"Baigai" - Whelk

A crunchy sea snail often served as sashimi.

Whelks are popular sea food and can usually be found at the local sushi parlors or the fish markets.
These whelks are especially loved as a part of a sashimi dish. They are especially crunchy and softly sweet. They can also be served broiled. Broiling them will add some tempting aromas. A toothpick is often used to remove their shells when broiling them in soy sauce. Some shops even put them in Oden broths.
Their Japanese name is Baigai, which can be freely translated as “double clams”. They are often considered being a good luck charm.