Phan Thiet Fish Cake – A Renowned Specialty of Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan
Phan Thiet Fish Cake is a famous delicacy of Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan, made from fresh seafood caught directly from the local waters. The key ingredients include high-quality fish such as mackerel, lizardfish, barracuda, and other sea fish.
The preparation process requires skill and precision. The fish is carefully cleaned, deboned, and finely ground with flavorful seasonings like garlic, shallots, pepper, and dill. The mixture is then kneaded thoroughly to achieve a smooth, chewy texture before being shaped into fish cakes of various sizes. These cakes can be either deep-fried to a golden crisp or steamed, depending on preference.
What sets Phan Thiet Fish Cake apart is its naturally sweet and rich flavor, derived from the fresh fish, combined with fragrant seasonings. It is commonly served with vermicelli, banh mi (Vietnamese baguette), or used as a key ingredient in dishes like fish cake noodle soup (Bun Cha Ca), fish cake rice noodle soup (Banh Canh Cha Ca), and seafood hotpot.
Loved by locals and visitors alike, Phan Thiet Fish Cake is not only a must-try dish but also a perfect souvenir to bring home after a trip to Phan Thiet.