The puffer fish, or as locals call it, the ‘sweet potato fish’, is a primarily saltwater fish that swims in schools. The name ‘ca khoai’ derives from its round, elongated body resembling a sweet potato. For a long time, this fish was not popular and was sold cheaply.
In some regions, it is also known as ‘ca chao’ due to its soft flesh resembling porridge. From the 1990s to 2010, fishermen often ignored this fish as it fetched a low price. It was typically sold in bundles of 5-10 fish for a meager 10,000-15,000 VND to locals. Sometimes, baskets of puffer fish were sold as pig feed.
The puffer fish has a round, elongated body like a sweet potato, and is scaleless. Its back and tail have a hint of green, and it has a wide mouth with sharp teeth.
Previously, puffer fish were abundant in the northern and north-central coastal regions of Vietnam, including Thai Binh, Ha Tinh, and Quang Binh. This small, soft-fleshed fish was primarily used for making sour soup, and coastal families often consumed it daily.
However, around 15 years ago, with the development of tourism, city dwellers discovered the puffer fish. They were intrigued by its natural sweetness and soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture. The puffer fish’s lack of bones also made it easy to eat for the elderly and children. Gradually, it became a sought-after delicacy, featuring on the menus of many restaurants and hotels.
Sour soup made with puffer fish
Moreover, the puffer fish’s elongated shape lends itself well to being cut into sections and gutted at the market, making it convenient for consumers to simply wash and cook. New dishes featuring this fish, such as puffer fish porridge, hot pot, and fried puffer fish, have also gained popularity.
Additionally, puffer fish are seasonally available, typically from the 9th to the 12th lunar month. Consequently, during the rest of the year, especially in the summer tourist season, they become scarce and expensive.
The puffer fish’s soft body, high water content, and perishable nature make preservation and transportation challenging. As a result, prices in large cities tend to be higher.
The price of puffer fish has soared. Wholesale prices at the boats range from 100,000 to 120,000 VND per kg, depending on the year. Retail prices fluctuate between 200,000 and 250,000 VND per kg in coastal markets. During the New Year or Tet holidays, prices can double, yet supply remains limited.
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