A flavorful dish of mackerel grilled in foil.

When the hot foil wrapper is opened from the charcoal grill, the rich aroma of tender, cooked mackerel awakens all the senses of the diner. Hidden within this rustic dish is the full sweetness of the sea, the delicate seasoning, and the harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and the simple yet flavorful cooking method of Central Vietnam.

Grilled mackerel in foil at Nhat Uy restaurant. Photo: VIET AN

Mackerel is a familiar fish in the meals of many families in Central Vietnam. With its slender body, firm and sweet flesh, this fish attracts diners with its diverse cooking methods, ranging from stewing, grilling, frying to steaming.

Among them, "grilled mackerel in foil" is one of the dishes that wins the hearts of both locals and tourists because of its delicious flavor, ease of eating, and authentic, yet appealing, preparation method. After cleaning, the fish is marinated with traditional spices such as shallots, garlic, chili, pepper, fish sauce, etc., and some places also add a few slices of pineapple, scallions, or lime leaves to enhance the aroma.

This mixture is spread evenly on the outside and stuffed inside the fish before it is wrapped tightly in aluminum foil and grilled over hot coals. This method helps the fish retain its sweetness, absorb the spices evenly, and release its characteristic aroma when the foil is opened.

This dish is served with rice paper, fresh vegetables, and a dipping sauce, usually a sweet and sour fish sauce or the fish juices released into the foil. When eating, diners take a piece of rice paper, layer it with fresh vegetables, pick up a piece of hot fish, roll it up, and dip it generously in the sauce.

The tender sweetness of the fish, combined with fresh vegetables and the rich flavor of the dipping sauce, creates a well-rounded and unforgettable culinary experience. In Da Nang, diners can visit Nhat Uy restaurant (31 Nguyen Huy Tuong Street, Hoa Minh Ward, Lien Chieu District) to enjoy this dish.

Here, the mackerel is always selected from the freshest catches of the day, boasting a shimmering silver color and firm flesh. Each fish is carefully prepared and marinated according to a special recipe, with wood ear mushrooms stuffed inside to enhance the flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness. The restaurant also serves uncut noodles (noodles not cut into strands) as an accompaniment to the wraps, adding a novel and appealing touch for diners.

Each portion of grilled mackerel in foil costs between 50,000 and 70,000 VND, depending on size. Nhat Uy restaurant also offers a rich menu with signature Central Vietnamese dishes such as Quang noodles, Dai Loc pork spring rolls, cold-relieving porridge, rare beef porridge… enough to warm the hearts of anyone who visits.

VIET AN

Source: https://baodanang.vn/channel/5433/202504/dam-da-voi-ca-nuc-nuong-giay-bac-4003533/