Vu Dai Village Braised Fish: The Secret Behind Ha Nam's Renowned Braised Fish Brand

When mentioning the famous specialties of Ha Nam, one cannot overlook Vu Dai Village Braised Fish. This delicacy is an indispensable gift during the Lunar New Year or a specialty that tourists cannot miss when visiting Ha Nam. Let's explore Vu Dai Village Braised Fish: The Secret Behind Ha Nam's Renowned Braised Fish Brand through this article by Tien Loc Palace Hotel.

1. History and Origin

Vu Dai Village, now part of Hoa Hau Commune, Ly Nhan District, Ha Nam Province, has long been famous for its rustic yet sophisticated braised fish. This village has a long history associated with the traditional profession of braising fish, founded by the ancestor of the craft, Vu Ba Kien, hundreds of years ago.

According to local records and stories, Vu Ba Kien was a skilled fisherman. Through creativity and meticulousness, he developed a unique way of braising fish, with an aromatic, rich flavor that sets it apart from ordinary braised fish.

This fish-braising craft was then passed down through generations, becoming a traditional profession deeply embedded in the cultural identity of Vu Dai residents.

2. The Secret Behind the Brand

The fame of Vu Dai Village Braised Fish comes not only from its long history but also from its unique and irresistible flavor. The secret behind this brand lies in the harmonious combination of ingredients, preparation methods, and the traditional secrets of the local people.

2.1 Ingredients

The main ingredient for braised fish is black carp raised for over 2 years, weighing from 7-10 kg each. The fish are scaled, cut into pieces, halved, thoroughly cleaned, and deodorized with white salt or lemon.

Black carp are chosen because their flesh is firm and contains few bones. When braised, the meat becomes tender, rich, and flavorful.

In addition to black carp, other ingredients are also carefully selected to ensure the freshest and best quality. Galangal is chosen for its strong aroma; ginger for its spiciness; fresh chili for its heat; local garlic for its fragrance; high-quality fish sauce; and fatty crab broth.

2.2 Preparation Method

Vu Dai Braised Fish is cooked in earthen pots. These pots are sourced from Nghe An, known for their thickness and excellent heat retention, ensuring the fish cooks evenly and deliciously. The lids are from Thanh Hoa, made from high-quality clay to lock in flavors during cooking.

The wood used for braising is longan wood, known for its smokeless, long-lasting burn that imparts a rich, delicious flavor to the dish. The wood is cut into small pieces, evenly arranged at the bottom of the stove, providing a stable heat source for hours of braising.

The braising process is intricate, requiring patience and meticulousness. The fish is marinated for a specific time to absorb the flavors, then layered into the earthen pots. Sliced galangal is placed at the bottom to prevent sticking, followed by layers of fish and chopped galangal alternated until the pot is full.

The pots are placed on a stove, boiled over high heat for 8-9 hours, then simmered for an additional 3 hours until the water evaporates. This results in tender fish with dissolved bones, thoroughly infused with spices and emitting a captivating aroma.

2.3 Traditional Secrets

Each family in Vu Dai Village has its own traditional secrets for braising fish. These secrets are passed down through generations, contributing to the unique flavor of each family's braised fish.

The traditional secrets often involve the ratio of spice blending, braising time, and fire control methods. Thanks to these secrets, Vu Dai Braised Fish consistently retains its delicious, rich flavor.

3. Flavor and Value

Vu Dai Braised Fish has a distinctive flavor that cannot be confused with any other braised fish dish. The fish is tender and rich, with a balanced salty-sweet taste, combined with the spiciness of chili and the aromatic warmth of galangal and ginger, creating an irresistible appeal.

If you visit Ha Nam and are looking for a place to stay, Tien Loc Palace Hotel is an ideal choice. Located on National Highway 1A, right in the center of Phu Ly City, Tien Loc Palace Hotel is designed with 19 floors and modern luxurious architecture. From the hotel, it only takes 5 minutes to reach the bustling Bien Hoa Street and 10-20 km to various tourist attractions in Ha Nam such as Tam Chuc Pagoda, Phat Quang Pagoda, Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda, and Doi Mountain.

Notably, all 208 rooms of Tien Loc Palace Hotel have unique designs, equipped with international standard furnishings, ensuring a comfortable trip to Ha Nam.

This article has shared about the famous specialty: Vu Dai Village Braised Fish. This dish is not only delicious but also holds cultural value, representing the community spirit and filial piety of Vu Dai residents.

 
ROOMS & RATES
Related Articles