Unique taste with Quang Binh cactus soup – A dish with a distinctive flavor

The first and most noticeable unique feature is the main ingredient: cactus. However, not every type of cactus can be used for cooking. In Quang Binh, cactus soup is usually cooked using sea cactus or dragon tongue cactus (also known as five-angled cactus). This type of cactus grows wild abundantly along the white sand coast of Quang Binh. Local people usually select young, plump cactus pads with few fibers and spines to prepare this specialty soup. Cactus soup is often cooked with fresh sea fish such as stingray, snakehead fish, or tuna, creating a unique and attractive flavor.

To make an authentic bowl of cactus soup, the people of Quang Binh have cooking secrets passed down through generations. From selecting and preparing the cactus, careful attention is required to completely remove the spines and toxic sap by scraping off the outer green skin, then parboiling with a pinch of salt to reduce the pungent taste and sliminess. The seasoning method is also very characteristic, usually featuring delicious local fish sauce, a bit of sugar, MSG, and the indispensable spicy kick of fresh chilies. Cooking time is also carefully monitored so that the cactus is just cooked through, maintaining its signature tender-crunchy texture without turning mushy.

Cactus, especially sea cactus and dragon tongue cactus popular in Quang Binh, offers many nutritional values. It contains abundant vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant essential for the immune system, collagen production, and iron absorption. Additionally, it contains vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, vitamin E, and vitamin K. According to folk experience and traditional medicine, cactus has cooling properties that help clear heat and detoxify, which is especially useful during the hot weather of Quang Binh.  Fiber in cactus helps stimulate intestinal motility and prevent constipation, a common issue when changing diets while traveling. 

Particularly with its high water content, cactus can help rehydrate and replenish electrolytes for the body, especially during outdoor activities. Growing in coastal areas, cactus in Quang Binh can absorb additional minerals characteristic of this environment. Quang Binh's unique cactus soup is not only a culinary specialty but also a natural source of nutrition, deeply bearing the mark of this sunny and windy coastal land.

To fully enjoy the unique flavor of Quang Binh cactus soup, the preparation process plays a crucial role. From selecting fresh ingredients to meticulous cooking steps, every stage contributes to creating a delicious bowl of soup rich in local identity.  

Selecting and preparing Quang Binh cactus

The quality of the cactus largely determines the flavor of the soup. Therefore, proper selection and preparation are the first unmissable steps.

Selecting fresh cactus: The people of Quang Binh usually prioritize choosing young, plump cactus pads with a pale green color. These parts are usually less fibrous and softer when prepared. Older stems are often dark green, highly fibrous, and hard, making them unpalatable when eaten. 

Carefully preparing to remove spines and toxic sap:

• Wash thoroughly: Wash the cactus pads thoroughly under running water to remove dirt.
• Remove spines: Use a sharp knife or razor to scrape away the spines on the surface of the cactus pads. Scrape thoroughly on both sides and edges.
• Peel: After removing the spines, use a knife to peel off the outer green skin layer. This skin layer often tastes pungent and astringent. Keep only the inner flesh, which is white or light green.
• Soak in saltwater: After peeling, cut the cactus into bite-sized pieces (square or rectangular). Soak the cactus pieces in diluted saltwater for about 15-20 minutes to reduce sap and sliminess.
• Parboil (optional): Some locals also parboil the sliced cactus for about 2-3 minutes, then remove and rinse with cold water. This step significantly reduces the sliminess of the cactus.

Preparing other ingredients: Depending on the recipe and preference, other ingredients such as shrimp, fish, and pork also need to be cleaned and prepared. Wash the shrimp, peel, remove heads, and leave whole or cut in half. Clean the snakehead fish and cut into bite-sized pieces. Wash the pork, slice thinly or mince. Wash side vegetables like Malabar spinach. Wash young tamarind leaves and rub them lightly. 

Steps to cook Quang Binh cactus soup 

After preparing the ingredients, we will proceed to cook the flavorful Quang Binh cactus soup. 

• Sauté minced shallots/garlic: Place a pot on the stove, add a little cooking oil, and heat it up. Sauté minced shallots or garlic (to taste) until golden and fragrant.
• Stir-fry meat (if using): If cooking soup with pork, add the meat and stir-fry until firm with a little seasoning (fish sauce, pepper).
• Stir-fry shrimp or fish: Next, add shrimp or fish and stir-fry together until lightly cooked. Season with a little fish sauce for fragrance.
• Add broth: Pour a sufficient amount of water or broth (filtered water or bone broth) into the pot. Bring to a boil.
• Add cactus: When the water boils, add the prepared cactus to the pot. Simmer on low heat until the cactus is tender and cooked to taste (about 5-7 minutes).
• Season to taste: Adjust the seasoning to taste (fish sauce, sugar, MSG, sliced fresh chilies). Note to season slightly lighter as cactus naturally has a sour taste.
• Add Malabar spinach (if using): If using Malabar spinach, add it to the pot in the final step, bring to a boil again, and turn off the heat.
• Add young tamarind leaves: Sprinkle lightly rubbed young tamarind leaves over the soup bowl when serving to enhance the signature light sour taste.
• Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot with white rice.

With these detailed preparation tips, hopefully you will be able to cook delicious, authentic Quang Binh cactus soup at home yourself. 

Although not a common dish in upscale restaurants, cactus soup holds a special place in the hearts of locals and often appears in rustic, home-style eateries. 

Di Ha Eatery: Truong Phap Street, Quang Phu Ward, Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh. This eatery is loved by many locals and is famous for its rich, authentic cactus soup.

La Co Restaurant: 185 Truong Phap, Bac Ly Ward, Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh. This restaurant features an elegant space and serves cactus soup alongside other Quang Binh specialties. Additionally, there is a La Co La Maison branch on Pham Van Dong Street.

Thien Ly Eatery: Truong Phap Street, Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh.

Canh Buom Do Restaurant: Truong Phap Street, Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh.

In addition, you can also find cactus soup at some coastal eateries in Dong Hoi or local markets. Ask the locals for more recommendations on delicious and reputable eateries. 

From the "one-of-a-kind" ingredient of cactus, through the skillful hands of Quang Binh locals, cactus soup has become a unique specialty, carrying an impressive light sour and gently sweet flavor. Whether you enjoy it at a local eatery or cook it yourself at home, this will surely be a novel and memorable culinary experience on your journey to explore Quang Binh.