Nestled peacefully along the tranquil Cu De River, Nam O fishing village has long been well known for its fresh coastal delicacies. Nature has bestowed this land with unique treasures — and among them, the Cu De River noodle creature is a rare, one-of-a-kind delicacy found nowhere else.
From the 2nd to the 4th lunar month, as spring fades into summer’s embrace, beneath the crystal-clear waters of the Cu De River appears a creature called “mother noodles” — a soft-bodied aquatic soft-shelled sea creature, also locally nicknamed the “sea hare”. This aquatic creature produces long, delicate strands of eggs that curl into bundles resembling fresh vermicelli, called “child noodles”. Locals harvest these “child noodle” strands while releasing the “mother noodles” back into the river, preserving the natural cycle for seasons to come.
In the past, “river noodles” were a simple yet beloved part of the fishing community’s table — fragrantly stir-fried with garlic and chili, cooked into a light, refreshing soup, or mixed with local ingredients into a tangy, spicy salad. The refreshing, crisp texture and subtle flavor of each strand combined with the rustic flavors of the fishing village awakens every sense, soothing the sweltering heat of early summer days.
In recent years, this rare delicacy has captured the curiosity of travellers from near and far. They travel to Nam O to join locals in harvesting “river noodles”, explore the rich culture of the fishing village, and enjoy this one-of-a-kind culinary experience amid the Nam O village.
Soon, as Nam O Heritage rises as an international destination, these unique gifts of nature — like Cu De River noodles — will carry with them the spirit of the fishing village and the essence of traditional Vietnamese cuisine — journeying with travellers to distant lands and continuing to tell the story of Vietnam’s culture to the world.
