When I first heard about snails as a street food in Vietnam, I was a bit skeptical. I mean, how good can they be? They are slimy, chewy, and hard to eat. But then I decided to give them a try, and boy, was I wrong. Snails are not only delicious, but also diverse, fun, and addictive. In this blog post, I will share with you my experience of eating snails in Vietnam, and recommend you 5 amazing snail restaurants that even Michelin approves.
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Why Snails?
You might wonder why snails are so popular in Vietnam. Well, there are many reasons. First of all, snails are cheap and abundant. You can find them in markets, rivers, ponds, and even gardens. They are also easy to cook and store. You can boil them, grill them, steam them, or stir-fry them, and they will last for a long time. Snails are also nutritious and healthy. They are rich in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12. They can help lower blood pressure, improve digestion, and boost immunity.
But the most important reason why snails are loved in Vietnam is because they are tasty and fun. Snails have a mild and sweet flavor that can be enhanced by different sauces and herbs. You can enjoy them with butter, cheese, coconut, tamarind, chili, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and more. Snails are also fun to eat. You can use a toothpick, a fork, or your fingers to pick out the meat from the shells. You can also suck the juice from the shells, which is very satisfying. Eating snails is a social activity in Vietnam. You can share them with your friends and family, chat, laugh, and drink beer. It is a great way to relax and enjoy life.
Where to Eat Snails Food in Vietnam?
Snails food are everywhere in Vietnam. You can find them in street stalls, markets, cafes, and restaurants. But if you want to have the best snail experience, you should visit these 5 snail restaurants that Michelin recommends. They are not only famous for their quality and variety, but also for their atmosphere and service.
1. Oc Di Tu
Oc Di Tu is a snail restaurant in Hanoi, the capital and cultural center of Vietnam. Oc Di Tu is located in Quan Thanh Street, near the West Lake. Oc Di Tu mainly focuses on dishes made from various types of sea and freshwater snails in Vietnam, such as apple snails, moon snails, or tiger snails. According to Michelin inspectors, the snail dish cooked with green onions and fried garlic is one of the dishes that you should not miss when you come here. Besides snails, the restaurant also serves other seafood, such as shrimp, squid, or clams. The prices vary depending on the weight and size of the dish.
Address: Quan Thanh, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
2. Ba Co Loc Coc
Ba Co Loc Coc is a small and cozy snails food restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, the largest and most dynamic city in Vietnam. Ba Co Loc Coc is located in Khanh Hoi Street, in District 4. Ba Co Loc Coc offers a variety of snails and seafood, cooked with different sauces and herbs. You can choose from butter, cheese, coconut, tamarind, or chili. My favorite dish is the grilled snails with salt and chili, which are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The prices are affordable, from 15,000 to 70,000 VND (0.6 to 3 USD) per dish. The restaurant is open from 3 pm to 10 pm, and often crowded with locals and tourists.
Address: Khanh Hoi, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
3. Oc Vi Sai Gon
Oc Vi Sai Gon is another snail restaurant in Hanoi, located in Gia Ngu Street, near the Hoan Kiem Lake. Oc Vi Sai Gon serves a wide range of snails and seafood, such as clams, mussels, crabs, and shrimps. The dishes are cooked with traditional Vietnamese spices, such as lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and chili. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, from 20,000 to 100,000 VND (0.9 to 4.3 USD) per dish. The restaurant is spacious, clean, and lively, with a friendly and attentive staff.
Address: Gia Ngu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
4. Oc Dao
Oc Dao is a chain of snail restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, with several branches in different districts. Oc Dao serves a wide range of snails and seafood, such as lobster, crab, and abalone. The dishes are cooked with creative and delicious sauces, such as cheese, curry, or garlic. The most famous dish is the grilled snails with cheese, which are rich and creamy. The prices are moderate, from 50,000 to 300,000 VND (2.2 to 13 USD) per dish. The restaurant is large and modern, with a nice view of the city.
Address: Nguyen Trai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (and other branches)
5. Tanh Tach
Tanh Tach is a snails food restaurant in Hanoi, Vietnam, located in a French-style villa in Yet Kieu Street. Tanh Tach has a European flair and is run by chef Bernard Nguyen, who used to work in Australia. Besides the usual snails and seafood in Vietnam, Tanh Tach also combines them with Western ingredients and cooking methods. The fried rice with tom yum sauce is one of the impressive dishes of the restaurant.
Address: Yet Kieu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
Conclusion
Snails are a must-try dish for anyone who wants to explore the diverse and delicious cuisine of Vietnam. Whether you prefer them grilled, boiled, steamed, or stir-fried, you can find a snail restaurant that suits your taste and budget in any city. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil shores of Hoi An, these 5 Vietnamese snail restaurants recommended by Michelin will give you an unforgettable experience of this unique and tasty delicacy. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your toothpick, your beer, and your appetite, and join me in this snail adventure. Trust me, you will love it.
