Smelly in every bite: Check out this stinky crab noodle dish from Vietnam's Central Highlands
Tuesday, January 07, 2025, 15:03 GMT+7
Vietnamese people are known for their love of noodle dishes, but this particular soup with its name attached to Gia Lai, a province in the Central Highlands, has always been a challenge for diners -- even locals.
Bún cua thối Gia Lai (Gia Lai's stinky crab noodle), with its name representing how it is, would shock first-time eaters with not only its pungent aroma but also its dark-colored broth.
The dish has always been listed among the most challenging dishes by members of many local foodie groups.
One place to experience the unconventional dish in Ho Chi Minh City is Mam Mam Gia Lai, an eight-year-old restaurant in Bình Thanh District.
The most unappealing aspect for many diners when they come to order a bowl of bún cua thối is how the dish looks, with its broth boasting an ashy and murky gray color.
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| The dish’s broth challenges diners with a dark color and stinky smell. Photo: Dang Khuong / Tuoi Tre |
Tran Tri Nguyen, nephew of the Mam Mam Gia Lai owner, explained that the broth is made by finely grinding field crabs, then fermenting them to create a thick and black crab paste.
After that, the paste is carefully strained to remove residues before being seasoned and cooked into a broth of salty flavor and strong smell.
It is served with rice noodles, vegetables, rice crackers, and fried sliced shallots.
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| Stinky crab noodles are served with veggies, rice crackers, and fried sliced shallots. Photo: Dang Khuong / Tuoi Tre |
"My family has to adjust the recipe when bringing Gia Lai's stinky crab noodles to Ho Chi Minh City to suit the local taste,” Nguyen explained, adding that people from central Vietnam prefer a saltier flavor for the dish.
“Gia Lai's stinky crab noodles actually stemmed from the south-central province of Binh Dinh before it made its name in Gia Lai and now Ho Chi Minh City,” he said.
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| Diners enjoy food at Mam Mam Gia Lai restaurant in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Dang Khuong / Tuoi Tre |
A cherished family recipe, Nguyen’s uncle began selling the dish after relocating to the southern city, aiming to share the unique flavors of their hometown with a broader audience.
While Nguyen’s eatery offers a variety of dishes to cater to diverse tastes, the pungent bún cua thối remains the star attraction and a must-try for adventurous diners.
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