What is Sea Urchin?

Famous for its many blue beaches and long stretches of smooth white sand, the coastal city of Nha Trang has gradually become a popular tourist destination, attracting a large number of visitors from near and far. Besides its stunning natural scenery, this place offers the opportunity to experience seafood cuisine with a wide variety of renowned delicacies. One of the must-try specialties is the sea urchin.

Sea urchin, scientifically known as Echinoidea, is also called "cầu gai" or "nhím biển" in Vietnamese. These names refer to a class of marine animals belonging to the phylum Echinodermata. As the name suggests, sea urchins have a round, spiny appearance with sharp spikes covering their body. They usually have a diameter of 3-10 cm, with larger ones reaching at least 8-10 cm and a thickness of about 3-4 cm. Many people wonder whether sea urchins are poisonous. The answer is yes, but the venom is found in their spines, which serve as a defense mechanism against predators.

In their natural habitat, sea urchins move quite slowly and primarily feed on seaweed, certain types of coral, or soft-bodied seagrass. When diving in Nha Trang’s waters, tourists can easily spot these cute sea creatures playfully moving in the water. However, if you want to touch them, be very careful to avoid injury. Don't be deceived by their small size—sea urchins may be tiny, but they can pack a punch!

When opened, the inside of a sea urchin reveals a surprisingly small amount of meat (commonly referred to as sea urchin roe). The roe is arranged in star-like formations of five to eight lobes, with a golden or orange hue, clinging to the inner shell. This meat is highly nutritious and is commonly prepared in three ways: eaten raw, cooked into porridge, or grilled.

If you visit Nha Trang, don't forget to try sea urchin dishes to enrich your culinary experience with this renowned seafood delicacy.

What Are the Benefits of Eating Sea Urchin?

Sea urchins are not just a delicious and unique delicacy favored by many tourists; they are also packed with essential nutrients that offer numerous health benefits.

Promotes Heart Health
Known as the "Ginseng of the Sea," sea urchin meat is incredibly beneficial for human health. One of its most recognized benefits is promoting cardiovascular health.

Sea urchins are a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which function like a natural remedy to reduce the risk of heart diseases such as arrhythmias, strokes, or heart attacks. This makes sea urchins a highly sought-after gift for loved ones after a trip to coastal areas.

Boosts the Immune System
In addition to promoting heart health, consuming high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids can enhance immune function, helping to prevent asthma symptoms and certain allergies. Moreover, the antioxidant selenium found in sea urchins contributes to skin rejuvenation and strengthens the immune system.

Reduces Joint Pain
Seafood has long been believed to help alleviate joint pain and improve mobility. Sea urchins are no exception. With their high calcium content, eating sea urchins not only allows you to enjoy a delicious specialty from Nha Trang but also helps supply the body with essential calcium for stronger bones and joints.

Enhances Male Vitality
According to traditional medicine, sea urchin meat has a salty taste and warm properties, which are believed to benefit kidney function, nourish the blood, and enhance male vitality. This makes sea urchin a highly beneficial dish for men, as it helps boost energy and overall well-being.

How to Prepare Nutritious Sea Urchin Dishes

Due to its high nutritional value, sea urchins are prepared in various ways. Below are some popular sea urchin dishes that you can try making at home to enjoy with family and friends.

Sea Urchin with Lime
This is the simplest way to enjoy sea urchin without complicated preparation. After cleaning, the roe is extracted, mixed with lime juice, and eaten with mustard or salt and pepper. Many beachgoers love this dish. If you enjoy raw seafood, sea urchin with lime is a must-try!

Sea Urchin Porridge with Lotus Seeds
Sea urchins are often used in nutritious dishes and traditional remedies. Sea urchin porridge is especially beneficial for people recovering from illness, those with insomnia, or those experiencing appetite loss. It is also recommended for couples looking to improve fertility. With ingredients like sea urchin, rice, lotus seeds, green beans, scallions, and other seasonings, this dish combines the flavors of the sea with crunchy, nutritious roe and hearty grains.

Steamed Sea Urchin with Egg
A favorite among tourists, steamed sea urchin with egg offers the rich umami flavor of the ocean, complemented by the mild saltiness of seasonings. This dish is known for its health benefits, such as aiding weight gain and hydrating the skin. It is also a popular snack among young travelers visiting Nha Trang.

Grilled Sea Urchin with Scallion Oil
A must-try dish in Nha Trang, grilled sea urchin with scallion oil is prepared using a unique method. When eaten, you can taste the crunchy, chewy texture of the sea urchin combined with the smoky aroma of the grill. This dish is particularly beneficial for those with weak appetites or sensitive digestion.

Sea Urchin Sauce
Wondering what to bring home from Nha Trang as a gift? Sea urchin sauce is an excellent choice! To make it, sea urchin roe is mixed with coarse salt and left to ferment for seven days in a cool place. When ready, it can be combined with egg yolk, scallion oil, and chopped chili to create a delicious dipping sauce.

How to Select Fresh Sea Urchin

If you don’t have the opportunity to catch sea urchins yourself, you can find them at seafood markets or fish stalls. To select the best ones, make sure they are still alive. You can check by observing their spines—if they move when exposed to water, the sea urchin is fresh.

Remember, the amount of roe inside is determined by the size of the sea urchin. The larger the sea urchin, the more roe it contains. Choose ones about the size of your palm, as they tend to have more roe with a rich, creamy texture. Selecting the right sea urchin is not difficult, but it requires careful attention.

For seafood connoisseurs, "spiky sea urchins" and "striped sea urchins" are considered the finest varieties. While spiky sea urchins have a stronger ocean scent compared to striped ones, their flavor is often richer and more satisfying.

Where to Buy Sea Urchins and Pricing

You can purchase sea urchins at seafood markets or local fresh food stalls in Nha Trang. Another option is to visit Đường Đệ Beach (Vĩnh Hòa Ward, Nha Trang) early in the morning to witness the bustling sea urchin trade.

Currently, the price of whole sea urchins ranges from 15,000 - 20,000 VND per piece, depending on size. However, sea urchins with roe are much more expensive, ranging from 500,000 - 700,000 VND per kilogram, with some reaching over one million VND per kilogram.

As a specialty of Nha Trang, sea urchins are known as the "Ginseng of the Sea," offering incredible health benefits. Don't miss out on enjoying sea urchin dishes when visiting this beautiful coastal city!