Ban ca refers to a variety of dishes in Vietnam that highlight the use of fresh fish and local ingredients. The dish is particularly popular in urban areas like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, where it's often served in local restaurants and street food stalls. Ban ca can be prepared in numerous ways, with each region offering its own twist. For instance, in some areas, ban ca is made with river cormorant while in others, it features smaller fish such as goldfish.