Preparing the ingredients to make the famous Lao dish - Sindat on the table, Ms. Van (Gia Lai), who has lived in the land of a million elephants for many years, excitedly said: "Because I love the country, the people and the cuisine here so much, I am determined to learn how to cook Sindat hotpot. When I return to Vietnam, every time I miss Laos, my family gathers around this special hotpot, or when guests come to visit, I do not hesitate to immediately introduce this dish to the guests."
The table was already set with the ingredients to make the famous Lao dish Sindat. Ms. Van introduced to her friends the origin and meaning of this dish.
Sindat, a wonderful Lao dish, a delicate combination of grilling and hotpot, with special hotpot broth and special dipping sauce that further enhances the flavor and spirit of the dish. With her hands nimbly working by the fire, Ms. Van shared with enthusiasm about the hotpot broth that had been prepared since the afternoon. In the Sindat hotpot broth, you will easily recognize familiar flavors such as tomatoes, coconut water, bone broth, a little lemongrass, bamboo leaves if available... The ingredients seem so familiar and simple, but when combined together, that sweet, fresh flavor will make every diner remember it forever.
The indispensable ingredients to make Sindat flavor.
The Sindat hot pot is divided into two parts. The upper part is used to grill meat and seafood, while the lower part is the hot pot waiting to boil to add vegetables, fish, and eggs. Placing a square piece of fat in the middle, surrounded by grilled meat pieces, Ms. Van joked: "This piece of fat will be the reward for those who eat the last piece of this hot pot. Throughout the grilling process, the fat will drip into the hot pot, and at the end there will be a crispy piece of pork fat that is very delicious to eat."
It is impossible not to mention the dipping sauce - the secret to creating the unique flavor of Sindat. The combination of soy sauce, lots of garlic, chili, and lemon creates a delicious bowl of dipping sauce. Sindat dishes really depend a lot on the hot pot and this dipping sauce, they create a feeling of harmony, just right, not lacking nor too much.
The fatty piece of meat is placed in the center, along with the dipping sauce, creating the characteristic color of the dish.
In culture, the form of Sindat hot pot resembles the rivers and mountains of Laos. A country with many rivers and mountains, the fish in the hot pot are also river fish. In the cool weather, sitting next to a hot pot with friends is an interesting culinary experience. You will dip all the vegetables into the pot, the fragrant smell of grilled meat and seafood will spread, awakening your taste buds. Add a little fresh noodles to the bowl, combine with hot pot broth with vegetables, take a small sip and immerse yourself in the unique sweetness of this dish.
Quite an interesting combination, providing an unforgettable culinary experience.
Sindat is not just a dish, it is also a wonderful cultural experience of this country. Where family and friends gather together, share joy with a new and unique flavor, it will definitely not disappoint you.
