People in Vu Dai Village in the northern province of Ha Nam are busy preparing their braised fish for the lunuar new year (Tet) 2023.
Given by the unique and tasty flavors, the dish of braised fish in Vu Dai Village, has been known throughout the country and had brought decent incomes for local people during the peak season of Tet.
The dish is prepared from grass carp and many spices including fish sauce, red pepper, galangal, lemongrass, onion, lemon juice, and ginger. The fish has to be cooked in clay pots using dry wood in at least 12 hours. Tthe braised fish should be soft to its bone and taste buttery but not too fat. Besides, the mixture of different spices gives the dish a special flavour.
The braised fish of Vu Dai Village has become a famous brand. Despite its high prices, the dish is being bought by many people to enjoy or give away as presents during Tet.
As Tet is approaching, the villagers stay up all night to prepare braised fish for customers in Vietnam and abroad. The villagers starting making the dish since the start of lunar December. Some people had to hire dozens of new employees in order to fulfil their orders during this time.