The travel section of Australia’s renowned newspaper, The Sydney Morning Herald, recently highlighted Cha Ca La Vong as a must-try dish for northern Vietnam travelers.
Cha Ca La Vong has been praised many times by international newspapers as a must-try delicacy. Photo: Alamy.
In a newly published article by Ben Groundwater, a seasoned writer with over 20 years of experience in culinary travel in Australia, Cha Ca La Vong is highly regarded.
Groundwater describes this dish as a symbol of Hanoi’s cuisine, where the subtlety of flavor is showcased in every bite of freshwater fish, typically catfish, marinated in distinctive spices like turmeric and then fried to a golden crisp in oil.
Cha Ca La Vong is typically served with scallions, peanuts, and fresh rice noodles, creating a unique and unforgettable taste.
In 2019, CNN also praised Cha Ca La Vong as one of the must-try dishes when visiting Hanoi.
Regarding its history, Groundwater writes that more than a century ago, when Vietnam was part of French Indochina, the Doan Phuc family started a business selling grilled fish.
Each piece of fish cake has been marinated with spices, the meat is firm, making Cha Ca La Vong. Photo: Chacathanh.
Their goal was not just to make a living but also to create a secret meeting place in central Hanoi where revolutionaries could gather and fight against colonial rule. Their restaurant was named in honor of Khuong Tu Nha (also known as “Lu Wang” in Chinese, which translates to “La Vong” in Vietnamese).
Khuong Tu Nha was a legendary Chinese general and revolutionary, who, according to myth, would fish without a hook, believing that when the fish were ready, they would come to him.
The story of Doan Phuc, the founder of Cha Ca La Vong, ended in tragedy when he was discovered and executed by the French colonists after two decades of secret operations. However, his wife, Bi Van, persevered and passed down the recipe to her daughter-in-law, continuing the family’s culinary legacy.
Today, the family’s restaurant still operates at 14 Cha Ca Street, in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, making it an ideal destination for those seeking the authentic taste of Cha Ca La Vong.
Additionally, another place where diners can enjoy this dish is Cha Ca Anh Vu, located at 120 Giang Vo Street in Dong Da District.
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Source: Vietnam Insider