These four types of fish are a must-try if you spot them at the market. They are wild-caught and offer a unique taste experience.
1. Hill Stream Loach
Wild-Caught Delicacies: 4 Types of Fish Worth Splurging On
The Hill Stream Loach is a fish that thrives in fast-flowing streams and mountain creeks. Due to its specific habitat requirements and the need for pristine water conditions, this fish cannot be successfully farmed. Its meat is firm, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. Hill Stream Loach is often prepared grilled, braised with banana, or stewed with turmeric, resulting in a dish with a distinct, mouthwatering aroma.
2. Anh Vũ Fish
Anh Vũ Fish is considered a delicacy fit for royalty. Historically, it was served to kings and lords. This fish inhabits only the cleanest waters, with gravel bottoms, such as the Đà, Gâm, and Lô rivers. Anh Vũ Fish has a distinctive thick lip, and its meat is chewy and sweet, offering superior nutritional value. Despite attempts to farm this species, the stringent living conditions required mean that farmed fish do not match the quality of their wild counterparts.
3. Silver-Streaked Round Herring
Silver-Streaked Round Herring may be small, but they pack a big nutritional punch. These sea fish are seasonal and can only be caught in the wild. Their meat is soft, rich, and an excellent source of calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. While there has been research into farming this species, Silver-Streaked Round Herring remain dependent on natural stocks. They are delicious when fried to a crisp, stewed with pepper, or made into a flavorful fish sauce.
4. Anabas
Anabas is a popular freshwater fish in Vietnam, found primarily in rice fields, natural ponds, and canals. Its meat is chewy, flavorful, nutritious, and low in fat. Due to their complex growth patterns and the difficulty in controlling their habitat, Anabas cannot be farmed to match the quality of their wild counterparts. Delicious Anabas dishes include stewed Anabas with clay pot, fried Anabas, or Anabas soup with bitter melon, all of which are beloved by many.
These wild-caught fish are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. As they cannot be farmed, they tend to be pricier and harder to come by. If you spot them at a market or seafood store, don’t hesitate to treat yourself and your family to a wonderful dining experience with these natural delights.
