When in Quang Binh, don't miss the chance to explore the famous local delicacies. The culinary experience in Quang Binh is simple yet deeply captivating for travelers. A visit to the land of gentle winds is incomplete without trying delights such as savory cakes, translucent dumplings, and hearty porridge. Especially, you cannot overlook the Nghéo Fish of Quang Binh – a rare delicacy reserved for special guests.
What makes Nghéo Fish of Quang Binh special?

Quang Binh's culinary offerings are diverse and rich. However, there's a rare gem that only true food enthusiasts are aware of – the Nghéo Fish. You might not be familiar with the name, even if you're from Quang Binh. Despite the tongue-twisting name, it's a delicious and rare fish that is hard to come by. Nghéo Fish, also known as the elephant fish, is related to sharks. Primarily found in the Indian Ocean – Pacific region, it appears in certain coastal areas of Central Vietnam and is renowned as the 'marine mystique of the East'.
The Nghéo fish is a cartilaginous, sleek-skinned species with lean, meaty flesh and low fat content. Notably, it carries a distinctive strong odor, requiring a thorough pre-cooking deodorizing process. Capturing this elusive fish is a challenging feat, categorizing it as a rare delicacy reserved for esteemed guests. The market price fluctuates, but it never falls below 300,000 VND/kg. Enjoying this culinary gem is a testament to refined taste. Despite being a specialty of Central Vietnam, many are yet to savor its unique flavor. Beyond its rarity, the delicious and nutritious Nghéo fish is a culinary delight with a hefty price tag, truly a renowned specialty of Quang Binh!
Explore diverse dishes featuring Quang Binh's catfish

Indulge in the delectable Nghéo fish salad
The variety of dishes crafted from Nghéo fish includes hotpot, porridge, and salad. The sought-after part is the roe, with the best fish weighing between 1-2 kg. Deodorize the fish carefully due to its strong odor. Many believe the most exquisite part of the catfish is its firm and textured skin. Nghéo fish porridge is a common choice for those seeking a nutritious meal. A steaming bowl serves as an excellent remedy for colds. Alternatively, during winter, relish a pot of fragrant and rich fish hotpot – a heartwarming delight. Dip the Nghéo fish in the hotpot for 1-2 minutes, then pair it with garlic chili fish sauce, fresh vegetables, and rice vermicelli for an authentic experience.
Indulge in the exquisite Nghéo fish salad that leaves everyone praising its deliciousness. Crafted from roe weighing 1–3 kg of Nghéo fish, cleaned and finely sliced, the salad is a flavorful delight. Paired with fresh vegetables and chewy rice crackers, it's a tongue-tingling experience. Though rare, once tasted, there's no room for regret. Enjoying Nghéo fish salad reveals the delectable taste of fish, the richness of the sauce, the freshness of greens, and the crispiness of roasted peanuts – truly a unique and delightful dish befitting Quang Binh's specialty.
When in Quang Binh, people often focus on dishes like Son River snakehead fish, rice dumplings, and noodle soup, rarely mentioning Nghéo fish. Due to its rarity and difficulty in catching, it's not always available. Nevertheless, it stands as a renowned Quang Binh delicacy, offering a delightful and diverse culinary experience. Hopefully, more people will discover the exceptional flavors of this culinary gem.
Posted by: Nguyen Hai Tran
Keywords: Delicious Nghéo fish specialty from Quang Binh with a twist
