Specialty delicious red jellyfish in season in Hanoi

Every spring and summer, Hanoi streets welcome the red jellyfish season - a rustic yet special afternoon treat. Unlike white jellyfish used in salads, red jellyfish is pink-orange to dark red, clear as jelly. The body of the jellyfish is soft and juicy, while the legs are chewy and crunchy, giving a refreshing feeling when eaten.

Red jellyfish is not as popular as white jellyfish, usually only seasonal from March to May. This is also the time when red jellyfish shops are crowded with customers, because the dish is not only delicious but also special in the way it is enjoyed.

Red jellyfish is called by many diners as "Vietnamese sashimi" or "sidewalk sashimi" and is eaten in a similar way to Japanese sashimi. In Hanoi, there are many restaurants selling traditional red jellyfish dishes. The price of a portion of red jellyfish ranges from 30,000 - 50,000 VND, depending on the restaurant and the portion.

According to a restaurant owner, to have a standard red jellyfish dish, the maker must have skillful soaking techniques. After purchasing the jellyfish, it is washed and soaked in water mixed with mangrove roots or bark to create a dark red color and remove the fishy smell. After a few days, the jellyfish is washed again and soaked in filtered water in a ceramic pot to achieve a cool taste.

When enjoying, the jellyfish is cut into bite-sized pieces, served with grilled turmeric beans, thinly sliced ​​coconut meat and herbs such as Vietnamese balm, perilla... The dipping sauce will be a bowl of shrimp paste mixed with lemon and chili, which is also a unique feature of this dish.

Ms. Mai Thi Duyen (Hung Yen) shared her first time enjoying red jellyfish: "The cool, crispy taste of jellyfish blends with the rich, fatty taste of young coconut, grilled beans and the aroma of herbs, dipped in a little shrimp paste, making the dish strange but addictive."

Some famous places to enjoy red jellyfish

Red Jellyfish Salad

The restaurant at 70 Hang Chieu has been around for decades. According to the owner, at first, Ms. Gai and her two shoulder poles traveled all over Hanoi selling red jellyfish. Later, her children continued and sold the red jellyfish salad permanently.

The red jellyfish salad here attracts not only local customers but also foreigners. The red jellyfish here is dipped in traditional shrimp paste, served with a variety of flavors: grilled beans, young coconut, herbs. From 2pm to 6pm is the busiest time for customers to enjoy this dish.

Tangcheng Red Jellyfish

The restaurant opens from around 2pm to 5pm, each serving costs from 30,000 to 50,000 VND. The jellyfish is carefully prepared, crispy and clear, the legs are crunchy, the body is soft and sweet. When rolled with herbs, coconut, and dipped in shrimp paste, it is "the best".

Red jellyfish Thanh Ha market

In Thanh Ha market, Dong Xuan ward, Hoan Kiem district, there are many shops selling red jellyfish salad, attracting many diners to enjoy. The famous ones here are Ms. Hien's and Ms. Tuyet's shops. The jellyfish is delicious, but the shop is small and crowded. According to the owner of the shop in the alley, on peak days she can sell up to 50 - 70kg of fresh jellyfish. Opening hours are from 12 noon to 6 pm, prices range from 25,000 - 50,000 VND/serving.

Red Jellyfish Ngo Goc De

Located at 20 Ngo Goc De, Minh Khai Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, open from 8am to 12pm and from 2:30pm to 6pm. Price is about 30,000 VND/serving. The crispy, cool red jellyfish is eaten with herbs and dipped in a bit of fragrant shrimp paste, making diners remember it forever.

Red jellyfish on Le Van Huu street (Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi)

Open from 12 noon to 8 pm, the price is a bit higher but the food is full and clean. The restaurant also thoughtfully gives away iced tea, water and chewing gum after the meal.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/doc-dao-sua-do-ha-thanh-mon-ngon-dung-mua-moi-co-khien-thuc-khach-san-lung-172250408140038959.htm