Grilled Snails With Scallion Oil A Must Try Delicacy In Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc, the pearl island of Vietnam, is renowned not only for its stunning beaches and unspoiled nature but also for its rich and diverse cuisine. Among the island’s many seafood specialties, grilled snails with scallion oil stand out as a dish that no food lover should miss. This simple yet flavorful dish captures the essence of Phu Quoc’s coastal cuisine, combining the freshness of the sea, the richness of scallion oil, and the bold flavors of local spices.

The Unique Appeal of Phu Quoc’s Grilled Snails with Scallion Oil

1. Fresh and Flavorful Seafood

Snails in Phu Quoc are caught fresh from the sea, ensuring their firm texture and naturally sweet taste. The most commonly used varieties for grilling include blood cockles ark clams and spotted babylon snails Each type has its own unique texture and flavor, but all absorb the scallion oil beautifully, making them incredibly delicious when grilled.

2. The Richness of Scallion Oil

What makes this dish so irresistible is the scallion oil. Made by frying chopped scallions in hot oil, this mixture adds a fragrant, rich, and slightly sweet flavor to the snails. It enhances the natural taste of the seafood without overpowering it.

3. The Perfect Balance of Flavors

Grilled snails are often topped with crushed peanuts for a nutty crunch and served with a tangy dipping sauce made from Phu Quoc’s famous fish sauce, garlic, chili, and lime. This creates a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, sourness, and spiciness, making every bite a delightful experience.

4. A Popular Street Food Experience

Grilled snails with scallion oil are not only found in high-end seafood restaurants but are also a beloved street food enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The sight of snails sizzling on charcoal grills, releasing a mouthwatering aroma, is a common and inviting scene at night markets and seaside eateries in Phu Quoc.

How to Prepare Phu Quoc-Style Grilled Snails with Scallion Oil

Ingredients:

Fresh snails (blood cockles, ark clams, or spotted babylon snails)
Scallions (green onions)
Cooking oil or lard
Roasted peanuts (crushed)
Fish sauce, sugar, garlic, chili, and lime for dipping sauce

Steps to Make the Dish:

Clean the snails: Soak them in water with sliced chili for at least an hour to remove any sand or impurities. Rinse thoroughly.
Grill the snails: Place them directly on a charcoal grill. Let them cook until they start releasing their natural juices.
Prepare the scallion oil: Heat oil in a pan, add chopped scallions, and stir for a few seconds until fragrant.
Add scallion oil and peanuts: Spoon the hot scallion oil over the grilled snails, then sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for extra flavor.
Make the dipping sauce: Mix Phu Quoc fish sauce with minced garlic, chili, lime juice, and a bit of sugar to balance the taste.
Serve and enjoy: Arrange the snails on a plate and serve them hot with the dipping sauce and fresh herbs.

Where to Eat the Best Grilled Snails with Scallion Oil in Phu Quoc

If you’re visiting Phu Quoc and want to try this delicious dish, here are some highly recommended places:

Dinh Cau Night Market A vibrant food market where you can find freshly grilled snails at affordable prices.

Dinh Cau Night Market is a bustling and lively food market in Phu Quoc, where you can enjoy a wide variety of fresh seafood, including the famous grilled snails with scallion oil at affordable prices.

It’s the perfect place to experience local street food culture, watch vendors grill seafood over open flames, and savor authentic Phu Quoc flavors. Alongside grilled snails, you can also try grilled scallops, sea urchin, squid, and Phu Quoc’s signature fish sauce based dishes.

Song Xanh Restaurant (217 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc) Famous for its fresh seafood and authentic flavors.

Song Xanh Restaurant at 217 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc, is well-known for its fresh seafood and authentic flavors. This popular dining spot offers a variety of deliciously prepared seafood dishes, including the must-try grilled snails with scallion oil, grilled grouper, and steamed squid.

With its cozy atmosphere, high quality ingredients, and traditional Vietnamese cooking techniques, Song Xanh Restaurant is a great place to experience the true taste of Phu Quoc’s culinary scene.

Trung Duong Marina (136 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc) A great seafood restaurant with a wide selection of grilled shellfish.

Trung Duong Marina at 136 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc, is a great seafood restaurant offering a wide selection of grilled shellfish and other fresh seafood dishes. Known for its lively atmosphere, generous portions, and rich flavors, this spot is perfect for trying grilled snails with scallion oil, grilled scallops, and steamed crab.

Hon Do Restaurant (118 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc) Known for its fresh seafood and local specialties.

Hon Do Restaurant 118 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc, is well known for its fresh seafood and local specialties. This restaurant offers a variety of delicious seafood dishes, including grilled snails with scallion oil, grilled grouper, steamed squid, and seafood hotpot.

A True Taste of Phu Quoc’s Culinary Heritage

Grilled snails with scallion oil are more than just a dish they are a symbol of Phu Quoc’s vibrant seafood culture. With their irresistible aroma, rich flavors, and fresh ingredients, they offer a true taste of the island’s culinary excellence.

If you ever find yourself in Phu Quoc, don’t miss the chance to savor this mouthwatering delicacy. Whether enjoyed at a bustling night market or a cozy seafood restaurant, this dish will surely leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.

Some other delicious dishes in Phu Quoc: