Sipunculus nudus, also known as sea worm, is a famous delicacy in Quan Lan, Quang Ninh. Besides being used in broths for sweetness and fish sauce production, island chefs also prepare it as a snack.
After cleaning and drying, the sipunculus nudus is grilled over charcoal or in an oven until golden brown, crispy, and fragrant. It is often served with seasonings like salt, pepper, lemon, chili, and chili sauce.
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A 50-gram plate of grilled sipunculus nudus costs about 450,000 VND. Photo: Phuong Anh
According to head chef Nguyen Duc Hanh of Angsana Quan Lan, grilled sipunculus nudus requires continuous flipping until evenly golden and slightly puffed. It offers a naturally sweet and crispy taste. A 50-gram plate costs 450,000 VND and is served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce. Due to its high price, many tourists call it a "snack for the rich".
Chef Hanh explains that grilling takes about 3-5 minutes. Overcooking makes it tough and diminishes its sweetness. The sipunculus nudus must be fresh, grilled directly, and requires no additional seasoning.
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Sipunculus nudus dug from the sand in Quan Lan. Photo: Phuong Anh
Beyond the island's restaurants, tourists can purchase sipunculus nudus and other seafood like dried squid and shrimp at shops in the pedestrian area, which opens in the evenings in the island's center. A kilogram of dried sipunculus nudus starts at 5 million VND.
A popular activity for visitors is digging for sipunculus nudus. The island has many digging sites, offering free access. However, they are difficult to find, buried deep in the sand, requiring experienced diggers. For a better experience, tourists can book a tour for 300,000 VND per person, accompanied by a local guide.
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Tourists digging for sipunculus nudus on Quan Lan island in June. Photo: Phuong Anh
Quan Lan also boasts another famous delicacy: oysters. Fresh oysters, sourced directly from local farms, are prepared in various dishes: grilled with scallions and oil, baked with cheese, or steamed with chili salt. According to Chef Hanh, these are popular and frequently ordered dishes. Prices start at 370,000 VND per plate.
Phuong Anh