The Ultimate $40 Fish Stew: A Tasty Treat or a Salty Surprise?

Ho Chi Minh City’s social media has been abuzz with the super affordable clay pot fish stew sold at Coop Mart supermarkets. For just VND 39,000-40,000, you get a ready-to-cook marinated fish stew, complete with an attractive “xịn sò” clay pot.

Excitement over Getting a Clay Pot Included

The first plus point is the appealing presentation. The fish stew is neatly packaged and offered in two options: a plastic bowl or a clay pot. Interestingly, there isn’t a significant price or weight difference between the two. Notably, at some outlets, the clay pots were sold out, indicating the immense popularity of this “delicious, nutritious, and affordable” combo.

The main ingredient is basa fish, a type of white-fleshed fish with soft meat, few bones, and an affordable price, commonly used in southern Vietnam’s stewed dishes. The fish has been pre-cut into slices and marinated with spices like chili, pepper, scallions, fish sauce, sugar, and possibly food coloring. The initial impression is that the fish is well-marinated and has an appealing color, which is a significant advantage for those who appreciate attention to detail, even when using ready-to-cook food.

Flavor: Overly Salty, One Pot May Finish a Whole Bowl of Rice

After stewing on the stove (whether in the clay pot or another pan), the dish emits an alluring aroma, and the basa fish fat melts, blending with the stewing liquid to create a glossy appearance.

In terms of texture, the basa fish remains tender after stewing, neither falling apart nor drying out. However, the major downside is that the dish is overly salty, to the point of being immersed in a sea of salt, making it almost inedible without dilution or adjustment. Despite attempts to add water and season it multiple times, the saltiness overwhelms all other flavors. Additionally, the heavy presence of chili and pepper makes the dish spicy and aromatic but less accessible to those who can’t handle spicy food or children. To make it palatable, one must add water and season it with diluted fish sauce and sugar to reduce the saltiness.

A minor note is that the included clay pot, while initially appealing, has thin walls and is prone to cracking if exposed to high heat or used for extended periods. Some users shared that the pot only lasted 1-2 uses before cracking, rendering it unusable.

Price: VND 40,000 for Fish Stew with Clay Pot, Reasonable for the Quality

For VND 39,000-40,000, you get a ready-to-cook marinated fish stew and a clay pot, which is a fair deal for a convenient product. However, it’s not a bargain if you expect it to be instantly delicious. The clay pot can be reused 1-2 times but is not suitable for induction cookers or high heat. Users need to be cautious to avoid cracking the pot during stewing.

If you’re looking for a convenient and affordable ready-to-eat meal that you can adjust to your taste, this is a decent option. But if you’re expecting a traditional fish stew for just VND 40,000, this doesn’t quite hit the mark.

This article reflects the personal opinion of the writer. Give it a try and form your own opinion!