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When it comes to Nha Trang cuisine, most people instantly think of fresh seafood dishes such as lobster, grouper, sweet snails, or popular specialties like banh can and jellyfish noodle soup. Yet, among this abundance of culinary delights, Nha Trang's squid rim (sautéed dried squid) holds a special place in the hearts of visitors thanks to its rich flavor, meticulous preparation, and convenience as a gift.
Join Bdatrip in exploring this beloved specialty in greater depth from ingredients and preparation methods to its signature taste, trusted places to buy, and suggested food tour itineraries in this charming coastal city
Squid rim is a much-loved snack enjoyed by both adults and children. In Nha Trang, it is not just a tasty treat, but a true representation of the sea's bounty and the skillful hands of local artisans. Through the harmonious combination of fresh seafood ingredients and traditional spices, rimmed squid has become an unmissable item in any list of meaningful regional gifts.
The main ingredient is carefully selected dried squid – typically baby squid, spear squid or broadfin squid, chosen for their thickness, natural sweetness and ability to absorb flavours well. Essential accompanying ingredients include granulated sugar, anchovy fish sauce, minced garlic, fresh chilli, tamarind, and especially a touch of molasses or natural mushroom sauce to enhance the nutritional value and taste.
After being cleaned and pre-processed, the squid is soaked in warm water to retain its chewy texture. It is then gently sautéed over low heat with the prepared spices. This simmering process requires constant stirring and precise temperature control to ensure even absorption without burning. The perfect squid rim boasts a glossy reddish-brown hue, an irresistible aroma, and a harmonious blend of spicy, salty, and sweet flavors.
What makes squid rim so addictive is the subtle sweetness from the squid, the savory depth of homemade fish sauce, and a hint of heat from fresh chillies. These elements combine into a well-balanced, flavour-packed experience that keeps the palate constantly interested. With each bite, you'll enjoy a light chewiness and deep seasoning that thoroughly delights the senses.
Braised squid can be enjoyed as a snack with friends, paired with steamed white rice, grilled rice paper or sticky rice all of which complement its taste perfectly. Some even consider it the ideal accompaniment to a cold beer or glass of rice wine at gatherings. When stored properly in a sealed container, rim squid remains delicious for days, making it both tasty and convenient.
Trusted places to buy squid rim in Nha Trang include:
• Dam Market: Home to numerous specialty stalls where you can sample and choose based on your taste preferences.
• Nha Trang Seafood & Specialty Supermarkets: Offering various pre-packaged options ideal for gifts.
• Traditional workshops in Vinh Truong and Phuoc Dong villages: Ensuring freshness and reasonable prices.When purchasing, choose products with clear expiry dates, clean packaging, a natural aroma, and no signs of burnt or overly chemical-like smells.
A trip to Nha Trang wouldn't be complete without diving into its local food scene. Start your day with a bowl of jellyfish noodle soup, visit a bustling morning seafood market, and drop by a squid rim workshop to see the crafting process first-hand and take home a delicious portion. In the afternoon, enjoy a stroll along Tran Phu beach, nibble on squid rim and sip a cool coconut drink – a memory you won't soon forget.
More than just a tempting snack, squid rim is a heartfelt gift from the people of Nha Trang to travelers. Each pack encapsulates the essence of the sea breeze, the radiant coastal sun, and the simple yet sincere warmth of the locals.
If you’re looking for a meaningful, delicious, and easy-to-carry souvenir from Nha Trang, squid rim is undoubtedly the perfect choice. Let your journey be enriched by this unique specialty, infused with the bold, sweet, and spicy flavors of the coastal region.
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