Suong Noodle - Culinary Gem of Tra Vinh Province

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Suong Noodle - Culinary Gem of Tra Vinh Province

Each slice of slender shrimp cake, tender and succulent, entwined with delicate strands of pure white noodles, submerged in the sweet and tangy broth, delights diners with its captivating appearance.

Suong Noodle - Culinary Gem of Tra Vinh Province

Tra Vinh is a province where culinary traditions of the Kinh, Khmer, and Chinese ethnicities converge. Besides noodle soups, Ben Co rice cakes, or fermented beef paste, travelers to this region are easily enchanted by Suong Noodle.

Suong Noodle comprises rice noodles, shrimp, and pork belly. The essence of this dish lies in the elongated shrimp cakes. To ensure delicious shrimp cakes, one must carefully select fresh, plump shrimp. The shrimp are cleaned, trimmed, and peeled.

Garlic and peeled shallots are finely minced and mixed with shrimp in a grinder until they form a smooth paste. This paste is then combined with pepper, salt, cornstarch, seasoning powder, and vegetable oil to create a vibrant yellow hue.

Achieving the desired firmness and elasticity for the shrimp cake demands meticulous effort, requiring multiple kneadings before finally sealing everything in clean nylon bags. The broth, simmered with pork bones for hours, is rendered rich and sweet, seasoned with a blend of cashew oil, salt, pepper, and seasoning powder. The shrimp mixture is gradually incorporated into this flavorful broth.

The broth of Suong Noodle possesses a distinct character, unlike other noodle varieties. Its slightly brown hue is attributed to the addition of tamarind and fermented bean paste, imparting a balanced tanginess and a delicate aroma.

The length of the shrimp cake varies according to the preferences of the cook. Once all the shrimp cakes are added to the pot, they are simmered for 5 - 10 minutes until they rise to the surface and turn a golden hue, indicating they are fully cooked.

To complement the bowl of noodles, locals in Tra Vinh often add a few slices of boiled pork belly, blanched bean sprouts, lettuce, and accompany them with shredded white cabbage. The dipping sauce is a mixture of ground bean paste and ground chili.

When in Tra Vinh, you can find Suong Noodle stalls that specialize in evening sales along Dien Bien Phu Street or stalls along Hung Vuong Street.

Source: Vnexpress.net

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour

MytourDecember 30, 2015

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Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are essential for making Suong Noodle in Tra Vinh?

To prepare Suong Noodle, you will need fresh rice noodles, shrimp, pork belly, and a rich broth made from simmered pork bones. Other key ingredients include garlic, shallots, and seasoning to enhance flavor.

How is the shrimp cake prepared for Suong Noodle dish?

The shrimp cake is made by grinding fresh, peeled shrimp with minced garlic and shallots into a smooth paste, then mixing it with cornstarch, seasoning, and oil to achieve the desired texture before cooking in broth.

Can I find Suong Noodle stalls in Tra Vinh Province easily?

Yes, Suong Noodle stalls are readily available in Tra Vinh, especially along Dien Bien Phu Street and Hung Vuong Street, where you can enjoy this unique local dish, particularly in the evenings.

What makes the broth of Suong Noodle different from other noodle dishes?

The broth of Suong Noodle is distinct due to its simmered pork bones, enhanced with tamarind and fermented bean paste, giving it a unique brown hue and a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavor.