Food & Receipts

The Mountain Fish: From Modest Origins to a Culinary Sensation, Now Demanding an Exquisite Price of 300,000 VND/kg

Have you heard of the elusive and extremely rare Mountain Fish, a prized delicacy in the culinary world? This mysterious fish, found only in remote mountain regions, commands a hefty price tag. But what makes this fish so special and sought-after? Let's delve into the unique attributes that set this aquatic wonder apart from the rest.

Administrator

14 July, 2024

Have you ever heard of the elusive and exotic “ca mat” fish, a delicacy that’s creating quite a buzz in culinary circles? This rare treat, known by its scientific name Onychostoma gerlachi, is a true gem of the mountainous regions, and it will surely tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey as we explore the secrets of ca mat and uncover what makes it so special.

1 Unveiling the Mystery of Ca Mat

Ca mat is a fish of many names, each reflecting the cultural diversity of the regions it’s found in. Locals lovingly refer to it as ca nien, ca sinh cao, pea khinh, pa khinh, cai-lin, or even “ca da let”. It’s like a culinary chameleon, adapting to its surroundings with a variety of names to match.

Unraveling the Mystery of Ca Mat

The Tam Hop mountains of Nghe An province are the primary habitat of ca mat. These fish are petite, typically the size of three adult fingers held together. The largest ca mat rarely surpass the weight of 500-800 grams, and they prefer to swim in schools, hiding among the rocky crevices where the water flows with vigor.

Ca mat are nocturnal creatures, coming out at night to feast on insects, algae, and red worms. Their annual reproductive cycle occurs during the second or third lunar month, resulting in thousands of offspring. Ca mat grow rapidly, with the peak season for larger fish falling between April and June. The male ca mat is slender, with a black back and a concave belly, while the females exhibit reddish scales, swollen bellies, and sharp spines on their upper lips during the breeding season.

The agility of ca mat during the day makes them a challenging catch, so locals typically fish for them in the evening, when they are most active.

The Elusive Nature of Ca Mat

2 The Price of Indulgence: How Much Does Ca Mat Cost?

The Price of Luxury: Ca Mat’s Cost

In the past, ca mat was an affordable treat, but its status has elevated in recent times. Now, it is considered a luxurious delicacy, with a price tag to match. A single kilogram of ca mat can cost around 150,000–300,000 VND, depending on the size of the fish, which typically weigh around 200 grams each. The white, fragrant meat of the ca mat is well worth the expense, as it is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. While the fish does have hard bones, there are not many of them, ensuring a worry-free dining experience.

3 Culinary Adventures: Delicious Dishes Featuring Ca Mat

Cheo Ca Mat: A Mountainous Treat

Cheo Ca Mat: A Taste of the Mountains

The mountain folk have perfected the art of preparing cheo ca mat, a unique dish that showcases the versatility of this fish. Freshly caught ca mat are cleaned, scaled, and gutted before being hung over a fireplace to dry. On sunny days, they are sun-dried to perfection. Once dry, the fish are deboned, beheaded, and pounded in a mortar with spices until the meat is fluffy and infused with flavor. This cheo is then served as a dip with steamed bamboo shoots, grilled pork, or boiled chicken, creating a mouthwatering combination that is unique to the mountainous regions.

Grilled Ca Mat: A Culinary Delight

For a different take on ca mat, try grilling it to perfection. The natural sweetness of the fish is enhanced when dipped in “cheo,” a mouthwatering mixture of salt crystals, green chili peppers, and “mac khen.” The combination of the grilled fish and the spicy, salty dip is a culinary match made in heaven.

Ca Mat Soup with Wild Vegetables: Simplicity at Its Best

For a simpler yet equally delicious preparation, cook ca mat in a soup with wild vegetables. The Thai people often prepare traditional dishes like “ho moc” and “ho ca nap” with ca mat, especially when welcoming guests or during festive occasions.

We hope that this journey into the world of ca mat has sparked your curiosity and inspired you to seek out this mountain delicacy. If you ever find yourself in the area, be sure to give it a try and indulge in the unique flavors of ca mat!

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Frequently asked questions

The ‘ca mat’ fish is a rare delicacy known by its scientific name Onychostoma gerlachi. It’s a true treat from the mountainous regions, with a unique flavor that tantalizes the taste buds. Its elusive nature and exotic reputation have sparked interest in culinary circles.

Locals lovingly refer to ‘ca mat’ by various names such as ca nien, ca sinh cao, pea khinh, pa khinh, cai-lin, or even ‘ca da let’. These names reflect the cultural diversity of the regions it’s found in, showcasing its importance in local cuisine.

‘Ca mat’ is predominantly found in the Tam Hop mountains of Nghe An province. They are small fish, about the size of three adult fingers held together, and weigh around 500-800 grams. The male has a black back and a concave belly, while the female exhibits reddish scales, swollen belly, and sharp spines on their upper lips during breeding season.

‘Ca mat’ are nocturnal, feeding on insects, algae, and red worms at night. They are most commonly fished in the evening when they are most active, as their agility during the day makes them a challenging catch.

In recent times, the status of ‘ca mat’ has elevated, and it is now a luxurious delicacy. A kilogram of ‘ca mat’ can cost around 150,000–300,000 VND, depending on the size. The white, fragrant meat is delicious and nutrient-rich, making it well worth the expense.

Cheo Ca Mat is a unique dish where the fish is dried, deboned, beheaded, and pounded with spices. It’s served as a dip with steamed bamboo shoots, grilled pork, or boiled chicken. Grilled ‘ca mat’ is also delicious, especially when dipped in ‘cheo,’ a mixture of salt crystals, green chili peppers, and ‘mac khen.’ ‘Ca Mat’ soup with wild vegetables is another simple yet tasty preparation.