Korean actor Lee Kwang Soo tries various Vietnamese dishes during his recent visit to the country.
Korean actor Lee Kwang Soo, known as the Prince of Asia from the popular reality show Running Man, recently visited Vietnam to promote a new Vietnam-Korea co-produced film.
Alongside meeting fans, he attended several events and sampled local cuisine. The most memorable moment came when he nervously tried coconut worms, a Mekong Delta delicacy that both fascinates and frightens many first-time tasters.
In a video posted on YouTube by MisThy, Lee Kwang Soo dined with Korean director Kim Sung Hoon and Vietnamese actress Hoang Ha, enjoying traditional Hue dishes such as nem lui (grilled pork skewers), goi mit non (young jackfruit salad), com la sen (lotus leaf rice), and che sen (lotus sweet soup).
The actor repeatedly praised the food, saying many of the flavours were new to him. Toward the end of the meal, the crew surprised him with a bowl of live coconut worms wriggling in fish sauce.
“They’re still moving. That can’t be food,” he exclaimed in shock as he watched the local delicacy squirm in front of him.
Coconut worms with fish sauce.
To overcome his hesitation, Lee joined director Kim Sung Hoon, MisThy, and Hoang Ha in a playful challenge to taste the worms. MisThy explained that coconut worms are larvae taken directly from coconut trees, and that eating them raw reveals their rich, creamy flavour.
Lee Kwang Soo and director Kim Sung Hoon are shocked when seeing the coconut worms
Director Kim Sung Hoon tried first, comparing the taste to sashimi. “If you come to Vietnam, you should give it a try, it’s not bad,” he said with a smile.
Finally, encouraged by the group, Lee Kwang Soo gathered his courage and ate one. His exaggerated expressions drew laughter as he quickly swallowed without chewing. “I’ve done it,” he said, admitting the experience was unforgettable, though one he wouldn’t likely repeat.
Coconut worms, the larvae of the snout beetle, feed on the soft trunks of coconut trees and are found widely in Vietnam’s coconut-growing regions. Rich in protein and fat, they are considered a nutritious speciality in the Mekong Delta, selling for around VND 500,000-800,000 (approximately USD 20-32) per kilogram.
Locals prepare the worms in various ways, eaten raw with fish sauce, grilled, steamed with sticky rice, or stir-fried with salt. Many international food sites list them among the world’s most extreme dishes.
