Vu Dai Village Braised Fish Ninh Binh - the rich flavor of the Northern countryside

1. The story of braised fish from Vu Dai village is linked to the works of Nam Cao

Origin of Vu Dai Village Braised Fish (Photo: Collected)

Mentioning Vu Dai Village in Nam Ly Commune, Ninh Binh Province (formerly Ly Nhan District, Ha Nam Province), one cannot help but feel stirred when remembering Chi Pheo from the immortal work of writer Nam Cao. However, besides its literary fame, this rural village also makes tourists emotional with Vu Dai Village Braised Fish , also known as Dai Hoang Braised Fish.

According to the elders in the village, the craft of making Vu Dai Village Braised Fish has quietly existed for hundreds of years, passed down from father to son as a sacred heritage. In the past, every spring, poor families always wished to have the most solemn dishes to offer to their ancestors.

From that sentiment, Vu Dai Village Braised Fish was born as a miracle. The wonder is that the braised fish gets tastier the longer it is kept, and each time it is reheated, it becomes even richer. From then on, the braised fish craft gradually spread, turning Vu Dai Village into the cradle of a traditional craft famous throughout the region.

2. Secrets to creating authentic Vu Dai Village Braised Fish

2.1. Quintessential Ingredients for Authentic Vu Dai Village Braised Fish

Selected ingredients for Vu Dai village braised fish (Photo: Collected)

Entering the kitchen of any family making Vu Dai village braised fish , you will feel the meticulousness from the ingredient selection process. Black carp is prioritized due to its firm flesh, few bones, and natural sweetness. These fish must be caught from clear, unpolluted rivers.

If you have specific preferences, many households are willing to prepare Vu Dai village braised fish using perch, loach, or carp upon request. This flexibility helps the dish suit the diverse tastes of diners.

Indispensable in the recipe for Vu Dai village braised fish are traditional spices mixed in a mysterious way:

• Fresh ginger adds a mild spiciness, a warm aroma to each piece of fish

• Galangal helps balance the flavor and effectively removes fishiness

• Fermented rice paste - the soul that creates the characteristic rich flavor

• Other spices are kept secret through generations

2.2. 12-14 Hour Braising Process 

Witnessing the preparation process of Vu Dai village braised fish , you will deeply understand the value of perseverance. After cleaning, the fish is carefully marinated with spices, allowing them to absorb evenly for many hours.

The artisan skillfully arranges layers of fish in earthenware pots in a predetermined order, interspersed with layers of spices, galangal, and fragrant lemongrass. The braising stage lasts for 12-14 consecutive hours, requiring close monitoring for the spices to deeply penetrate each fiber of the meat.

2.3. Longan wood - The soul that creates the specialty of Vu Dai village braised fish 

Longan and guava wood used as fuel creates a distinctive flavor (Photo: Collected)

What makes Vu Dai village braised fish unique is the use of longan wood as fuel. Longan wood has a mild nature, burns for a long time, and emits heat steadily, without producing much toxic smoke.

When burning, longan wood emits a naturally sweet aroma, slowly permeating the fish meat to create an indescribable flavor. Therefore, families who still preserve the secret of using traditional longan wood are always sought after more by diners.

Nowadays, as many households switch to gas stoves or honeycomb briquettes, the flavor of Vu Dai village braised fish has become somewhat different. Only families preserving tradition can bring the most authentic culinary experience.

Identifying features of authentic Vu Dai village braised fish

Unique outstanding features of braised fish from Vu Dai village (Photo: Collected)

When enjoying braised fish from Vu Dai village authentic, you will be enchanted by the beautiful glossy golden-brown color, the fish meat is tender and melts but still retains its intact shape, not mushy or crumbly like low-quality products.

Taking a bite of braised fish from Vu Dai village , you will feel the moderate elasticity along with the natural sweetness permeating evenly from outside to inside. This flavor makes diners unforgettable.

The braising liquid of braised fish from Vu Dai village has a moderate thickness, creating a perfect balance between salty, sweet, spicy, and aromatic. The aftertaste lingers in the mouth for a long time, making you want to enjoy it many more times.

The special thing is that authentic braised fish from Vu Dai village can be preserved for a long time without spoiling, thanks to the long braising process and natural spices. This dish gets more flavorful and delicious the longer it is kept, demonstrating the superb craftsmanship of the cook.

4. Price and address to buy braised fish from Vu Dai village - Latest Update

Price and address to buy Vu Dai village braised fish (Photo: Collected)

The price Vu Dai village braised fish is quite diverse depending on the type of fish and the weight of the pot. Black carp - the most premium type - ranges from 500,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND per pot, depending on size and quality.

Other types of fish such as common carp, loach, and crucian carp will have different prices. You should ask the households making Vu Dai village braised fish directly for accurate prices that suit your needs. In particular, braised crucian carp has a slightly sweet, easy-to-eat flavor and is often chosen as a gift.

A pot of Vu Dai village braised fish usually weighs from 1-2 kg, enough for about 6-8 people. This is an ideal choice for family gatherings or special occasions.

To enjoy authentic Vu Dai village braised fish , you can visit Vu Dai village in Nam Ly commune, Ninh Binh province. Here, many families still stick to the profession, preserving the traditional braised fish method using clay pots and firewood for many hours.

5. Secrets to choosing high-quality Vu Dai village braised fish

Authentic braised fish has a natural, beautifully shiny golden-brown color (Photo: Collected)

To choose and buy quality Vu Dai village braised fish , you need to carefully observe the product's color. Vu Dai village braised fish has a natural, beautifully shiny golden-brown color, but not too shiny as if coated with industrial paint.

Avoid products that are jet black or too bright yellow, as they may have used chemical coloring agents. Aroma is the second important factor in identifying genuine Vu Dai village braised fish .

Quality products have a characteristic aroma from longan wood blended with natural spices, with no fishy smell or strange chemical odors. If you smell a sour or unpleasant odor, do not buy it.

Check the elasticity of the fish meat by gently pressing with your finger. Good fish meat will spring back and not leave an indentation. Finally, choose to buy from reputable sources with clear origin and traceability. Don't be too tempted by low prices, as authentic Vu Dai village braised fish always has value commensurate with the quality and effort invested.

Conclusion

With its rich flavor and elaborate preparation, Vu Dai village braised fish offers an unforgettable culinary experience for anyone who has tasted it. Whether you enjoy it right at Vu Dai village or buy it as a gift, this dish still retains its special appeal.

During your journey exploring Ninh Binh, take time to taste Vu Dai village braised fish to fully appreciate the essence of traditional Northern Vietnamese cuisine. This is not just a dish, but also a cultural story worthy of respect, making you want to return many more times.