Dried Sipunculus Nudus (Sa sung kho)
Sa sung kho is a rare dried sea worm delicacy from Northern Vietnam. It adds deep umami flavor to dishes and is a unique taste of coastal Vietnamese cuisine.
Dried Sipunculus Nudus, known in Vietnamese as "sa sung kho", is a highly prized seafood delicacy from the coastal areas of Northern Vietnam, especially Quang Ninh. These sea worms are naturally sweet and rich in umami flavor, with a chewy texture that becomes more appealing when roasted or cooked. Traditionally, they were considered a luxury, used only in royal meals or important occasions.
The dried worms are often pan-roasted with a bit of salt, or used to add depth to broths like pho. Many locals believe sa sung not only enhances flavor but also has health benefits, such as boosting energy and improving digestion. Despite its unusual appearance, this ingredient tells a story of Vietnamese coastal culture and culinary sophistication.
Trying sa sung is not just about eating something rare, but about tasting a tradition passed down through generations.