🍽️ Sandworm Congee

Coastal sandworm congee, briny umami.

Sandworm Congee is a specialty seafood congee along the coast of Zhanjiang, western Guangdong. Its main ingredient is the lattice worm dug from tidal mudflats, locally sandworm. The worms are cleaned of sand, blanched and cut into sections, then dropped into a plain rice congee simmered until the grains break open. The porridge base is silky, while the sandworm is crisp and springy, with a uniquely briny, sweet ocean flavor that other seafood cannot quite replace. Zhanjiang locals prize absolute freshness, and the mild congee is designed to let that flavor show. It appears at coastal open-air stalls and seafood restaurants, and is considered a must for seasoned eaters; newcomers may need courage at first, but the sweet, clean ocean taste usually wins them over.