there are many specialties from other regions for you to explore and gain experience in eating and buying Vietnamese specialties when traveling.
Minh Phuong
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