For those who have ever set foot in Ca Mau, the delectable cuisine of this region is hard to forget. Beyond the familiar seafood offerings, there lies a unique culinary experience in the form of a tiny creature known as the ‘den’. Often mistaken for a small sea snake, the ‘den’ is, in fact, a nutritious and delectable delicacy.
1 An Introduction to the Western Specialty, ‘Den’
Have you ever heard of a creature that is both familiar and exotic, considered a specialty in the southernmost region of the country? This is the ‘den’, a small yet fascinating creature. The ‘den’ has a slender, sleek body like a baby snake, but it possesses a wild beauty with distinct black stripes running along its back.
In Ca Mau, there are two common types of ‘den’: the sea ‘den’ and the square ‘den’. The sea ‘den’ is venomous, while the square ‘den’ is completely harmless and often found in shrimp farms. Thus, the square ‘den’ has become a familiar ingredient in the local diet.
The locals of Ca Mau have mastered various methods to catch the ‘den’, including using nets, fishing, or simply shining a light at night. Once caught, they carefully clean the ‘den’ by roasting it over a fire or dipping it in boiling water. With just a few simple steps, a fresh ‘den’ can become the key ingredient in countless mouthwatering dishes. As a result, ‘den’ cuisine has become a distinctive feature of Ca Mau’s culinary scene, attracting not only locals but also tourists from far and wide.
An Introduction to the Western Specialty, ‘Den’
2 Delicious Dishes Made with Ca Mau’s ‘Den’
‘Den’ Porridge
As night falls and the three-leaf boats silently drift on the river, the people of Ca Mau gather to catch the ‘den’. Their cheerful chatter blends with the sound of the waves, creating a vibrant picture of life in the riverine region.
Once caught, the ‘den’ is cleaned, deboned, and then used to cook porridge. The distinctive aroma of the ‘den’ blends with the sweetness of the rice and the creamy texture of the mung beans, filling the air with an irresistible fragrance. A bowl of hot ‘den’ porridge is not just a delicious meal but also a gift from nature to the people of Ca Mau.
After a long day of hard work, gathering with family and sharing a bowl of hot ‘den’ porridge is the happiness of countless locals. This humble dish not only fills the stomach but also strengthens the bond between loved ones.
‘Den’ Porridge
‘Den’ Sausage
The ‘den’ sausage is a unique specialty of Ca Mau, known for its rich and memorable flavor. To create this dish, the locals have devised a very special recipe.
First, the skin of the ‘den’ is carefully separated, forming tiny bags. The fresh ‘den’ meat is then ground, mixed with shredded wood ear mushrooms, minced pork belly, and spices such as sauteed shallots, ground pepper, and MSG. This mixture has a pale pink hue and emits a tempting aroma.
Next, the filling is stuffed into the ‘den’ skin bags and skillfully sewn shut at both ends. These round and plump ‘den’ sausages are then boiled until cooked. When eaten, you will savor the mild sweetness of the ‘den’ meat, blended with the fragrance of the mushrooms and spices, resulting in an exceptional flavor.
The ‘den’ sausage is typically enjoyed during festivals, Lunar New Year celebrations, or family reunions. This dish is not only delicious but also carries a deep cultural significance, showcasing the ingenuity and culinary passion of the people of Ca Mau.
The ‘den’ of Ca Mau is not just a specialty; it is an integral part of the soul of this region. Through humble dishes like ‘den’ porridge and ‘den’ sausage, one can appreciate the ingenuity, love for labor, and creativity of the locals.
‘Den’ Sausage
Visit the southernmost region of the country to indulge in these unique delicacies made from the tiny ‘den’ and discover more fascinating aspects of the Western culinary culture.
