Despite many people tightening their belts in the currently tough economic climate, Vietnam’s rich are still splashing out on luxury food.

A prime example is the recent boom in King Crab sales. The tasty crustacean is priced at a whopping VND5 million (USD238), but specimens from 2-3 or even up 7 kilos can be found in supermarkets in Hanoi.

Nguyen Duy Hong, head of fresh product selling board of a supermarket on Pham Ngoc Thanh Street, Hanoi, said, “We imported just 6-7 King Crabs in early July because we though only a few rich people could buy them. However, we’ve sold the product quite quickly.” He added that his supermarket would continue importing this kind of crab to meet customers’ demand.

Tu hài or geoduck snails imported from Canada has become a favourite food of the rich people in Vietnam apparently due to its virile effects. This snail is now sold at some seafood restaurants in Hanoi such as Thong Nhat, Red House, San Ho and Louis at price of VND1.9-2.5 million (USD90.4-119) per kilogramme. Each geoduck weighs 2kg on average, costing around VND5 million, equal to the value of one tonne of paddy rice.

Yellow tortoise priced at VND50 million per kilo

People aren’t afraid of splashing out on the rare yellow tortoise, which is renowned for its health properties, with customers willing to spend up to VND50 million (USD2,380) to enjoy this luxury food.

A rich man said, “Every month, I eat yellow tortoise to maintain my health.”

Long Dinh Restaurant includes aperitifs like swallow, crab or South African abalone soups ranging from USD33 to USD96 a bowl.

Some restaurants have even imported gold dust wine at over VND5 million per 0.75 fl.oz bottle. Italian gold leaf wine goes for a mere VND7 million a bottle..

Some Vietnamese shops are even selling cakes with gold dust stuffing priced at VND3 million a piece.

Source: dtinews