Hanoi Turmeric Fish

"Cha Ca" (Hanoi Turmeric Fish) has long been a favorite dish of the Hanoi people. The ancient city has several shops selling the specialty but for many, "Cha Ca" La Vong stands above the rest in terms of quality and flavor. Both domestic and foreign visitors to Hanoi rave about the fish at "Cha Ca" La Vong restaurant, a shop that serves only this favorite dish.

The delicacy was created by the Doan family more than 200 years ago. The type of fish used in “Cha ca” La Vong is Lang fish or Anh Vu fish, was originally offered only to the feudal kings because of its high quality and sweet-tasting meat. Firstly, the fish is sliced into small pieces and then mixed with spices, according to a secret traditional recipe. Then, it is roasted over hot coals and served with vegetables and an exquisite shrimp sauce. The combination of ingredients — turmeric, dill, shrimp paste and fish sauce — delivers an intriguing muskiness bolstered with chilies, silky noodles and a thicket of other fresh herbs to season the chunks of moist fish. The sound and aroma of fresh frying over hot burning charcoal gives the feeling of enjoying an authentic home-cooked meal, Hanoi style.

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