A rustic countryside dish from Hung Yen left an Indian guest pleasantly surprised and full of praise, especially when enjoyed on a cold winter day.
Maan, an Indian national who has lived in Vietnam for more than eight years, recently visited Bac Ninh and made time to explore local cuisine.
In addition to dishes rich in local culture, he also sampled specialties from neighboring provinces that were available in the area. One dish left a particularly strong impression: cá rô đồng soup - a traditional specialty of Hung Yen (formerly part of Thai Binh province).
Maan tries cá rô đồng soup for the first time.
Although called a “soup,” the preparation of cá rô đồng is more similar to a noodle dish like bún cá or bánh đa cá.
Wild perch is scaled, cleaned, briefly boiled to separate the flesh from the bones, then cut into small pieces about 3cm in length. The fish is seasoned and gently simmered until it firms up and takes on a golden color.
White rice noodles or bánh đa (flat rice noodles) are blanched in a separate pot of broth, then placed in a bowl. The cooked fish is arranged on top, and everything is topped with a clear, sweet broth made from pork and fish bones.
This dish doesn’t rely on eye-catching colors or complex seasoning. Its appeal lies in preserving the natural flavor of wild perch, making it a favorite among traditional food lovers.
Cá rô đồng soup from Hung Yen is beloved for its rustic flavors and simple, countryside ingredients.
Maan revealed that he enjoyed the soup at a local eatery on Ho Ngoc Lan Street, Kinh Bac Ward.
The shop specializes in cá rô đồng dishes, serving noodles, bánh đa, and mì with fish, with prices ranging from $1 to $1.60 per bowl.
He ordered a serving of cá rô đồng noodles, which came with a small bowl of dipping sauce and a plate of fresh herbs including lettuce, basil, and bean sprouts.
“It’s cold today - this is the perfect meal,” he exclaimed.
This was Maan’s first time trying cá rô đồng soup. Before tasting, he added a bit of garlic vinegar and chili oil to enhance the flavor.
The foreign guest describes the fish as tender and flavorful, with a sweet, clean broth that pairs well with fresh herbs. Photo credit: Maan
With the first few bites, Maan noted that the flavor reminded him of bánh đa cá, a similar dish he had tried before.
“I’ve had bánh đa cá before - it also smelled great. But this version doesn’t fry the fish, so the meat is softer and has a more delicate sweetness,” Maan described.
As he ate, he repeatedly nodded in approval and expressed how much he enjoyed the dish - especially on a chilly day.
Originally a humble Hung Yen dish, cá rô đồng soup has spread to nearby provinces and gained popularity. Photo: Linh Trang
Although he usually avoids fish due to its many bones, Maan found cá rô đồng soup surprisingly easy to eat. The fish was carefully deboned and cooked skillfully to eliminate any fishy smell.
After finishing the meal, he shared a video on his YouTube channel, offering glowing praise.
“This dish really captures the essence of Vietnam’s countryside. The perch is firm and flavorful, and the broth is clear and naturally sweet,” he wrote.
Despite enjoying it in Bac Ninh, Maan noted that the soup tasted every bit as authentic as a bowl from Hung Yen.
Vietnamnet.vn
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