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Vietnamese fish dishes

17 wonderful Vietnamese fish dishes worth adding to a foodie’s bucket list

31/12/2023 1.475 views

Vietnamese fish dishes showcase a rich tapestry of flavors. From the northern region to the southern region, each dish tells a unique story of Vietnam’s culinary heritage.

Vietnamese food is known for its diverse flavors, in which Vietnamese fish dishes are an unmissable part. Varied from the north to the south, each kind of fish dish carries a distinctive flavor. Join us as we explore the top Vietnamese fish dishes that should be on every food lover’s list.

1. Vu Dai braised fish (ca kho lang Vu Dai)

Hanoi's Vu Dai braised fish exemplifies the savory excellence of the northern cuisine

Hanoi’s Vu Dai braised fish exemplifies the savory excellence of the northern cuisine (Source: Collected)

Vu Dai braised fish stands out as a must-try delight among other Vietnamese fish dishes in Northern Vietnam. Also recognized as Dai Hoang, Nhan Hau, or Ha Nam braised fish, this Vietnamese fish dish is an intricate blend of black carp, succulent pork belly, and rustic spices. It involves meticulous preparation and a patient simmering, resulting in a pot of aromatic fish with captivating brown hues. The distinct flavor profile of Vu Dai braised fish has elevated it to be a sought-after delicacy, captivating the palates of both local and international connoisseurs alike.

2. Vietnamese sweet and sour fish soup (canh chua ca)

Vietnamese sweet and sour fish soup is a symphony of tangy flavors in a bowl

Vietnamese sweet and sour fish soup is a symphony of tangy flavors in a bowl (Source: Collected)

Embraced as a familiar and cherished Vietnamese fish dish, Vietnamese sweet and sour soup has found a special place in the hearts of the locals. Acknowledged by the online travel guide Taste Atlas, this Vietnamese fish soup embodies a harmonious symphony of sweet, spicy, and sour flavors. Crafted with tamarind, it features an ensemble of ingredients such as pineapples, tomatoes, bean sprouts, and herbs. Traditionally prepared with smooth-skinned or snakehead fish, this Vietnamese fish soup showcases the essence of Vietnamese comfort food.

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3. Nha Trang fish vermicelli noodles (bun ca Nha Trang) – Among the must-try Vietnamese fish dishes

Nha Trang fish vermicelli noodle is a must-try among Vietnamese fish dishes

Nha Trang fish vermicelli noodle is a must-try among Vietnamese fish dishes (Source: Collected)

Transport your taste buds to the coastal charm of Nha Trang with Nha Trang fish vermicelli noodles, where the noodles boast light broth, minimal fat, and delightful sweetness derived from carefully simmered fish bones. The tender noodles are paired with jellyfish, flaky boiled fish, and succulent steamed Vietnamese fish cakes. Accompanied by shredded lettuce and fragrant herbs, a squeeze of lime, and chili, this Vietnamese fish recipe is a gastronomic voyage through the vibrant flavors of Nha Trang.

4. Chau Doc fish noodle soup (bun ca Chau Doc)

Chau Doc fish noodle soup represents the comforting flavors of Vietnamese fish dishes

Chau Doc fish noodle soup represents the comforting flavors of Vietnamese fish dishes (Source: Collected)

Step into the historical realms of Chau Doc and savor the time-honored Chau Doc fish noodle soup. Crafted with linh fish, dried shrimp, lemongrass, chili, and garlic, the broth of this Vietnamese fish noodle soup undergoes a meticulous simmering process to attain a tantalizing flavor profile. The fish is poached in lemongrass and turmeric, which imparts a fragrant essence. Each piece of the fish absorbs the harmonious blend of flavors, creating an unforgettable treat that captures the essence of Vietnam’s culinary scene.

5. Snakehead fish thick noodle soup (banh canh ca loc)

Snakehead fish thick noodle soup offers a hearty culinary experience among Vietnamese fish dishes

Snakehead fish thick noodle soup offers a hearty culinary experience among Vietnamese fish dishes (Source: Collected)

Snakehead fish thick noodle soup is a local delicacy in Southern Vietnam. The preparation involves marinating snakehead fish, creating a broth from fish bones, and crafting rice flour into thin strips. As the broth simmers, the marinated fish is added, resulting in a steaming hot Vietnamese fish soup. Garnished with finely chopped green onions, this Vietnamese fish dish encapsulates the essence of comfort, warmth, and the distinctive flavor of the snakehead fish. Often relished on hot summer days, this Vietnamese fish dish encapsulates the very soul of Vietnamese culinary artistry.

6. Herring salad (goi ca trich)

Phu Quoc introduces a refreshing twist with herring salad among its seafood offerings

Phu Quoc introduces a refreshing twist with herring salad among its seafood offerings (Source: Collected)

Herring salad is a famous Phu Quoc food highly esteemed by diners as a must-try specialty. Herring boasts a slightly greenish hue, small bones, a slender body, and thin round scales. To create this delectable Vietnamese fish dish, the chef carefully selects fresh herring, ensuring the meat is fragrant, tender, and minimally fishy. The fileted fish is then mixed with onions, carrots, grated coconut, sautéed garlic, and more. When savoring this dish, diners place a thin rice paper on their palm, add fresh herbs, roll it tightly, and enjoy it with a dipping Vietnamese fish sauce.

7. White sardine salad (goi ca mai) – One of the best Vietnamese fish dishes in the central region

White sardine salad stands out as a gem among Vietnamese fish dishes

White sardine salad stands out as a gem among Vietnamese fish dishes (Source: Collected)

Easily found in local eateries in Nha Trang, white sardine salad features sardines which must be fresh, thoroughly cleaned, boneless, and dried. There are various ways to prepare the sardines, including using tamarind, lime, or vinegar. After adding the sour element, the squeezed fish transforms from white to ivory and is evenly mixed with scattered roasted peanuts. Thinly sliced onions, julienned ginger, and various herbs like coriander, mint, basil, and water dropwort are mixed with the fish and seasoned to taste. A delicious salad must possess a gentle sourness from the lime, a bit of spiciness from the chili, a natural sweetness from the fish, and the freshness of raw herbs.

8. Smelt-whiting fish salad (goi ca duc)

Smelt-whiting fish salad entices with its crispy texture and zesty dressing

Smelt-whiting fish salad entices with its crispy texture and zesty dressing (Source: Collected)

Smelt-whiting fish offers a versatile ingredient for various delicious Vietnamese fish dishes due to its firm and sweet meat. The fish is meticulously descaled and cut along the body to extract the meat. After marinating the fish in lemon juice for 15-30 minutes, the squeezed juice is reserved for seasoning. The dipping sauce is made from various spices such as lime, garlic, tomatoes, purple onions, peanuts, and chili, boiled into a sweet and sour mixture. When eating, diners can wrap the fish in rice paper along with herbs, perilla leaves, lettuce, and thinly sliced cucumbers.

9. Quynh Coi fish noodle soup (canh ca Quynh Coi)

The distinctive flavor of Quynh Coi fish noodle soup comes from the special preparation process

The distinctive flavor of Quynh Coi fish noodle soup comes from the special preparation process (Source: Collected)

Quynh Coi fish noodle soup has become a signature treat of the local people from Thai Binh Province of Vietnam. It is prepared with rice noodles and fish slices marinated in a blend of fish sauce and fresh turmeric, then either grilled to perfection or fried until golden. The key to its unique flavor lies in the rich and sweet broth, crafted from fish head and bones, then enhanced with scallions and cilantro. This delectable dish is complemented with a presentation of blanched greens, golden fish, round fish cakes, and a hot broth for a satisfying meal.

10. Vietnamese turmeric fish with dill (cha ca La Vong)

Vietnamese turmeric fish with dill, a Hanoi specialty, is one of the most famous Vietnamese fish dishes

Vietnamese turmeric fish with dill, a Hanoi specialty, is one of the most famous Vietnamese fish dishes (Source: Collected)

What defines the uniqueness of cha ca La Vong lies in the choice of fish, particularly snakehead fish. The fish is cut into bite-sized pieces and marinated with finely ground turmeric, filtered fermented rice water, shrimp paste, turmeric powder, sugar, and a bit of Vietnamese fish sauce. The marinated fish, grilled over charcoal, releases a captivating aroma. Placing the fish evenly on the grill, a bit of cooking oil is added for a golden finish. Once grilled, the fish is quickly tossed in hot oil with dill, served with a pre-made shrimp paste dip enhanced with lime, sugar, and a touch of sizzling dried shallots.

11. Nha Trang fish cake (cha ca Nha Trang)

Nha Trang fish cake is a delightful ingredient in many Vietnamese fish dishes

Nha Trang fish cake is a delightful ingredient in many Vietnamese fish dishes (Source: Collected)

Nha Trang fish cake, a renowned Nha Trang street food, is typically made from mackerel, anchovy, or ponyfish to achieve a uniquely chewy texture. The most delightful fish cakes are carefully minced and seasoned. They come in two popular cooking styles: frying or steaming. Fried fish cakes boast a tantalizing aroma and a crispy texture, while steamed ones offer a fresh flavor profile. Vietnamese fish cakes serve as a primary ingredient in many Central Vietnamese fish dishes and other delicacies, such as noodle soup, thick noodle soup, or banh mi.

12. Steamed loi fish with scallion oil (ca loi xoi mo)

Steamed loi fish with scallion oil brings simplicity to Vietnamese fish dishes

Steamed loi fish with scallion oil brings simplicity to Vietnamese fish dishes (Source: Collected)

Loi fish, abundant in the South Central Coast, is a versatile ingredient used in various Vietnamese fish dishes, from sour soup to chili-stewed dishes. Uniquely, loi fish is also transformed into a mouth-watering delicacy called ca loi xoi mo. The fish is placed on an iron plate and generously brushed with scallion oil, creating a tantalizing aroma. The plate is then set atop flaming charcoal, maintaining the ideal temperature while serving. The succulent loi fish meat, combined with a layer of chewy skin and a bit of soft cartilage, is wrapped in rice paper alongside fresh herbs and a delectable Vietnamese fish sauce dip.

13. Pa pinh top – Among the most famous Vietnamese fish dishes in the northwestern region

Pa pinh top is a northwestern favorite among the famous Vietnamese fish dishes

Pa pinh top is a northwestern favorite among the famous Vietnamese fish dishes (Source: Collected)

The irresistible allure of pa pinh top lies in the harmonious combination of various spices, including ginger, lemongrass, chili, garlic, and notably, wild “mac khen” seeds (a type of citrus similar to Sichuan pepper). After finely chopping and mixing these spices, a portion is stuffed inside the fish’s belly while the remaining is evenly spread across the fish’s body, marinating for 30-40 minutes. Before grilling, the fish is folded and secured with split bamboo sticks, tightly tied together. The fish is then placed on a charcoal grill. After some time, the fish turns a golden hue and emits a fragrant aroma.

14. Thai Xuyen grilled fish:

Thai Xuyen grilled fish adds a smoky southern touch to the Vietnamese fish dish variations

Thai Xuyen grilled fish adds a smoky southern touch to the Vietnamese fish dish variations (Source: Collected)

The star ingredient in this grilled Vietnamese fish dish is the fish cultivated in Thai Xuyen. Options include black carp, grass carp, or silver carp, with the most delicious choice being black carp. Spices play a pivotal role, constituting up to 40% of the dish’s delightful aroma. Ingredients like Diem Dien fish sauce, North Vietnamese peppercorns, turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, and five-spice powder are finely ground and mixed. The blend is then applied to the fish, marinating for an hour. The fish is slow-grilled for 8-9 hours due to its thickness. After grilling, the golden fish is presented on a plate, adorned with cinnamon, basil, lettuce, and perilla leaves. 

15. Vietnamese grilled snakehead fish (ca loc nuong)

Vietnamese grilled snakehead fish entices with its smoky aroma like no other Vietnamese fish dishes

Vietnamese grilled snakehead fish entices with its smoky aroma like no other Vietnamese fish dishes (Source: Collected)

Grilled snakehead fish is a rustic signature dish of Southern Vietnam. This traditional Vietnamese fish dish requires minimal preparation: no scaling, no gutting, no spice marinating. Freshly caught snakehead fish is cleaned, skewered, then buried in a heap of dry straw. Once cooked, the charred scales are scraped off, revealing the tender flesh inside. Enjoying grilled snakehead fish is also simple – just dip the fish into a mixture of chili and salt. It provides a perfect balance of spiciness, saltiness, and sweetness, accentuating the unique charm of this local delicacy.

16. Vietnamese fish congee with bitter bacopa monnieri (chao ca loc rau dang)

Vietnamese fish congee with bitter bacopa monnieri offers an herbal twist

Vietnamese fish congee with bitter bacopa monnieri offers an herbal twist (Source: Collected)

This Vietnamese fish dish is a delectable blend of fatty snakehead fish, fragrant roasted rice porridge, and the bitter undertones of bacopa monnieri. Creating a delightful rice porridge requires careful selection of glutinous rice, roasted to a golden hue. The snakehead fish, usually a larger one for fewer bones, is meticulously prepared. The belly and head are cleaned. Some even prefer to rinse the fish in boiling water with ginger and salt to eliminate the fishy odor. The result is a savory, sweet, and fragrant fish congee, with the addition of chili and salt that intensify the overall experience.

17. Tich Nghi fish congee

Tich Nghi fish congee provides a comforting flavor among other Vietnamese fish dishes

Tich Nghi fish congee provides a comforting flavor among other Vietnamese fish dishes (Source: Collected)

Tich Nghi fish congee is a harmonious, aromatic Vietnamese fish dish that captivates the senses. It exhibits a dense, sticky consistency, adorned with golden fish roe and tender fish meat. Diners can experience the sweetness of well-cooked rice porridge, the natural richness of fish roe, the tenderness of fish meat, and the aroma of herbs. Everything comes together cohesively, tantalizing the palate with a mesmerizing blend of color, fragrance, and flavor. Tich Nghi fish congee is ideally prepared with carp or tilapia.

In general, Vietnamese fish dishes bring a tasty adventure through the country’s diverse flavors and cooking styles. From the busy streets of Hanoi to the calm shores of Phu Quoc, each place adds its own special touch to these delicious meals. These Vietnamese fish dishes are more than food; they are the traditions, creativity, and everyday life of Vietnamese people.

To experience the authentic culinary delights of Vietnam, consider embarking on Vietnam travel. Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc are some of the must-visit cities in the country. There, you can elevate your stay with the unparalleled hospitality offered by Vinpearl‘s distinguished hotels and resorts. Staying at Vinpearl allows you to indulge in a unique blend of comfort and style while enjoying the vibrant local culture.

For a truly enchanting experience, consider exploring VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc. Whether you are a fan of adrenaline-pumping rides, cultural performances, or underwater wonders, these entertainment complexes in Vietnam offer a diverse range of activities that promises a world of fun and excitement. Embrace the joy that awaits at VinWonders, creating memories that will linger long after your visit to Vietnam!

VinWonders ensures a day full of enjoyment for every visitor

VinWonders ensures a day full of enjoyment for every visitor

>>> Book tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park for an unforgettable trip in Vietnam!

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