Do you like laksa?
Do you also like earthworms?
Well, a hawker at Sim Lim Square is selling a version of this spicy noodle dish that's made with dried earthworms.
Called lumbricus laksa, this dish contains dried earthworms, which are sold as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) ingredient.
Credit: Arya Ng/Google Photos
Dried earthworms are called "di long" (地龙).
It is believed that they have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as a host of health benefits, such as improving blood circulation and lowering cholesterol levels.
The hawker, Zac Choi, told Shin Min Daily News that this recipe was passed down from his mother who used to sell lumbricus laksa in Melaka.
The worms doesn't do much for the taste, but according to Choi, they help to keep the coconut milk in the gravy from going bad.
Choi typically sells about 30 to 60 bowls of lumbricus laksa a day.
He spends about S$300 a month on procuring dried earthworms, which are sold cut open without any internal organs. They are long and leathery, resembling dried cuttlefish.
Dried earthworms. Image courtesy of Shin Min Daily News.
If you're not keen to try Choi's lumbricus laksa, you can try his cockle laksa (S$6).
If cockles aren't your thing, then go for the other laksa variants that come with either shredded chicken, prawn, or yong tau foo.
The dried earthworms aren't serve to diners, but those who are interested can request one from Choi.
Credit: Jack Tan/Google Photos
Nanyang Spice is located at #02-02, Sim Lim Square, 1 Rochor Canal Rd, S188504 (map).
It opens daily from 9am to 8pm.
You can follow it on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Top images via Google Maps
