Trị An Lake, with its serene beauty and lush natural landscapes, has earned a reputation as a captivating tourist destination. However, besides the scenic vistas, Trị An Lake is also renowned for its fresh local specialties and dried fish, made from various types of fish that reside in the lake, such as snakehead fish, rice field eels, and catfish.
"Simple yet Delicious Treats"
One must-try delicacy is the dried snakehead fish, which is abundant in Trị An Lake, particularly in the Bến Nôm area of Phú Cường Commune, Định Quán District. Due to their rapid reproductive rate, there is a plentiful supply of snakehead fish in this region. To preserve the fish's freshness and unique flavor, local fishermen have mastered the art of making dried snakehead fish, which visitors can purchase as souvenirs for their loved ones.
According to the fishermen, the process of making dried snakehead fish is not overly complicated but requires experience in marinating and efficient drying as soon as the fish is caught. Some families even dry the fish right on their boats to ensure the utmost freshness, aroma, and tenderness. Trần Thị Nhung, who specializes in providing dried fish to a local business in Phú Cường Commune, says that to ensure the best quality, it is crucial to select fresh snakehead fish, cleanse them thoroughly with water, remove the innards, and divide the fish into halves before drying them on mesh frames until they reach the desired level of dryness.
Cá kìm tươi vừa được đưa lên bờ tại ấp Bến Nôm 2 (xã Phú Cường, H.Định Quán)
In 2020, dried snakehead fish from Trị An Lake was recognized as a 3-star One Commune, One Product (OCOP) item in Định Quán District. This area is known for its fish markets and the presence of various establishments producing dried fish. It serves as a hub for selling dried fish specialties from Trị An Lake, particularly in Phú Ngọc Commune. Consequently, the craft of making dried snakehead fish and other dried fish products has become a traditional occupation in this region. The uniqueness of dried snakehead fish lies in its remarkable aroma and consistent supply throughout the year. Since becoming an OCOP-certified product, local producers have joined forces, forming a network to increase production capacity and register a shared brand for dried snakehead fish in the region.
According to Chị Nhung, dried snakehead fish has a soft and slightly crunchy texture while retaining its natural aroma and richness. "The most delicious and highly popular way to enjoy it is by stir-frying the dried fish with green mango strips. This simple dish only requires frying or grilling the dried fish and then mixing it with finely sliced green mango and a touch of spicy garlic chili sauce. It becomes an irresistible delicacy," Chị Nhung shares.
Alongside dried snakehead fish, Trị An Lake is also renowned for its delicious rice field eels. These eels, though not as economically valuable as snakehead fish, are available for catching all year round. In the vicinity of Mã Đà and Hiếu Liêm Communes, near the shores of Trị An Lake, one can witness the picturesque sight of locals drying the eels under the sun during sunny days. The rice field eels can be used to create various mouthwatering dishes such as spicy and caramelized dried eels.
Chị Thu Thủy, a vendor selling dried eels in Hiếu Liêm Commune, mentions that rice field eels are a simple and familiar cuisine among locals. As her family catches and trades eels for a living, they always have a ready stock to supply to certain shops. Tourists also purchase the dried eels at the same price as locals, and some even ask for her contact number to place orders for delivery to Ho Chi Minh City if they are unable to visit in person.
Món khô cá kìm sau khi chế biến xong
"A 'Dried Fish Village' by the River and Lake"
If you venture further upstream along the Đồng Nai River (in Lâm Đồng Province), along National Highway 20, you will encounter a bustling scene near La Ngà Bridge in Định Quán District, where buyers and sellers gather to trade various dried specialties from the Đồng Nai River and Trị An Lake. These delicacies include dried rice field eels, dried snakehead fish, and dried catfish, all made from fish caught in Trị An Lake and the Đồng Nai River.
Hồ Thị Thủy, the owner of a dried fish production facility in Phú Ngọc Commune, shares that her business supplies several dozen kilograms of dried fish varieties to the market daily. Most of the dried fish products are made from fresh fish caught in the river or from fish farms. As the fish are processed locally, the dried fish retains its delightful aroma and taste. Thủy supplies her products to restaurants and dried fish stalls near La Ngà Bridge, which has around 10 dried fish vendors offering specialties from the Đồng Nai River.
The La Ngà Bridge area is home to many households engaged in dried fish production and sales. Located along a busy interprovincial route, especially the route connecting Ho Chi Minh City and the tourist city of Đà Lạt, it is a convenient stopover for both local and out-of-town customers when purchasing dried fish. For years, every time Quách Văn Thành from Bình Tân District in Ho Chi Minh City travels through the La Ngà Bridge area, he never forgets to stop and buy a few kilograms of dried eels as a special gift for his loved ones. The first time he tasted the dried fish he bought, he was deeply impressed by its delightful aroma and natural sweetness. Because the dried eels are made from fresh ones, the meat remains tender, fragrant, and naturally flavorful. "Sometimes, we use the dried fish as a snack for guests, and everyone compliments it. So, whenever I pass by, I always make sure to buy some. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month, which gives me peace of mind," Mr. Thành remarks.
The dried fish varieties available at retail points are diverse and maintain their delightful flavors. Furthermore, with affordable prices ranging from VND 130,000 to 500,000 per kilogram, not only do customers from outside the province trust and purchase these products, but locals also rely on them because they are familiar with the origin and market price. To expand their presence in the market, many vendors and producers have embraced online platforms effectively, enabling them to deliver their products anywhere without concerns about damage during transit. Even customers from distant areas can place orders without visiting in person. These mouthwatering treats from Trị An Lake now have the opportunity to reach a broader market, leaving a lasting impression in the culinary field.
Thủy Mộc
