Binh Dinh, a land steeped in martial arts history, is not only known for its stunning natural landscapes but also its mouthwatering local cuisine. In this article, we’ll explore Binh Dinh unique dishes that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
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1. Quy Nhon’s Fish Cake Noodle Soup (Bún Chả Cá Quy Nhơn)
Quy Nhon’s fish cake noodle soup is the most famous specialty of this picturesque coastal city. The dish’s distinct flavor comes from its fish cakes and savory broth. The fish cakes are made entirely from fresh fish, combined with traditional spices passed down through generations.
The broth is primarily made from fish bones and heads, producing a naturally sweet and tantalizing taste. Accompanying the dish is a bowl of the region’s signature chili sauce, offering a unique blend of flavors.
2. Rice Vermicelli with Pork Offal (Bánh Hỏi Lòng Heo)
Rice vermicelli with pork offal is another standout dish from Binh Dinh. The main ingredient, rice vermicelli, is made from aged, fragrant broken rice, resulting in a delicate texture. The dish is similar to rice noodles, but with thinner strands.
Locals enjoy this dish alongside pork offal, a bowl of rice porridge, and a dipping sauce made with garlic, chili, and fish sauce, catering to the distinctive flavors of central Vietnam. Combining warm pork offal, rice vermicelli, fresh greens, and a spicy-sweet-sour dipping sauce creates an unforgettable taste sensation.
3. Green Bean Noodles (Bún Song Thằn)
Unlike traditional rice or cassava noodles, Binh Dinh’s green bean noodles are made from green bean flour. The dish’s name comes from twisting noodle strands into pairs, which locals call “song thằn.”
These noodles have a unique flavor and benefit your health due to their green bean base. Green bean noodles can be prepared in various ways, such as with beef, pork, shrimp broth, or stir-fried.
4. Sticky Rice Cake with Thorns (Bánh Ít Lá Gai)
The traditional sticky rice cake with thorns is a cherished treat in Binh Dinh. These cakes are meticulously crafted, featuring a distinctive cone shape with a square base and a pointed tip. The key ingredient is the thorny leaf, which is selected, dried, and then boiled with sugarcane molasses.
The mixture of sticky rice flour, thorny leaves, and molasses is then kneaded to create a homogenous blend. The filling consists of green beans, banana fibers, coconut shreds, or dried coconut. For a savory variation, the filling may include pork fat and peanuts.
5. My Cang’s Jumping Shrimp Pancake (Bánh Xèo Tôm Nhảy Mỹ Cang)
My Cang’s jumping shrimp pancake has long been a favorite dish unique to Binh Dinh. Despite its extensive coastline, locals opt for using small, red land shrimp with firm flesh instead of sea shrimp. When cooked, the golden pancakes are topped with plump, red shrimp, making for an appetizing presentation.
To enjoy this dish, diners use rice paper to wrap the pancakes with fresh greens, thinly sliced mango, and cucumber. On the side, there’s a dipping sauce made from fish sauce mixed with chili, garlic, lemon, and sugar. As you savor each bite, the fresh shrimp’s sweetness, the pancake’s crispiness, and the tangy flavors of mango and green banana harmoniously blend with the rich dipping sauce, creating an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
In conclusion, Binh Dinh unique dishes offer a culinary adventure for food lovers and travelers alike. From the famous Quy Nhon’s fish cake noodle soup to the traditional My Cang’s jumping shrimp pancake, each dish embodies this captivating region’s rich flavors and heritage. When visiting Binh Dinh, indulge in these must-try delicacies and immerse yourself in the local culture through the wonders of its cuisine.
