Every year, around July and August in the lunar calendar, the islanders begin harvesting the sea almond fruit. These oval-shaped, vibrant green fruits thrive abundantly. Fallen fruits that land in the muddy soil can sprout into saplings, or they may be carried by the sea to the tidal flats, where they take root. What surprises many is that despite the sea almond’s reputation for bitterness, the islanders’ culinary ingenuity transforms it into a sweet, nutty delicacy that’s irresistibly appealing.
For the islanders, the sea almond is more than just a homegrown vegetable; it has long been a staple in their daily meals. During times of hardship, it was a reliable source of fresh, sea-grown greens. Today, with the rise of tourism and improved livelihoods, the sea almond has elevated to a local specialty, a cherished gift from the sea for visitors to the island.
Preparing stir-fried sea almond with shrimp may seem straightforward, but it requires meticulous care and traditional techniques. After harvesting, the fruits are halved, seeded, and thoroughly washed, then boiled two to three times to remove their bitterness. They are then soaked in water, with the water changed every 30 minutes for about a day, until all traces of bitterness are gone. Once ready, the fruits can be cooked immediately or stored in the refrigerator for later use.
On Ngọc Vừng Island, stir-fried sea almond is traditionally prepared with a variety of seafood, including oysters, clams, and ark shells, but the most iconic pairing is with fresh shrimp. The process begins with roasting peanuts, shelling them, and crushing them finely. Garlic and shallots are fried until fragrant, then combined with the crushed peanuts and seasonings. Finally, fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined) and the prepared sea almonds are stir-fried over high heat for 3-5 minutes. The dish is a visual delight, with the shrimp’s vibrant orange-red contrasting beautifully against the sea almond’s green hues, sparking curiosity before the first bite.
The sweetness of the shrimp, the rich nuttiness of the roasted peanuts, and the subtle briny essence of the sea almond create a harmonious blend that captivates diners, especially those from the mainland. Islanders insist that the dish’s authenticity lies in the use of pork fat during stir-frying for added richness and a few spoonfuls of Ngọc Vừng’s signature shrimp paste to deepen its local flavor. In another variation, fried fish—particularly needlefish—is paired with the sea almond, creating a dish that embodies the essence of the sea.
For travelers visiting Ngọc Vừng Island during the late autumn, as the sunset paints the sea and the first chill of the season sets in, sharing a meal with the islanders becomes an unforgettable experience. Among the dishes, stir-fried sea almond with shrimp stands out as a cultural and culinary emblem of Quảng Ninh’s coastal region, offering a sensory journey that visitors should not miss.
When on the island, visitors can enjoy this dish at local restaurants. A popular spot is Biển Đảo Restaurant (Bình Hải Village, Ngọc Vừng Commune), where locals often host guests and serve this signature dish. It’s more than just a menu item; it’s an invitation to immerse oneself in the authentic island lifestyle, where every guest is welcomed to savor the flavors of the sea breeze, white sand, and the resilient sea almond trees that thrive in the salty air.
Stir-fried sea almond with shrimp on Ngọc Vừng Island is a testament to the transformative power of simple ingredients into a unique culinary experience. It’s not just a dish but a reflection of the island’s culture—the sea almond endures bitterness to bear fruit, the islanders skillfully turn bitterness into sweetness, and visitors are welcomed to the table as family. In exploring Quảng Ninh’s coastal wonders, taking time to enjoy a humble island meal, especially this dish, promises to be an unforgettable highlight.
