Suoluo River Snails 嗦螺

Suoluo River Snails (嗦螺) are a spicy freshwater-snail snack of Changsha (长沙). Hot upward-growing chillies flavour the cooking liquid and the meat inside the shells, while many cooks add perilla during stir-frying.

A chilli-rich preparation

Zhangshang Changsha (掌上长沙), published by Changsha Evening News (长沙晚报), describes choosing fresh snails and keeping them in clean water for about two days to remove their muddy taste before cooking. Perilla supplies another flavour alongside the strong chilli heat. The seasoned liquid penetrates the snail meat as it cooks.

Snails at the night market

In early summer, snails are eaten at street-side night markets, often with beer. Diners hold a shell and suck the meat out, using the tongue to help release it. People unfamiliar with the technique may pick out the meat with a toothpick instead.