La Vong fish cake is one of the famous specialties of Hanoi, known by many people for its delicious, fatty and rich flavor. This dish not only attracts diners because of the fragrant grilled fish but also because of the unique way of enjoying it, combining vermicelli, herbs, shrimp paste and roasted peanuts. With a history of hundreds of years, La Vong fish cake has become a culinary symbol of the capital and is always a must-try dish when coming to Hanoi.
Main Ingredients of La Vong Fish Cake
La Vong fish cakes are made from fresh ingredients and are meticulously prepared. Below are the main ingredients that create the characteristic flavor of this dish.
Catfish – Main Ingredient
Catfish is a type of fish often used to make La Vang fish cakes because of its sweet, firm meat and few bones. Catfish is cut into bite-sized pieces, marinated with turmeric, me and spices, then grilled until golden brown to create a characteristic aroma.
Herbs and Green Onions
La Vong fish cakes are often served with many herbs such as dill, Vietnamese basil and green onions. Herbs not only help balance the fatty taste of the fish but also enhance the flavor, creating a fresh feeling when eaten.
Shrimp Paste – Special Highlight
Shrimp paste is the soul of La Vang fish cake. Shrimp paste is mixed sweet and sour with lime juice, sugar, garlic and chili. The rich flavor of shrimp paste blends with grilled fish and herbs, creating a unique culinary experience.
How to Make La Vong Fish Cake at Home
Although La Vong fish cake is a typical dish of Hanoi, you can make it at home with easy-to-find ingredients. Below are the basic steps to prepare this fish cake dish.
Materials Needed
- Catfish: 500g
- Fresh noodles: 500g
- Dill, green onions, herbs
- Shrimp paste, lemon, chili, sugar
- Roasted peanuts: 50g
- Cooking oil, turmeric, yeast, garlic, shallots
Steps to Take
Step 1: Marinate the fish
Clean catfish, cut into bite-sized pieces. Marinate fish with turmeric, fermented rice, minced garlic, shallots, a little fish sauce and pepper for about 30 minutes to absorb the spices.
Step 2: Grill the fish
After marinating, the fish is grilled over charcoal or a grill until evenly golden brown and has a characteristic aroma.
Step 3: Mix shrimp paste
Mix shrimp paste with lemon, sugar, chili, stir well until the sauce has a sweet and sour taste.
Step 4: Enjoy
Put the fish cakes in a hot pan, add dill and chopped green onions, stir well to add herbs. Serve the fish cakes with fresh vermicelli, herbs and roasted peanuts, and dip in shrimp paste to fully enjoy the unique flavor.
La Vong Fish Cake – Essence of Hanoi Cuisine
La Vong fish cake is not only a delicious dish but also a symbol of Hanoi cuisine. The fatty taste of grilled catfish combined with rich shrimp paste and herbs has created the unique charm of this dish. With more than a hundred years of history, La Vong fish cake has become the pride of Hanoians, a dish imbued with the cultural identity of the capital.
Hanoi specialties
La Vong fish cake is a dish that you cannot miss when visiting Hanoi. With its sophisticated preparation and unique delicious flavor, this dish has conquered not only locals but also domestic and foreign tourists. If you want to enjoy Hanoi-style fish cake at home, try the above recipe and experience the wonderful flavor of this specialty.
