Buzz
Western appetizers are famously rustic yet uniquely eerie and chilling, just looking at them is enough to make your hands tremble. If you're truly brave, give them a try, Western appetizers are also incredibly fresh and delicious.
The Western region is always renowned for its fragrant and fresh delicacies. That's why Western specialties have captivated countless travelers. From delicious and exotic Western dishes like grilled fermented pork rolls, grilled snakehead fish to unique and chilling delicacies such as coconut worms, snake meat,... not everyone dares to try. Today, let's explore these unique Western appetizers with PasGo.
1. Coconut worms
Coconut worms – a terrifyingly raw dish in the form of larvae
Previously, coconut worms were easy to find. However, due to their delicious flavor and being a top-notch appetizer, coconut worms have become increasingly rare. These coconut worms are often found in the trunks of betel palms, coconut trees,... in provinces in the Western region, especially Ben Tre.
Coconut worms are prepared into various appetizers and have become an attractive specialty of the Western region. The most terrifying is the dish of live coconut worms swimming in fish sauce. This is a Western appetizer that not every brave soul can enjoy. The coconut worms are still wriggling and are placed in a bowl of chili fish sauce, then eaten directly while the coconut worms are still moving.
Delicious Western appetizers prepared from coconut worms
Besides the infamous coconut worm soaked in fish sauce, coconut worms are also transformed into other Western appetizers such as fried coconut worms, coated coconut worms, coconut worm salad,... with many nutritious ingredients, you can fully enjoy these unique dishes with peace of mind.
2. Grilled snakehead fish
With its characteristic of being a land of many canals, snakehead fish is the specialty of the Western region. Fish for grilling should be chosen to weigh about 0.5kg. The fish is grilled with straw for about 7-8 minutes then remove all the ash.
Grilled snakehead fish is often served with rice paper, fresh vegetables, dipped in fish sauce, chili garlic sauce or salted lime chili. This is one of the familiar Western appetizers and is loved for the fragrant, sweet taste of the fish meat.
3. Snake meat
Unique Western appetizers made from “Snake” ingredients
Snake meat, tender and flavorful, is made into various unique Western dishes. Firstly, there's grilled snake. After being cleaned, the snake is left with its skin intact and grilled over charcoal. Once cooked, the snake is left whole and torn apart to enjoy with other delicious dishes.
Some Western dishes made from snake meat
Besides grilled snake, the specialty of the Western region also includes stir-fried snake with lemongrass and chili, snake soup with lemongrass,... Especially, An Giang province in the Western region also has dried snake, for those gentlemen who want to buy Western specialty snakes as gifts.
4. Field mouse
Field mouse – a favorite Western appetizer for gentlemen
One of the must-try Western appetizers is none other than field mouse. Field mouse has become a favorite appetizer with many delicious preparations such as roasted mouse, stir-fried mouse with lemongrass, salted fried field mouse, mouse minced with tangerine peel,... intriguingly tasty.
With the skillful hands of Westerners, field mouse becomes a delicious Western dish that mesmerizes travelers. If you have the chance to visit this region, let go of your fears and try this unique dish made from field mouse meat. You will surely have a memorable experience.
5. Grilled bamboo rat
Grilled bamboo rat is a rather unique Western dish thanks to its preparation and enjoyment method. The rats chosen for this dish are usually not too young or too old, ensuring the meat is just tender enough.
After being gutted, the rat is thoroughly cleaned, the fur removed, then stuffed with various leaves like basil, lemongrass, ginseng,... and sewn tightly. The rat will be tied to 2 large crossed bamboo sticks, the legs tied back onto the branches of the bamboo sticks and grilled over fire until golden brown. When enjoying, the rat meat will be cut directly on the body and dipped in sauce.
6. Bitter melon salad
Bitter Melon Salad is a delicious Western appetizer thanks to its “bitter” taste
Bitter melon salad is made from young bitter melon leaves with a slightly bitter taste that's very unique. The leaves are blanched in boiling water and combined with other ingredients such as pork belly, shrimp, shredded dried fish, green mango, cucumber,... along with just the right amount of seasoning.
What makes bitter melon salad more flavorful is the tamarind fish sauce. The sweet and sour taste of tamarind is completely different from lime or vinegar. This dipping sauce will be added with minced garlic, chili, sugar, and fish sauce to create the perfect balance for the appetizer.
7. Western fermented fish hotpot
For local residents, fermented fish hotpot is a simple but still carries the beauty of the regional culture. Western fermented fish hotpot is made from linh fish sauce or sae sauce cooked with bone broth or coconut water to create a delicious broth. The ingredients for dipping in Western fermented fish hotpot include pork belly, fresh shrimp, squid, vermicelli, banana blossoms, various raw vegetables, seasoning, and some special herbs here. A few glasses of mixed liquor next to the hotpot are ideal for “drinking enthusiasts”.
If you miss Western fermented fish hotpot too much, then visit the fermented fish hotpot restaurants on PasGo Hanoi. They are Ninh Kieu Fermented Fish Hotpot restaurant and Phap Hotpot restaurant (Mrs. Hai Fermented Fish Hotpot in Can Tho)
8. Western grilled nem
Surely you've heard of grilled nem from Nha Trang, grilled nem from Ninh Hoa, southern-style grilled nem, grilled nem from Hanoi... but grilled nem from the Western region is less known. However, if you try grilled nem from the Western region, you'll be hooked. Grilled nem from the Western region is perfect as a snack with beer.
Grilled nem - A unique Western dish in terms of ingredients and eating style.
The way grilled nem from the Western region is prepared and eaten is quite different, making this dish special here. The main ingredients for grilled nem from the Western region include meat and shrimp. Grilled nem is fragrant and delicious, served with thin rice noodles and various tasty raw vegetables.
See more about making flavorful Central-style thin rice noodles with grilled nem HERE!
If you love grilled nem dishes, on PasGo there are grilled nem restaurants for you to hang out, drink with friends. They are:
Xuan Dan Grilled Nem Restaurant - 2B Phu Doan Street, Hang Bong Ward, Hoan Kiem District
Here, PasGo has compiled for you a list of 9 Western appetizers ranging from familiar to exotic. For comprehensive information on dishes, recipes, regional specialties, and additional details, you can refer to the PasGo Blog. Let the PasGo Blog be your travel guide across regions of Vietnam.
Don't forget on PasGo - Book & Deals available at over 2000 restaurants across provinces and cities such as Hanoi, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City. To book a reputable, delicious restaurant and get direct advice, call PasGo hotline: 19006005 .
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