1. Mountain Stream Eels
Mountain stream eels are a wild catch and difficult to farm, so don’t hesitate to buy them if you spot them at the market.
Mountain stream eels are primarily found in fast-flowing mountain streams and ravines. Due to their harsh living environment and specific water requirements, they cannot be successfully farmed yet. Their meat is firm, flavorful, and nutritious. They are typically prepared grilled, braised with banana, or stewed with turmeric, resulting in a distinctive savory taste. Additionally, mountain stream eels are highly valued for their medicinal properties, believed to nourish and strengthen the body.
2. Anh Vu Fish
Anh Vu fish, also known as the “Emperor’s Fish,” was once reserved for royalty in ancient times. This fish inhabits only clean waters with pebble bottoms, such as the Da, Gam, and Lo rivers. Anh Vu fish is distinguished by its thick lips, and its meat is chewy and sweet, with high nutritional value. While attempts have been made to farm this species, the stringent living conditions make it challenging to match the quality of wild-caught fish. Anh Vu fish is typically prepared steamed, grilled, or in hot pot, preserving its natural sweetness and nutritional benefits.
3. Silver-stripe Round Herring
Silver-stripe round herring, despite their small size, are highly nutritious sea fish. They appear seasonally and can only be caught in the wild. Their meat is soft, rich, and an excellent source of calcium and omega-3. Although there have been studies on farming this species, they still rely entirely on natural stocks. Delicious dishes made from silver-stripe round herring include fried, braised with pepper, or made into fish sauce. Notably, silver-stripe round herring fish sauce is a renowned specialty of Vietnam, known for its intense flavor.
4. Rice Field Croaker
Rice field croaker is a common freshwater fish in Vietnam, mostly found in rice fields, natural ponds, and canals. Its meat is fragrant, tasty, and nutritious, with low fat content. Due to their complex growth characteristics and challenging living environment, rice field croakers cannot be artificially bred to match the quality of wild-caught fish. Popular dishes using rice field croaker include braised croaker, crispy-fried croaker, and bitter melon soup, loved by many. Additionally, this fish is a good source of minerals, particularly calcium, which is essential for bone health.
Rice field croaker has fatty, fragrant, chewy, and tasty meat, making it commercially valuable despite its bony structure.
Why You Should Buy These Fish
These fish species not only offer delicious flavors but also provide high nutritional value. As they cannot be farmed yet, they tend to be pricey and hard to come by. If you spot them at a market or seafood store, don’t hesitate to treat yourself. Indulge in their unique flavors and provide your body with a boost of essential nutrients. Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy these rare delicacies and elevate your dining experience!
The Hidden Fish Species Living Underground in the River Bed, Used as a Royal Tribute in Ancient Times, Valued at Millions of Dollars per Fish
This is the kind of fish that many people call the “mascot of the Lo River”. Not only famous for its high price, everyone praises its incredible taste when cooked this way.
