Buzz
'Delicious, healthy, and affordable' is the phrase many use to describe the cuisine of Nghe An. If you get the chance to visit, be sure to remember a few of the local breakfast specialties and make time to savor them!
Eel porridge
Although eel porridge is found in many regions across the country, the version in Nghe An stands out with its rich, delicious flavor that can't be replicated anywhere else.
Nghe An's eel porridge is prepared with great care, starting with the selection of ingredients. The rice used must be of high quality, and the eels must be fresh, not too large or too small. The eels are soaked in rice water for several hours to remove any dirt and fishy smell. After being cleaned and boiled, the meat is carefully separated from the bones. The bones are then crushed to extract the broth, which is simmered with the rice to enhance the flavor. Meanwhile, the eel meat is marinated with various seasonings, sautéed until golden brown and fragrant.
When served, the porridge is placed in a bowl, topped with the sautéed eel, and garnished with herbs such as cilantro, fried shallots, Vietnamese balm, perilla, spring onions, and a dash of pepper. The enticing aroma and rich flavor of Nghe An's eel porridge will surely captivate you the moment you take your first bite.
Noodle porridge
This is a famous specialty unique to Nghe An. What makes this dish stand out is its rich, fragrant broth that is thickened like porridge. The broth is made by simmering fresh pork bones for hours, carefully skimming off the foam to achieve a crystal-clear finish. In addition, the noodles used in this dish are soft yet chewy, made from a mixture of wheat flour and a touch of rice flour. After being cut, the noodles are briefly blanched and left to drain, then added to the boiling broth upon order.
With the pot of broth always simmering on the stove, when served, the noodles are placed in a bowl, topped with the hot broth, and garnished with some cilantro, spring onions, and fried shallots to enhance the flavor and aroma.
Steamed rice cake
Nghe An's steamed rice cakes are quite similar in appearance to the northern Vietnamese 'banh cuon' and the southern 'banh uot'. However, the preparation of Nghe An's rice cakes is more intricate. Locals use ordinary rice, soaking it for 3 hours before grinding it finely and then soaking it again for 3 to 6 more hours. Afterward, they extract the water from the soaked flour mixture to make the rice cakes. What sets these rice cakes apart is that they are typically served with a unique accompaniment—'nham' made from water morning glory or banana flower, adding a distinct and irresistible flavor.
These breakfast dishes are not only flavorful and appealing but also packed with nutrition. You can enjoy them with ease when you visit Nghe An. And while exploring this beautiful region, don't forget to save on your travel expenses by booking your flight through Mytour.vn via the hotline 1900 2083.
T.Hai, 16th January 2023, 4:00 PM
