Frogs with Deep Fried Lemon Grass - Ếch Núp Bà Xã

"Ếch núp bà xã" - Frogs with Deep Fried Lemon Grass - a taste of the Mekong Delta in Saigon

This dish might have an unusual name, but it's a familiar dish for people from the Mekong Delta.

Local people and the days of frog hunting in the fields

Frogs usually appear after a drizzle in the afternoon, following the harvest of the summer rice crop. During this time, frogs emerge from bushes and burrows, hopping around and making a distinctive call to find mates. At night, locals carry flashlights and baskets to hunt for frogs. These frogs are unique, as they are drawn to the light emitted by the flashlights and stare at the source of light. Frog hunters use their hands to catch them, and the frogs immediately jump around. These frogs, with their rough, yellowish skin and large thighs, are placed in baskets while continuing to make croaking sounds as if searching for their mates.

Rustic dishes made from wild frogs

Frog meat is considered a delicious dish, on par with wild chicken. Locals often prepare frog dishes like grilled frog with lemongrass leaves, frog sautéed with chili and lemongrass, frog stewed with fresh bamboo shoots, and even a dish called "Ếch núp bà xã".

When enjoying this dish, you won't see the frog meat but rather crispy strands of lemongrass seasoned and fried to cover the entire surface. However, if you search carefully, you'll discover delicious pieces of frog meat hidden beneath.

The unique flavor of this dish comes from the combination of crispy fried frog meat and the fragrant essence of lemongrass. The "straw" on top is made from torn lemongrass and spices to create fragrant, flavorful strands. The tender, firm texture of the frog meat blends with the savory sweetness of the seasoning, resulting in a tantalizing taste. The lingering aroma of lemongrass adds to the enchanting experience.

Vietnamese cuisine - Vietnamese values