With the advantage of its traditional fishing industry, long ago Doc River town becomes the busiest seaport of the Mekong Delta region. Every year, from fishing on the sea, Doc River has supplied more than 100,000 tons of all kinds of sea food. In addition to fresh seafood, fishermen of Doc River marine village have formed a traditional dried fish processing village. In particular, the most famous and key product is Doc River dried squid specialty.
 

Facilities for purchasing and processing dried squid in Doc River town, Tran Van Thoi district. Photo: Tan Diep.

Doc River dried squid, Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau province is produced and processed from Teuthida caught in southwestern sea (Gulf of Thailand).

The reason why Doc River dried squid is delicious, famous at inland and abroad is thanks to the proper exploitation, preservation and processing. Most of the fishing vessels in Doc River have a large capacity, catching far away from the shore so the squid is usually big with thick and very sweet meat.

After squid fishing, ship owners often carefully select the squid which is still fresh, gets standard and size and then cut and dried on ship. Time when the ship continues to exploit and catch seafood on the sea is also the process of drying squid. Normally, Doc River dried squid must be dried directly on the ship with about 6 harsh sunshine. Until ship enters inland, dried squid products are put into cold storage for preservation
 

Doc River dried squid specialty.

Thanks to being produced and processed from squid immediately after catching, the squid is still fresh, not rotten  and sun drying, Doc River dried squid products often do not get moldy, with the color of pink white or dark red, which looks very beautiful. Doc River dried squid does not use coloring products, chemicals for preservation so it has thick, sweet meat and when baked, it will be rich flavor.

Doc River dried squid processed as the most popular dish is grilled on charcoal stove, eaten with chili sauce. This is an indispensable dish whenever Spring comes of Ca Mau people.
 
Doc River dried squid is available in all seasons and is sold in many places inside and outside Ca Mau province. This specialty is very suitable for visitors to buy as a gift for friends and relatives whenever they have the opportunity to visit Doc River marine village.