Reel in the flavours of Việt Nam with braised pickled carp

Nestled along the banks of the Red River in Hà Nội's charming Bạch Đằng Street, food enthusiasts can indulge in a dish that encapsulates the essence of the nation's culinary heritage - braised pickled carp, or cá chép om dưa as it is known locally.

A complex and harmonious melange of flavours, this nutritious dish blends the sweetness of carp, the tangy sourness of pickled vegetables, and the spicy kick of chilli peppers, all simmered together in a rich and savoury broth.

Each spoonful is a treat for the senses, with a depth and complexity that will linger long after the last bite.

Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing this delectable dish at a staff party hosted at this charming restaurant.

With its intricate blend of flavours and textures, the braised pickled carp is a dish that should be savoured and cherished by all who can taste it.

Braised pickled carp or 'cá chép om dưa' is an attractive dish. — Photo eva.vn

When I arrived at the restaurant, there were already displayed hotpots with a big carp in each tray with pickles and other ingredients such as tomato, dill, fresh onions and chilli.

We ordered a 3kg carp from our waiter, Bùi Hữu Nguyên.

Nguyên helped us start the fire and he turned the flame up to maximum to cook the carp and pickles well.

Ingredients include carp, pickles, tomato, fresh herbs, chilli and others. — Photo tastykitchen.vn

Despite my doctor warning that pickles were not the remedy to the stomachache I had been nursing, I couldn't help but dig in early.

An attractive tray of 'cá chép om dưa'. — Photo banhran.vn

Ten minutes later, the carp was ready. The carp meat was fragrant and sweet.

Nguyên arrived to help us to turn the carp, advising us to eat the carp with pickles with rice noodles accompanied by fresh herbs such as dill and coriander.

Although I was full, I still followed Nguyên’s advice. He was right - rice noodles mixed with broth, pickles and herbs created a great dish!

Nguyên also brought us two plates of carp eggs fried with green onions to be eaten with baked rice crackers.

“They all were popular dishes passed down from generation to generation,” he said.

The larger the carp, the better the dish. — Photo eva.vn

Other dishes from carp include carp porridge, steamed carp, carp soup with red beans and carp with soy sauce.

“Carp is rich in protein and vitamins. It creates a feeling of craving to eat and is very nutritious for the digestive system.”

The braised pickled carp also helps to reduce cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity and other ailments, Nguyên said.