Sea Urchin – Premium Seafood Specialty at Dai Viet Restaurant

Sea urchin is one of the most luxurious and sought-after seafood delicacies in the world, not only for its unique flavor but also for its exceptional nutritional value. At Dai Viet Restaurant, sea urchins are masterfully prepared to preserve their natural sweetness and rich umami essence, offering diners an unforgettable culinary experience right in the heart of Saigon.

Sea urchins

What Is Sea Urchin? Origin and Characteristics

Sea urchins are spiny marine animals belonging to the echinoderm family. With a round shape covered in sharp spines, they contain golden, creamy roe inside – the part considered a prized delicacy due to its rich, buttery texture and naturally sweet oceanic flavor.

These ancient marine organisms have existed for millions of years and play an essential role in the ocean ecosystem by balancing coral and algae growth.

Where Are Sea Urchins Found?

Sea urchins thrive in tropical and subtropical waters. In Vietnam, they are commonly found in:

• Nha Trang Bay: Large sea urchins with thick, sweet meat.
• Phu Quoc Island: Deep golden-colored roe, rich and buttery.
• Quy Nhon Waters: Steady year-round supply.
• Con Dao: Premium-quality wild sea urchins.
• Ha Long Bay: Cold saltwater gives a uniquely sweet taste.

Each region produces sea urchins with distinct flavors, colors, and textures, offering great diversity to culinary creations.

Physical Features & Harvesting Methods

Sea urchins are typically 8–15 cm in diameter, with black or dark purple shells and long protective spines. Inside, the roe is divided into five symmetrical golden segments.

Traditional harvesting methods include:

• Free diving: Divers collect sea urchins directly from the seabed.
• Seine nets: Used in shallow waters.
• Hand-picking tools: Carefully used to avoid damaging the roe.
• Marine farming: Some regions now raise sea urchins in floating cages to ensure stable supply.

Nutritional Value – “Ginseng of the Ocean”

Sea urchin is rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamin A, vitamin E, omega-3, and essential amino acids.

Nutritional profile per 100g of fresh sea urchin:

• Protein: 12–15g
• Fats: 3–5g (mostly healthy unsaturated fats)
• Calories: Only 85–95 kcal
• Omega-3: High EPA and DHA content
• Vitamins & Minerals: Zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins A, E, B12, and C.

Health Benefits for Men:

• Enhances vitality and testosterone levels.
• Improves sperm quality.
• Boosts energy and muscle growth.

Sea urchins

Health Benefits for Women:

• Provides iron and folic acid, beneficial for pregnancy.
• Rich in antioxidants that support anti-aging.
• Helps regulate hormones and improves skin elasticity.

Why Sea Urchin Is Highly Valued in the Market

• Rare and seasonal: Best harvested from September to March.
• Difficult to preserve: Must be consumed fresh to retain flavor.
• High demand internationally: Especially in Japan, Korea, and China.
• Symbol of luxury: Often featured in fine-dining restaurants.

Culinary Prestige

Known in Japanese cuisine as Uni, sea urchin roe is considered a rare delicacy used in premium sushi and sashimi dishes, famous for its rich umami flavor unmatched by any other seafood.

Sea Urchin Delights at Dai Viet Restaurant

Dai Viet Restaurant takes pride in offering sea urchin dishes that honor the natural essence of the ocean through traditional and innovative culinary techniques.

Grilled Sea Urchin – Pure Natural Essence

• Fresh live sea urchins are carefully cleaned.
• The roe is grilled directly over charcoal to preserve natural sweetness.
• The texture is buttery, luxurious, melting in your mouth with a delicate ocean aroma.

Grilled Sea Urchin with Scallion Oil – Rich & Aromatic

• Fresh sea urchin topped with sizzling scallion oil and roasted peanuts.
• Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweetness, richness, and crunch.
• Best enjoyed with grilled rice paper or toast and a cold beer.

Grilled Sea Urchin with Scallion Oil

Grilled Sea Urchin with Quail Egg – A Unique Fusion

• Fresh quail eggs are cracked into the sea urchin shell.
• Topped with scallions and dried shrimp.
• Slowly grilled until perfectly set, balancing the creamy richness of egg and the delicate sweetness of sea urchin roe.

  

Grilled Sea Urchin with Quail Egg

Why Choose Dai Viet Restaurant for Sea Urchin?

1. Fresh, Live Sea Urchins Prepared On Demand

• Delivered daily from top fishing regions.
• Stored in live tanks to ensure ultimate freshness.
• Only premium-grade sea urchins are selected.

2. Expert Chefs

• Extensive experience in handling premium seafood.
• Mastery of precise grilling techniques.
• Exclusive sauces and presentation styles.

3. Prime Location & Exceptional Service

• Located in central District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Elegant dining environment with professional, welcoming service staff.

SEE MORE: Baby Lobster Delicacy in Saigon – Visit Gio Bien Dai Viet Seafood Restaurant Today

Best Drinks to Pair with Sea Urchin

White Wine: Enhances the natural sweetness and cuts through the richness.

Cold Beer: Refreshing and perfect with grilled sea urchin dishes.

Fresh Juices: For non-alcohol drinkers, fresh orange or pineapple juice enhances digestion and balances flavor.

Wine at Dai Viet Restaurant

Conclusion

Sea urchin is not just a gourmet delicacy but a nutritional treasure from the ocean. At Dai Viet Restaurant, each dish is thoughtfully crafted to deliver the pure essence of the sea with elegance and sophistication.

Come and experience premium sea urchin cuisine at Dai Viet Restaurant – where the taste of the ocean comes to life.

Dai Viet Restaurant