Slipper lobster (Tôm Mũ Ni)
Slipper lobsters are a family of about 90 species of achelate crustaceans, found in seas and oceans with warm water temperatures, especially concentrated in coral reefs and reefs located deep on the seabed. They are not true lobsters but are more closely related to shrimp, spiny lobsters and furry lobsters (sometimes called coral lobsters). In Việt Nam, the black cap, red cap, and white cap slipper lobsters are the most common. The colour of the slipper lobster has no bearing on its quality.
Slipper lobster in Việt Nam is known as “tôm mũ ni” and has a total length of up to 23 centimetres. It can be found along the coast cities of Phan Thiết, Nha Trang, Vũng Tàu province, Phú Quốc island in Việt Nam. Việtnamese fishermen catch this lobster by hand or using a net and they are usually sold alive.
When visiting the coast cities, take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy dishes made with slipper lobster, which has white, firm, and flavourful flesh. Slipper Lobster is luxurious, delicious and the perfect food for a special occasion. The flesh has a sweeter, less “fishy” taste than crab, but has a flavour that is rich and satisfying. Thanks to the high amount of muscle in lobster tails, it is meaty, firm and quite simply… stunning!
Steamed or grilled slipper lobster with a salt-black pepper mixture, served with freshly squeezed lime juice, and mayonnaise is the two most popular ways to enjoy slipper lobster in Việt Nam. The Việtnamese have a knack for keeping their cuisine simple and straightforward; keywords, fresh ingredients and minimal cooking. But it’s precisely this simplicity, the subtle variations by region and the fresh ingredients, that keep us pulling up a plastic stool for more.
