Discover the specialty of Giang Village Clams and tips for enjoying them.

 

1. General introduction to Giang village clams

1.1 Origin of Giang village clams

Giang village used to belong to Thieu Duong commune, Thieu Hoa district before 2012, and now belongs to Ham Rong ward. This place has long been a highlight on the Vietnamese culinary map with the profession of raking Giang village clams on the Ma River. This traditional profession has been passed down through many generations and is considered a precious cultural heritage.

Clams when freshly caught ashore. (Source: Collected)

The local people still regularly go down to the Ma River from early morning, using manual tools to harvest fresh and delicious Giang Village clams. Thanks to the Ma River's rich silt and minerals, this place has become an ideal growing environment for this special type of clam.

1.2 Outstanding characteristics of Giang Village clams

Giang Village clams make their mark with unique, hard-to-confuse characteristics. The clams are small in shape, with shells that are golden when exposed to sunlight, and plump bodies. The clam meat is firm, not mushy, and when eaten, it doesn't have a fishy taste, but instead offers a naturally sweet and refreshing flavor.

A readily noticeable difference is the clear, naturally sweet broth of Giang Village clams. This special quality originates from the mineral-rich Ma River, nurturing the clams to develop exceptionally. Compared to clams from ponds and lakes, Giang Village clams stand out with their rich sweetness and light aroma, without the fishy smell often found in freshwater aquatic products.

1.3 Why Giang Village clams have become a popular rustic dish loved by many tourists?

The appeal of Giang Village clams comes not only from their natural sweetness but also from the deep stories connected to the lives and spirits of the people of Thanh Hoa. Whenever away from home, the intense longing for a meal of clams becomes an unforgettable memory, making Giang Village clams a symbol of nostalgia for one's roots. The entirely manual processing, from raking the clams to preparation, ensures the fresh taste of the clams is always preserved.

 

Clam soup is a childhood dish for many people. (Source: Collected)

Giang village clams are rich in protein, low in fat, and contain many essential minerals, suitable for meals for all subjects from young children to the elderly. Especially, every flood season is when clams reproduce and develop. Therefore, Giang village clams are fresher and more delicious thanks to abundant production and good quality.

2. Specialty dishes from Giang village clams

2.1 Clam paste

In the memory of the people of Giang village, clam paste is a premium dish. This is a meticulous and labor-intensive fermented dish that few people can still make today. According to the elders, to make a jar of delicious clam paste, one must use several baskets of fresh clams. Clams after being bought are soaked continuously for three days and three nights, changing water 21 times to completely remove sand and impurities.

Mam hen is a unique dish in the Central provinces. (Source: Collected)

When the clams open up, the maker must manually pick out the clam meat, absolutely not washing it in water to preserve its natural sweetness and aroma. The clam meat is mixed with fine salt in a ratio of 5 parts clam meat to 1 part salt, with the surface covered by a layer of roasted and finely ground salt, along with a few dill leaves to prevent flies. The entire jar of fermented paste is "sun-dried and dew-exposed" for three months, then mixed with roasted golden red rice powder, finely ground old galangal, and a little white wine. When the paste is ripe, a sweet, non-fishy aroma rises, with a rich, savory taste; it is incredibly delicious when used as a dipping sauce with vermicelli, banh duc, or pork belly.

2.2 Stir-fried clams with chives, Stir-fried clams with crispy rice crackers

Clams from Giang village, after being cleaned, with intact clam meat that is not crushed, are skillfully stir-fried with fragrant fried shallots and minced lean pork tenderloin. The dish gets its characteristic aroma when a little Northern pepper, seasoning powder, and a few drops of fresh lime juice are added to create a mild sourness.

 

Delicious stir-fried clams with crispy rice crackers. (Source: Collected)

Before taking it off the stove, the cook sprinkles some thinly sliced lime leaves, the aroma spreading so widely that anyone passing by is drawn to stop. The authentic way to eat it, according to the people of Giang village, is not to use a bowl or spoon, but to use the crispy rice crackers to scoop up each hot bite of stir-fried clams, which are both crispy and rich, making it impossible to get enough.

2.3 Sour clam soup

Besides the rich stir-fried dish, many families also cook clam soup. This is a simple yet refreshing dish, often served on hot summer days. The clams are boiled to extract the meat, then cooked with Malabar spinach or sweet leaf, often with a few slices of shallots added to enhance the aroma.

 

Clams are used in sour soup. (Source: Collected)

The soup is clear, delicately sweet, and delicious served with white rice or vermicelli. Each spoonful of clam soup carries the full flavor of rivers and countryside. In many regions, the simple clam dish has become a symbol of the Thanh region's folk cuisine.

3. Price of clams from Giang village and how to buy them to take home

3.1. Price of fresh clams by season and processing methods

The price of clams from Giang village currently fluctuates depending on origin, quality, and preservation method. Fresh clam meat is usually priced around 100,000 - 150,000 VND/kg, depending on the size and freshness of the clams. For frozen clam meat, the price will be softer, around 80,000 - 120,000 VND/kg, suitable for long-distance transport or long-term storage. During the peak clam season, from May to August annually, clam prices are usually more stable due to abundant supply and fresh, delicious quality. Ready-made products such as dried clams and canned clams from Giang village are also chosen by many tourists as gifts, being both convenient and carrying the distinct flavor of the Thanh region's countryside.

3.2. How to choose and preserve clams correctly

When buying clams from Giang village, prioritize those with naturally bright shells, no cracks, no foul odor, and firm, lightly fragrant meat inside. Fresh, delicious clams will feel heavy in hand and not dry. For pre-shucked clam meat, choose vacuum-sealed packages with clear information about the production facility.

The process of filtering clean clam meat after catching. (Source: Collected)

To preserve fresh clam meat, if using within the day, store it in the refrigerator (10-15°C). If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it; the clams will retain their flavor for 1-2 months. When thawing, you should move them to the refrigerator a few hours before use instead of soaking them in hot water, which helps the clams retain their natural sweetness and chewiness. Proper preservation not only maintains the quality of the clam meat but also ensures food hygiene and safety for consumers.

4. Serving Suggestions

4.1 Enjoying at restaurants in Thanh Hoa center

If you don't have the chance to visit Giang village, you can still enjoy the characteristic clam flavor right in the center of Thanh Hoa. Two famous addresses chosen by many diners are Phuc Tuyet – Hue Clam Rice (16 Hac Thanh) and Com Hen Ha Huy (53 Le Loi Boulevard). Both eateries serve rich clam rice dishes, retaining the sweet and fresh flavor of Giang village clams combined with aromatic herbs, crispy pork cracklings, roasted peanuts, and a lightly spicy fish sauce dressing. The clams are processed fresh daily, making them both sweet and crispy, blended with the rich aroma of fish sauce, creating a simple yet captivating dish. This is a great choice for a light breakfast or lunch in the heart of the city, allowing you to experience a part of Thanh Hoa's culinary essence.

4.2 Buying canned, vacuum-sealed clams as gifts

For tourists who want to bring the flavor of Giang village home as gifts, canned or vacuum-sealed clams are the most convenient and quality-assured option. These products are carefully pre-processed and packaged to preserve the natural sweetness and aroma of the clams, ready to be eaten immediately or processed into various dishes such as sour soup, stir-fried clams, or clam rice.

Clams are packaged to ensure safety during storage and use. (Source: Collected)

Vacuum-sealed clams have a long shelf life, convenient for long-distance transportation while retaining their fresh and delicious flavor. When purchasing, visitors can choose to buy directly from reputable restaurants in Ham Rong or Thanh Hoa center, where products are verified for clear origin and processed safely, making it a gift that is both sophisticated and rich in local sentiment.

5. Combine tourism in Thanh Hoa

5.1 Explore the Ham Rong historical site

The journey of enjoying Giang village clams will become more meaningful when combined with visiting Thanh Hoa land, which is famous for its ancient historical sites along with clear blue beaches, a must-visit destination every summer. Especially among them is the Ham Rong historical site, considered one of the ideal stops when visiting Thanh Hoa. A place associated with glorious victories in the resistance war against America.

 

Ham Rong Bridge is associated with many historical events. (Source: Collection)

Standing on Ham Rong Bridge, gazing out at the gentle Ma River, visitors can feel the majestic yet serene beauty of this heroic land. After visiting, take time to visit eateries around the center to enjoy the specialty of Hến Làng Giàng.

5.2 Cultural and Historical Experience at Ho Citadel

Leaving Ham Rong, you can continue your journey westward to visit Ho Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The structure was built in the 14th century by Ho Quy Ly.

The citadel is built entirely of natural bluestone, with rare, exquisite interlocking techniques, demonstrating the wisdom and creativity of our ancestors that transcended their time. Amidst the ancient and majestic space, visitors can leisurely stroll along the moss-covered ramparts, learn about its history and capture beautiful photos.

5.3 Relaxation at Sam Son Beach

To conclude the trip, Sam Son Beach is an ideal destination for visitors seeking relaxation after their exploration journey. Besides the long white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, this place also stands out thanks to Sun World Sam Son. It is known as one of the leading entertainment and tourist areas in the North Central region.

 

Sun World Sam Son is a premier destination in Thanh Hoa. (Source: Collected)

Notably, it features a modern water park with over 30 top-tier games, promising a vibrant entertainment experience for the whole family. After playing, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood to conclude a memorable journey in the prosperous land of Thanh Hoa.

Clams from Lang Giang village are not just a dish, but also a cultural story, a symbol of love and longing for home in the hearts of Thanh Hoa natives. Coming to Thanh Hoa and experiencing this flavor yourself will help you keep many unforgettable memories of the poetic land by the Ma River.