Quang Binh (VNA) - Quang Binh is known far and wide forits virgin beaches and natural landscapes, and also a specialty knownas Chao hau (oyster congee).

Nguyen Thu Thuy recently visited Quang Binh andwas impressed by the freshness and quality of the hau (oysters) she tried there.

“I enjoyed it so much and will never forgetthe delicious taste at a shop in Quan Hau town where quality hau are available in the brackish rivers running through thearea." 

Local elder Ninh Thi Huong said the town was well knownnationwide for tasty oyster dishes sourced from the Nhat Le River.

Huong said no one knows why the oysters found on the stretch of the river nearthe town were better than anywhere else.

Legend has it the farmers from surrounding areas used to bring their oysters tosoak in the river near Quan Hau town to make them more tasty, but no one knowsif that's true or not, she said.  

Oysters can be used in a variety of dishes including with dried onionsrolled in rice paper, sour soup or simply grilled.

“Among thesedishes, Chao hau is the most popular among locals andvisitors,” Huong said.

Le Sung has run Hoa Sung eatery which specialises in Chao hau inthe town for almost 20 years. He said being a specialty of Quan Hau, theoysters are dense and at their most delicious in spring, particularlyduring Tet.

Asked about the secret to the dish, he said the oysters should be processedright after they are caught. After removing from their shells, the oysters shouldbe mixed with dried onions, chilli, pepper, salt and fish sauce for half anhour before frying.

“I often use pig bones to make stock to make my chao moretasty and sweet,” Sung said.

Chao hau is best enjoyed with herbs and chopped chillisoaked in shrimp sauce, he said, noting that the dish could be eatenfor breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is also suitable with a cup of wine.

Teacher Ta Ngoc Anh from HCM City said each time she visits Quang Binh sheoften goes to Quan Hau town to enjoy a bowl at Sung’s shop andlearn how to cook it.

“My friends  all agree that the dish is unforgettable,” Anh said.

Very few people know that harvesting oysters in the Nhat Le River is verytricky, said farmer Hoang Quoc Trung who has spent years in the business.
 
“In the past my parents collected oysters bydiving deep in the river and used a bamboo basket to hold them. By doingit this way, they caught many high quality oysters. Nowadays with a machine, mycatch isn't as good,” Trung said, adding that many of his neighbours still usethe old technique.

During the oyster season in spring, theycan earn 1 million VND a day, he said, adding that many of them had becomerich.

According to research by Dr Le Thanh Hai,oysters are good for the health. They boost the immune system andwith cardiovascular, eye and skin problems, and improve brainfunction, mood, blood vessels, bones and sex drive.

Molluscs like oysters are rich innutrients including vitamins C, E and B12, Omega3, and zinc and other minerals that are good forhuman health, so we should eat oysters every week, Hai advised./.