Buzz
My friend from afar, seeking something unique and delicious in TP.HCM, was taken aback when I suggested dining on snails for lunch. They couldn't fathom having snails for lunch, but their surprise turned into delight as they relished the flavors of buttery snails, accompanied by crispy baguettes and refreshing sugarcane juice.
In TP.HCM, snail vendors seem to be second only to cafes. Snail joints are ubiquitous, ranging from grand establishments accommodating hundreds of patrons to small tables offering a variety of snails and shared bottles of beer in remote areas. Unlike before when snails were only available in the late evening for revelers, snail joints now open as early as 11 am.
When my friend from out of town invited me to lunch in TP.HCM and asked for something unusual and delicious, I suggested snails. They were surprised by the idea of having snails for lunch, but they thoroughly enjoyed it. A warm, crusty baguette dipped in butter or tamarind sauce, paired with a bowl of savory snails and two glasses of sweet sugarcane juice, made for a satisfying meal.
While the term 'snail dining' might suggest a limited menu, TP.HCM offers more than just snails. Seafood delights such as crabs, prawns, crabs, mussels, and oysters are also available. Unlike Hanoi where snail dining usually involves boiled or steamed snails with a side of snail broth, TP.HCM boasts a variety of creative options, from spicy chili and butter sautéed snails to tamarind-infused stir-fries, sautéed with saffron or morning glory. With such a wide range of choices, patrons are bound to be mesmerized and develop a habit of frequently indulging in snail dining with friends.
Nowadays, snail dining isn't just about snails; it encompasses a plethora of seafood options creatively prepared to tantalize patrons' taste buds. Whether it's a casual outing or a regular dining experience, the allure of snail dining in TP.HCM is undeniable, beckoning friends to gather and savor the flavors of the sea.
Back in the day, snails used to be quite affordable. I still remember when I first arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, my colleague, a connoisseur of evening eateries, often invited me to Ben Chuong Duong for grilled snails dipped in a delicious sauce mixed with milk. Then later, another snail restaurant near Thi Nghe Market specialized in succulent grilled snails with scallion oil emerged, becoming immensely popular. As snails gained widespread appreciation, their prices started soaring. Nowadays, dining on snails can be considered quite expensive. But can we really blame the rising prices when snails are being depleted to satisfy one of humanity's four pleasures? Snails big or small, they're all being overexploited to serve one of mankind's cravings.
One day, I had some free time to ponder: 'I wonder how many tons of snails Ho Chi Minh City consumes in a day?'. It's a question worth asking, but I doubt anyone has ever compiled the data because every day sees the opening of new snail eateries, captivating and addicting more people to this culinary delight. Hence, it's difficult to gauge how many tons of snails are caught daily from various places to supply Ho Chi Minh City. Furthermore, I can't even begin to enumerate the varieties of snails. Each day, Ho Chi Minh City introduces new snail species, and despite my efforts, I can't possibly remember them all due to their sheer abundance. Some snail varieties that were once scorned are now considered rare delicacies and are being sold enthusiastically everywhere.
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Source: Travel guide Mytour – By: Ngoisao.net
MytourAugust 19, 2013
