Food & Receipts

Taste Bud Twister: Try This Unusual Vietnamese Dish, Mango Blossom Salad

Although the cotton tree may not be particularly eye-catching, its blossoms can be transformed into a delicious specialty salad from the Western region of Vietnam. This dish, known for its perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors, is a true testament to the unique and wonderful cuisine of the area.

Administrator

14 July, 2024

Discover the unique charm of Goi Bong Ban, a traditional salad from the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Despite its humble appearance, this dish captivates even the most discerning palates with its exotic and delightful flavors. Join us today as we explore and indulge in this special delicacy!

1Unveiling the Bong Tree

Unveiling the Bong Tree

The Bong tree (Sonneratia caseolaris) is a woody species native to the coastal and riverside areas of the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam. It plays a vital role in preventing soil erosion and preserving the fertile alluvial soil. Additionally, the leaves and fruits of the Bong tree have traditional medicinal uses, such as staunching blood, reducing swelling, and treating sprains.

True to the local saying, ‘Green leaves, white flowers, yet not fragrant when near’, the Bong tree doesn’t boast an attractive appearance. However, its true beauty lies in its flowers and fruits, which usually appear between late spring and early summer, roughly from March to June in the lunar calendar.

The Bong tree flowers are bisexual, bearing both stamens and pistils. They typically bloom in the middle of the night. After the stamens have opened, only the stamens and fruits are harvested for culinary purposes, while the pistils are left to ensure pollination and fruit growth, as their presence can cause bitterness in the dish.

2The Renowned Goi Bong Ban Salad

The Renowned Goi Bong Ban Salad

In addition to the essential ingredient of Bong tree flowers, the locals of the Mekong Delta regions, such as Dong Thap, Tra Vinh, and Soc Trang, typically use shrimp, pork, herbs, and peanuts to create this unique salad. Specifically, after removing the pistils from the flowers, they are mixed with rice vermicelli and other ingredients like herbs, green mango, star fruit, and banana blossom.

What sets this dish apart is the delicate sweetness, tangy notes, and the aroma of pollen lingering on the flowers. Combined with the juicy, crunchy, and slightly nutty flavor of peanuts and the subtle fragrance of straw from the shrimp, this salad is a true delight for the senses. Even the most discerning foodies will be won over by its unique combination of textures and flavors.

For a more robust flavor, you can dip the flower stamens in a sauce made from chili, lime, sugar, and fish sauce. However, due to the slightly astringent taste of the flowers and the limited availability of the stamens, Goi Bong Ban is often served as a side dish, accompanying other specialties like stir-fried shrimp with beef or grilled snakehead fish.

We hope that through this article, you’ve gained a deeper appreciation for this humble yet captivating delicacy from the Mekong Delta. It’s a true testament to the region’s culinary heritage, and we encourage you to give it a try and experience its unique flavors for yourself!

Frequently asked questions

Mango Blossom Salad, or ‘Goi Xoai’ in Vietnamese, is a unique and refreshing dish that combines the sweetness of mangoes with the crispness of vegetables and the tanginess of a special vinegar-based dressing.

The main ingredients include ripe mangoes, shallots, Thai basil, mint, and peanuts. The dressing is made with a combination of rice vinegar, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar, creating a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.