Buzz
Dong Thap, one of the 13 provinces in the Mekong Delta, is renowned for its beautiful Thap Muoi lotus ponds – a remote district in the heart of Dong Thap and an eco-tourist haven for many travelers. Moreover, Dong Thap's specialties not only captivate visiting tourists but also evoke nostalgia in those who have ventured far from home to pursue their careers.
When you find yourself in the lush landscapes of Dong Thap, take a moment to stop and savor the fame of these 8 famous Thap Muoi specialties listed below!
1. Grilled snakehead fish wrapped in lotus leaves
Thap Muoi, the most beautiful among lotus blooms – A single poetic line perfectly captures the beauty of the entire Mekong Delta region in Dong Thap province. And, of course, the first Dong Thap specialty that Pasgo – Booking & Deals wants to introduce to you is the grilled snakehead fish wrapped in lotus leaves
Using snakehead fish as the main ingredient, this Dong Thap specialty wraps the fish in lotus leaves and grills it over a charcoal stove. Cooked with the natural heat of fresh lotus leaves, the grilled snakehead fish retains a tender texture, exuding the fragrant aroma of lotus and a natural sweetness. Locals in Dong Thap recommend enjoying this dish with thin rice paper, fresh vegetables, rice vermicelli, and dipping it in Mekong Delta fish sauce.
2. Nem Lai Vung
“Lai Vung, a land of mystique
Sweet and aromatic nem chua that leaves you enchanted…”
Not only renowned for Thanh Hoa nem chua, Phung Dan Phuong nem chua, and Ninh Hoa Nha Trang nem chua, but Nem Lai Vung in Dong Thap is also adored by travelers. Originating from the district of Lai Vung in Dong Thap province before 1975, Nem Lai Vung has become a sought-after delicacy for anyone passing through Dong Thap. It's not because Nem Lai Vung is expensive or rare; it's simply because it's delicious, easy to eat, and universally loved!
Nem Lai Vung boasts a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, with a crisp and crunchy texture. Unlike northern and central Vietnamese nem chua, Nem Lai Vung in Dong Thap is wrapped in fresh banana leaves, forming a square shape. When unwrapped, you'll discover the pink color of Nem Lai Vung, accompanied by slices of garlic and fresh chili.
3. Grilled Duck Sa Dec Cao Lanh
Sa Dec Cao Lanh Grilled Duck, originating from the fertile lands of Cao Lanh, is a delicacy of the Thap Muoi region. This specialty is crafted from free-range ducks, ensuring crispy skin without excess fat. The tender and flavorful meat is meticulously seasoned, providing a delightful and non-greasy dining experience. Apart from the traditional grilled duck preparation, the locals of Cao Lanh showcase their culinary prowess with various grilled duck variations such as clay-baked duck, green pepper grilled duck, and mock turtle grilled duck. Viet Fun Travel highly recommends Sa Dec-Cao Lanh Grilled Duck as a must-try Dong Thap Muoi delicacy.
4. Dong Thap Spinning Mouse
One of the enchanting delicacies that captivates the culinary enthusiasts in Dong Thap is the spinning mouse, a unique culinary challenge. Unlike regular mice, the Dong Thap spinning mouse is a bit tricky to prepare. The mouse meat is perfected by spinning on a device resembling a water wheel. The ideal time to relish this dish is during the harvest season in September and October when the field mice are plump, resulting in firm and tender meat. Despite being made from field mouse meat, if you've tried it before, you'll undoubtedly want to savor it again!
5. Sa Dec Noodle Soup
Perhaps you've tasted Nam Vang noodle soup or Chaozhou noodle soup, but when you experience Sa Dec noodle soup, the memory will linger forever. Originating from the city of Sa Dec, Dong Thap province, Sa Dec noodle soup is made from fragrant Dong Thap Muoi sticky rice flour, with a pure broth simmered from pork bones, devoid of artificial flavorings, resulting in a naturally sweet and aromatic taste. Sa Dec noodle soup is often enjoyed with soy sauce, chili, lime, and bean sprouts.
6. Cao Lanh Sizzling Pancake
Sizzling pancakes, a common delicacy in the Mekong Delta, stand out even more in Cao Lanh. Originating from the Cao Lanh region in Dong Thap province, Cao Lanh sizzling pancakes are made from rice flour, grated coconut, prawns, pork belly, onions, bean sprouts, and straw mushrooms, offering a delightful combination of crispiness and chewiness. The Dong Thap specialty pancakes are typically served with a tangy and spicy dipping sauce, accompanied by a variety of fresh greens such as lettuce, basil, sesame leaves, and betel leaves. These pancakes are generously sized, and just 2-3 pieces are enough to satisfy your appetite.
Cao Lanh Sizzling Pancake: A Flavorful Delight
7. Snake Sausage
Snakes are a prominent delicacy in the vast Mekong Delta. Among the specialties of Dong Thap, one intriguing name stands out: snake sausage. This dish comes to life during the flood season when snakes are abundant, and their meat is at its finest.
Snake meat is minced and seasoned before being stuffed back into the snake skin, creating a sausage-like casing. You can enjoy snake sausage fried, steamed, or grilled. Dong Thap snake sausage is typically served with fresh vegetables, basil, lettuce, and wild edible flowers.
8. Linh Fish Hotpot with Wild Edible Flowers
8. Linh Fish Hotpot with Wild Edible Flowers
Although Linh Fish Hotpot is a rustic dish from Dong Thap, it is loved by many tourists for its vibrant colors, enticing aroma, and the refreshing sourness of the broth. The best time to relish this hotpot is from September to November when the linh fish is at its freshest and most flavorful. Additionally, the combination of linh fish and wild edible flowers lends a delightful fragrance and a crispy texture. Linh Fish Hotpot is typically served with water mimosa, sawtooth herb, and water spinach.
Here is a compiled list of 8 delicious dishes from Dong Thap province that you must try when visiting. These Dong Thap specialties have stood the test of time, reflecting a rich culinary culture deeply rooted in the local heritage.
_Minh Phuong_
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