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Crimson jellyfish is usually served with herbs, tofu, copra, and shrimp paste. Picture by VnExpress/Nguyen Chi |
In Hanoi, the locals take pleasure in consuming meals that matches the seasons. Just like how the ninth and tenth lunar months mark the time for cha ruoi (ragworm omelet), the second lunar month (ending April 8) signifies the prevalence of pink jellyfish.
Regardless that this dish didn’t initially come from Hanoi, cooks within the capital added native elements to it, making it a particular meals that displays the altering seasons.
Not like its origins from the close by Hai Phong Metropolis and Nam Dinh Province, the Hanoi model pairs the jellyfish with grilled tofu, copra slices, greens, and shrimp paste.
Perilla and marjoram leaves, giant sufficient to wrap across the jellyfish, add an additional taste.
Earlier than consuming, a squeeze of kumquat and a contact of chili is added to the shrimp paste for a taste enhance. This dipping sauce enhances the crunchiness of jellyfish, harmonizing with the creaminess of tofu and copra, and the fragrant essence of perilla leaves.
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To take pleasure in, one can place a bit of jellyfish on a perilla leaf together with different toppings. Picture by VnExpress/Nguyen Chi |
The jellyfish itself has a darkish pink or orange coloration as a result of it’s soaked in a mix of roots and bark from bruguiera, a kind of mangrove. Then, kumquat slices are added to take away any disagreeable odor. These jellyfish are saved in giant containers, ready to be served to prospects.
Making ready pink jellyfish is an easy affair, primarily involving soaking it in water, with out boiling or cooking it. This methodology is named Hanoi-style sashimi by youthful folks. When eaten, it goes nicely with perilla leaves, just like how sashimi is loved in Japanese delicacies.
Opinions about pink jellyfish fluctuate broadly. Some discover its style unappealing, evaluating it to a mix of a jelly-like meat with shrimp paste, and it won’t be appropriate for these with delicate stomachs.
Nevertheless, for individuals who like it, they eagerly anticipate its availability after the Lunar New Yr. Lacking out on pink jellyfish means a year-long look ahead to the following jellyfish season to savor the delicacy.
Crimson jellyfish distributors usually function with out formal institutions, solely out there for a number of weeks annually.
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A vendor promoting pink jellyfish on Hoe Nhai Road in Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. Picture by VnExpress/Nguyen Chi |
In Hanoi, discovering locations that serve this dish may be difficult. Aside from well-known areas like Cling Chieu and Duong Thanh streets, a small store on Hoe Nhai Road has turn out to be extra common in latest instances. The store serves ragworm omelet rolls on the 12 months’s finish and pink jellyfish after Tet. Prospects typically take pleasure in their meals whereas seated on the sidewalk, immersing themselves within the ambiance of Hanoi.
Positioned at 19 Hoe Nhai Road, the restaurant is staffed primarily by aged relations. The service is quick, guaranteeing prospects face minimal wait instances.
Crimson jellyfish is ideal for a free afternoon snack, because it requires time to take pleasure in totally. A serving usually prices VND30,000-40,000 (US$1.20-1.60).
Easy methods to eat pink jejjyfish, Hanoi model. Video by VnExpress/Nguyen Chi