The Ultimate Delicacy: A Tale of a Unique Dish that Went from Humble Beginnings to Captivating the Hearts of City Dwellers with its Extraordinary Flavors

28 October, 2024

Nộm núc nác is a simple yet memorable dish, with a unique bitter-sweet flavor and a crunchy texture.

Nộm núc nác is a distinctive dish of Northwest Vietnam’s cuisine.

To prepare this dish, select young or slightly unripe núc nác fruits; typically, one or two fruits are enough for a generous serving. Grill the fruits over a wood or charcoal fire, ensuring even cooking on both sides until the skin blisters and the fruit softens.

While the fruits are grilling, prepare the other ingredients, including crushed peanuts and chopped herbs. Once grilled, slice the núc nác into thin strips. In a large bowl, combine the sliced núc nác, peanuts, and seasonings (crushed salt, MSG, lime, and herbs), and mix well to create a delightful dish.

This dish has a subtle bitter taste that grows on you.

Ms. Loan, a resident of Son La, shared: “Nộm núc nác can be served with fermented shrimp paste, grilled fish with crushed bamboo shoots, chili, and Dổi pepper. The unique blend of bitter and sweet flavors from the núc nác and other ingredients creates a special dish. When making nộm núc nác, grilling is preferred over boiling as it enhances the aroma and reduces bitterness.”

In restaurants, nộm núc nác is often paired with pork ears and wild boar meat.

Hoang Anh, a resident of Cau Giay, Hanoi, shared her experience after trying this dish during a trip to the Northwest: “This dish was a unique experience for my taste buds. Initially, I was disappointed by the slight bitterness, but by the second and third bite, I grew accustomed to the taste and absolutely loved it.

In Hanoi, when núc nác is in season, many vendors sell it in online markets. I often buy some to make nộm for my family. This unusual fruit has become a favorite among my guests, who always compliment its distinct flavor.”

Núc nác fruits grow wild in the mountainous regions of Northwest and Central Highlands Vietnam.

Núc nác is a wild fruit found in the Northwest and Central Highlands regions of Vietnam. In addition to the fruit, the young shoots and flowers of the núc nác tree are also edible and used in various dishes.

From July to September, these unusual fruits are available in the market, with prices ranging from 40,000 to 70,000 VND per kilogram. Many people are intrigued by its novelty and purchase it out of curiosity.

Núc nác is rich in beneficial nutrients and contains high levels of flavonoids, which possess strong antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This fruit is also used to treat dysentery, skin conditions, and reduce the occurrence of measles and persistent coughs.