The northern province of Ha Nam is renowned for its range of delicacies that were once presented to the king, including Vu Dai village braised fish, rice vermicelli soup with perch, Phu Ly rice rolls, Binh Luc crab dipping sauce, and Dam village’s banh chung. The most popular dish among them is Vu Dai village braised fish, which was selected as the king’s dish and is now popular among gourmands.
The dish is made using Snakehead fish, which is filled with pork, wrapped in banana leaves, and slowly cooked in a clay pot with a mixture of spices, including galangal, lemongrass, turmeric, and sichuan pepper. The result is a tender and flavorful fish that is served with fresh herbs and vegetables.
The village of Vu Dai, which is located in Kim Bang district, Ha Nam province, is famous for its braised fish, and every household in the village has its recipe for this dish. The village has been producing braised fish for over 200 years, and the craft has been passed down from generation to generation.
The best time to enjoy Vu Dai village braised fish is during the fish season, between February and July, when the fish are at their freshest. The village also holds a fish festival in June or July every year to celebrate the dish.
Aside from Vu Dai village braised fish, Ha Nam province is also renowned for its rice vermicelli soup with perch, which is made with fresh perch caught from the canals and rivers of the province. The fish is cooked with ginger, garlic, and lemongrass, and served with rice vermicelli, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs.
Phu Ly rice rolls are another specialty of the province. The rice rolls are made with rice paper that is stuffed with a mixture of pork, shrimp, and mushrooms, and served with a fish sauce dip. Binh Luc crab dipping sauce is made with fresh crab meat, minced pork, and a variety of herbs and spices, and is served with fresh vegetables and rice vermicelli.
Finally, Dam village’s banh chung is a traditional Vietnamese cake that is made with glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, and is wrapped in banana leaves and boiled for several hours. The cake is usually served during the Lunar New Year, and is a popular gift among Vietnamese families.