The seafood in Quang Ninh province boasts a more robust and flavorful taste compared to many other coastal regions. Beyond famous specialties such as cua cu ky crab, Cha Ca fish, and Ha Long squid, tourists have the opportunity to discover a fish with an intriguing name – “ca doi den” (literally, “lantern fish”).
With its unique name, one might wonder about the appearance of this fish. According to local knowledge, the lantern fish has an average size, equivalent to or slightly larger than an adult’s palm. It has a flat body, a small head, and a shimmering silver color, giving it an attractive exterior.
Lantern fish are of average size, equivalent to or slightly larger than an adult’s palm.
According to local residents, this fish has white, thick, fatty meat and few small bones. In the past, lantern fish was often part of the simple meals of coastal dwellers. However, in recent years, with the development of Quang Ninh’s tourism industry, lantern fish has gained popularity and become a well-known specialty consumed in many provinces, contributing to the locals’ income.
Ngoc Anh, a lantern fish seller at Cau Giay Apartment Building Market in Hanoi, shared, “Lantern fish are in season from July to August on the solar calendar, when they are most abundant and delicious. Besides fresh fish, we also offer dried and sun-dried lantern fish. These variations reduce the fishy smell and have a longer shelf life, making them more popular with customers.”
Local people shared that this fish has white, thick, fatty meat and few small bones.
As per the process, the fish is cleaned, beheaded, and eviscerated after being caught. They are then sun-dried whole or cut in half. Despite being affordable, lantern fish offers a tasty and bony-free dining experience, making it a popular choice for families looking to vary their daily menu.
According to Ngoc Anh, for sun-dried lantern fish, the processing does not involve marinating; instead, the fish is simply left whole and sun-dried. Afterward, it is vacuum-sealed and stored in frozen conditions before being transported to other provinces.
Sun-dried lantern fish can be prepared in various ways, such as frying, grilling, sour soup, or cooking with pepper. Among these, fried lantern fish stands out for its irresistible and memorable flavor. Many seaside restaurants and pubs in Quang Ninh feature fried lantern fish on their menus, attracting diners with its delicious taste and reasonable price.
Sun-dried lantern fish can be prepared in a variety of ways, including frying, grilling, sour soup, or cooking with pepper.
On e-commerce platforms, fresh lantern fish is priced at around VND 70,000/kg, while sun-dried lantern fish costs approximately VND 110,000/kg.
When it comes to choosing high-quality lantern fish, Ngoc Anh emphasized the importance of its external color. To select tasty dried or sun-dried lantern fish, look for fish with bright colors, shiny skin, and a slight shimmer. When touched, the fish should feel dry without leaving a wet sensation on your hand, but it should still be plump and firm. If the fish feels wet or shows signs of water leakage, it has likely been stored for an extended period, and it is best to avoid purchasing it.
Besides Quang Ninh, lantern fish can also be found in Hai Phong.
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