Gia Lai Stinky Crab Vermicelli in Saigon: It's disgusting to smell but... okay to eat

Gia Lai stinky crab vermicelli makes many food lovers curious because just by looking at the color it looks 'smelly' and hard to eat. This dish is said to have a strong highland flavor, 'those who can't smell it will find it hard to eat'.

Gia Lai crab noodle soup - Photo: DANG KHUONG

On culinary groups, Gia Lai crab vermicelli is one of the strangest dishes, making many food enthusiasts hesitant because of its "smelly" color.

In the alley of Nguyen Gia Tri street (HCMC), Mam Mam Gia Lai is a place where many people come to satisfy their curiosity about such dishes.

The current main seller is Mr. Tran Tri Nguyen, the owner's nephew.

The broth is cloudy black, you can only eat it when you can smell it.

The thing that makes many diners hesitate the most is the color. Gia Lai crab noodle soup has ash gray broth, slightly opaque black, similar to the color of the dish Ba Khia.

Mr. Nguyen said the broth is made by grinding field crabs, then fermenting them to create a thick, shiny black crab sauce.

Gia Lai crab noodle soup is a favorite dish of locals, only those who can smell it can eat it - Photo: DANG KHUONG

Then the fish sauce is carefully filtered, spices are added and cooked to make broth. It has a salty taste according to the seasoning method of the Central region.

Although the color of the broth is not eye-catching, the white color of the noodles, the fresh green of the vegetables, and the bean sprouts make diners "crave". Before eating, many people add fish sauce and mix well to suit their taste.

The crab broth is ash gray - Photo: DANG KHUONG

In addition to the "unique Gia Lai" flavor, crab vermicelli also "stimulates" diners with its distinctive aroma. The smell is not too obvious, but if you smell carefully, diners will recognize the salty, rustic, and simple aroma of field crab.

But dishes "imported" to another region are often difficult to please all diners.

Some reviews on Google Maps:

"I'm from Gia Lai, I came here to try the crab vermicelli and found it not delicious"; "The crab vermicelli here is so strange compared to other local restaurants in Gia Lai"; "The crab vermicelli is not rich in flavor, the crab broth is quite bland, it doesn't taste like a Gia Lai specialty at all"...

Mr. Nguyen shared: "My family brought Gia Lai crab noodles to Saigon to sell and had to adjust a lot to suit the people of Saigon. Because the seasoning method of people in the Central region is very salty."

With the "innovative formula", many people shared opposite comments on Google Maps: "The crab noodle soup here is very typical of the highlands"; "The crab noodle soup is better than many other restaurants I've eaten at in Gia Lai"; "The noodles have a strong smell, those who can't smell it will find it hard to eat. Those who can smell it will find it delicious".

Stinky crab vermicelli from Gia Lai 'imported' to Saigon like this is fine

Entering the restaurant, this place has a small, cozy, clean space. According to Mr. Tri Nguyen, Mam Mam Gia Lai restaurant has been open for 8 years.

Mam Mam Gia Lai restaurant has a small space, but is clean and cozy - Photo: DANG KHUONG

The restaurant’s menu is diverse. Most diners will order different dishes, not liking any particular dish. However, according to the recommendations of diners on culinary groups, the first time you come here, you must definitely try Gia Lai stinky crab noodles.

Mr. Nguyen said that his family used to cook this dish in family meals.

Now, when he moved to Saigon, his uncle sells this dish as a way to help his hometown cuisine become more known to more people.

Mr. Nguyen said: "Initially, stinky crab vermicelli originated in Binh Dinh, then was brought to Gia Lai and now in Saigon."

Perhaps that's why the noodle soup is hard to maintain its "original flavor". A diner commented on Facebook: "The crab noodle soup here is only about 80% similar to the one I ate in Gia Lai. But finding this dish in Saigon like this is already great."

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bun-cua-thoi-gia-lai-o-sai-gon-ngui-cung-ngai-ma-an-cung-duoc-2024120417123707.htm