Turmeric Fish with Dill and Noodles (Chả cá Lã Vọng)

Turmeric Fish with Dill and Noodles or Chả cá Lã Vọng is a revered Vietnamese delicacy hailing from Hanoi. This exquisite dish showcases the artistry of combining grilled fish with fragrant turmeric and dill. The key to its delectable flavor lies in the careful marination of firm white fish, such as catfish, cod, or tilapia, with a harmonious blend of shallots, galangal, turmeric, garlic, shrimp paste, fish sauce, and oil.

Once marinated to perfection, the fish is expertly grilled to achieve a tantalizing char on both sides, while dill and spring onions impart their aromatic essence. The succulent grilled fish is then served alongside delicate vermicelli noodles, toasted peanuts, and a tantalizing dipping sauce made from lime juice, garlic, fish sauce, and sugar.

This captivating dish carries a historical significance rooted in the French Indochina era. During that time, Vietnamese resistance fighters would clandestinely convene in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, seeking solace and nourishment in a secret establishment. Aptly named after the renowned poet and resistance fighter Lã Vọng, whose statue stood outside, the dish pays homage to the enduring spirit of those fighters.