Mrs. Truoc’s Snails from Netflix’s Street Food

Generations of street food magic!

In the mosaic of culinary tales that unfurl across Netflix’s Street Food series, Mrs. Truoc emerges as a luminary in the Vietnam episode. Captured in a poignant storyline of determination and triumph, her journey in the street food realm stands as a beacon of inspiration.

Among the vibrant tapestry of restaurants awaiting our exploration in Saigon, none excited us quite like Mrs. Truoc’s stall. Nestled within an alley in District 1, its elusive charm required navigation, a task eased by referring to the provided map. An initial misstep led us astray, but a second attempt unveiled the hidden gem we had sought.

The screen narrative showcased Mrs. Truoc’s mastery of her father’s cherished recipe for mud creepers. During our visit, we were greeted by an evolved menu, expanding to encompass a rich spectrum of six snail dishes and an equal number of clam creations. Our appetite set on a snail extravaganza, we indulged in four snail plates and a single clam delight.

Surveying the menu, the multitude of ways each snail or clam could be prepared intrigued us. Opting to surrender our culinary fate to our server’s expertise, we embarked on an exploration guided by their recommendations.

Intricately diverse, some snail species beckoned a delicate extraction using safety pins, while larger counterparts quickly surrendered to a dainty two-pronged fork. Grilled with a medley of pepper, fried with aromatic garlic, or adorned with the tang of tamarind, every offering was an explosion of flavours.

Yet, as our journey unfolded, we realized the need for sustenance beyond snail delicacies. A clam dish joined our ensemble, an exquisite counterpart steamed with the gentle embrace of chilli.

In Mrs. Truoc’s bustling stall, a once-struggling narrative gave way to a thriving scene. Tables brimmed with patrons revelling in her snail creations, an ambience of contentment pervasive in the air. Surprisingly, our presence stood as the solitary foreign representation among the gathering of locals who had embraced Mrs. Truoc’s culinary prowess well before the spotlight of Street Food graced her stall.

Where to find them!

What3Words: ///enacted.skyrocket.simply

Address: 169 Cô Bắc, Ward Cô Giang, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 2 PM (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

Must-Try: Snails and Clams 

Price: Each snail dish for VND 25,000