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The Ultimate Guide to Vietnamese Edible and Poisonous Snails and Slugs

15 September, 2024

Not all snails are edible, so join us as we go through a list of delicious freshwater, seawater, and poisonous snails found in Vietnam in the article below.

1 Edible Seawater Snails That Taste Delicious

Fragrant snail

Fragrant snail

When it comes to famous snails, one cannot forget the fragrant snail, nicknamed the “queen of snails.”

Fragrant snails meet all the criteria of being easy to find, extremely delicious, and simple to prepare. They always attract people to enjoy them, even the pickiest eaters. In addition, fragrant snails also provide many beneficial nutrients for health such as , , , , , and…

Cà Na snail

Cà Na snail

Cà Na snails are as small as the pinky finger, with a pointed spiral top and a green shell, hence the name given by locals.

This type of snail tastes great no matter how it is cooked, thanks to its crunchy and bouncy texture.

Nail snail

Nail snail

True to its name, this snail species resembles an adult human fingernail in shape and is about 7-10 cm long. The meat inside is covered by a light grayish-brown shell.

Nail snails are also very nutritious, as their meat has a cooling effect and a salty taste that helps treat phlegm, dissolve mucus, and treat lumps…

Breast snail

Breast snail

Breast snails are a rare seafood delicacy with a conical shell, a small knob at the top, and a rough, black, matte shell the size of three adult fingers.

This type of snail is available all year round, but it is most abundant during the full moon, usually living on the rocks at Con Dao and Cu Lao Cham (Quang Nam) seas… Breast snails are delicious whether grilled or made into a salad.

Bạch Ngọc snail

Bạch Ngọc snail

Adorned with a gleaming white shell, this snail earned the beautiful name “Bạch Ngọc” from the people of Nha Trang.

Not only is it beautiful on the outside, but its meat is also known to be very tasty and can be prepared in many special dishes, especially sweet and sour Bạch Ngọc snail.

Len snail

Len snail

The size of a forefinger, the Len snail has a brown-black shell with white streaks and fine veins running along it.

When alive, the meat is red, but it turns emerald green when cooked, with a crunchy texture. This snail is best prepared as Len snail coconut stew – a favorite dish for many people due to its sweet and savory taste.

Fat snail

Fat snail

This snail species is found throughout the country, from Cat Ba and Do Son to Ca Mau, hence its diverse characteristics across regions.

Fat snails usually live in sandy or muddy bottoms in saltwater. They taste best when eaten with the gut, which has a fatty, soft, and fragrant flavor.

Spiny sea snail

Spiny sea snail

One of Phu Quoc’s famous specialties, the Spiny sea snail has a rough, spiny shell, but its meat is very soft and plentiful.

Just grilling this snail will give you a taste of its creamy yet crunchy texture.

Jumping snail

Jumping snail

This snail species is only found in warm seas. Jumping snail meat is crunchy, sweet, and fatty. Whether grilled or steamed with lemongrass, it always offers a wonderful and unique flavor that attracts diners.

Empress snail

Empress snail

True to its name, “Empress snail,” this snail has a unique shape and a gigantic size compared to others, ranging from 800g to 4kg. Its orange-yellow meat is very appealing and attracts attention at first glance.

Star apple snail

Star apple snail

The Star apple snail has an average size, with ridges on its shell resembling those of a star apple, and white-brown streaks. It is mainly found in the central coastal regions of Vietnam.

Hand snail

Hand snail

With a large size of about 17 cm and a shape resembling human hands, the Hand snail sparks curiosity in those who see it for the first time.

In addition, Hand snail meat also provides many beneficial nutrients for health.

Red snail

Red snail

The Red snail has a thick red shell with a sharp spiral tip. Its meat is dark red, chewy, crunchy, and sweet. This snail species is usually found in the southern coastal regions of Vietnam.

2 Delicious Edible Freshwater Snails

Apple snail

Apple snail

It would be a shame not to know about the Apple snail, a freshwater snail commonly found in rivers, lakes, and canals. With a black, round shell and sweet, soft, and chewy meat, it is one of the most delicious and rustic dishes in Vietnam.

It can be prepared in many ways, such as blood cockle vermicelli soup, apple snail and banana flower soup, or simply steamed with lemongrass and dipped in ginger fish sauce.

Coconut snail

Coconut snail

The Coconut snail is mainly found in the Mekong Delta region. With its smooth, thick shell and small size, it is also one of the favorite dishes of young people today.

Some ways to prepare Coconut snail include stir-frying it with spicy butter or salty butter, both of which are extremely delicious.

Garlic snail

Garlic snail

Resembling a garlic bulb in shape, this snail species is mainly found on islands and has a dark grayish-white color. It also provides high nutritional value.

Rice snail

Rice snail

The Rice snail is unique compared to other snail species as it does not produce mucus. It has a white-green shell, the size of a forefinger, and white, opaque meat with a crunchy and fragrant texture.

Jackfruit snail

Jackfruit snail

The Jackfruit snail is also known as the Lac snail, stuffed snail, or black apple snail. It is found in Vietnam, China, Laos, and Cambodia. This snail species has a stronger flavor and crunchier meat than the golden apple snail.

Protein and calcium are two essential nutrients found in snail meat, making it extremely beneficial for people of all ages, especially pregnant women.

3 Poisonous Snails That Should Not Be Eaten

Mud snail

Mud snail

The Mud snail is considered highly toxic, containing the neurotoxin Tetrodotoxin, which remains even after cooking.

If not treated promptly, victims may die within 30 minutes of eating Mud snails, exhibiting symptoms such as tingling and burning sensations in the lips, nausea, and difficulty breathing.

Cone snail

Frequently asked questions

Edible snails and slugs are those that are safe for human consumption, while poisonous ones contain toxins that can be harmful or even fatal if ingested.

Edible snails and slugs typically have a firm, dry shell and a distinct odor. They are usually found in clean, well-maintained environments and are often cooked and eaten in Vietnam. Poisonous varieties may have a slimy texture, a bitter taste, or an unusual odor.

Yes, there are some species that resemble edible snails and slugs but are in fact poisonous. For example, the ‘Banana Slug’ (Ariolimax dolichophallus) looks similar to the edible ‘Tiger Slug’ (Laevicaulis alte) but is highly toxic. Always verify the species before consumption.

Some popular edible species in Vietnam include the ‘White Snail’ (Subulina octona), ‘Red-rimmed Snail’ (Achatina fulica), and ‘Giant African Land Snail’ (Lissachatina immaculata). These species are commonly farmed and sold in markets.

It is generally not recommended to consume snails and slugs found in the wild, as they may carry parasites or toxins. It is safer to purchase snails and slugs from reputable sources that farm and sell them specifically for human consumption.

Proper preparation and cooking are crucial to ensure the safety of consuming snails and slugs. They should be cleaned thoroughly and cooked thoroughly to destroy any harmful bacteria or parasites. Boiling, steaming, or frying are common methods used to prepare these mollusks for consumption.

Yes, consuming snails and slugs is a traditional practice in Vietnam, and it is considered a delicacy in many regions. They are often prepared using local spices and herbs, and are believed to have medicinal properties according to traditional Vietnamese medicine.