Cao Lau Hoi An - Unique flavor of the old town

Every time I visit Hoi An, the irresistible aroma of Cao Lau draws me to roadside restaurants. It's not just a dish but also a story about the culinary culture of the people of Quang. Hãy nghe PHẠM THỊ MỸ DUYÊN một travel blogger nổi tiếng bật mí .

Taste sublime

The first time I enjoyed Cao Lau, I was truly conquered by its special flavor. Golden noodles, moderately chewy, made from rice flour and Ba Le well water. The broth is rich and sweet, simmered from bones and esoteric spices. The roasted pork is soft and fragrant, and the skin is crispy. And of course, fresh raw vegetables such as lettuce, bean sprouts, herbs... All blend to create an unforgettable flavor.

                          Source: collected photo 

Comments about the food

Every time I eat Cao Lau, I feel the sophistication in each ingredient and each processing step. The dish is not only delicious but also brings a feeling of warmth and closeness. Eating a hot bowl of Cao Lau on cold days is truly a wonderful experience.

Special ingredients of Hoi An Cao Lau dish

 * Ba Le well water: This is one of the most important factors that create the unique flavor of Cao Lau. Ba Le well water has natural alkalinity, helping the noodles to be chewy and have a characteristic golden color. In addition, this type of water also brings a very unique cool flavor.

 * Roasted pork: Pork is carefully selected, usually pork belly or shoulder. The meat is roasted golden brown, the skin is crispy, and the meat is soft and sweet. When eaten, the roasted pork will blend with the noodles and broth, creating an extremely attractive flavor.

 * Garlic and purple onions: Garlic and purple onions are sauteed to create a fragrant flavor for the broth.

 * Spices: In addition to common spices such as salt, sugar, and pepper, Cao Lau also uses some other special spices such as five spices, and cashew to create characteristic color and flavor.

 * Raw vegetables: Raw vegetables served with Cao Lau often include lettuce, bean sprouts, herbs, basil... These vegetables help balance the fatty taste of meat and create a refreshing feeling when enjoying.

 * Fried garlic: Crispy fried garlic sprinkled on top of the Cao Lau bowl will add a delicious and attractive flavor.

                         Source: collected photo 

Why are these ingredients important?

 * Ba Le well water: As mentioned above, Ba Le well water helps the noodles have a golden color and characteristic chewiness. In addition, this type of water also brings a very unique cool flavor, helping to balance the fatty taste of the meat.

 * Roasted pork: Roasted pork is one of the main ingredients of cao lau, providing protein and fat for the body. Roasted pork when combined with noodles and broth will create an extremely attractive flavor.

 * Spices: Spices help enhance the flavor of the dish, creating harmony between the ingredients.

 * Raw vegetables: Raw vegetables not only help balance the fatty taste of meat but also provide additional vitamins and minerals for the body.

Interesting things about Cao Lau

 * Special ingredients: Ba Le well water is one of the important factors that create the unique flavor of Cao Lau. This type of water is naturally alkaline, making the noodles chewy and golden in color.

 * Sophisticated cooking method: To get a delicious bowl of Cao Lau, the chef must go through many meticulous processing steps, from choosing ingredients, and pre-processing to presenting the dish.

 * Culinary culture: Cao Lau is not only a dish but also a part of the culture of the Hoi An people. This dish is often used during holidays or to entertain distinguished guests.

                          Source: collected photo 

Advice for you

 * You should enjoy Cao Lau at long-standing restaurants: These restaurants often have family recipes and retain the traditional flavor of the dish.

 * Enjoy Cao Lau properly: You should mix the ingredients well before eating to fully enjoy the flavor of the dish.

 * Combine with other dishes: You can combine cao lau with other Hoi An dishes such as bread, spring rolls, sweet soup... to have a complete meal.

Conclude

Hoi An Cao Lau is a dish that you must try when coming to Quang Nam. With its unique flavor and profound cultural significance, Cao Lau will leave you with unforgettable impressions.

PHẠM THỊ MỸ DUYÊN