Weird Exotic Food in Vietnam: A Culinary Adventure

Some foods are not so attractive to look at, but hey, “don’t judge a book by its cover”

Some foods are not so attractive to look at, but hey, “don’t judge a book by its cover”

Vietnam is well known for its vibrant street food culture and delicious traditional dishes. However, beyond the famous pho and banh mi, the country is also home to some exotic and unusual foods that may surprise visitors. Among them, "hột vịt lộn" (duck embryo), "nhộng" (fried silkworm), and "chả rươi" (sand worm omelet) stand out as some of the most unique delicacies. If you are looking for strange or even weird Vietnamese food, these are must-try specialties.

Hột Vịt Lộn (Duck Embryo)

Hột vịt lộn, or balut as it is called in the Philippines, is a fertilized duck egg containing a partially developed embryo. It is considered a delicacy in many Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam. The dish is believed to bring strength and vitality. Hột vịt lộn is also believed to turn your luck around. So if you’re having bad luck, have yourself a hột vịt lộn!

Balut, while exotic, is rich in protein and other nutritions, plus, tastes better than a normal egg!

Preparing hột vịt lộn is simple. The eggs (with the embryo inside) are boiled for about 20 to 25 minutes and then served hot. They are typically enjoyed with a mix of salt, pepper, and lime juice, along with fresh Vietnamese herbs such as rau răm (Vietnamese coriander). Some people also enjoy them with a side of chili sauce for extra spice.

Hột vịt lộn is commonly eaten as a snack. Street vendors sell them throughout Vietnam, often serving them in small plastic bowls with a spoon and a small plate of seasoning. It is also a popular choice among drinkers who enjoy it as a side dish with beer. For those searching for strange food in Vietnam, this dish is certainly an interesting experience.

Nhộng (Fried Silkworm)

Nhộng, or fried silkworm pupae, is another exotic Vietnamese dish that may shock first-time visitors. This dish has been consumed for generations as a source of protein, particularly in rural areas. Silkworms are a sustainable protein source and are believed to have medicinal benefits, including improving skin health.

Trust us, it tastes way better than it looks. Silkworm pupae may also help with liver protection, immune enhancement, and anti-aging.

The preparation of nhộng starts by thoroughly cleaning the silkworm pupae. They are then stir-fried with seasonings such as fish sauce, salt, garlic, and sometimes lemongrass. Some versions of the dish also include a mix of herbs to enhance the flavor. The texture is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a nutty taste.

Nhộng is a common snack sold by street vendors and local markets, often served as a side dish in family meals. It is especially popular during the summer and autumn months when silkworm farming is at its peak. Like hột vịt lộn, it is also a favored accompaniment to beer in Vietnam. If you want to experience strange Vietnamese food, fried silkworm pupae should be on your list.

Chả Rươi (Sand Worm Omelet)
Having similar look to the famous fish cake, Chả Rươi has its own original flavour

Chả Rươi, or sand worm omelet, is a seasonal specialty that originates from northern Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi and Hai Phong. The dish is made from sand worms (rươi), which are a type of marine worm that emerges from riverbeds only a few times a year, usually during the autumn months. Because of their limited availability, chả rươi is considered a rare delicacy.

Chả Rươi’s ingredient - definitely not for the faint of heart

To prepare chả rươi, the sand worms are cleaned and mixed with minced pork, eggs, dill, and various spices. Some variations also include tangerine peel to add a slight citrus aroma. The mixture is then fried until golden brown, creating a crispy and fragrant omelet. It is typically served with rice and dipping sauce made of fish sauce, garlic, and chili.

Because sand worms are only available for a short period each year, chả rươi is considered a seasonal treat. Many families and restaurants prepare it in the autumn when the worms are harvested. Due to its rarity, it is often seen as a special dish to be enjoyed with family and friends. If you are looking for unusual Vietnamese food, this seasonal specialty is an unforgettable culinary experience.

Vespa A Go Go tour guide always provide significant specialities by guiding and sharing dining experiences on the table (no exotic foods, sadly)

Vietnamese cuisine is full of surprises, and its exotic dishes reflect the country's rich cultural and culinary heritage. Hột vịt lộn, nhộng, and chả rươi may seem unusual to outsiders, but they are beloved in Vietnam for their flavors and health benefits. Whether you are an adventurous eater or simply curious about Vietnamese food, trying these dishes can be a thrilling experience that offers a deeper understanding of the country's unique gastronomic traditions. For those fascinated by strange food in Vietnam, these three dishes provide a taste of the country's most unconventional yet culturally significant specialties.

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Weird Exotic Food in Vietnam: A Culinary Adventure

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