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Sam Biển

Table of Contents
  1. What is Sam Biển?
  2. Popular Horseshoe Crab Dishes in Hạ Long
  3. aste and Texture
  5. Important Note
  6. Why It’s a Must-Try in Hạ Long

Sam biển — or horseshoe crab — is a unique and exotic delicacy in Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province. This prehistoric-looking sea creature is not only fascinating in appearance but also offers flavorful meat that’s carefully prepared into various traditional Vietnamese dishes.

What is Sam Biển?

Horseshoe crab (sam biển) is a marine arthropod that lives in shallow coastal waters. Though it looks like a cross between a crab and a trilobite, it is not a true crab. In Hạ Long, sam is harvested fresh from the bay and used to create an entire menu of dishes.

Because horseshoe crab must be prepared with expertise (some parts are not edible), it is often served only in specialized seafood restaurants.

Horseshoe crab is often shared between diners, with different dishes made from different parts of the animal:

  1. Sam xào miến – Stir-fried horseshoe crab with glass noodles
    → Chewy noodles mixed with crab meat, mushrooms, vegetables, and herbs.

  2. Gỏi sam – Horseshoe crab salad
    → A cold salad made with shredded crab meat, herbs, lime, chili, and roasted peanuts.

  3. Sam nướng – Grilled horseshoe crab
    → Whole crab grilled with aromatic spices and herbs.

  4. Sam hấp – Steamed horseshoe crab
    → A simple preparation to highlight the natural sweetness of the meat.

  5. Trứng sam chiên – Fried horseshoe crab roe
    → The crab’s yellow roe is seasoned and fried, with a creamy, rich taste.

  6. Chân sam chiên giòn – Deep-fried horseshoe crab legs
    → Crunchy and flavorful, often dipped in chili-lime salt.

aste and Texture

  • Meat: Firm, slightly sweet, and rich in umami flavor

  • Roe: Creamy, fatty, and slightly briny — a highlight of the dish

  • Seasonings: Garlic, lemongrass, chili, and lime are often used to bring out the natural flavor

Important Note

  • Sam biển must be prepared carefully: Only certain parts are edible. Inexperienced handling may cause illness.

  • Always eat at trusted local restaurants that specialize in horseshoe crab dishes.

Why It’s a Must-Try in Hạ Long

  • Freshly caught from Hạ Long Bay

  • A true local specialty, not commonly found elsewhere

  • Perfect for adventurous eaters who want a taste of something rare and traditional

If you’re looking for an unforgettable culinary experience in Hạ Long, sam biển offers both unique flavor and cultural depth — a delicacy rooted in the bay’s rich marine heritage.

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