Mien Luon (Eel vermicelli noodle)

Another specialty that visitors should try when they come to Ninh Binh is eel vermicelli noodle, a dish that continues to gain popularity among travelers in 2025.

The main ingredient of this dish is eel. Selecting the right eels to create a good dish is quite challenging and requires experience. High-quality eels, often referred to as "lươn cốm," are small, robust, and fresh. These eels are characterized by their brown-pink backs and yellow bellies. In addition to eels, fresh banana flower and high-quality vermicelli are also essential elements of the dish. The banana flower should be ripe and sturdy, while the vermicelli must be made from quality phrynium fruits, resulting in delicate, fine strands.
Photo: toplist.vn
Photo: monngonbinhdinh.com.vn

Eels are carefully washed with vinegar, gutted, and mixed with spices such as red chili, onion, pepper, and “nước mắm.” They are then fried in hot oil until fragrant and golden brown. The banana flower is shredded into thin threads and soaked in salt water to remove any resin and retain its whiteness. The vermicelli is soaked in cool water for 5-7 minutes before being stir-fried with mashed onion. Eel vermicelli noodle is often enjoyed with ginger, "lá lốt," and lemon juice. The crispy and aromatic fried eels, along with the buttery, sweet flavor of the banana flower, combined with the spiciness of ginger, the heat of chili, the pungency of “lá lốt,” and the tanginess of lemon juice, create a bowl of eel vermicelli that truly makes the experience worthwhile.