Buzz
When you visit the Central Highlands - Kon Tum, indulging in the delightful, aromatic fish and rice paper dish is a must. Originally a casual treat enjoyed by locals during leisurely afternoons by the river, this dish has now gained widespread fame as a delectable regional specialty.
During a serene evening on the tranquil Sê San River, a picturesque scene unfolds. Villagers gather at sturdy floating houses, eagerly awaiting the arrival of distant travelers. Amidst warm greetings and joyous laughter, fresh greens are harvested, fish prepared, and delicious dishes meticulously crafted to welcome guests.
Illuminated by the soft glow of battery-powered lamps, the dinner spread remains irresistibly inviting. A steaming pot of tender fish stew with crisp water spinach emits tantalizing aromas, while grilled carp and golden-brown rice paper snacks offer crunchy, savory delights that pair perfectly with fragrant rice. Amidst a plethora of enticing options, the fish and rice paper dish emerges as the undisputed centerpiece of the meal.
Before you, golden-brown fish lay neatly atop warm rice paper, emitting a tantalizing aroma that heightens anticipation. Breaking off a piece and dipping it into the prepared chili sauce, savoring slowly reveals its rich flavor. The crispy rice paper, slowly chewed, releases the savory, sweet, chewy, and spicy essence of the fish, offering a truly delightful experience.
This fish and rice paper dish originated from the ingenious idea of locals, initially crafted for personal enjoyment before gaining popularity among travelers through word of mouth, eventually becoming a renowned delicacy.
Creating a fish and rice paper cake involves several meticulous steps. Firstly, freshly caught fish are cleaned thoroughly before seasoning. The fish are then marinated with traditional spices - a mixture of sugar, MSG, chili, and onions. After marination, the fish are arranged onto the rice paper. Typically, 1kg of dried fish yields approximately 7 fish and rice paper cakes. Once arranged, the cakes are sun-dried. Upon drying, the fish adhere to the rice paper, simplifying the process for preparation.
For the fish and rice paper cake, the comprehensive seasoning means it requires only a few minutes in a pan or on a grill to achieve a crispy, fragrant dish. This dish is undeniably enticing and enjoyable, whether paired with rice or served as a delightful appetizer.
Nowadays, many food enthusiasts opt for the famous rice paper with fish and rice as a souvenir, during their journey to explore the beauty of the Central Highlands – Kon Tum. Numerous travelers also express their fondness for this dish due to its rich and savory flavor, priced at only 5,000 VND per piece. Although it may not be their primary source of income, it certainly contributes to the local livelihood. Particularly, thanks to the rice paper with fish and rice, the fishing village along the Sê San River gains more recognition. Many people travel far and wide not only to admire the scenery and learn about the life of the stilt houses but also to indulge in the specialty fish on the land of the majestic mountains and forests.
Many tourists also gather at Ia H’Drai to witness the sunset casting its golden rays, while enjoying thin rice paper with fish and rice, amidst the serene landscape of this village.
Posted by: Nguyen Tien Van
Keywords: Specialty rice paper with fish and rice Kon Tum
