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When mentioning Nha Trang, it's impossible not to mention its delicious and appealing fresh seafood dishes. And among them, fish noodle soup (bún cá dầm) is a must-try specialty. Fish noodle soup is rich in the flavors of the sea, with a harmonious combination of the sweet and savory broth, the chewy texture of the fish cake, the crunchy jellyfish, and a touch of spicy chili.
Fish noodle soup - a specialty of Nha Trang.
What makes Nguyen Loan fish noodle soup so popular?
There are many delicious fish noodle soup restaurants in Nha Trang, but the most famous is undoubtedly Nguyen Loan. Located on the bustling Ngo Gia Tu street, Nguyen Loan has attracted diners for the past 42 years thanks to its distinctive flavor and family-inherited recipe.
Upon entering the restaurant, diners will immediately feel the warm and rustic atmosphere. Although small, the restaurant is always clean and tidy. The kitchen is located right at the front, where diners can watch the chef skillfully preparing their dishes, always busy without a moment's rest.
This small, unpretentious eatery is located on the bustling Ngo Gia Tu street and is always crowded with customers.
Upon entering, diners can immediately see the preparation area overflowing with tempting toppings.
Sharing with Travellive, Vy (the owner's daughter) said: "The most special thing about Nguyen Loan's fish noodle soup is the broth. The broth is simmered from 100% barramundi and flagfish, creating a sweet, rich flavor. When eating, diners will feel the taste of the sea blended in every bowl of noodles."
The special broth is what has made this brand famous for 42 years.
The fish cakes here are also delicious, made from fresh, high-quality mackerel, with a firm texture and no fishy smell. The fish cakes are fried to a golden brown and are a perfect accompaniment to vermicelli and broth. In addition, the restaurant also offers other toppings such as jellyfish and steamed fish cakes... Customers can choose these toppings according to their preferences.
In particular, the homemade fish cakes here are delicious.
The secret to its enduring reputation over 42 years.
Like other fish noodle soup restaurants in Nha Trang, Mrs. Loan's restaurant uses all the usual ingredients such as sailfish, fried and steamed fish cakes, jellyfish, etc., served with finely chopped fresh vegetables. However, what makes Nguyen Loan's fish noodle soup special is the meticulousness and care in every step of the preparation.
A bowl of fish noodle soup overflowing with the flavors of the sea.
The restaurant always selects the freshest ingredients from reputable suppliers. Mackerel, tuna, and barracuda are carefully prepared, ensuring food safety and hygiene. The fish cakes are handmade using a traditional family recipe, offering a delicious and rich flavor. The jellyfish used is the tentacles, known for their characteristic crunchy texture, adding a unique touch to the dish.
After being carefully prepared, the fish is boiled in a 50-liter pot of broth for one hour. The broth is simmered from fish bones, heads, and other spices, creating a sweet, rich flavor characteristic of the Nha Trang coastal region.
Thanks to a family secret recipe, the broth always retains its delicious and full flavor.
To meet customer demand, Ms. Vy explained that the restaurant typically boils dozens of kilograms of fish in a 50-liter pot of water for an hour. The broth, after boiling, is cooled and stored in the refrigerator, where it can be used for 2-3 days. During this stage, the broth is carefully distilled to preserve the flavor and nutrients of the sea fish. When serving, the chef simply dilutes the broth and seasons it to taste. Thanks to this secret, the broth always retains its delicious and full flavor.
A flavor that evokes fond memories.
Many diners, upon first tasting Nguyen Loan's fish noodle soup, may be surprised by the clear broth, a stark contrast to the familiar golden yellow color. However, after just one sip, they will immediately notice the sweet, rich flavor spreading throughout their mouths. To enhance the dish's flavor, diners can add lemon, chili powder, and shrimp paste to their liking.
A bowl of high-quality fish noodle soup at an incredibly affordable price.
Mixing shrimp paste in a bowl, adding a little lemon and chili will further enhance the flavor.
According to many customers, they are not only captivated by the delicious taste of the fish noodle soup but also by the enthusiasm and sincerity of the owner's family. Even when the restaurant is always crowded, customers always feel the thoughtfulness and joy of being served by the family. Therefore, even if they have to wait a long time, they don't feel annoyed or frustrated. The hospitality and dedication of the entire family are among the important factors contributing to the success of this famous Nha Trang fish noodle soup restaurant.
A bowl of fish noodle soup with a clear, light, sweet yet rich broth, served with finely chopped fresh vegetables, leaves diners longing for more after just one visit.
Nguyen Loan's fish noodle soup is not only a delicious dish but also a beautiful aspect of Nha Trang's culinary culture. For the past 42 years, the restaurant has maintained its traditional flavor, attracting a large number of customers, both locals and tourists.
