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Travelers visiting Hoi An should not miss the chance to explore the exceptional culinary culture of this region, where pearl oysters are considered one of the famous specialties that they should enjoy.
Pearl oysters: Hoi An's signature delicacy
When traveling to Hoi An, besides sightseeing and exploring the beautiful landscapes, spending time enjoying the unique specialties of Hoi An will bring truly fascinating experiences. Hoi An boasts many enticing specialties, but perhaps the most delicious and unforgettable for travelers is pearl oysters, also known as sea clams.
At first glance, pearl oysters may resemble blood cockles, but their shells are smooth, without stripes, and shiny with patterns resembling the letter chi. In the Central region, pearl oysters often abound in the early days of summer. While oysters are a common seafood in coastal provinces, what sets apart Hoi An pearl oysters from others? The special thing about Hoi An's delicious cuisine attracts many tourists to savor the unique taste of pearl oyster meat here.
The meat of pearl oysters here has a sweet, chewy, and fragrant taste, making it versatile in cooking styles, and any cooking method becomes a favorite dish.
Pearl oysters are caught and brought ashore, where fishermen select the largest, freshest ones to sell to intermediaries (restaurants, hotels in Hoi An, etc.). Therefore, to fully enjoy the fresh and delicious taste of pearl oysters, tourists should visit the coastal seafood market to buy fresh oysters and ask the locals to help with the cooking. Sitting by the seaside, feeling the cool sea breeze, enjoying the crisp sweetness of pearl oysters along with the salty taste of the sea will be extremely exciting experiences for you on your trip.
Delicious dishes made from pearl oysters that you should try
Razor clams are a renowned specialty of Hoi An, prepared in various ways, but only a few dishes truly capture their flavor.
For coastal residents of Hoi An, razor clam porridge is a must-have dish on scorching summer days in this culinary paradise. The unique preparation involves cleaning and roasting rice before simmering it to perfection.
Steamed razor clams, sautéed with aromatic onions, then added to a boiling porridge pot, create a dish that satisfies all senses of travelers in Hoi An.
Boiled razor clams are equally impressive as porridge. Simply boiling the clams in water with crushed lemongrass, fresh chili, and a pinch of salt creates a delightful dish often served with crispy rice paper.
Among the favorites for tourists is the delectable grilled razor clam dish. While not difficult to prepare, it demands patience. Freshly caught clams are cleaned, placed on a grill over glowing charcoal. They must be carefully grilled to perfection, avoiding overly intense flames. When clam juice drips onto the charcoal and the aroma rises, the clams are ready. To enjoy this dish, diners blow and peel the shell, squeeze a little lime, dip in salt and pepper, then sip the broth from the clam's body.
An afternoon at Hoi An beach, after moments of relaxation and joyful play, offers the delightful experience of savoring fragrant grilled or boiled clams... what could be more enjoyable?
If you have the opportunity to visit this land, don't miss the chance to enjoy this enticing specialty of Hoi An.
See more:
- Travel guide to Hoi An
- Delicious specialties from Hoi An's mackerel
