Explore the flavors of Phu Yen with the legendary dish of blood cockles from O Loan estuary.

Venturing into Phu Yen, two must-try delicacies stand out: the mighty ocean tuna eye and the blood cockles from O Loan estuary. Among them, the blood cockles here are unparalleled.

Embark on a culinary journey in Phu Yen with the iconic blood cockles from O Loan estuary.

The O Loan estuary, situated in Tuy An district, Phu Yen province, boasts a diverse array of aquatic treasures, from shrimp, crab, fish, stingray, jellyfish, to oysters... but what truly sets it apart is the blood cockles. Blood cockles from O Loan estuary are known for their thick, sweet, and flavorful meat. The reputation of this dish not only encapsulates Phu Yen, but also draws in tourists from other provinces and abroad to sample these delicacies.

Blood cockles from O Loan estuary are much larger compared to elsewhere, available year-round, and easily caught. Locals often prepare them in various ways such as grilled with scallion oil, grilled with tamarind sauce, stir-fried, salt and chili roasted, or served with tamarind sauce and Vietnamese coriander, or cooked in porridge...

To fully savor the renowned flavor of this dish, you must seek out the right place to purchase the blood cockles. When freshly caught, they are cleaned meticulously to remove any sand or impurities from the shells. Depending on the dish, proper cooking methods are employed, but many locals in Phu Yen often opt for the salt and chili roasted method to retain the integrity of the cockles while infusing them with a rich and savory taste.

Heat a skillet with chili salt over the stove, add about 20-30 cockles to roast. Stir continuously until the salt dries up, sticking to the blood cockles and they start opening their shells. At this point, the cook simply needs to transfer the skillet, place the cockles onto a plate, and serve.

You can enjoy this dish at roadside stalls in Phu Yen province or head north to O Loan estuary, where An Hai culinary area offers various floating restaurants. The price for a plate of blood cockles ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 Vietnamese dong.

Alternatively, you can try fishing for cockles with local fishermen at the estuary during the nightfall. Blood cockles can be caught and grilled right on the boat. During this time, you can indulge in the cockles, engage in conversations, and admire the serene scenery, making it a truly delightful experience.

According to Vnexpress

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide