Discover the Top 10 specialties of the Mekong Delta during the floating season.

Buzz

Content

Grilled snail with fish sauce and pepper

Eccentric Flower Salad

Field Mouse Delicacy

Linh Fish

Grilled Snakehead Fish

Gunflower Fish Sauce Delight

River Broth Vermicelli

Crazy Flower Pancake

Pomelo Blossom Catfish Salad

Braised Sweetwater Dolphin

Each season in different regions has its own unique characteristics. The Mekong Delta, especially during the floating season, boasts numerous fascinating aspects. This region is renowned for its delicious specialties, cultivated and caught by locals in a natural environment, resulting in unique dishes exclusive to the Mekong Delta. Particularly during the floating season, a plethora of natural specialties captivate not only the locals but also enchant tourists. In today's article, I will introduce readers to the distinctive Mekong Delta specialties during the floating season. Let's explore!

Grilled snail with fish sauce and pepper

Snails are abundant throughout the fields and paddies. However, during the floating season, with the abundant food sources, including microorganisms in the floodwater and mud, snails become plump, their meat becomes rich and flavorful. Grilled snail with fish sauce and pepper is often served with various types of herbs such as coriander, basil, and young mango leaves. The sweetness of snail meat, combined with the tangy fish sauce, the spiciness of chili, and the aromatic flavor of pepper, creates an irresistible Mekong Delta delicacy during the floating season.

Eccentric Flower Salad

Eccentric Flower Salad is commonly used in pickles, soups, mixed with chicken, shrimp salad, or served with vermicelli in fish sauce or broth. The most memorable dish associated with eccentric flowers is perhaps the sour soup with snakehead fish and eccentric flowers.

Field Mouse Delicacy

The harvest season (rice harvesting season, before the water recedes) marks the beginning of field mouse hunting. Field mouse meat can be transformed into roasted rice-stuffed field mouse, grilled field mouse, pan-fried, stir-fried with lemongrass and chili... While this is a delicious dish, not every visitor dares to indulge in it.

Linh Fish

Linh fish is abundant during the floating season, considered the most delicious time of the year. Linh fish is considered a specialty of the Mekong Delta. Two dishes that make many diners crave are Linh fish braised with pepper and Linh fish hotpot with eccentric flowers. Additionally, some places also prepare Linh fish in various ways: Fried Linh fish with sweet potatoes, Linh fish dipped in vinegar, Linh fish braised with sugarcane,...

Grilled Snakehead Fish

During the floating season, the snakehead fish is large and firm-fleshed. It is used in various dishes such as sour soup or hotpot. However, the most beloved rustic dish is grilled snakehead fish. The fish is cleaned, skewered on sticks, planted in the ground surrounded by straw. The straw must be just enough to ensure the fish cooks through without being raw or burnt. Grilled snakehead fish is served with a variety of herbs, bananas, star fruits, cucumbers, and dipped in tamarind fish sauce.

Gunflower Fish Sauce Delight

One of the specialties during the Mekong Delta's floating season is the Gunflower Fish Sauce Delight. This dish is crafted from a flower that grows in muddy areas. The gunflowers are cleaned, cut into bite-sized pieces, and drained. They are then simmered with various types of fish, such as catfish and linh fish, along with carefully chosen spices to create a uniquely fragrant and delicious dish.

River Broth Vermicelli

River broth vermicelli is a culinary gem during the Mekong Delta's floating season. This dish consists of roasted pork, beef brisket, accompanied by fresh and delicious vegetables characteristic of this region.
The combination of flavors from fresh shrimp, fish, crispy roasted pork, and the distinctive taste of fish sauce creates a uniquely special dish. While you can enjoy river broth vermicelli throughout the year, the Gunflower accompaniment is exclusive to the floating season in Trà Vinh and some other places in the Mekong Delta region.

Crazy Flower Pancake

Crazy Flower Pancake, made with ingredients from the eccentric flower, is a unique delicacy during the flood season, unlike anything elsewhere. The pancake's outer layer is crafted from a mixture of rice flour, coconut milk, and slightly yellow turmeric powder.
The filling consists of finely minced pork marinated with spices, sautéed with fragrant eccentric flowers, bean sprouts, and peeled fresh shrimp. The distinctive flavor of this pancake comes from the sour and sweet taste of the river flower.

Pomelo Blossom Catfish Salad

The origin of the Pomelo Blossom Catfish Salad is from Cambodia and was later adapted by locals in regions like Kiên Giang, An Giang, fitting their unique culinary style. Both the leaves and flowers of the pomelo blossom can be used to make the salad.
Dried catfish is grilled and torn into small pieces. Boiled pork belly is sliced after being fully cooked. Additionally, cucumber, chili, and various spices are mixed together. Then, fish sauce is carefully blended for a perfect balance of sweetness and slight acidity, drizzled over the salad, and tossed thoroughly once again for an even mix.

Braised Sweetwater Dolphin

Sweetwater dolphins are only found during the floating season in the Mekong Delta, inhabiting areas with strong currents. Despite what one might think, these freshwater dolphins are only about three fingers long and easily recognizable by their eye-catching orange-red fins and tails.
The dish of braised sweetwater dolphin is uncomplicated, reflecting the straightforward nature of the people in the Mekong Delta. Once you've tried this special dish of the floating season in the West, you'll undoubtedly want to come back for more.

In this article, I share the specialties of the Mekong Delta during the floating season. I hope it helps readers learn more about these unique local dishes. When you have the opportunity to visit the Mekong Delta, be sure to try these specialties during the floating season. Thank you for reading the article, and don't forget to share it with others.

Posted by: Tu Hoang

Keywords: Top 10 Mekong Delta Specialties During the Floating Season

The content is developed by the Mytour team with the aim of customer care and solely to inspire travel experiences. We do not take responsibility for or provide advice for other purposes.

If you find this article inappropriate or containing errors, please contact us via email at [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What unique specialties can be found in the Mekong Delta during the floating season?

During the floating season, the Mekong Delta offers unique specialties such as grilled snail with fish sauce, eccentric flower salad, and delicious Linh fish dishes. Other highlights include grilled snakehead fish, river broth vermicelli, and the distinct Crazy Flower Pancake. Each dish showcases local ingredients and flavors that attract both locals and tourists.

How is grilled snail with fish sauce and pepper prepared in the Mekong Delta?

Grilled snail with fish sauce and pepper is prepared by using plump snails collected from fields during the floating season. The snails are seasoned and grilled to perfection, often served with fresh herbs like coriander and basil. The combination of savory fish sauce, spicy chili, and aromatic pepper creates an irresistible delicacy.

Is field mouse considered a delicacy during the floating season in the Mekong Delta?

Yes, field mouse is considered a delicacy during the floating season in the Mekong Delta. It is commonly prepared in various ways, including roasted, grilled, or stir-fried. While it is a flavorful dish, its unique nature may deter some visitors from trying it.

What ingredients are used to create the Crazy Flower Pancake in the Mekong Delta?

The Crazy Flower Pancake is made using rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric powder, and a filling of minced pork, eccentric flowers, bean sprouts, and shrimp. This delightful dish combines savory and sweet flavors, highlighting the region's unique culinary heritage during the floating season.

How does river broth vermicelli reflect the flavors of the Mekong Delta?

River broth vermicelli reflects the Mekong Delta's flavors through its combination of roasted pork, beef brisket, fresh vegetables, and a unique fish sauce. This dish embodies the region's culinary traditions, especially when paired with Gunflower, making it a sought-after specialty during the floating season.