Linh fish, scientifically known as Henicorhynchus, is most commonly found during the flooding season in Mekong Delta localities and primarily feeds on algae. Its body is relatively small, long, and has a blue-white color. Depending on their size, linh fish can be classified into several types.

Due to their small size, fishermen use various methods to catch large fish, including nets, traps, and cast nets. The most delicious linh fish are usually those seen at the beginning of the season, often called young linh fish or milk linh fish. These fish are known for their sweet meat, soft bones, and plump bellies filled with fatty fat.

Linh fish is rich in protein and highly nutritional, making it suitable for various tasty dishes. Some popular preparations include linh fish sauce, linh fish hotpot, linh fish salad with Sesbania sesban, and braised linh fish with sugarcane.

One delicious and easy dish to prepare using linh fish is crispy fried linh fish served with tamarind dipping sauce. To make this dish, begin by cutting a small section across the belly of the young linh fish and carefully removing all the intestines. Rinse the fish thoroughly to clean it. Next, season the fish with a bit of salt to enhance its flavor before frying. In some regions, and according to personal preference, the fish can be coated with a layer of crispy flour before frying. Since the fish is cooked whole, including the scales, it becomes very crispy during frying.

This dish is traditionally served with tamarind dipping sauce, a specialty of the Western region. The tamarind dipping sauce is easy to prepare: heat tamarind pulp until it boils, then season with fish sauce and sugar to taste. Add a bit of chili and minced garlic, and continue cooking until the sauce thickens.

Crispy fried linh fish, served with tamarind dipping sauce and fresh vegetables, is incredibly tasty. The fish is sweet, crispy, and never boring to eat. In Can Tho, this delightful dish is often found in various restaurants and eco-tourism spots, such as Hau River Restaurant and Ngan Long Home & Camp Con Son.