Buzz
Experience the renowned combination of bún cá with balut by the famous chef Bích Huyền around Búng Bình Thiên – one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Mekong Delta.
Savor the Authentic Bún cá with Balut at Búng Bình Thiên
Bún cá, a famous delicacy in An Giang, was introduced from our neighbor, Cambodia. Nowadays, this dish, crafted skillfully by Vietnamese hands, has become familiar and an experience not to be missed.
According to her mother, who has been selling bún cá since she was 11, Bích Huyền (37 years old) now owns a renowned food cart in the area. Her bún dish is visually appealing with the golden hue of the fish meat sautéed with turmeric, adorned with a few sprigs of fresh basil. As soon as the bowl of bún is served, the delightful aroma wafts straight to the nostrils.
On the wooden-framed cart with a tin roof, Huyền displays all the ingredients and utensils. A large pot of savory broth is carefully placed on one side, while nearby, there's a basket of freshly picked and washed greens.
'Besides ensuring the fish is always fresh, mastering the art of seasoning the broth is crucial for a delicious meal,' said Huyền as she swiftly ladled the final scoop of broth into the bowl of bún, ready to serve to customers.
According to Huyền, making the broth is the most labor-intensive and time-consuming task, as it involves simmering bones and fish since early morning, for many hours. Over the crackling fire, the pot of broth is enriched with taro stems, linh fish sauce, and dissolved shrimp paste.
The bowl of bún also features balut eggs, adding a unique flavor. While visitors can try this dish in Châu Đốc, if you ever find yourself at Búng Bình Thiên, you can't miss Huyền's food cart.
Every afternoon around 2 to 3 pm, Huyền pushes her cart along the small asphalt road, a tradition she's upheld for over a decade. On one side of the road lies the living area of the Cham, Khmer, and Vietnamese communities, while on the other side stretches the vast Búng Bình Thiên lake.
Búng Bình Thiên translates to 'serene lake', located approximately 35 km from the center of Châu Đốc city. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the southwestern region of Vietnam. The lake spans across 4 communes: Khánh An, Khánh Bình, Nhơn Hội, Quốc Thái, and lies north of An Phú district. Búng Bình Thiên comprises 2 bodies of water: Búng Lớn and Búng Nhỏ.
To reach here, you have to cross Cồn Tiên bridge, take provincial road 956 towards Khánh Bình border gate, and turn left at the Quốc Thái intersection.
Travelers can visit the lake at any time of the year, but from July to October in the lunar calendar is the best time. During this period, as water from the upper Mekong River flows in, Búng Bình Thiên rises, adorning itself with a new coat of vibrant life.
Source: Di Vỹ/ Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourOctober 28, 2019
