Golden ants, known for their reddish or yellowish color, are often found nesting in trees or mountainous, forested areas. Apart from their effectiveness in pest control for fruit trees and crop protection, golden ants are also utilized by locals as a culinary ingredient to enhance the flavor of various dishes.
In many provinces, dishes made with golden ants are considered local delicacies, renowned for their unique flavor and nutritional value, intriguing and captivating curious travelers. If you ever find yourself visiting the following destinations, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in these extraordinary culinary experiences!
1 Bò Bảy Núi Grilled Beef with Golden Ants
Bò Bảy Núi grilled beef with golden ants has its origins in the rugged terrain of Bảy Núi. A local man, while working in the forest, once discovered a cow that had fallen from the mountain, trapped in a nest of golden ants. He took the meat back to his family, and they made an intriguing discovery—the ant-bitten meat was much softer and tastier than regular beef. Thus, a delectable specialty was born, captivating the palates of discerning food enthusiasts.
To prepare this dish, chefs select fresh beef and hang it high on a pole above a golden ant nest in a tree. Once the ants have consumed the meat, it is cut into large pieces and grilled. As the meat cooks, it is then sliced into smaller pieces, revealing tender, juicy beef infused with the distinctive flavor of golden ants, leaving diners captivated from the very first bite.
Bò Bảy Núi Grilled Beef with Golden Ants
2 Golden Ant Hot Pot
In addition to the grilled beef delicacy, the Golden Ant Hot Pot is another captivating An Giang specialty originating from the Bảy Núi region, attracting curious travelers from far and wide. This dish has its roots in Cambodian cuisine and features humble ingredients, including golden ants, beef, snakehead fish, Bò Hóc fish sauce, macadamia leaves, and ginger leaves.
Chefs meticulously clean and dry the golden ants before lightly roasting them. The vegetables and meat are finely chopped and added to the hot pot. The distinctive flavor of the golden ant broth is attributed to the harmonious combination of golden ants and Bò Hóc fish sauce, enhanced by carefully selected ingredients and secret spices. This harmonious blend creates a truly exceptional culinary experience that delights the senses.
Golden Ant Hot Pot
3 Papaya Salad with Golden Ants
Papaya salad with golden ants is a humble yet captivating dish in the daily lives of the Ede people. While the name may initially raise eyebrows, many travelers who have dared to try this dish have been pleasantly surprised by its delicious flavor. The most challenging aspect of preparing this dish is capturing the golden ants, which are carefully collected from high tree tops and then soaked in water to remove any impurities. The ants are then mixed with shredded papaya and seasoned with salt, resulting in a unique blend of flavors.
The salad has a delightful crunch from the papaya, a subtle spiciness from the chili powder, and a tangy twist from the ants, creating a truly distinctive culinary experience. Interestingly, this dish is also known for its cooling properties, making it a popular choice for the Ede people after a long day of working in the fields or celebrating festive occasions in their villages.
Papaya Salad with Golden Ants
4 Sun-Dried Beef with Golden Ant Salt
A specialty of the Krong Pa Highlands and a renowned delicacy of Gia Lai, this dish is a must-try for anyone visiting the region. The finest cuts of beef, such as tenderloin and rump, are carefully selected and marinated with distinctive spices like chili and lemongrass. The beef is then sun-dried for a day, resulting in a beautiful reddish-brown color and a slightly chewy texture.
Sun-Dried Beef with Golden Ant Salt
These golden ant specialties, though unusual, have captivated the palates of many diners. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in these unique culinary delights if you ever find yourself in their realm!
