Gỏi Cá Trích

1. What is Gỏi Cá Trích?

Gỏi cá trích is a traditional raw fish salad that is considered one of the most iconic dishes of Phú Quốc Island in southern Vietnam. It is made with fresh herring fillets (cá trích), mixed with ingredients like grated coconut, vegetables, herbs, and ground peanuts, then wrapped in rice paper and dipped in fish sauce.

This dish is known for its perfect balance of textures and flavors—sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and nutty—all in one bite.

2. Characteristics of the Dish

• Main ingredient: Raw, thinly sliced herring fillets, freshly caught from local waters.

• Texture: Soft fish meat, crunchy vegetables, chewy rice paper.

• Flavor: A mix of sweet (from coconut), sour (from lime), salty (from fish sauce), and spicy (from chili).

• Presentation: Served with a plate of fresh herbs, sliced vegetables, rice paper, and dipping sauce.

• It’s often eaten like a spring roll—rolled by hand at the table.

3. Ingredients and How It’s Made

Main ingredients:

• Fresh herring fillets (cá trích) – cleaned and thinly sliced

• Lime juice or vinegar – to slightly "cook" the fish (like ceviche)

• Grated coconut – adds sweetness and aroma

• Roasted peanuts or sesame seeds – for crunch

• Fresh herbs – like mint, basil, perilla leaves

• Vegetables – cucumber, starfruit, green banana

• Rice paper – for wrapping

• Nước chấm (fish sauce dip) – made with Phú Quốc fish sauce, garlic, chili, sugar, and lime

How it’s prepared:

1. The herring is cleaned, deboned, and sliced very thin.

2. It is then soaked in lime juice or vinegar for a short time to remove the fishy smell and partially "cook" the meat.

3. The fish is mixed with shredded coconut and chopped peanuts.

4. Diners use rice paper to wrap the fish mixture with herbs and vegetables, like a spring roll.

5. Each roll is dipped in a specially made nước chấm for extra flavor.

4. How to Enjoy It

• Roll your own: Use rice paper, lay down herbs and vegetables, add some fish mix, and roll it up.

• Dip into Phú Quốc-style fish sauce for full flavor.

• Best enjoyed with friends or family, as the dish is interactive and great for sharing.

• Can be paired with a light local wine or beer.

This dish is not just a meal, but an experience—from the freshness of the ingredients to the act of assembling your own rolls.

5. Cultural and Regional Significance

• Gỏi cá trích is a signature dish of Phú Quốc, reflecting the island’s rich seafood resources and culinary creativity.

• Often served to guests and tourists as a way of showcasing local pride.

• Highlights Phú Quốc’s famous fish sauce, a key ingredient in the dipping sauce.

• A dish that brings together the flavors of the sea and the freshness of the tropics.

Conclusion

Gỏi cá trích Phú Quốc is more than just a raw fish salad—it is a culinary symbol of the island. With its vibrant mix of textures and flavors, this dish is a must-try for any food lover visiting Vietnam’s southern coast. It captures the freshness, simplicity, and beauty of island cuisine in every bite.