Ha Tien, a coastal town in Vietnam, boasts a unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer cuisines. Nestled by the sea, Ha Tien is endowed with an abundance of seafood, including a curious delicacy called “ca xiu.” Read on to discover more about this intriguing dish and the town’s culinary delights.
1. What is Ca Xiu?
Ca Xiu, also known as “gia be,” “de ao,” or “dui heo,” is a bivalve mollusk that thrives in the brackish waters and estuaries of the region. With a long beard-like structure that anchors it to the muddy seabed, it forages for food. Despite its unassuming appearance, ca xiu is revered as a “tonic” for men’s health and vitality.
Ca Xiu has a soft body with two shell-like valves
The ca xiu season spans from June to August annually. During this period, locals harvest these mollusks using small shovels or knives to dig or scrape them from the seabed.
According to the locals, the beard of the ca xiu is considered the most delicious part, often used to create nutritious dishes. Simply peel off the outer shell and savor the fresh, crisp meat within.
The beard of Ca Xiu is the most nutritious part
2. Delicious Ca Xiu Dishes
Fermented Ca Xiu
When visiting Ha Tien, you must try the unique fermented ca xiu dish. After harvesting, the ca xiu is cleaned, shelled, and formed into balls, preserving the long beard. These balls are then fermented in a mixture of salt and fish sauce or boiled with these ingredients. The pungent, spicy aroma of this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds!
Fermented Ca Xiu
Ca Xiu Salad
Another mouthwatering dish is the ca xiu salad, a perfect blend of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors. Thinly shredded green mango is tossed with fish sauce, sprinkled with roasted peanuts and sesame seeds, and topped with crunchy ca xiu bits—a truly addictive treat.
Ca Xiu Salad
Stir-fried Ca Xiu
For the gentlemen, stir-fried ca xiu is a beloved beer snack. Simply sauté some garlic, toss in the ca xiu, and season with pepper and fish sauce. The tender, aromatic ca xiu pairs perfectly with a cold beer—a match made in culinary heaven.
Stir-fried Ca Xiu
Steamed Ca Xiu
If you’re looking for a new culinary experience, try steamed ca xiu, served with fresh, sweet sugarcane to balance the flavors. Shell the ca xiu, dip the meat into fish sauce or fermented ca xiu sauce, and enjoy the explosion of flavors—a true taste of Ha Tien.
Steamed Ca Xiu
We hope that this exploration of ca xiu dishes has inspired you to embark on a culinary adventure in Ha Tien. These unique dishes are sure to leave a lasting impression on your palate and your memory.
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