When it comes to Ha Tinh-branded seafood, Vung Ang dancing squid is probably the top dish, eat once and remember forever. At peak, each kilogram of squid costs nearly a million dong, but there is no selling it.
Favored by nature with a long coastline and a large fishing ground, Ha Tinh is famous for delicious dishes made from seafood, which visitors once enjoyed will remember forever. In which, Vung Ang dancing squid is the most “welcome” by tourists. When returning to Ha Tinh, tourists are looking for ways to enjoy this type of squid.
This type of seafood is sold at raft houses in Ky Loi commune, Ky Anh town (Ha Tinh) and has been around for decades. Accordingly, after being caught (mainly fishing), the squid will be pulled ashore and kept under cages.
Unlike normal squid in other seas, Vung Ang dancing squid is famous because customers can directly catch squids that are still swimming in cages, they still jump when they put them in the pots.
According to Mr. Chu Van Nghi, the owner of a raft selling dancing squid in Ky Loi commune, this dancing squid has existed for decades and is sold all year round. In particular, the time when squid is considered the best is from February to July of the lunar calendar.
“The reason why the squid here is delicious is that it lives in a deep and salty sea environment. Moreover, after catching, the squid is brought back to be kept in a very clean seawater environment. That’s why I The squid here is always fresh and sweet,” said Mr. Nghi.
According to the owner of this raft, the price per kilogram of squid jumps, ranges from 500 to 600,000 VND. However, there are also times when 800,000 VND, even nearly 1 million VND/kg.
“There are times, especially in the summer, when this squid is always “sold out”, and late arrivals are almost non-existent”, Mr. Nghi said.
According to the restaurant owners here, the squid is best when picked up from the cage, washed and left whole, boiled, steamed with beer, or braised with ginger. The sweet and fatty taste, the crispiness of the squid is still fresh, making Vung Ang dancing squid unmistakable with another regional squid.
In addition, Vung Ang dancing squid can make salad. The biggest squids, the strongest swimmers are selected by the chef, removing all parts, only taking the transparent body to make salad. Squid salad served with herbs, spices and special sauces prepared by each restaurant makes diners flutter when eating.
Le Xuan Tiep (residing in Ha Tinh city, Ha Tinh province) said that every time the squid jumps, he and his family and friends go nearly 70 kilometers to Ky Loi commune to enjoy this seafood dish.
“I eat seafood, especially squid, in many places, but especially dancing squid in Vung Ang, nowhere can be compared with its freshness and unique taste. I often eat steamed squid and salad, both two dishes are very delicious,” said Mr. Tiep.
Mr. Le Xuan Vuong, Chairman of Ky Loi Commune People’s Committee, said that dancing squid has a long tradition and currently has 18 households trading this type of seafood.
“According to experts, the Vung Ang sea has a deeper depth than other sea areas, so it has a coolness that makes the squid fatter and sweeter. Every year, from February to July of the lunar calendar, tourists come here to visit. A lot of people come here to enjoy this dish,” said Chairman of Ky Loi Commune People’s Committee.
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