Buzz
Dai Lanh Sea, situated in Dai Lanh commune (Vạn Ninh district, Khanh Hoa), lies between Ca Pass and Co Ma Pass. Besides the natural beauty with pristine beaches, this area is a treasure trove of delicious seafood, with squid taking the limelight.
Dai Lanh boasts numerous eateries and restaurants selling squid along both sides of the road. Each establishment offers grilled squid, squid vermicelli, squid salad, squid noodles, but the most favored is the squid hotpot. The squid here is always fresh, adding to the allure of this local delicacy.
Upon inquiry, it's revealed that the local fishermen specialize in squid fishing using various methods such as hook and line, nets, or traps. Hence, there's always a variety of squid available, including tube squid, rice squid, and genuine cuttlefish.
The owners of the establishments in Dai Lanh often choose tube squid and rice squid for the hotpot. The squid hotpot here is considered a delicacy because when the dish is presented to the diners, the squid on the plate remains fresh, with translucent skin and sparkling spots on their bodies.
The squid hotpot consists of a pot of broth, containing tomatoes, ripe tamarind, ginger, and various spices. The dining table used for the hotpot in Dai Lanh is interestingly designed with a central 'hole.' Diners sitting around the table can lift the hotpot over the 'hole' in the middle.
Apart from the simmering broth, a portion of squid hotpot also includes a plate of fresh squid, a plate of greens comprising morning glory, mustard greens, fresh bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, a few baby corns, onions, and a plate of fresh rice vermicelli along with various types of dipping sauce and chili. Once the broth is boiling, diners can add squid and vegetables, and it's ready to be enjoyed after the water boils again.
Indulging in Dai Lanh squid hotpot has its own unique charm. I recall in the past, these hotpot places used to offer a unique concept called 'belly hotpot,' meaning diners would eat to their heart's content, and then a fixed price per person would be charged based on their satisfaction.
This concept was somewhat akin to purchasing tickets for entry to fruit orchards in the South, where visitors could eat as much as they wanted but were not allowed to take any fruits outside. Nowadays, when asked why they no longer sell this peculiar 'belly hotpot' style, the cheerful restaurant owners explained that if they did, encountering a few hearty eaters might lead the business to financial loss.
Today, most establishments sell hotpot by portion, typically serving 3-4 people. However, if you find the dish delicious and want more, feel free to order additional fresh squid. The owners still cater to their customers, and the prices range from 90,000 to 140,000 VND for a portion.
The deliciousness of the hotpot lies in the harmonious blend of the rich flavor of the broth, the aromatic spiciness of fresh ginger, the chewy sweetness and fragrance of the squid. All of these elements contribute to a delightful dining experience for the patrons.
A trip to Nha Trang or Phu Yen can be enhanced by making Dai Lanh an ideal destination to savor this delectable squid hotpot.
***
Source: Mytour Travel Guide – Author: iHay.
MytourJuly 1, 2013
