{"id":7311,"date":"2023-05-28T17:01:54","date_gmt":"2023-05-28T10:01:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/?p=7311"},"modified":"2023-08-17T16:30:21","modified_gmt":"2023-08-17T09:30:21","slug":"strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/","title":{"rendered":"Strange Vietnam Street Food: Saigon&#8217;s Most Exotic Dishes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saigon is renowned for its amazing street food culture. Comprising some of the most delectable dishes from all parts of Vietnam, its reputation for having some of the most exotic and weirdest street foods in the world are well earned. However, keep in mind that strangeness doesn\u2019t always equate to disgusting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re an adventurous eater\u00a0<\/span>wanting to know about some of the weird foods in Vietnam on offer,\u00a0then read on! This article will provide an introductory guide to exotic Vietnamese food and what to expect from some of the strangest <a href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/street-food-culture-in-saigon\/\">street food in Saigon<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#_Table_of_Contents\" >&nbsp;Table of Contents:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#_Congealed_Blood_Huyet\" >\u00a0&nbsp;Congealed Blood (Huyet)\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#What_does_congealed_blood_taste_like\" >What does congealed blood taste like?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#_BalutFertilized_Duck_Egg_Hot_Vit_Lon\" >&nbsp;Balut\/Fertilized Duck Egg (Hot Vit Lon)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#Hot_vit_dua\" >Hot vit dua\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#Hot_vit_lon\" >Hot vit lon<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#What_does_balut_taste_like\" >What does balut taste like?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#_Intestine_and_Organ_Stew_Pha_Lau\" >&nbsp;Intestine and Organ Stew (Pha Lau)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#What_does_Pha_Lau_taste_like\" >What does Pha Lau taste like?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#_Nails_Snails_Oc_Mong_Tay\" >&nbsp;Nails Snails (Oc Mong Tay)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#What_do_snails_taste_like\" >What do snails taste like?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#_Grilled_Scorpions_Bo_Cap_Nuong\" >&nbsp;Grilled Scorpions (Bo Cap Nuong)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#What_does_scorpion_taste_like\" >What does scorpion taste like?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#_Frog_Porridge_Chao_Ech\" >&nbsp;Frog Porridge (Chao Ech)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#What_does_frog_taste_like\" >What does frog taste like?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#_Fried_Crickets_De_Chien\" >&nbsp;Fried Crickets (De Chien)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#What_do_crickets_taste_like\" >What do crickets taste like?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#_Crab_Soup_Sup_Cua\" >&nbsp;Crab Soup (Sup Cua)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#What_does_crab_soup_taste_like\" >What does crab soup taste like?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#_Coconut_Worms_Duong_Dua\" >&nbsp;Coconut Worms (Duong Dua)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/strange-vietnam-street-food-saigons-most-exotic-dishes\/#What_do_coconut_worms_taste_like\" >What do coconut worms taste like?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Table_of_Contents\"><\/span><span id=\"con\">&nbsp;<\/span>Table of Contents:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>(Please click on the links below to jump directly to the topic you want to explore)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#cong\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Congealed Blood (Huyet)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#bal\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Balut\/Fertilized Duck Egg (Hot Vit Lon)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#int\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Intestine and Organ Stew (Pha Lau)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#nai\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Nails Snails (Oc Mong Tay)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#gri\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Grilled Scorpions (Bo Cap Nuong)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#frog\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Frog Porridge (Chao Ech)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#fried\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Fried Crickets (De Chien)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#crab\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Crab Soup (Sup Cua)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#coco\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Coconut Worms (Duong Dua)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Congealed_Blood_Huyet\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<span id=\"cong\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congealed Blood (Huyet)\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7329\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7329\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7329 \" title=\"Congealed blood dish\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image7.png\" alt=\"Congealed blood in Vietnam\" width=\"650\" height=\"434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image7.png 640w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image7-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image7-630x420.png 630w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7329\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(Source: i.pinimg.com) Not actually a dish by itself, congealed blood is a common and well-loved addition to some delicious Vietnamese noodle soups. The thought of it is actually way worse than the taste.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congealed blood isn\u2019t actually food you would eat by itself or find at a Saigon street food stall, but it is a common ingredient in cooking. This weird food is actually not strange to local palates and is found in many iconic Vietnamese dishes such as Bun Bo Hue, Bun Rieu, and rice porridge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cubes of congealed blood soak up the rich flavors of the dish and take on a whole new flavor. Usually made from pig or chicken blood, this jelly-like substance is simply a Vietnamese version of blood sausage or black pudding.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Note:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Don\u2019t confuse this food with \u2018Tiet Canh\u2019 which is a dish made from raw blood and spices and more common in northern Vietnam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_congealed_blood_taste_like\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does congealed blood taste like?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congealed blood is usually soft and sometimes a little chewy but its texture can vary depending on the dish it is in and how it has been cooked. Without the added flavors of the dish, it\u2019s actually pretty bland, which is why it is not typically consumed by itself. This is one of those foods that sounds way worse to the ear than it actually tastes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#con\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[BACK TO CONTENT]<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_BalutFertilized_Duck_Egg_Hot_Vit_Lon\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span id=\"bal\">&nbsp;<\/span>Balut\/Fertilized Duck Egg (Hot Vit Lon)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QSyDm8AgByM\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balut is a simply a boiled egg &#8211; albeit fertilized and contains a developing baby duck at some stage. It\u2019s safe to say it\u2019s one of the more shocking foods in Vietnam and trying to convince most foreigners to give it a try is often a challenge.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The infamous balut, known by its common Filipino and English name, is a seriously strange Vietnamese food but one which every visitor should be encouraged to try. Sometimes referred to as a half-hatched egg, this unassuming snack is far from your standard boiled egg and contains a young duck in its early stages of development. With its associated yolk sack, it is high in calcium, protein and an extremely nutritious snack for Vietnamese. Balut is sold from small stands or carts on the streets of Saigon.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balut, or &#8220;Hot Vit Lon&#8221; in Vietnamese, is also found in other places and is often considered the epitome of strange Southeast Asian street food. Luckily there are a few options and stages of development that can make your Vietnamese balut experience a little bit easier to digest:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hot_vit_dua\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hot vit dua\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Very early stage with no signs of meat. Inside the egg, the contents are soft and dark yellow, with a rich buttery taste.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hot_vit_lon\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hot vit lon <\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>This stage represents the later stages of development and can vary in consistency and texture. It will have young meat but less yolk, and it contains a hard calcium deposit that can also be eaten<\/p>\n<p><b>Note: Early feathers, bones and even beaks are sometimes found in a balut but are soft and still edible.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_balut_taste_like\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does balut taste like?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those who consume meat and eggs regularly, the flavor of the balut is far from offensive. Vietnamese balut eggs are a blend of a subtle and undefined meaty taste combined with a strong yolky flavor. The exact stage of development can sometimes be a gamble even if you request the vendor for a &#8220;younger&#8221; egg. As the egg develops further, the taste becomes richer. Balut in Saigon is eaten with kumquat juice, salt, pepper and laksa leaves<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#con\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[BACK TO CONTENT]<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Intestine_and_Organ_Stew_Pha_Lau\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span id=\"int\">&nbsp;<\/span>Intestine and Organ Stew (Pha Lau)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7325\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7325\" style=\"width: 651px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7325 \" title=\"Vietnamese organ stew\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image3.png\" alt=\"Pha lau organ stew\" width=\"651\" height=\"404\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image3.png 1000w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image3-300x186.png 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image3-768x476.png 768w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image3-356x220.png 356w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image3-696x432.png 696w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image3-677x420.png 677w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 651px) 100vw, 651px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7325\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(Source: vnexpress.net) Pha lau is a rich and hearty stew made from stewing intestines and organs in a curry and coconut water soup base. It\u2019s one of the tastier dishes from all the odd food in Saigon.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intestine and organ stew is often referred to, even by English speakers in Vietnam, by the more appetizing name of &#8220;Pha Lau&#8221;. It comes in two varieties: one is made from stewed beef organs (pha lau bo) and the other and more common variety is made from pork (pha lau long heo).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key to success in preparing this dish lies in careful portioning and cleaning of the stomach, intestines, heart, kidney, lungs and in the case of pork, the ears as well! These organs are then stewed for hours in a broth made from coconut water, curry powder and a variety of spices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pha Lau&#8221; is a Saigon street food specialty and its fragrant aromas make it irresistible to hungry locals. It can be served with rice or noodles but is most commonly accompanied by crispy bread (banh mi) which helps to soak up the stew. Like with many other famous Vietnamese dishes it\u2019s served with a side of kumquat and chili fish sauce to dip the meat in.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_Pha_Lau_taste_like\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does Pha Lau taste like?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As with many strange and exotic foods, the experience of eating intestine and organ stew is often much better than it may sound initially. Once you can overcome the thought of consuming organs, you are rewarded with tender, chewy, and sometimes crispy slices of meat. The stew itself is rich and possesses a unique flavor that sets it apart from other Vietnamese dishes. Don&#8217;t let the initial hesitation deter you from trying this intriguing and flavorful specialty.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#con\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[BACK TO CONTENT]<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Nails_Snails_Oc_Mong_Tay\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span id=\"nai\">&nbsp;<\/span>Nails Snails (Oc Mong Tay)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7324\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7324\" style=\"width: 655px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7324 \" title=\"Vietnamese nails snails \" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image2.png\" alt=\"Snails in Saigon\" width=\"655\" height=\"436\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image2.png 650w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image2-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image2-630x420.png 630w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 655px) 100vw, 655px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7324\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(Source: discover-halong.com) There\u2019s nothing quite like eating snails and quaffing beer in Saigon.\u00a0 However, there are dozens of strange varieties and different ways to cook them. These nail snails are one of the more bizarre ones available.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you visit Saigon and don\u2019t spend an evening eating snails and drinking beer, can you truly say you&#8217;ve experienced the city? Eating snails is as synonymous with visiting Saigon as iced coffee and is one of the most <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/unique-dining-experiences-in-ho-chi-min-city\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">unique dining experiences in Saigon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you shouldn&#8217;t miss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Saigon, you&#8217;ll find numerous common types of snails, but none are as peculiar (yet elegant) as the long and slender fingernail snails, also known as nail snails. These particular snails are exclusive to coastal areas and reside along muddy shorelines, only emerging during high tide. They are larger than other snails, making them easier to eat, and they are highly nutritious.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Once the snails are thoroughly cleaned to remove any sand or grit, they are prepared by grilling, steaming, or stir-frying. Nail snails are often cooked with other common ingredients like tamarind, water spinach, garlic, or lemongrass, which helps diversify the texture of the dish they are served in.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_snails_taste_like\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What do snails taste like?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When nail snails are cooked properly, they should maintain their softness and chewiness. However, it&#8217;s important not to be put off by the peculiar smell they may emit. The meat of nail snails has a slight sweetness, but it is quite subtle, often overpowered by the flavors of the accompanying ingredients used in cooking. Vietnamese coriander, salt, kumquat juice, black pepper, and fish sauce are common condiments found in Saigon snail restaurants, allowing diners to personalize the taste according to their preferences.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#con\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[BACK TO CONTENT]<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Grilled_Scorpions_Bo_Cap_Nuong\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span id=\"gri\">&nbsp;<\/span>Grilled Scorpions (Bo Cap Nuong)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7331\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7331\" style=\"width: 651px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7331 \" title=\"Grilled skewered scorpions\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image9.png\" alt=\"Grilled scorpions Vietnam\" width=\"651\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image9.png 640w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image9-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image9-631x420.png 631w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 651px) 100vw, 651px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7331\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(Source: blueskypest.com) Scorpions are an old Southeast Asian favorite and a walk in the park for adventurous eaters in Vietnam. They\u2019re super crunchy and tangy but don\u2019t actually have a lot of meat on them which ensures they remain moreish.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sight of a tray load of skewered and grilled scorpions is enough to make some travelers shriek in horror and run away. For others, it stirs their curiosity and represents a challenge to normal and mundane eating habits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the past when meat was more of a delicacy and high protein foods were scarce, insects and arachnids would have been more commonly consumed. Nowadays, scorpions are no longer a typical Vietnamese food, and it&#8217;s safe to say that most people haven&#8217;t tried them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite being incredibly nutritious, you\u2019re definitely not going to find these little stingers served up at your regular eatery. However, there are specialized street stalls and restaurants scattered throughout Saigon that offer them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main variety of scorpions you&#8217;ll encounter in a dish is a type of giant forest scorpion which is large, black and not lethal for humans. While they are rare in cities they can be found sometimes in horrified abundancy in rural areas of Vietnam. Scorpions can be cooked in several different ways but grilling is the most common method.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_scorpion_taste_like\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does scorpion taste like?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Grilled scorpion has a mild and subtle barbequed flavor with a hint of nuttiness. Due to their limited amount of meat, they may lack flavor on their own. To enhance the taste, salts, spices, and sauces are often provided at the table for seasoning. The texture of scorpions is incredibly crunchy, which sets them apart from most other foods you may have tried before. It&#8217;s a unique culinary experience that can be quite different from the usual fare.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#con\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[BACK TO CONTENT]<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Frog_Porridge_Chao_Ech\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span id=\"frog\">&nbsp;<\/span>Frog Porridge (Chao Ech)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7323\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7323\" style=\"width: 651px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7323 \" title=\"Frog porridge\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image1.png\" alt=\"Singapore frog porridge in Vietnam\" width=\"651\" height=\"420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image1.png 620w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image1-300x194.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 651px) 100vw, 651px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7323\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(Source: huongnghiepaau.com) Frog has always been popular meat in Vietnam but the people here have become fond of the Singaporean way of cooking it. Without the rich sauce and tender frogs, the porridge part of the dish remains pretty bland but it\u2019s great in combination!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While frog meat may be the least exotic food on this list, it can still be considered strange for many foreigners. It may not cause someone to recoil in horror, but it can turn them off in a more subtle way.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rice porridge, known as &#8220;chao&#8221; or congee, is a common dish eaten at any time of the day. It involves cooking rice with more water than usual until it becomes a thick, soupy consistency. It is often consumed by those who are sick, young, or elderly due to its easy-to-digest nature. However, it can be relatively plain in taste.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chao ech Singapore has become a popular Vietnamese street food but can also be found at some dedicated restaurants in Saigon. In this dish, the frog meat is marinated in a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, onions, and cinnamon wine. It is then cooked and served in a clay pot separately from the rice.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_frog_taste_like\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does frog taste like?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frog meat, when eaten on its own or with minimal flavoring, has a taste somewhat similar to chicken, but with a unique and exceptional quality. While there are similarities, well-cooked frog meat remains soft and tender, akin to fish, rather than being stringy and greasy like chicken can sometimes be.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If frogs weren\u2019t so small and fiddly to eat they\u2019d probably be much more popular around the world. The sauce used in chao ech Singapore has a very strong Chinese-style flavor that is so delicious you&#8217;ll find yourself scraping every last drop from the pot.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#con\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[BACK TO CONTENT]<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Fried_Crickets_De_Chien\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span id=\"fried\">&nbsp;<\/span>Fried Crickets (De Chien)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7317\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7317\" style=\"width: 651px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7317 \" title=\"Fried crickets \" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1024px-Fried_grasshoppers_in_Bangkok-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Fried crickets in Vietnam\" width=\"651\" height=\"488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1024px-Fried_grasshoppers_in_Bangkok.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1024px-Fried_grasshoppers_in_Bangkok-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1024px-Fried_grasshoppers_in_Bangkok-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1024px-Fried_grasshoppers_in_Bangkok-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1024px-Fried_grasshoppers_in_Bangkok-265x198.jpg 265w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1024px-Fried_grasshoppers_in_Bangkok-696x522.jpg 696w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1024px-Fried_grasshoppers_in_Bangkok-560x420.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 651px) 100vw, 651px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7317\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(Source: planetforward.org) Crickets are a rare sight on Saigon\u2019s street scene, however, they can be found. They\u2019re a light, crispy and healthy snack whose popularity is rising with the demand for bugs as food in Vietnam and around the world.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Crickets and other insects have traditionally been a common part of the diet in rural areas throughout Southeast Asia, although their consumption has become less prevalent in recent times. Typically, they are seasoned and fried just before being eaten. Despite their small size and amount of meat, they are rich in healthy proteins, fats, and vitamins.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crickets currently remain in the shadows in the amazing Vietnamese street food scene. However, their nutritional benefits, the enviro-friendly farming practices, and the growing interest in unique Vietnamese cuisine among foreigners are starting to generate curiosity and demand for these peculiar foods. As awareness spreads about the benefits of consuming insects, it&#8217;s possible that crickets and other edible insects may gain more recognition and popularity in Vietnam&#8217;s culinary landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_crickets_taste_like\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What do crickets taste like?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crickets are super crunchy with a little salty tang to them. Many diners compare the experience of eating crickets to munching on exceptionally light and crispy potato chips. However, despite their unique characteristics, it may take some time and convincing for crickets and other edible insects to become mainstream in culinary preferences. As people become more open to exploring diverse and sustainable food options, there is potential for crickets to gain wider acceptance and appreciation in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#con\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[BACK TO CONTENT]<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Crab_Soup_Sup_Cua\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span id=\"crab\">&nbsp;<\/span>Crab Soup (Sup Cua)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7327\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7327\" style=\"width: 652px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7327 \" title=\"Crab soup\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image5.png\" alt=\"Vietnamese crab soup\" width=\"652\" height=\"366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image5.png 600w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image5-300x169.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7327\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(Souce: nghebep.com) This one is not so weird but it&#8217;s still what you could call exotic! Vietnamese crab soup is full of healthy and tasty ingredients yet it\u2019s the gluggy and mucus-like texture that turns some off.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crab soup is no doubt a truly exotic dish for the majority of tourists and travelers However, it is extremely common and popular as a street food in Saigon. It is often enjoyed for breakfast, dinner, or as a convenient and affordable snack to take away in a cup.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The soup typically consists of a filling chicken-based broth with ingredients such as shredded crab, mushrooms, shredded egg, or tofu. To achieve a thick consistency resembling a gravy, corn or tapioca starch is used as a thickening agent. Additional flavors are added through the inclusion of small quail eggs, soy sauce, and cilantro, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_crab_soup_taste_like\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does crab soup taste like?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The flavor of crab soup can be subjective, and while it may not appeal to everyone, it is generally considered to be inoffensive. The subtle taste of crab pairs well with the soy sauce, eggs, and broth, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. However, it&#8217;s the texture of the soup, which some describe as mucus-like, that often deters people from fully embracing this exotic Asian dish. If you can overcome the first impression of that texture, you may find that the flavors and overall experience of the crab soup are enjoyable.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#con\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[BACK TO CONTENT]<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Coconut_Worms_Duong_Dua\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span id=\"coco\">&nbsp;<\/span>Coconut Worms (Duong Dua)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7326\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7326\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7326 \" title=\"Live coconut worms\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image4-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Vietnamese coconut worms\" width=\"650\" height=\"366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image4-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image4-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image4-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image4-696x392.png 696w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image4-1068x601.png 1068w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image4-747x420.png 747w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image4.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7326\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(Source: pinterest.fr) These plump little cuties are not what everyone has in mind for an appetizer. Coconut worms can be cooked and eaten in several ways except it\u2019s the live version &#8211; yes, eating them alive &#8211; which has become the more well-known way.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b>PLEASE NOTE: While you may see coconut worms in Saigon or see people eating them in videos, their consumption is actually illegal. XO Tours do not endorse nor recommend eating coconut worms.\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These little slimy critters are one of the more peculiar Vietnamese foods out there and no list of exotic food in Saigon would be complete without it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The humble Vietnamese coconut worm lives and breeds in coconut palm plantations and feed on essential parts of the trees, which can result in significant damage and even death to the plants. Consequently, the consumption of coconut worms and promoting their proliferation is prohibited.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although illegal, coconut worms can still be found at many street stalls and rice vendors in Saigon. They can be cooked in several different ways but more commonly found fried, steamed or, for the more adventurous, consumed alive! The worms, still wriggling usually, are simply immersed in a spicy fish sauce and swallowed after a little chewing. Adventurous eating in Saigon at it\u2019s finest!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_coconut_worms_taste_like\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What do coconut worms taste like?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When eaten raw, the coconut worm taste is overwhelming nutty in flavor and has a soft and fatty texture. Some eaters have described them as &#8220;little pods of peanut butter&#8221;! When fried, however, the worms tend to lose some of their their distinct flavors and instead absorb flavors from the other ingredients used in the cooking process<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#con\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[BACK TO CONTENT]<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We hope this list has been helpful for brave eaters who are interested in exploring the exotic foods of Saigon. It is important to note that while these dishes may be considered strange or unusual to some, they are not necessarily regarded as disgusting in Vietnam. Each dish has its unique flavors, textures, and cultural significance, and trying them can offer a deeper understanding and appreciation of Vietnamese cuisine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking for a fantastic food tour experience in Saigon, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/tours\/vietnam-food-tour.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">world acclaimed &#8220;XO Foodie&#8221; tour.<\/a> It has been recognized as <strong>one of the top 9 best food tours in the world by Forbes Magazine<\/strong>. While the tour may not include the specific adventurous dishes mentioned in this blog post, it aims to provide guests with an memorable experience in Saigon.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike other food tours that fill their customers up with gluten or starch-based foods, the XO Foodie Tour offers a balanced mix of meat and vegetables. The dishes we serve on the tour are also not the mainstream Vietnamese street food dishes like Banh Mi or Pho, but the <strong>most authentic local dishes that travelers don&#8217;t usually get to try when they come to Saigon.<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Saigon is renowned for its amazing street food culture. Comprising some of the most delectable dishes from all parts of Vietnam, its reputation for having some of the most exotic and weirdest street foods in the world are well earned. However, keep in mind that strangeness doesn\u2019t always equate to disgusting.\u00a0 If you\u2019re an adventurous [&hellip;]<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":7331,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Strange Vietnam Street Food: Saigon&#039;s Most Exotic Foods","_seopress_titles_desc":"Vietnam street food culture is renowned for its diversity, but there&#039;s another side to that culture that can easily scare away the bravest of hearts!","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[432,435,43],"tags":[27,199,282,493,494],"class_list":{"0":"post-7311","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-local-life","8":"category-featured","9":"category-all-about-food","10":"tag-food-tour","11":"tag-vietnam-tours","12":"tag-street-food-tour","13":"tag-balut","14":"tag-scorpions"},"acf":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7311","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7311"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7311\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7692,"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7311\/revisions\/7692"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7331"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7311"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7311"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7311"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}