Buzz
Sá Sùng Porridge is crafted in the traditional Teochew style, where vendors tailor the dish to each customer's preference.
Indulge in the Exquisite Sá Sùng Porridge of Saigon
Sá Sùng, a precious seafood found abundantly along sandy mudflats from north to south, such as in Van Don (Quang Ninh), Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Con Dao (Ba Ria - Vung Tau), Ben Tre, Bac Lieu… Sá Sùng Porridge is regarded as a delicacy in our coastal regions.
In Saigon eateries, Sá Sùng is a common term used. It goes by various names such as sea worms, sandworms, potato cutters, sea cucumbers, earth centipedes, ground snakes…
Ms. Huyen, the proprietor of the Sá Sùng Porridge establishment in Tan Phu district, emphasizes that the quality of ingredients determines the dish's flavor. 'To discern good sá sùng, connoisseurs select those with plump bodies, uniform size, and a distinct aroma rather than a fishy smell,' she explains. Subsequently, meticulous cleaning is essential as their intestines often contain sand particles, affecting the porridge's taste.
Divergent from the stewed rib porridge style, sá sùng porridge in Saigon is prepared in the Teochew porridge style, where it's cooked individually according to the desired amount of porridge and ingredients. This ensures that the sá sùng is tender without being tough, retaining its crunchy texture. The porridge, when cooked, retains a naturally sweet and fragrant taste from the sá sùng. Each porridge shop has its own secret blend of seasonings, but all ensure a sweet, savory, and hearty flavor.
Accompanying the porridge are pre-blanched water spinach (kale) served in the bowl and finely sliced ginger placed on each dining table. These greens not only add fragrance but also balance the dish's cooling properties, promoting health benefits.
Currently, Saigon boasts two longstanding sá sùng porridge eateries favored by locals: Tu Ky Porridge (Tan Binh district) and Teochew Porridge Alley on Trinh Dinh Trong Lane (Tan Phu district).
Diners can opt for Teochew Porridge with 15 – 20 sá sùng, or a mixed bowl with 7 – 10 sá sùng alongside other ingredients like fish, shrimp, meat, liver, kidney, seaweed, tripe, and intestines… 'Priced at around 55,000 – 65,000 VND per mixed sá sùng porridge bowl, it's affordable. I have it once or twice a week for nourishment,' shared Mr. Phung, a resident of Tan Phu district.
According to Tâm Linh/ Vnexpress
***
Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourNovember 19, 2019
