1 Introducing Hue mixed fig dish
Figs are a variety of the fig family, and perhaps Hue people grow them more out of habit than because of effectiveness, because the fig tree is as big as a lotus leaf with a wide canopy, the trunk takes up dozens of square meters of garden land, and has economic value. short. However, from the plains, midlands to mountains of Hue, visitors can see the silhouette of a fig tree somewhere.
Figs and figs are very similar in shape, with green skin, white flesh, and pink insides, but the fruit and leaves are somewhat smaller. Both figs and figs are edible, but the taste of figs is a bit harsh, while the taste of figs is more fatty, fleshy and delicious. From figs, housewives can prepare many different dishes and make medicine to support healing.
Figs have a shape similar to figs but are delicious and less astringent
Dishes using figs as the main ingredient can be divided into 3 groups. The first group is figs in raw vegetable dishes: figs are soaked in salt water until white, then sliced ​​thinly and mixed with other vegetables and dipped in fish sauce. The second group is figs in braised/stewed dishes: figs will be braised with pork, beef… or figs stewed with ribs/pork trotters are also very delicious and have the effect of improving milk production for mothers who have just given birth. The third group and also the most popular group is sweet and sour pickled figs (vinegar) and especially mixed figs.
Mixed fig is the most famous Hue specialty in the ancient capital. Photo: Net Hue Restaurant
See more: Return to the ancient capital to enjoy Hue tapioca cake with the quintessence of Central cuisine
In the past, mixed figs were often cooked at family parties or on Tet holidays. In the book “The Art of Cooking Hue Cuisine” Ms. Hoang Thi Cuc also introduced this delicious dish. Nowadays, when you come to explore Hue, you can easily see figs everywhere. In fact, this Hue specialty dish has a simple preparation method and cheap ingredients. Even though it has a popular taste, anyone who tries it will be fascinated by the flavor.
Figs are simply mixed with familiar ingredients but have an irresistible taste. Photo: Net Hue Restaurant
First, the chef needs to prepare a pot of water to boil, then put whole green figs in and boil thoroughly until soft. You can confirm by rubbing the green outer skin with your hand if the skin slips easily. Okay. Next, put the newly boiled figs in cold water to cool and peel, use a knife to slice from the stem to the knob to create thin C-shaped slices. Finally, we squeeze the figs vigorously to drain the water.
Fig soup stewed with meat is a cool and popular dish in Hue people’s dinner tables
Other ingredients that must also be pre-processed are boiling peeled shrimp, blanching lean meat and then slicing thinly onto plates, preparing minced onions, green onions, cut laksa leaves, crushed roasted sesame seeds, whole or crushed peanuts. fried rice, sesame rice paper served with…
The next step is to put the pan on the stove, fry the onions until fragrant, then add the meat and shrimp to stir-fry. When the meat is cooked, add sugar, salt and season to taste. Finally, we add the figs and cook for about 3 more minutes, then add green onions, chopped coriander, sesame seeds and roasted peanuts, mix well, turn off the stove.
Raw figs and fresh herbs are eaten with boiled meat dipped in fish sauce
When the Hue mixed fig dish is finished and put on a plate, it is usually scooped up with crispy grilled rice paper instead of using a spoon as usual. The acrid, nutty flavor of fig along with the sweetness of shrimp, meat, and roasted peanuts will surprise anyone who enjoys it for the first time and will never forget it.
A unique sweet and sour pickled fig dish that can be eaten all year round
2 Where to eat mixed figs in Hue?
Mixed fig is a Hue specialty that is sold everywhere, from luxury restaurants to rural markets. It is so popular that you can order it from almost any restaurant. However, if you want to fully enjoy the rustic, simple flavor of mixed figs, you should go to the food courts in the markets.
The mixed figs here are prepared by housewives with many years of experience, so the flavor is richer, each bite is absorbed by the taste. The food courts at Dong Ba, Tay Loc, Ben Ngu, An Cuu markets… are familiar addresses for mixed fruit lovers. You just need to come and ask local people where to buy it and you can enjoy it right away. The dedicated Hue people will even take you to that place.
In addition, in Hue there are also some famous restaurants selling mixed figs:
– Buffalo Restaurant: 68 Nguyen Huu Tho, City. Hue
– Song Xanh Restaurant – Countryside Seafood: 103 Nguyen Lo Trach, Xuan Phu Ward, City. Hue
– LaTus Restaurant: 103 Nguyen Lo Trach, Xuan Phu Ward, City. Hue
A full plate of mixed figs at an affordable price can be bought anywhere in Hue
Although it is a delicious and easy to enjoy dish, Hue mixed fig is very cheap. In restaurants, a portion of mixed figs costs only 30,000 – 70,000 VND. At the market, the mixed fig part is even cheaper, only from 10,000 – 20,000 VND (without shrimp and meat) and 30,000 – 40,000 VND (with shrimp and meat).
Note for visitors from far away that mixed figs are only sold at the market in the morning from 7:00 – 12:00, so if you want to enjoy them, you have to get up early. But rest assured that the taste of the mixed fig dish is worth the price of a good night’s sleep, because even the most picky diners will nosh at the delicious, well-rounded flavor.
The above article has introduced some information about the origin, how to prepare and shares delicious places to eat mixed figs in Hue. Hopefully you have gained useful knowledge, and when you come to Hue, try to enjoy this dish to fully understand the ancient capital’s culinary culture.
