Although “com hen” (rice with mussels) originates from Hue City, this dish has become popular among our local residents and visitors because of the distinctive flavour of the rice, the scrumptiousness of the mussels, and the harmonious combination of types of seasoning.

The owner of a restaurant which serves this dish on Da Nang’s Le Loi Street revealed the indispensable ingredients used to make this delicacy.  They are white grains of rice, fresh mussels mainly from Hoi An, different types of seasoning, and raw vegetables.  With regard to the cooking method, the mussel is removed from the shell and it is then stir-fired with a dollop of chillies, pepper, monosodium glutamate, salt, and minced scallions.

Fresh mussels

The dish is served with fragrant herbs from Hoi An City’s Tra Que Vegetable Village, thinly sliced carambola, roasted peanuts, pork crackling, white sesame seeds, dry pancakes, bean sprouts, “nuoc nam” (fish sauce) and “nam tom” (small-shrimp paste).  What an amazing mixture of flavours, but so delicious!

A bowl of rice with mussels

In addition, robustly-flavoured mussel soup will help to make “com hen” even more delicious.
As for the traditional Vietnamese cuisine experience, a little ginger added to the steamy soup not only showcases its impressive taste, but also helps to prevent digestive problems.

At many local restaurants, a bowl of rice with mussels is now offered at between 8,000 VND and 12,000 VND.

Local residents and visitors can try this speciality food at 21 Le Loi Street, K364 Le Duan Street, 23 Hai Ho Street, and on Thanh Thuy Street.