Rock worms (also known as water worms, water centipedes) have a shape quite similar to other worms and larvae but do not have an outer layer of hair. They live under rocks in streams, appearing in some Northwestern provinces such as Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Lai Chau.

According to locals, areas with more rocks close together and faster flowing water have more rock worms.

However, rock worms do not swim in water but live attached to rocks. To catch them, you have to wait until the water is low, skillfully flip each rock over and use a net to scoop them up.

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The rock worm has a strange appearance, the young (black) looks quite similar to a centipede. Photo: Nép

In some rocky beaches along streams in the dry season, locals can find worms by simply turning over rocks. However, they have to strain their eyes because this type of worm clings tightly to the rocks. Young rock worms are black in color and are often harder to detect.

“The rock worm has dozens of pairs of legs and a pointed tail that looks very similar to a centipede. Their teeth are also sharp, so you have to be careful when catching this type of worm, because a big worm can bite your hand until it bleeds,” said Ms. Luong Nam, a resident of Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai).

According to Ms. Nam, from January to April of the lunar calendar, when the stream dries up, especially when the first rains of summer appear, is the time when rock worms are most abundant and of the best quality.

At that time, local people invited each other to go along the stream banks, turning over each crevice to catch worms.

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Both young and old rock worms are exploited as raw materials for food processing in the Northwest.

Despite its strange appearance, rock worms are considered a famous specialty of the Thai people in Yen Bai and Lai Chau, and are used to make attractive dishes.

Ms. Nam said that the Thai people in Muong So (Phong Tho, Lai Chau) often stuff minced goby meat (or leave the fish whole) into the belly of the stone worm and then fry it until crispy.

In some other regions, people often fry it until crispy, add a little sour bamboo shoot juice and lemon leaves.

Dishes made from rock worms are also favored by the Ha Nhi and Red Dao people in some localities and are gradually becoming more known to lowland diners who are curious to experience them.

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Crispy fried rock worms with lemon leaves, sour bamboo shoot juice or stir-fried with smoked fatty meat

“There are two types of rock worms: the young ones are dark black and look like centipedes, the old ones are yellowish in color and have long, sharp horns. Both can be processed into dishes, with different flavors.

“Rock worms are now rarer, so not everyone can enjoy them. In fact, this dish only appears on Thai people’s dinner tables on special occasions or to entertain distinguished guests,” Ms. Nam shared.

This woman said that rock worms live in streams, their main food is moss and small water bugs, so they are clean and processing them is not too difficult.

After catching the worms, soak them in salt water for about 15-20 minutes to clean the slime on the outside, then remove the head and intestines, only using the fat stem and germ.

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Many diners who have tried stone worms commented that the dish looks "scary to tears" but has a strange taste, crispy on the outside, soft and fatty on the inside, quite similar to the taste of silkworms and bamboo worms.

Depending on the place and each family, people have different ways of preparing it. They can just wash it, keep it whole, and then process it.

To make the worms taste rich, after cleaning, marinate them with a few spices such as fish sauce, salt, MSG, mac khen, chili, garlic, etc. Wait about 10 minutes for the worms to absorb the spices, then fry them with lard, which will increase the fattiness and deliciousness.

When frying, pay attention to keep the heat low and stir evenly. When the worms are cooked and the body is curved, they are done. The worms can be fried until crispy or seasoned with sour bamboo shoot juice and sprinkled with chopped lemon leaves, both are delicious.

Although processed into delicious dishes, stone worms are also a type of food that can easily cause allergies and poisoning if not stored and processed properly. In addition, people with allergies should also be careful and consider before enjoying this dish.

Photo: Hoa Ban Food

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