Ms. Phuong Quy, a Hanoi-based vendor specializing in exotic delicacies, said: “Currently, it is the season for ant eggs, so my business is doing quite well. Each day, I sell tens of kilograms of ant eggs and around 200-300 ant egg pastries”.
Ms. Quy mainly operates on “online markets” – a term commonly used to refer to groups on social media platforms such as Facebook and Zalo which are dedicated to buying, selling, and exchanging everyday necessities.
Both large and small ant eggs are available. (Photo: Provided)
Ms. Quy has been selling this specialty on online markets for several years, so she has accumulated a considerable number of regular customers. She said: “As soon as I uploaded the first photos of this year’s ant egg harvest, my regulars immediately placed orders. Some ordered half a kilo or a kilo of ant eggs, while others ordered dozens of ant egg pastries at a time” .
According to Ms. Quy, customers can currently buy as many ant eggs or ant egg pastries as they want, as it is the peak season. Ant eggs can be easily harvested.
Currently, she is selling large yellow ant eggs for 370,000 VND/kg and small ones for 280,000 VND/kg. Ant egg pastries are priced at 20,000 VND each.
According to her, ant egg pastries are very creamy and emit a popping sound when eaten. “However, people with allergies should avoid consuming this delicacy” , she advised.
Ant eggs can be made into pastries…
… or they can be stir-fried or made into soup. (Photo: Provided)
Ant egg pastries are a unique way of preparing this delicacy. Many people are fond of this pastry.
Ms. Chiến (Tuyen Quang) explained that ant egg pastries are wrapped in ngõa mật leaves (fig leaves) with a glutinous rice flour crust, and the filling is ant eggs stir-fried with chives.
“After cleaning, the ant eggs are stir-fried with chives to add flavor, and seasoned to taste. That’s the filling, while the crust is made from glutinous rice flour” , she shared.
Ms. Thanh Tam (Dong Da, Hanoi) shared: “I was born in Yen Bai, and ant eggs are a delicacy that reminds me of my childhood. I no longer live in Yen Bai, but every ant egg season, I order a whole kilo for my family. Fortunately, my husband and children all like it, and none of us are allergic.” .
Ms. Đào (Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi) said: “Two years ago, I saw this unusual dish and ordered some to try. I didn’t expect to like it so much. My husband also enjoys deep-fried ant eggs as a snack. So, every year when the season comes, I order some from an acquaintance. But sometimes, I have to wait a whole week before I can get it.”
In addition to their unique and delicious flavor, ant egg pastries are also highly nutritious, rich in protein, amino acids, and various vitamins and minerals.
