eating Vietnamese rice salted fish

Eating Vietnamese rice salted fish with Mr.Hotsia

One of the experiences that impressed me, Mr.Hotsia, greatly during my trip to Vietnam was tasting “Vietnamese rice salted fish,” a local dish that blends the bold flavors of Northern Vietnamese cuisine with simple ingredients. This trip did not specify a particular province, but overall, I found this dish often in fresh markets and local eateries in small towns along my journey. The atmosphere of eating Vietnamese rice salted fish that I experienced was similar to that inLang Son Provincewhich is a border province near China where I stayed and enjoyed walking around.

Vietnamese salted snakehead fish differs quite a bit from the version in our country. They use large snakehead fish, marinate it with salt, then dry it until it has a salty and fragrant unique flavor. When eating, the fish is fried or grilled until the skin is crispy, while the inside remains tender with a salty taste that is not too strong. It is served with hot steamed rice, fresh chili, fried shallots, and various fresh vegetables that perfectly balance the saltiness.

The first time I encountered this dish was at a morning market in Lang Son city. I was strolling around looking for breakfast. Local vendors loudly competed to attract customers. The aroma of fried salted snakehead fish reached my nose, and I couldn’t resist trying it immediately. I ordered one plate of Vietnamese rice salted fish, receiving hot rice topped with fragrant fish sauce and large pieces of crispy fried snakehead fish. The hot salty flavor mixed with the sweetness of the rice and the spicy freshness of the chili made me feel the simple yet profound taste that Northern Vietnamese people love.

Lifestyle and atmosphere in the market with Vietnamese rice salted fish

I enjoy eating Vietnamese rice salted fish in the fresh market atmosphere because it allows me to see the real lifestyle of the locals. The Vietnamese here live simply but orderly and warmly. As a tourist, I feel like part of a small community filled with the essence of local food.

In these fresh markets, you will see vendors carrying hot fried salted snakehead fish placed on old wooden tables along with fresh vegetables picked straight from their backyard gardens, such as culantro, basil leaves, or freshly sliced crunchy cucumber. I, Mr.Hotsia, usually take some time to choose which stall has the crispiest fried snakehead fish before ordering without hesitation.

Besides salted snakehead fish, the market is also full of local foods such asgrilled knob squidand Vietnamese chicken biryani, which I have tried and recorded in my personal YouTube video. For seafood lovers, this is a great chance to experience authentic flavors up close.

Tips for enjoying Vietnamese rice salted fish like Mr.Hotsia

I would like to share simple tips to make your experience eating Vietnamese rice salted fish more enjoyable and delicious.

• Don’t eat the salted snakehead fish alone; eat it with hot rice and fresh vegetables provided to help balance the saltiness and add freshness.
• If you like it spicy, add sliced fresh chili, but be careful not to add too much because the salted snakehead fish is already salty.
• Try dipping it in Vietnamese sauces that some stalls prepare, such as chili garlic sauce or seasoned fish sauce, to add more flavor dimensions.

Links to other Vietnam trips by Mr.Hotsia

If you fall in love with Northern Vietnamese flavors, don’t forget to look for an opportunity to visitLang Son Provincewhich I have described in previous articles. Besides delicious food, it also offers beautiful natural attractions like Ma Pi Leng mountain and the fascinating Nhi Thanh Grotto cave.

Additionally, if you want a change of scenery, try visitingNha Trang Seaa beautiful beach with clear water where I once relaxed and enjoyed fresh seafood. Afterwards, don’t forget to stop by for a morning coffee ata coffee shop in Phan Rangwhich has a fragrant aroma and a cozy atmosphere.

Summary

For me, Mr.Hotsia, eating Vietnamese rice salted fish is truly experiencing the taste and lifestyle of the locals. It’s not just about food; it’s a travel experience that makes me feel deeply connected to the place and its people. Anyone who loves local food should try this dish at least once. I guarantee you will be hooked and never forget it.

If you want to see the atmosphere of eating Vietnamese rice salted fish live, watch my video on YouTube here.eating Vietnamese rice salted fishYes