Gasoline clams in Nampho, or Nampo depending now here you sit on the spelling Nazi fence are so great we included them on the ten best North Korean foods.
It was over ten years ago that I was first asked if I would like to try gasoline clams. My initial response was something around the WTF region. When general concept was explained further I was not reassured.
The overall idea is thus; a flameproof mat is put on the ground, clams are then spread over said mat, gasoline is spread over the clams, and you then set it on fire. Gasoline is then continually added until clams open, and then you eat them.
Now before I get onto the taste of said petroleum cooked clams, lets set the scene a little.
Nampo is a major coastal city and port on the west coast of North Korea. The main reasons for coming here is the West Sea Barrage, and the hotel where you eat gasoline clams.
The Ryonggang Hot Spa resort was back in the day one of the most luxurious hotels in North Korea, and would host political leaders from the Eastern Block, who would come to bathe in its medicinal bathwater (that smells like sulphur). The hotel consists of individual housing units, each with its own sulphur bath, with the strict recommendation being you do not spend more than 20 minutes in the bath. This is honestly one of the most fun hotels in the DPRK, and then theres the petrol clams…
So how does a clam cooked in gasoline taste? Surprisingly good. Essentially the way it is done, none of the petrol actually goes into the clam, and whilst there is a very pungent gasoline odor, it is more than bearable.
And of course like all of the best parts of North Korea cuisine it is chased with soju, not beer. And as I have said before, the DPRK do make the best soju.