The ‘Oddity’ on the Menu: From Shunned to Savoured, This Dish is Now a Delicacy in Dong Nai

23 September, 2024

Dong Nai, a province located in the Southeast region of Vietnam, is renowned not only for its natural beauty but also for its diverse cuisine. Here, visitors have the opportunity to experience a variety of unique specialties, including dishes made from bats.

Bats are unique among mammals as the only ones capable of flight, and they are often mistaken for rodents due to their external appearance. However, bats have distinctive wing membranes and are mostly nocturnal, giving them an air of mystery and a slight sense of dread.

Many people may be surprised to learn that in Dong Nai, bats are not just wild creatures but have also become a delicacy. According to local residents, there are several types of bats, but the fruit bat and the sen bat are the two types commonly chosen for culinary preparations.

Many are surprised to learn that bats are considered a delicacy in Dong Nai

The fruit bat, also known as the flying fox, can weigh up to 1.6 kg. These bats typically appear on bright moonlit nights and can be hunted using slingshots. Their meat is prized for its sweet and firm texture, offering a unique culinary experience.

In contrast, the sen bat is smaller and is often seen hovering at dusk over fields, primarily feeding on mosquitoes. Its size is comparable to that of a sparrow, and it has a stronger odor than the fruit bat.

Despite their unappealing scent, these two species of bats are integral ingredients in popular local dishes in Dong Nai. The preparation and cooking processes are intricate and require skill and experience, as fresh bat meat tends to have an unpleasant smell and an unattractive appearance, which can be off-putting to those encountering it for the first time.

Despite their pungent odor, these bat species are favored ingredients for local delicacies in Dong Nai

When butchering bats, careful steps must be taken to preserve the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Overwashing the meat is not recommended; instead, a simple preparation involves holding the wings, skinning, and eviscerating before proceeding to cook this intriguing delicacy.

Bat meat can be prepared in a variety of mouthwatering dishes, such as braised bat in coconut milk, shredded bat and cabbage salad, bat rolls with rice wrappers dipped in a sweet and sour fish sauce, grilled bat in soybean paste, and charcoal-grilled bat. Restaurants and eateries in Dong Nai often feature bat meat on their menus to attract locals and visitors alike. While the name of this delicacy may give some pause, those who dare to try it will be enticed by the unique and delectable flavors of bat meat.

Bat meat can be prepared in a variety of tantalizing dishes

Ngoc, owner of a restaurant in Trang Bom, Dong Nai, shares his insights: “Bat meat is delicious and has a distinct, robust flavor. It is also nutritious and cooling. Our most popular dish is stir-fried bat. After processing, the bat is cut into small pieces and stir-fried with lemongrass and chili. The bat meat has a soft yet crunchy texture, a sweet and savory taste, and a hint of richness that blends beautifully with the aroma of lemongrass and the spiciness of chili. For a more elaborate dish, you can also puree bat meat to make a flavorful porridge.”

Ngoc also mentions that pre-prepared bat meat can be purchased at select rural markets, although the supply is limited, and it typically costs around 120,000 VND per kilogram. Locals often hunt bats to supply restaurants and eateries.

In the past, bat meat was considered a traditional dish among rural residents. However, as living standards improved, city dwellers began seeking unique and exotic foods, which led to the growing popularity of bat meat. Many curious food enthusiasts have since tried this dish, contributing to its increasing appeal within the community.