Buzz
Con Dao is not just an alluring, untouched tourist spot with captivating spiritual locations – it also draws many visitors because of the 'nipple snail,' known for its distinctive taste and rich nutritional value.
The unique shape of the nipple snail
The nipple snail is known to be quite selective about its habitat, as it can only be found in a few pristine coastal regions such as Con Dao, Cu Lao Cham, and the Đại Lãnh area at the foot of the Co Ma Pass... However, marine experts believe that Con Dao's waters are particularly ideal for the growth and development of this species.
At first glance, the Con Dao nipple snail may appear odd with its rough, gray or black exterior, but its underside gleams with a stunning rainbow-like iridescence, creating a mesmerizing sight.
In Con Dao's waters, the nipple snail is most commonly seen during the full moon, especially around mid-month. During these nights, as the tide recedes, the snails reveal themselves, tightly clinging to large and small rocks beneath the ocean's surface... it's truly a captivating view.
However, catching this type of snail is no easy feat. Often, fishermen must dive into the water and use a sharp knife to carefully separate each snail from the rocks to retrieve the fresh, whole snails.
From the freshly harvested nipple snails, the people of Con Dao can prepare a variety of dishes, ranging from simple to gourmet, catering to a wide range of tastes.
The boiled nipple snail preserves the pure, delicious flavor straight from the ocean
While not a complicated dish to prepare, boiled nipple snails are particularly popular because this cooking method preserves the sweet, rich ocean flavor of the snails. Boiled just right and served with a dip of salt, pepper, lime, and chili, it’s a dish that delights with its crisp texture and delicious aroma, making it perfect for wrapping in fresh herbs.
In addition to the boiled nipple snails, the snail salad (Gỏi ốc vú nàng) is also a favorite dish that many people in Con Dao enjoy.
For this dish, the snail meat is carefully cleaned and boiled until just tender. It is then separated from the shell and sliced thinly along the length of the snail. The meat is mixed with thinly sliced pork skin, thin cuts of pork belly, a touch of coriander, cucumber, basil, peanuts, lime, and chili, then tossed together and served. Nipple snail salad is often eaten with grilled rice paper and dipped in a ginger fish sauce, offering a sweet and vibrant flavor from the fresh ingredients, leaving diners full yet still craving more.
Savor the delicious grilled nipple snails
In addition to the dishes mentioned, the grilled nipple snails, with their tantalizing aroma, are a must-try delicacy that should not be missed. For this dish, the snails are left in their shells and grilled over hot coals. When the snail meat turns golden and releases a mouthwatering fragrance, it is perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed hot, allowing you to savor its full flavor.
Packed with the essence of Con Dao’s sea, the nipple snail is a dish you shouldn't miss when visiting this beautiful island. To prepare for your journey from afar, don't forget to contact the helpline 1900 2083, where the professional and dedicated team at Mytour will promptly provide the necessary information to help you secure the best-priced flight tickets to Con Dao, ensuring a smooth and budget-friendly travel experience.
T.Hai, 31st July 2023, 3:39 PM
