Sweet and Sour Tamarind Soup (Canh chua)

Canh chua is a popular Vietnamese soup originating from the Mekong Delta region. It's characterized by its contrasting flavors - sour, sweet, and savory. The soup incorporates ingredients such as seafood (eel, shrimp, snakehead, catfish), tomatoes, okra, pineapple, tamarind, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs with a tangy flavor.

Traditionally, canh chua is served either with rice vermicelli noodles or with a side of steamed jasmine rice. There are numerous versions of the soup depending on the ingredients used in it - besides fish, it can be made with water spinach, chicken, bamboo shoots, mustard greens, pork, or beef.

Due to its nutritional value, health benefits, and short cooking time, canh chua has the status of a quintessential Vietnamese meal.