Andrew Fraser is an Australian travel content creator, currently living and working in Vietnam. On his YouTube channel with more than 230,000 followers, he regularly posts videos of culinary experiences in many provinces from North to South.

Among them, there are some unique dishes that make foreign guests "cry out" such as: Nam Pia, bamboo worms, fried grasshoppers...

Not long ago, Andrew took a trip to Si Ma Cai district ( Lao Cai province) to learn about the local wasp farming profession.

Wasps (also known as ground wasps) often make nests in rotten tree roots or underground, appearing frequently in mountainous areas of the northern provinces, especially in the Northwest.

Andrew travels to the Northwest to learn about wasps and enjoy delicious pupae

In addition to natural exploitation, this type of bee is also successfully raised by people in some localities such as Lao Cai, Son La , etc.

This is a species of wasp with extremely poisonous venom but is hunted for food because its wasps and pupae can be processed into many protein-rich, nutritious dishes. They are sold at quite high prices, up to half a million VND per kilo.

In Si Ma Cai, Andrew was invited by a local to his home to try the delicious wasp pupae dish. When the host shared that wasp pupae were sold for 500,000 VND/kg, he commented that the price was as expensive as good beef.

The Western guest revealed that this pupa was harvested from a “giant” wasp nest, weighing about 80-90kg, raised and cared for by the locals for more than a year. They are ingredients processed into many different dishes, but the most delicious and popular is the pupa fried with lemon leaves.

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Wasp pupae fried with lemon leaves is a popular delicacy, a specialty of the Northwest region, but not everyone dares to eat it.

Andrew also directly observed how this dish was prepared. Accordingly, after harvesting, the bee pupae can be processed immediately, dropped into a pan of boiling oil until golden brown and then seasoned. Finally, sprinkle chopped lemon leaves on top.

Australian YouTuber commented that the wasp pupae fried with lemon leaves dish has an attractive appearance and aroma.

He was also impressed by the dish that included different types of pupae, corresponding to each stage of bee development such as larvae, pupae and adult bees. Andrew said that he would taste each piece in turn, from smallest to largest size.

First up were wasp larvae. He said he had tried them before, but in their raw form. But when he ate the roasted larvae, he found the creamy milky texture melted in his mouth.

“Oh my god, it has a soft, creamy texture, it feels like ice cream,” Andrew describes.

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Western guests tasted wasp pupae fried with lemon leaves

Western guests commented that many people will initially feel wary and scared when seeing this dish, but when cooked, it looks attractive.

When he tasted the pupae (the later stage of the larvae), Andrew admitted he was a little apprehensive. However, he was once again surprised by the strange, delicious taste. “They have a meaty taste, much easier to eat than I imagined. The pupae feel quite similar to chicken,” he said.

Continuing to experience the adult wasp part, Andrew admitted: “Honestly, this part is much harder to eat than the larvae and pupae. It is crunchy, not soft and a bit hard because the wasp has fully developed parts such as legs, wings… In terms of flavor compared to the previous two versions, I find it crunchier.”

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Dishes made from wasp pupae are considered nutritious and good for health, but people with allergies should be careful and consider before eating.

Mr. Nguyen Gia - a person who specializes in exploiting wild bee pupae in Lao Cai said that wasp pupae are the most popular because they are considered a food source with high nutritional value.

Wasp pupae can be soaked in wine to treat bone diseases or processed into dishes such as porridge, stir-fry, sticky rice, etc. With high calorie content and rich in vitamins, they are considered a natural "panacea", bringing many health benefits.

Because wasp pupae are very dangerous to harvest and the quantity is not large, this food is also sold at a quite high price.

Although processed into delicious dishes, bee pupae are also a type of food that can easily cause allergies and poisoning if not stored and processed properly. In addition, people with allergies should also be careful and consider before enjoying dishes made from bee pupae.

Photo: Andrew Fraser

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