Part 7/9:

Food traditions remaining central, the community shares recipes like cá lóc (snakehead fish) dishes, gỏi (salads), and chả cá (fish cakes). They emphasize the importance of authentic flavors, achieved through traditional preparation methods—like fermenting fish, boiling, and seasoning with local herbs. The use of wild ingredients and homemade techniques underscores their desire to preserve cultural identity amidst modernization.

Resilience and Hope

Throughout their stories, a thread of resilience and an optimistic outlook emerges. Despite economic strains, they find happiness in their community, environment, and cultural roots. They emphasize that living by the river keeps them closer to nature, providing a cool, refreshing sanctuary that urban life cannot offer.