Gỏi cá mai is a refreshing and flavorful Vietnamese fish salad that hails from the sun-soaked coasts of Central and Southern Vietnam, especially popular in Nha Trang, Phan Thiết, and Bình Thuận. Made with freshly caught cá mai (a type of anchovy-like white fish), this dish is a harmonious blend of ocean essence, citrus tang, crunchy textures, and herbaceous aroma.
What is Cá Mai? 🐠
Cá mai is a small, silver-white fish with tender, boneless flesh that is ideal for salads. Unlike other raw fish, cá mai doesn’t have a strong fishy smell, making it perfect for dishes where freshness and delicacy are key.
Ingredients in Gỏi Cá Mai 🌿🍋
The magic of gỏi cá mai lies in its simplicity and balance of flavors. A typical plate includes:
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Raw cá mai, thinly sliced and marinated in lemon juice or vinegar
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Roasted crushed peanuts
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Crispy rice crackers or sesame rice paper
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Fresh herbs like mint, perilla, coriander, and Vietnamese balm
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Shredded green mango or unripe banana
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Garlic, chili, and shallots for a spicy kick
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Fish sauce-based dipping sauce with lime, sugar, garlic, and chilies
The fish is often lightly cured in lime juice, then tossed with herbs and garnishes just before serving.
How to Enjoy Gỏi Cá Mai 🥢
🍽️ As an Appetizer or Main Dish
You can enjoy gỏi cá mai as a starter or a full meal. It’s often served alongside rice paper to roll with herbs and dipped in a rich, nutty fish sauce.
🌶️ With a Spicy Dipping Sauce
The dipping sauce is essential—it brings everything together with umami, sweetness, sourness, and heat.
🧊 Always Served Fresh
Since the fish is raw, freshness is key. This dish is best enjoyed right after preparation.
Where to Try Gỏi Cá Mai in Vietnam 🗺️
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Phan Thiết – Especially at local seafood restaurants or roadside eateries by the beach
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Nha Trang – Known for high-quality seafood and beachside dining
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Bình Thuận – The heartland of cá mai fishing
A Unique Vietnamese Culinary Experience 🌊
Gỏi cá mai isn’t just a dish – it’s a coastal culinary tradition, representing the ingenuity of Vietnamese seaside communities. With every bite, you taste the ocean breeze, the freshness of local herbs, and the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality.
Vietnam Treasure Team – Bringing Vietnamese Culinary Culture to the World 🌍
At Vietnam Treasure Team, we are passionate about preserving and sharing the rich food culture of Vietnam. We offer authentic ingredients, support traditional food artisans, and help global food lovers explore Vietnamese cuisine in the most meaningful way.
✨ If you can’t enjoy gỏi cá mai in Vietnam, we can help you source traditional fish sauces, dipping condiments, and herbs to recreate a similar experience at home.
💛 A portion of profits from every successful order goes toward charity programs supporting underprivileged children, especially those in remote highland areas.
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Experience the sea on your plate with the fresh, zesty delight of gỏi cá mai – a coastal Vietnamese treasure worth discovering.
