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The Unloved Spiny Sea Creature Now a Culinary Delicacy: Foodies Fork Out 250,000 VND/kg for the Ultimate Taste Sensation.

The once-ugly and unwanted sea snail, the spiny sea snail, has now emerged as a culinary delicacy, sought-after by food connoisseurs. With its unique texture and flavor, this once-overlooked mollusk has transformed into a gourmet sensation, gracing the tables of the elite and discerning diners.

Administrator

17 July, 2024

Phu Quoc, often referred to as the Pearl Island, is the largest island in Vietnam. This beautiful island attracts tourists not only with its pristine blue beaches and soft white sand but also with its unique and delectable cuisine. One of the must-try specialties is the cactus spiny oyster.

The cactus spiny oyster, or simply spiny oyster as locals call it, gets its name from the distinctive sharp spines covering its shell. This rare oyster is mainly found in the southwestern waters of Phu Quoc and is a delicacy not to be missed when visiting the Pearl Island.

At first glance, what stands out about the cactus spiny oyster are the evenly spaced sharp spines on its shell. These spines are long and pointed, resembling sharp claws. The cactus spiny oyster is also relatively large compared to other sea oysters, with a dark brown, sturdy shell. Food connoisseurs particularly favor this oyster for its sweet, fatty meat, which is also chewy and substantial.

The impressive feature of the cactus spiny oyster is the sharp spines evenly arranged on its shell.

Fishermen typically collect cactus spiny oysters by hand or using nets. In the past, this oyster was not well-known and had little value, sometimes not even sold in the market. However, today, it has become a sought-after delicacy among tourists, increasing its value significantly.

At seafood restaurants and shacks along Phu Quoc’s coastline, grilled and lemongrass-steamed spiny oysters are regular menu items, catering to the tastes of discerning diners.

“During a trip to Phu Quoc with my close friends, I had the pleasure of tasting grilled spiny oysters with butter and scallions. At first, the shell’s large, pointed spines made me hesitant, but the meat was incredibly delicious. The oyster meat was sweet, fatty, chewy, and truly unique compared to other types of oysters,” shared Ms. Lan, a tourist from Cau Giay, Hanoi.

Grilled and steamed cactus spiny oysters are common dishes at seafood restaurants and shacks in Phu Quoc.

Ms. Lan further mentioned that after trying this delicacy in Phu Quoc, she and her friends decided to buy more spiny oysters from the seafood market at VND 120,000/kg to bring back to Hanoi as gifts for their loved ones.

Online, many sellers also offer Phu Quoc spiny oysters, but at a higher price, reaching up to VND 250,000/kg.

Mr. Khanh, the owner of a seafood shop in Tan Mai, Bien Hoa, Dong Nai, shared, “The cactus spiny oyster is not as common as other types of oysters, and its limited quantity and transportation requirements make it quite expensive. Seafood connoisseurs highly favor this oyster for its abundant, fatty, and sweet meat.”

“Sometimes, I only get a batch of cactus spiny oysters once a week to sell. Many customers inquire about them, but due to the limited supply, I prioritize regular customers and those who have placed advance orders. The price varies depending on the size; the smaller ones, around 50-60 pieces/kg, are VND 150,000/kg, while the larger ones, about 30 pieces/kg, are VND 250,000/kg. The bigger spiny oysters are very popular but only occasionally available,” Mr. Khanh added.

Online sellers offer cactus spiny oysters at a higher price, reaching up to VND 250,000/kg.

A local fisherman from Phu Quoc shared that the cactus spiny oysters are sold out as soon as they are caught. Traders favor this seafood because of its limited quantity, easy sales, and popularity among consumers. On average, the fishermen’s boats can only catch about 20-30 kg of cactus spiny oysters per day. Small-scale collectors along the coast can only gather 1-2 kg, making this oyster a rare treat. Therefore, locals consider this oyster a precious gift from the sea, served to honor special guests visiting the island.

The cactus spiny oyster can be prepared in various delicious ways, including grilling, boiling, stir-frying with garlic, steaming with ginger, or making a salad. However, grilling and boiling are the most popular methods due to their simplicity and the resulting mouthwatering flavors.

Globally, the cactus spiny oyster is primarily found in the western Pacific Ocean, including Southeast and Northeast Asian waters. In Vietnam, besides Phu Quoc, the waters off Vung Tau are also home to this unique oyster species.