Brian Jeffrey
What some thought was a TikTok craze is actually a cherished gastronomic custom in Huong Son, Ha Tinh province: the pairing of cam bu (a local orange) with shrimp paste.
A Distinctive Local Delicacy
Cam bu is a special type of orange widely cultivated in Huong Son District, Ha Tinh Province, particularly harvested before Tet (the Lunar New Year). This fruit, with a history of hundreds of years, has become a significant agricultural asset for local farmers.
When cam bu is unripe, its thin skin has a sour flavor. As it matures, the skin becomes soft and easy to peel, exposing juicy, fibrous sections. The mature fruit presents a delightful combination of sweetness and a hint of sourness, which piques the interest of those who enjoy a subtly tangy orange.
The term cam bu translates to “compensating orange,” highlighting the varied sizes of its segments that seem to “make up” for each other. Some of these fruits can weigh up to half a kilogram, making them larger than most standard orange types.
In addition to its taste, cam bu is recognized for its health benefits, acting as a natural remedy for colds, sore throats, coughs, and even hangovers. The fruit is typically harvested from early December to late January according to the lunar calendar.
In Huong Son, locals have paired cam bu with shrimp paste (mam tom), creating a unique culinary experience exclusive to the region, unlike the traditional uses of cam bu in other parts of Ha Tinh.
Bui Khuyen, a Ha Tinh local now in Hanoi, described the pairing method: the orange segments are dipped in shrimp paste blended with lime juice and chili. The savory taste of the paste perfectly counters the orange’s tartness, resulting in a remarkable flavor profile.
This combination may seem unusual to some, but it is adored by those who have grown up with it. Khuyen mentioned that newcomers might want to keep stomach medicine handy, but for enthusiasts like herself, it is tasty and safe. “Thinking about cam bu with shrimp paste makes me crave it,” she stated.
Phan Tuan Anh, a TikToker from Huong Son, regularly enjoys cam bu with shrimp paste, a custom from his childhood. He believes that it serves more than just medicinal purposes; it’s also delicious.
After posting a video of himself enjoying this pairing, he encountered comments suggesting he was seeking attention, unaware that this is a true local custom in his hometown.
Tuan Anh added that cam bu is a staple in Huong Son homes during Tet, often used both for consumption and as offerings on family altars.
