Ms. Tram Anh, owner of a restaurant specializing in tuna dishes in Tuy Hoa City, shared that tuna eyes can be cooked in various ways, such as making porridge, sour soup, or braising with pepper. However, the most delicious and popular dish is still braising with Chinese herbal medicine.
Braised tuna eyes with Chinese herbal medicine once ranked among the top 10 famous specialties of Vietnam in 2014, voted by the Vietnam Record Holders Association. Photo: Quynh Trang To
To ensure the best quality, locals in Phu Yen usually choose the eyes of tuna weighing over 40kg. Each eye portion is quite large, about the size of a rice bowl, weighing 1-3 taels.
Before cooking, the eyes are pre-processed and deodorized by blanching in boiling salted water, then rinsed and cleaned to remove the blood vessels. Next, the eyes are placed in a clay pot (or jar), along with some Chinese herbal medicines such as Chinese dates, goji berries, vegetables, and seasoned to taste. The pot is then steamed for about 20-30 minutes.
“The pot used must have a wide opening and be made of clay to retain heat for a long time, keeping the dish hot and ensuring its delicious flavor,” said Ms. Tram Anh.
The braised tuna eyes are served in a clay pot, surrounded by a small fire, creating a visually appealing presentation while keeping the dish hot and flavorful. Photo: Luan Chowchow
Braised tuna eyes with Chinese herbal medicine is best enjoyed hot, accompanied by pepper, chili, shallots, and fresh ginger, finely chopped. Photo: Dieu Vo, Hoai Bao
Depending on personal preferences and regional tastes, some people also add tuna meat and belly to the braise, making the dish more savory and rich. When served, diners can also use chopped green mustard greens and perilla to counteract the greasy taste.
Many diners commented that although braised tuna eyes with Chinese herbal medicine is a famous specialty in Phu Yen, not everyone dares to try it because, at first glance, it looks quite scary.
However, for those who are accustomed to it, the fresh and fatty taste of tuna eyes, combined with the crunchy cartilage and the sweet and fragrant broth, creates a unique and delightful culinary experience.
Braised tuna eyes with Chinese herbal medicine is now packaged and shipped to many provinces and cities. Photo: Nghe Ngu
In Phu Yen, fishermen usually start their journey to catch bluefin tuna in January every year. However, the peak season is in April, when the fish is at its freshest and most delicious, making it an ideal time for tourists to visit and enjoy the region’s culinary delights.
Tourists can find and enjoy braised tuna eyes with Chinese herbal medicine at some well-known local restaurants, such as Ba Tam Tuna Restaurant (Le Duan Street, Tuy Hoa City), Tram Anh Tuna Eyes Restaurant, Mat Ca Ngu 139 Restaurant, and Ca Ngu Dai Duong Restaurant on Nguyen Hue Street, with prices ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 VND per serving.
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