Ninh Binh Rock Snails (Oc nui da Ninh Binh)

Post on : 05 August, 2025

Oc nui da are wild mountain snails found in the rocky caves of Ninh Binh. They are chewy, fragrant, and usually steamed with lemongrass or stir-fried with herbs.

Oc nui da, or rock snails, are a unique local delicacy from the mountains and limestone caves of Ninh Binh. These snails are wild, only appearing during the rainy season, and are known for their firm, chewy texture and slightly herbal flavor, as they feed on forest plants.

Locals prepare rock snails in a variety of ways — steaming with lemongrass, stir-frying with tamarind sauce, or cooking them in aromatic herbs. They are not only delicious but also believed to have medicinal properties according to traditional beliefs.