When talking about Ly Son cuisine, seaweed salad is one dish you simply cannot skip. Humble yet full of ocean freshness, it perfectly represents the flavor of this volcanic island. During low tide, seaweed appears in thick layers on the coral reefs, and locals head out to harvest it. Each person can collect around 10 kg of fresh seaweed per day, but only the small, round, crystal-clear strands are chosen for salad because they are more nutritious and easier to prepare.
Ly Son seaweed looks like thin glass noodles, with shades ranging from deep emerald to bright jade and golden green—vibrant and eye-catching even before cooking.
A Unique Balance of Flavors
Despite using only one main ingredient—fresh seaweed—the salad offers a surprising depth of flavor:
- Crunchy and refreshing from perfectly blanched seaweed
- Fragrant hints of fried shallots and basil
- Nutty richness from roasted peanuts
- A light citrusy sourness from fresh lime
- A gentle touch of the ocean in every bite
Even first-time diners, who may initially find seaweed unfamiliar, often end up loving the dish after just a few bites.
How Ly Son Seaweed Salad Is Made
The deliciousness of the salad depends on two things: selecting the right seaweed and washing it properly.
Step 1: Preparing the seaweed
- Choose small, round, fresh, crunchy strands
- Rinse multiple times in fresh water mixed with lime juice to remove any briny taste
- Blanch quickly until the seaweed turns bright green and loses its sliminess
Step 2: Mixing the salad
The blanched seaweed is tossed with:
- Fresh basil
- Crushed roasted peanuts
- Fragrant fried shallots
- Lime juice mixed with a little sugar, salt, or fish sauce
The result is a simple yet exceptional dish—true to the rustic culinary spirit of Ly Son.
A Refreshing and Unforgettable Experience
A plate of seaweed salad, shimmering in shades of green, always catches the eye. The seaweed strands, round and branching like miniature coral, blend beautifully with basil leaves, peanuts, and golden shallots.
Take one bite, and the cool crunch of the seaweed, the aroma of herbs, and the nutty richness of peanuts all burst together—light, refreshing, and utterly memorable. It’s also the perfect palate cleanser when enjoying Ly Son’s sashimi-fresh seafood.
Nutritional Benefits of Ly Son Seaweed
Ly Son seaweed is considered a superfood thanks to its high nutrient content. It helps:
- Reduce cholesterol
- Support heart health
- Aid people with high blood pressure
- Provide natural iodine
- Strengthen immunity
Dried Ly Son seaweed is also a popular local gift—easy to store, simple to prepare, and rich in the signature ocean flavor of the island.
A Must-Try Dish When Visiting Ly Son
If you’re planning a trip to Ly Son Island, make sure to try the seaweed salad. Simple yet remarkable, this refreshing dish captures the true essence of the island. Amid a feast of fresh seafood, a plate of cool, green seaweed salad adds the perfect balance—making your Ly Son culinary journey even more unforgettable.
