Hai Phong’s braised sardines: a highly sought-after Tet specialty
Every year, as Tet (Lunar New Year) approaches, Hai Phong’s braised sardines enter their peak production season to meet the shopping and gifting demands of consumers across the country.
Production in Full Swing
At the Thai Tin braised sardine facility in Nghi Duong Commune, operations ramp up in the final days of the year. Some workers prepare the fish, others arrange them in pots, some tend the fire, and others package the products. Each step flows smoothly.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Ha, owner of the Thai Tin facility, was busy packing orders for customers while saying: "Kien Thuy braised sardines have a distinctive flavor thanks to our special ingredients."
Sardines are mainly caught in the Van Uc estuary and the coastal area of Do Son, where the brackish water environment is rich in silt and plankton, resulting in plump with minimal fishy odor. The fish are caught daily by small boats, ensuring they stay fresh for braising.
Currently, Ms. Ha’s family braises over 100 kg of sardines daily, and production doubles or triples closer to Tet. All products are made to order from customers in many provinces and cities.
At SoVi Food Co., Ltd, a company famous for its braised sardines from the local fishing village, orders for the Lunar New Year are also pouring in. According to the company’s director, Le Tien Viet, braised sardines become a sought-after delicacy during Tet every year due to their traditional flavor and meticulous preparation, making them an unforgettable dish.
Not only Thai Tin’s facility, but also many other traditional braised sardine producers in Kien Minh, Kien Hai, Kien Duong, Kien Thuy, and Nghi Duong communes (formerly part of Kien Thuy district) are busy preparing for Tet. Tet is always the busiest time for these facilities because of high demand for this specialty.
Over recent years, local authorities and city departments have supported these establishments in expanding production scale, strengthening distribution links, and promoting the Kien Thuy braised sardine brand in domestic and international markets.
Popular Among Consumers
Kien Thuy braised sardines are increasingly chosen as gifts, bearing the distinctive culinary mark of Hai Phong’s coastal region. The simplicity of the traditional braised fish clay pot, combined with its rich, easy-to-eat flavor, has given this specialty a unique place in the Tet market.
Mr. Tran Minh Tuan, owner of a specialty food store in Le Chan Ward, said that Kien Thuy braised sardines are consistently among the best-selling products in the weeks leading up to Tet. “Even though Tet is over a month away, many customers have already placed orders for this specialty,” he said. “Customers buy it not only for personal consumption but also as gifts, especially those from northern provinces and travelers from afar.”
It is no coincidence that Kien Thuy braised sardines have become a sought-after Tet specialty. The combination of traditional flavor, handcrafted preparation, convenience for Tet meals, and simple yet elegant gift has created a lasting appeal for this coastal delicacy.
Hai Phong News