Anyone who has traveled to Con Dao will never forget the delicious taste of Oc Ngot, a local sea snail famous for its naturally sweet, distinctive flavor. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll likely crave more and find yourself wanting to return to this beautiful island to explore its many culinary and cultural treasures.
True to its name, Oc Ngot (literally “sweet snail”) has a rich, naturally sweet taste that sets it apart from other types of shellfish. These snails are about the size of a thumb or a big toe, living in calm coastal waters around the islands. Their shells are thick, grayish-green, with raised ridges running across the surface as if lightly carved.
Local fishermen collect Oc Ngot during low tide, when the snails cling tightly to rock crevices along the shore. They are then brought to village markets where both locals and visitors can purchase them fresh.
Oc Ngot Steamed and Served With Ginger Fish Sauce
There are two common and delicious ways to enjoy this special snail:
Steamed Oc Ngot
This is the simplest and most popular preparation.
First, the snails are washed and soaked in rice-rinse water mixed with crushed chili for about 30 minutes to remove all sand and impurities. Once clean, a few bruised lemongrass stalks are placed at the bottom of the pot, the snails are layered on top, and a little water is added. After steaming for around 15 minutes, the snails are ready to serve.
To enjoy them, diners use a pointed stick—traditionally a quince or pomelo thorn—to extract the snail meat. Unlike many other snails, cooked Oc Ngot retract deeply inside the shell, so the stick must be pushed all the way in to pull the meat out intact. The snail is best dipped in salt–pepper–lime or ginger fish sauce for a fragrant, warming flavor.
Oc Ngot Salad With Banana Blossom
This method requires a little more effort but is equally delicious.
The snails are steamed as described above, then removed from their shells and set aside. Banana blossom is thinly sliced and mixed with the snail meat. A dressing of sugar, vinegar, seasoning powder, and MSG is added, along with finely chopped Vietnamese coriander (rau răm) and crushed roasted peanuts. A touch of chili enhances the flavor.
The salad is served with sweet-and-sour fish sauce (lime, garlic, chili), creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Discover the Rich Taste of Con Dao
Whether steamed or served in a refreshing salad, Oc Ngot is a must-try specialty for anyone visiting Con Dao. Beyond its delightful flavor, it represents the simple yet rich culinary traditions of an island known for its natural beauty, historical significance, and warm-hearted people.
Let Oc Ngot be one more reason for you to fall in love with Con Dao.
