Nha Trang fish noodle soup - a dish full of friendliness.

Touring major tourist cities, we find famous noodle dishes corresponding to pho in Hanoi, hu tieu in Saigon, bun bo in Hue, and for Nha Trang, it's bun ca (fish noodle soup). Although less famous, it's undeniable that tourists visiting this central coastal city seek out bun ca as a must-try specialty.

From five-star restaurants to humble eateries

Because it's a local specialty, it's not difficult to find fish noodle soup throughout Nha Trang city, and even the entire Khanh Hoa province. I remember the first time I tasted fish noodle soup was in a small market on Binh Ba Island in early 2018. The sweet and savory broth and the chewy, crunchy fish cakes showed me why this dish attracts so many tourists.

Not long ago, I enjoyed fish noodle soup for the second time at a 5-star resort in Cam Ranh, 20km from Nha Trang. I didn't have high expectations for a simple dish served in a high-end accommodation, as the taste and experience were already quite different in the two places. But what surprised me was that the flavor of the fish noodle soup was exactly the same as the time I ate it in the small market years ago.

To prove that the authentic flavor of fish noodle soup isn't easily compromised, I decided to visit a famous fish noodle soup restaurant in Nha Trang and experience it for myself. The broth still had its delicate sweetness, the fish pieces were fresh and delicious, and the fish cakes had just the right amount of chewiness. Some places even add annatto oil to make the broth look more appealing.

I call fish noodle soup a "friendly" dish because I can enjoy a delicious, high-quality bowl of it everywhere I go. Unlike pho or beef noodle soup, which require all the necessary ingredients to be authentic – even a slight omission or difference can make the experience feel forced – fish noodle soup is different. Because it doesn't have too many special ingredients or spices, it's easy to cook, easy to eat, and easily satisfies even the most discerning diners.

From culinary value to nutritional value

What sets fish cake noodle soup apart from other noodle dishes is that the broth is simmered entirely from fish bones, not beef or pork bones. Additionally, tomatoes and pineapple are added, creating a sweet and sour flavor. That's why the broth of fish cake noodle soup is clear and not greasy like other noodle soups.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Loan, 61 years old, owner of a famous fish noodle soup restaurant in Nha Trang for nearly 40 years, said that the most important thing about fish noodle soup is the broth. The secret to a flavorful broth lies in each cook's technique. She shared that her restaurant's broth is simmered with various types of fish such as: sailfish, grouper, and salmon. Although these are sea fish, they don't have the strong fishy smell of freshwater fish. The broth is simmered with 50 liters of water to produce a pure, protein-rich broth. When serving, the seller dilutes the broth and seasons it to taste.

There are many ways to prepare fish. In the past, people in Nha Trang often mashed fish into chunks. Even now, many restaurants with the name "bun ca dam" (mashed fish noodle soup) still serve customers using this method.

During that time, people in Nha Trang also explored ways to prepare the dish in a more visually appealing way to serve tourists. Nowadays, many restaurants prepare fish by cutting it into small, square blocks that don't break or crumble, making it easy to pick up and put in your mouth. The types of fish served in fish noodle soup are also very diverse. It can be sailfish, grouper, mackerel, or even salmon...

When talking about fish noodle soup, of course, we can't forget the fish cakes. The dish includes various types of fish cakes, such as steamed, fried, and fish balls, all homemade by the restaurants. The fish cakes are made from mackerel or barracuda, depending on the fishermen's catch season, and are mixed in to create a chewy texture without the need for borax. The quality of fish cakes with a high percentage of fish is easily recognizable by bite, compared to cheaper varieties made with flour.

The noodle soup is served with a broth full of onions, and in some places, a little annatto oil is added for color, accompanied by fresh vegetables and spicy fish sauce. Because of its stomach-friendly ingredients, fish noodle soup is often eaten by locals day and night because "eating fish noodle soup is very soothing to the stomach."

Fish noodle soup is highly regarded for its nutritional value. This dish is low in fat, has a light and refreshing taste, is easy on the stomach, and provides the necessary protein and fiber, making it suitable for all types of diners.

Le Ho Uy Di