Bong fish - A specialty of Ha Thanh Village

BHG - The Bong fish (Spinibarbusdenticulatus) is a natural species living in large rivers in the northern mountainous region, such as the Lo River and Gam River.

When Tay people go fishing, they catch these fish and release them in their ponds, gradually domesticating them to become farmed fish.

Currently, most villages in Phuong Do Commune, Ha GiangCity, raise Bong fish, but in Ha Thanh Village, almost 100% of households raise this fish species.

Bong fish have become a famous specialty of the people, named in the top 121 typical culinary dishes of Vietnam.

Nguyen Van Hanh, Owner of Haha Homestay, in Ha Thanh Village, Phuong Do Commune, Ha GiangCity, processes Bong fish.

Having been involved with Bong fish farming for many years, Nguyen Van Phiengof Ha Thanh Village said that Bong fish farming not only brings income, but the fish bring joy, like friends.The fish's food is vegetables, cassava leaves, chopped banana stems, and duckweed. Although it is easy to raise, it is not possible to raise fish everywhere. The most important thing is the water source. The water must be clean and clear for the fish to grow quickly.

Bong fish are considered a specialty due to their firm meat, small intestine, low fishy smell, and high nutritional content. The Bong fish is one of the five types of fish offered to the king in the past, in additionto Lang fish, Anh Vu fish, Dam Xanh fish and Chien fish.

Ca Bong is closely associated with the cultural life of the Tay ethnic people. The Tay people cherish this fish like a valuable possession. They usually only prepare it on holidays, Tet or when receiving distinguished guests.

Bong fish dish on the Tay people's tray.

Since Ha Thanh Village was recognised as a community cultural tourism village, this place has become a favourite destination for tourists who want to enjoy dishes rich in traditional flavours, especially the Bong fish specialty.

Nguyen Van Hanh, owner of Haha Homestay, said that in his homestay, there is a Bong fish pond. When customers order, the restaurant will directly catch fish from the pond, ensuring fresh ingredients and allowing customers to directly see the fish.

In 2021, the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam issued a geographical indication registration certificate for Ha Giang's Bong fish products. This is a slow-growing fish, and it takes about ten years for the fish to begin to reproduce, but the survival rate is low, only about 30 - 40%.

Faced with that situation, to protect the precious genetic resources of the Bong fish, with the help of the Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 1, the Provincial Fisheries Centre has successfully implemented techniques for artificial reproduction of Bong fish. Thanks to that, the province has proactively been able to source seeds and provide them to households to continue developing the Ha Giang Bong fish brand.

MOC LAN