1. What is Dried Sea Worm from Quang Ninh? Identification features and origin
Overview of dried sea worm from Quang Ninh. (Source: Collected)
Upon first encountering dried sea worm from Quang Ninh, most people are attracted by its rather unusual cylindrical shape, each piece typically measuring 10 to 15 cm in length and about 1-2 cm in diameter. The outer shell has a uniform golden-brown color, the surface is slightly naturally wrinkled, and feels slightly elastic to the touch. Most notable is the gentle sea aroma, not overpowering but very pleasant.
The origin of dried sea worm from Quang Ninh largely comes from two famous coastal areas: Quan Lan and Minh Chau, belonging to Van Don commune. This area boasts a diverse ecosystem, long, smooth sandy beaches, and ideal sea currents, creating favorable conditions for the healthy growth of sea worms. As a result, the sea worms here have thick flesh, a characteristic sweet taste, and high nutritional value.
When compared to sea worms from other localities such as Nha Trang, Ben Tre, or Can Gio, sea worms from Van Don stand out due to their large size, firm flesh, and a distinct, rich sweetness. This is why dried sea worm from Quang Ninh is often favored by consumers and commands a high price in the market.
2. Process of harvesting and processing dried sea worm from Quang Ninh
Process of harvesting and processing dried sea worms from Quang Ninh. (Source: Collected)
2.1. How to Harvest Natural Sea Worms in Quang Ninh
In the early mornings when the tide is low, Van Don fishermen go to the sandy beaches to look for dried sea worms from Quang Ninh . They use small hoes or their hands to gently turn over the sand, paying attention to every small sign on the surface to identify the location of the hidden sea worms.
The harvesting requires extensive experience and meticulous observation. Small circular marks on the sand or a few bubbles rising at the water's edge are signs for fishermen to determine where to dig. The sea worms are carefully selected, prioritizing large, robust, and intact ones after harvesting.
On average, a fisherman can only harvest about 12-14kg of fresh sea worms per day, leaving only 1kg of dried sea worms after processing. Due to the limited harvest yield, the price of dried sea worms from Quang Ninh is usually higher than some other seafood.
2.2. Stages of Cleaning, Drying, and Dehydrating Dried Sea Worms
Immediately after being caught, the sea worms are taken to the processing area to undergo careful cleaning steps. Workers will slit the body of the sea worm lengthwise, turn out the intestines, and rub them thoroughly with coarse salt to completely remove any remaining sand and slime.
Then, the sea worms are repeatedly washed with clean water until the intestines turn off-white and the fishy smell is gone. To ensure dried sea worms from Quang Ninh have a natural flavor, the entire process uses no chemicals but relies on the meticulousness of the craftspeople.
The final step is sun-drying or dehydrating at an appropriate temperature. The sea worms are arranged evenly on bamboo trays, with frequent turning to ensure even drying. Quang Ninh's climate with mild sunshine and sea breeze helps the sea worms dry naturally, preserving their flavor and nutrients.
2.3. Comparison of Sea Worm Yield and Quality in Other Regions with Quang Ninh
In terms of yield, Quang Ninh is not the locality with the most abundant sea worm resources. Some provinces like Ben Tre or Can Gio can harvest large quantities thanks to their advantage in tidal flat area and higher sea worm density. However, the strength of dried sea worms from Quang Ninh lies in their quality.
Sea worms from the South usually have long, slender bodies and a slightly brackish taste, while sea worms from Van Don are notable for their short, large bodies, thick flesh, and a clear, sweet taste, and are easily recognizable when used in cooking. Broth made from dried sea worms from Quang Ninh is clear, fragrant, and naturally sweet, requiring few additional seasonings.
Thanks to their superior quality characteristics, dried sea worms from Quang Ninh are usually priced 2 to 3 times higher than those from other regions. Currently, premium dried sea worms cost from 3 to 6 million VND per kg, while sea worms from other localities range from about 1.5 to 2.5 million VND per kg.
3. How to Choose High-Quality Dried Sea Worms from Quang Ninh in 2025
How to choose and buy dried sandworm from Quang Ninh. (Source: Collected)
3.1. Tips to identify genuine dried sandworm from Quang Ninh
When you want to choose quality dried sandworm from Quang Ninh, first, you should carefully observe the product's color. Standard dried sandworm will have a natural yellowish-brown color, an even surface, with no unusual white streaks or turning black. In case the sandworm has a bright white color, it has usually been treated with chemicals, while if it turns black, it is easily judged as low quality.
When holding it in your hand, quality dried sandworm usually feels slightly elastic, not too hard or mushy. Try pressing gently with your finger; if you feel it spring back, then it is a good product. In addition, real dried sandworm from Quang Ninh will feel quite heavy in hand due to its thick flesh and thorough drying process.
The scent factor is also very important when choosing. Delicious dried sandworm has a gentle sea smell, slightly sweet, not fishy, and not unpleasant. If you detect a sour smell, chemical smell, or mold, then you should not buy it. Some places selling them even let customers smell or taste them to ensure quality.
3.2. Suggested places to buy reputable dried sandworm from Quang Ninh
Cai Rong Market in Van Don is a place to buy dried sandworm from Quang Ninh trusted by many people. The stalls here are usually run by local fishermen, helping buyers easily verify the product's origin. In addition, specialty stores in Ha Long are familiar shopping destinations, offering many seafood products chosen by locals.
In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, consumers can find dried sandworm from Quang Ninh at some large supermarkets like Lotte Mart, Big C, or imported food stores. Prices here are usually higher than buying directly from the source by 10 to 20 percent, but in return, customers are assured of the origin, quality control, and enjoy after-sales services.
Buying dried sandworm from Quang Ninh through online channels is increasingly popular. On e-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada, Tiki, there are quite a few reputable Northern specialty stores. When choosing to buy online, you should prioritize stores with clear product images, receiving many positive reviews, and having specific return policies. You should not choose places selling at prices too low compared to the general level to avoid the risk of buying low-quality goods.
3.3. How to preserve dried sandworm to keep its full delicious flavor
To keep dried sandworm from Quang Ninh its full delicious flavor, after buying, it should be stored in a sealed zip-lock bag or a glass container with a lid, placed in a dry place, avoiding direct sunlight.
In case of buying in large quantities and wanting to store for a long time, you can divide it into portions, use vacuum-sealed bags, then place them in the refrigerator's cool compartment. Thanks to this method, dried sandworm from Quang Ninh can retain its characteristic flavor for about 1 to 2 years without losing quality.
Especially on days with high humidity, check the sandworm periodically to detect early signs of mold or insect infestation. If detected, the sandworm should be sun-dried or re-dried before continuing storage. Many families also place desiccant packs in the container to ensure the sandworm remains dry.
4. Suggestions for culinary and travel experiences combined with enjoying dried sandworm from Quang Ninh
Suggestions for experiencing Quang Ninh dried sea worm cuisine. (Source: Collected)
4.1. Famous restaurants and eateries with dried sea worm dishes
Upon arriving in Ha Long, many diners choose Ngoc Suong restaurant on Bai Chay street to enjoy the attractive Quang Ninh dried sea worm porridge. The hot porridge is cooked from sea worm broth, with chewy and crispy pieces of sea worm, accented with the aroma of spring onions and pepper, creating a unique flavor. Each bowl of porridge costs from 55,000 - 65,000 VND, worthy of the ingredient quality.
If you want to experience Quang Ninh dried sea worm hotpot for a large group, Hai Dang restaurant at Cai Rong market in Van Don is a suitable choice. The hotpot uses dried sea worm combined with pork bones and local herbs; the broth is clear but has a rich sweet taste.
More specially, diners can also try Quang Ninh dried sea worm grilled with scallion oil at floating restaurants on Ha Long Bay. Experiencing dried sea worm amidst the space of Ha Long Bay brings an interesting, unforgettable feeling on the journey to explore Quang Ninh.
4.2. Sample itinerary combining sea worm tasting and exploring Quang Ninh in 1 day
The one-day Quang Ninh dried sea worm experience journey usually starts at 6 AM from Hanoi heading towards Van Don. Arriving around 9:30 AM, you can stroll around Cai Rong market, see firsthand how sea worm is processed, and chat with local people to choose and buy fresh, delicious products.
At 11 AM, move to Minh Chau beach to witness fishermen digging for sea worms firsthand. Many tourists choose to participate in this activity, learning and having memorable experiences. At noon, enjoying dishes made from Quang Ninh dried sea worm at seaside restaurants will be an unforgettable highlight.
In the afternoon, you can visit Ha Long Bay or Sun World Ha Long Park to enjoy diverse entertainment activities. As evening approaches, don't forget to visit Ha Long night market to buy local specialties as gifts for relatives, among which Quang Ninh dried sea worm is a meaningful and valuable gift.
Quang Ninh dried sea worm is not just a specialty dish but also represents the characteristic coastal culture of the Dong Bac region. Through each meticulous processing step and unique flavor, this specialty is one of the notable highlights in the culinary exploration journey of Quang Ninh. The information above will be a useful suggestion for your upcoming trip.
