The prestigious culinary guide, based in Zagreb, Croatia, released its latest rankings on February 14. With an impressive 4.6/5-star rating, this Hanoi-origin specialty secured a spot among the top three seafood dishes in the region.

Taste Atlas describes Cha Ca La Vong as a dish featuring seasoned and grilled fish, served with fresh vermicelli, aromatic herbs like perilla, mint, and dill, roasted peanuts, and a dipping sauce made from fermented shrimp paste with lemon and chili. The dish is best enjoyed hot, allowing diners to fully appreciate its rich flavors.

Vietnam was well represented in the rankings, with four other dishes making the prestigious list, including canh chua ca (Vietnamese sour fish soup).

Vietnamese seafood dishes gain global recognition

Taste Atlas describes canh chua ca as an umbrella term for a variety of Vietnamese fish soups, characterized by their balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

“These soups are typically made with a broth containing tamarind or pineapple, along with tomatoes, okra, bean sprouts, and various leafy vegetables,” Taste Atlas noted.

Most Vietnamese fish soups use catfish, though some variations feature carp, eel, or salmon. The dish is often garnished with fresh coriander and served alongside rice.

In addition to Cha Ca La Vong and canh chua ca, three other Vietnamese seafood specialties also received praise from Taste Atlas experts and food critics:

Ca kho to (Vietnamese braised fish in clay pot)

Bun rieu (Vietnamese crab noodle soup)

Muc mot nang (sun-dried squid)

Taste Atlas: A global culinary map

Founded in 2015, Taste Atlas has become a trusted global platform for mapping and ranking traditional dishes from around the world.

According to Matija Babic, the founder of Taste Atlas, all rankings are based on evaluations and reviews from culinary experts and food critics, ensuring the credibility of its awards.

Vietnam’s strong presence in the latest rankings highlights the diverse and rich flavors of its seafood-based cuisine, further cementing its status as a must-visit destination for food lovers.

Do An