by Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, April 15: One of the well-known delicacies among the natives here is the freshwater ‘terkuyung panjai’, an edible form of freshwater snail with similar whorl shell features to the trumpet snail species.
This freshwater snail is found in many pristine streams and small rivers in Sarawak and is a favourite among natives and often lands on the dining table as a savoury delicacy in rural settings.
‘Terkuyung panjai’ is still abundant, and these days it is found at farmer’s markets in towns and cities.
To enjoy the delicacy, you need to suck the meaty snail out of its shell and to ease the pressure, a portion of the hard whorl of the shell needs to be cut to make a hole at the end of it.
The vendor selling this edible freshwater snail told this reporter that there are many ways to cook this local delicacy.
“I prefer the traditional way it is prepared in villages, by just putting the ‘terkuyung’ into a boiling fresh ginger and lemon grass broth,” she told DayakDaily recently.
“Add a little salt and monosodium glutamate to add to the flavour,” she added.
“I am glad that the snail is still in demand and has commercial value, as it could fetch up to RM7 to RM10 a kilogramme. So all the effort in foraging for the snails from the rivers and streams is worthwhile,” she added.
The vendor elaborated that eatery operators come and look for them as many who patronise their establishment know how to eat it.
“It is good for us when there is commercial value in all the produce we forage from the jungle and streams near our village,” she added.
The edible snail is packed with protein and minerals, but ‘terkuyung panjai’ is not to be confused with ‘terkuyung minyak’ which also could be found in freshwater streams.
The ‘terkuyung minyak’ is slightly different, as it has a shorter whorl shell and settles deep inside the riverbed. One has to lure them out with bait in order to harvest them.
Those that are interested in savouring the ‘terkuying panjai’ can often find them at farmer’s markets at a reasonable price. — DayakDaily
