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Vietnamese snail dishes

Vietnamese snail dishes: Top 10 picks that you should definitely try

16/11/2023 1.712 views

In this article, we will take you on a journey through the top 10 Vietnamese snail dishes that offer an explosion of flavors and textures.
Vietnamese snail dishes provide a unique culinary experience with diverse flavors and textures

Vietnamese snail dishes provide a unique culinary experience with diverse flavors and textures (Source: Collected)

When it comes to Vietnamese food, it is not just about pho and banh mi. One of the most unforgettable experiences you can have is indulging in a variety of Vietnamese snail dishes. From the bustling food stalls in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the vibrant markets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnamese snail dishes bring a culinary adventure that you definitely shouldn’t miss out on.

1. Top 10 Vietnamese snail dishes to try on your trip

These top 10 Vietnamese snail dishes offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.

1.1. Snail noodle soup (bun oc) – a famous Vietnamese snail dish

Bun oc is one of the most beloved Vietnamese noodles. Served in a thick and delicious broth, it consists of aromatic wine vinegar, rice vermicelli, and freshwater snails. The broth is made using various different ingredients such as purple onion, tomato, paprika, shrimp sauce, and pork bones. When enjoying bun oc, make sure that you drip some lemon on it and add some fresh herbs and chilies to your taste. The outcome is a balanced combination of savory and slightly sour flavors that will leave a long-lasting impression on anyone.

Bun oc is one of the most popular Vietnamese snail dishes

Bun oc is one of the most popular Vietnamese snail dishes (Source: Collected)

1.2. Snails boiled with lemongrass and ginger (oc luoc xa gung)

Oc luoc xa gung is a delightful Vietnamese snail recipe prepared with a fragrant combination of lemongrass and ginger. The snails are boiled until tough and brittle. The result is a flavorful, slightly spicy, and aromatic snail dish. Once prepared, the dish is traditionally accompanied by fish sauce for dipping on the side. It is a popular choice for those who enjoy the zesty and invigorating flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

Vietnamese snail dishes take on a flavorful twist when they are boiled with lemongrass and ginger

Vietnamese snail dishes take on a flavorful twist when they are boiled with lemongrass and ginger (Source: Collected)

1.3. Mud creeper snails stir-fried with coconut milk (oc len xao dua)

Oc len xao dua is a traditional Vietnamese snail food. In this unique snail dish, mud creeper snails are stir-fried in creamy coconut milk with fresh spices such as lemongrass, coriander, chili, and garlic. This combination creates a lusciously rich and slightly sweet sauce that perfectly complements the tender snails. It is often served with a side of banh mi, allowing you to soak up every last drop of the delectable sauce.

Oc len xao dua is among healthy Vietnamese snail dishes

Oc len xao dua is among healthy Vietnamese snail dishes (Source: Collected)

1.4. Finger snails stir-fried with water spinach (oc mong tay xao rau muong)

This dish uses a peculiar type of snails called finger snails. After the snails are cleaned, they are briefly blanched in boiling water for about 2 minutes. Water spinach is thoroughly washed and briefly blanched in boiling water with a pinch of salt for about 1 minute, then transferred to a bowl of ice water to cool for 5 minutes before draining. To stir-fry the snails, start by sautéing them over high heat with finely chopped garlic until fragrant. Season with spices to taste, add the blanched water spinach, and stir-fry for about 1 minute, you’ll have a delicious dish of finger snails stir-fried with water spinach.

Oc mong tay xao rau muong is one the easiest Vietnamese snail dishes’ recipes

Oc mong tay xao rau muong is one the easiest Vietnamese snail dishes’ recipes (Source: Collected)

1.5. Snail pies (cha oc) – one of the best Vietnamese snail dishes

Cha oc is a savory treat that combines minced snails with various aromatic herbs and spices. Mix finely diced snail meat with pork fat, diced wood ear mushrooms, chopped horn peppers, dried shallots, garlic, a dash of black pepper, and a splash of fish sauce. Shape this mixture into small bite-sized pieces and steam them. You can also grill or fry them if desired. To savor the snail pies, dip a piece into a bowl of sweet and tangy dipping sauce. Take a bite with some fresh and crisp betel leaves. This combination allows you to experience a delightful balance of sourness, spiciness, saltiness, and sweetness.

Snail pies, one of the most delicious Vietnamese snail dishes, offer a distinct way of eating snails in Vietnam

Snail pies, one of the most delicious Vietnamese snail dishes, offer a distinct way of eating snails in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more: Vietnamese fish cake (Cha ca): A dish that can tickle your taste buds

1.6. Stuffed snails steamed with ginger leaves (oc nhoi hap la gung)

This delicious dish requires some time and effort to prepare. Soak the snail meat in a bowl of water with a bit of vinegar or lime juice. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to help the snail meat become white and remove any residual stickiness. Rinse the snail meat in water three more times to ensure it is thoroughly clean, then drain it. Finely dice the snail meat and set it aside.

Mix the diced snail meat with ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, ginger water, black pepper, seasoning powder, and finely chopped spring onions. Let the mixture marinate for 10-15 minutes. Stuff the filling into the opening of the snail shells and steam them along with ginger and lime leaves for 15 minutes. This dish is best enjoyed hot.

Learn how to cook snails in Vietnamese style with oc nhoi hap la gung

Learn how to cook snails in Vietnamese style with oc nhoi hap la gung (Source: Collected)

1.7. Sweet snails fried with salt and chili (oc huong rang muoi ot)

Oc huong rang muoi ot showcases sweet snails fried to perfection with a delectable combination of salt and chili. After cleaning the snails, place them in a pot of boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. Remove the snails and set them aside. In a separate pot, combine 1 tablespoon of roasted salt, 2 tablespoons of ground chili, 1 tablespoon of seasoning powder, 3 tablespoons of chicken powder, and 100 milliliters of water. Heat this mixture over medium heat to dissolve the spices. Once the salt and chili mixture begins to boil, add the boiled snails and stir to coat the snails evenly with the seasoning. Continue to stir-fry the snails with the salt and chili mixture until the liquid starts to evaporate and it clings to the snails, forming a flavorful crust on the outside of the shells.

Sweet snails fried with salt and chili is one of the easiest Vietnamese snail dishes to prepare

Sweet snails fried with salt and chili is one of the easiest Vietnamese snail dishes to prepare (Source: Collected)

1.8. Sweet snails stir-fried with tamarind (oc huong xao me)

This is a dish that offers a burst of contrasting flavors, making it a delightful addition to your list of Vietnamese snail dishes. Briefly blanch sweet snails with salt for approximately 5 minutes after cleaning them, then remove and drain. Heat a pan with cooking oil, sauté minced shallots, and minced garlic until fragrant. Add tamarind juice, salt, and sugar. Stir until the tamarind sauce comes to a boil. Add the snails with a few slices of chili and continue to stir-fry. Finally, add some Vietnamese coriander and your dish is complete. You can enjoy your snails in tamarind sauce with either fish sauce or salt and pepper.

Sweet snails stir-fried with tamarind

Among Vietnamese snail dishes, sweet snails stir-fried with tamarind shine with their perfect balance of flavors (Source: Collected)

1.9. Grease snails stir-fried with garlic and chili (oc mo xao toi ot)

The combination of aromatic garlic and fiery chili makes this snail dish a favorite for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Grease snails are first cleaned and boiled for 2 minutes over high heat before being removed. Heat a pan over medium heat. Once it is hot, add unsalted butter, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar and simmer until the sauce comes to a boil and thickens slightly. Add the snails with minced garlic to the pan. Finally, stir well and cook for about 2 minutes to allow the snails to absorb the flavors and the garlic to become fragrant. 

Grease snails stir-fried with garlic and chili

Oc mo xao toi ot is a slightly spicy delight that combines the richness of grease snails with the aromatic kick of garlic and chili (Source: Collected)

1.10. Snail spring rolls (nem oc) – among the top Vietnamese snail dishes

Nem oc is a delightful creation where tender snails are wrapped in rice paper alongside fresh herbs and vegetables. The filling includes snail meat, ground pork, chopped pig’s ear, wood ear mushrooms, glass noodles, mung bean sprouts, carrots, minced shallots, finely chopped betel leaves, minced lemongrass, seasoning powder, black pepper, scallion oil, eggs, and cornstarch or tapioca starch. Allow the mixture to marinate for about 5 minutes.

Next, you will use rice paper sheets to make the rolls with betel leaves. Brush a bit of egg whites along the edge to seal the roll. Once you have finished rolling, refrigerate the rolls for about 20-30 minutes to firm up their shape, which makes them crispier when fried. Heat a deep-frying pan and add a few drops of lime juice to keep the rolls crispy and prevent them from turning dark when frying.

Snail spring rolls combine the flavors of tender snail meat, fresh herbs, and crispy rice paper

Snail spring rolls combine the flavors of tender snail meat, fresh herbs, and crispy rice paper (Source: Collected)

>>> More on: Vietnamese street food: 15 good-tasting dishes that can be hardly ignored

2. Guide to exploring the best flavor of Vietnamese snail dishes

Travelers will easily come across numerous snail eateries along the bustling food streets of Vietnam. To fully savor the rich flavors of Vietnamese snail dishes, it is essential to understand the menu and what complements each dish best. If you are not familiar with the menu, feel free to ask the staff for clarification. You can inquire about the type of the snail (whether it is from freshwater or the sea), its size (large or small), and its texture (chewy or tender). This way, you will get a better understanding of the snail dishes available and make a more informed choice to suit your preferences. In addition, before choosing a Vietnamese snail restaurant, you should check reviews and get some recommendations from the locals.

>>> Read more: Restaurants in Vietnam: TOP 32+ recommendations for various choices

When it comes to experiencing the vibrant culinary scene of Vietnam, you are in for a gastronomic adventure like no other. Don’t forget to add Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, etc. to your Vietnam travel itinerary to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine to the fullest.

Additionally, for a fun-filled day in these destinations, be sure to check out the entertainment complexes of VinWonders, namely VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc. VinWonders offers a range of thrilling experiences for the whole family, with amusement parks, water parks, and even aquariums. They will certainly add an extra layer of excitement to your trip in Vietnam.

VinWonders Phu Quoc

VinWonders is a well-known chain of entertainment complexes in Vietnam

VinWonders is a well-known chain of entertainment complexes in Vietnam

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Parki for a thrilling experience!

Exploring the world of Vietnamese snail dishes is a culinary journey that promises a symphony of flavors and textures. These top 10 picks offer a glimpse into the rich cuisine of Vietnam, showcasing the country’s passion for bold and creative flavors. With every bite, you will discover the heart and soul of Vietnamese cuisine, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation.

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