Food & Receipts

Exploring Khanh Hoa Province for Rare Dragon Snail Delicacy

Are you fascinated by the majestic Dragon's Claw sea snail? Discovered only in Vietnam's Khanh Hoa province, this distinct rare species has been coveted by many for its remarkable attributes. Explore why this captivating marine animal has become so sought after!

Administrator

12 August, 2023

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The Dragon’s Claw Snail is a highly coveted and elusive delicacy found in Khanh Hoa province. Due to its rarity and difficulty to procure, many individuals are willing to pay a premium for this seafood. Join us as we explore the unique features and qualities of this extraordinary snail.

Where does the Dragon’s Claw Snail Live?

The Dragon’s Claw Snail, also known as the Devil’s Claw Snail or Devil’s Hand Snail, is a unique type of oyster found in the ocean. Unlike other oyster species, this snail cannot be cultured or farmed. It is typically found in rocky shorelines and thrives in pristine marine environments.

In Nha Trang, there is a scarce delicacy known as the snail. Its rarity demands that it be ordered a month ahead of time, as divers must meticulously locate and record the coordinates of their nests. This painstaking process allows for a bountiful harvest, typically yielding around 3 to 4 kilograms.

The Dragon’s Claw snail is distinguished by its two distinct parts. The upper section is filled with water and forms a hand-like shape adorned with numerous claw-like protrusions, hence earning it the monikers of “devil’s claw snail” or “devil’s hand snail.” On the other hand, the lower half of the snail offers a pleasantly sweet flavor, which is heightened by its refreshing taste when separated. A common way to enjoy these snails is to dip them in a mixture of ginger, lemongrass, chili, and water infused with ginger, or seafood sauce, before steaming them to perfection.

Dragon’s claw snail, sought after by many people in Khanh Hoa province.

Research has shown that this particular species of snail was once abundant in the waters of Spain and Portugal. However, these snails typically inhabit remote regions of the sea where underwater rocks are plentiful, making their capture a challenging and hazardous task. To catch these dragon’s claw snails, divers must venture out to sea in boats and carefully dive down to the rocky crevices to extract them.

Dragon’s Claw snails can be found in the rocky islands area of Van Phong Bay, specifically in Khanh Hoa province. The beach with the highest concentration of these snails is Khai Luong beach, located in Van Thanh commune. To reach this area, individuals must take a boat.

To safely engage in snail hunting, it is imperative that individuals come equipped with appropriate protective gear. This particular species of snail tends to reside within rock crevices, necessitating the need to swim along the perilous and wave-prone rocky shoreline to locate them. Typically, these snails form small colonies consisting of approximately 3-5 individuals.

Dragon’s Claw Snail

What is the Cost of Dragon’s Claw Snail?

Dragon’s claw snail is in high demand and commands a high market price due to its rarity. It can be priced as high as 200-300 euros per kilogram (approximately 5 million to nearly 8 million VND per kilogram). This delicacy is particularly popular among Europeans, who consider it a premium seafood option due to its exceptional nutritional value.

In China, a snail species known as the goose neck snail is highly coveted and commands a hefty price of 900 RMB (roughly equivalent to 3 million VND).

In Nha Trang, determining the exact price of this snail can be challenging as it is not widely available in restaurants. Some establishments claim to purchase it for prices ranging from several hundred thousand to a million VND/kg, while others reserve it for special occasions and VIP guests.

Dragon’s claw snail is rare, so it commands a high price.

This article provides valuable information about the dragon’s claw snail. It is a comprehensive compilation of facts and details about this unique seafood. We hope that readers find this article to be informative and helpful in understanding more about the dragon’s claw snail.