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Indulge in Mekong Delta specialties right here in Saigon without needing to travel south. The culinary scene of the Mekong Delta is diverse and rich, with various cooking techniques that result in unique flavors, enticing many to experience them. Join Á CHÂU as we discover these dishes and the places to find them in Saigon.
Fermented Fish Hotpot
Fermented fish, a staple for the people of the Southern rivers and canals, offers a distinct aroma and flavor. Locals have ingeniously crafted a unique hotpot using ingredients sourced from freshwater fish, river fish, and assorted garden vegetables. Today, fermented fish hotpot has become a delicacy in eateries ranging from modest stalls to upscale restaurants, available everywhere as an indispensable culinary gem. You can visit Quán Vy at 190/19 Sư Vạn Hạnh, District 5, to savor this dish.
Savory Bánh Tằm Bì
Bánh Tằm Bì is a staple in the culinary repertoire of the Mekong Delta. Soft strands of white bánh tằm, steamed to perfection, exude the fragrant essence of rice flour. Its richness is enhanced by the creamy coconut milk. Fresh coconut is squeezed to extract its essence, mixed with a touch of rice flour and a hint of salt, then heated until it achieves the desired consistency. The dipping sauce, a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, further elevates the dish's allure. Served with a side of fresh herbs, shredded pork skin, bean sprouts, and finely chopped cucumber.
When enjoying this dish, tear the steamed bánh tằm into bite-sized pieces onto a plate and layer the toppings over it. Drizzle with a bit of warm coconut milk and dipping sauce. The interplay of its creamy, salty, sweet, and fragrant notes makes it irresistibly appealing. Available at Vườn Chuối Market, District 3.
Bún Mắm
Savory Bún Mắm with a Flavorful Broth
Bánh Cống
Bánh Cống is poured into small, cup-shaped molds resembling tiny aluminum cauldrons, attached with handles for easy pouring. This dish bears a striking resemblance to other rustic delicacies like bánh xèo, bánh khọt, and bánh cuốn. The ingredients are simple, comprising rice flour mixed with finely ground minced meat, onions, and seasonings to taste, along with fresh shrimp and boiled mung beans. The batter is then fried in hot oil until golden brown, drained on a wire rack to remove excess oil, and served with lettuce, various herbs, and a dipping sauce made from sweet, spicy, and tangy fish sauce, accompanied by a side of pickled carrots and radishes. In Saigon, you can find bánh cống along Nguyen Tri Phuong Street (District 10), Le Dai Hanh Street (District 11), and Le Van Si Street (District 3).
Bitter Melon Fish Congee
Riverside Charm: Bitter Melon Fish Porridge
Crispy Pancake
In the Mekong Delta, crispy pancakes are skillfully prepared in large pans over solid wood or charcoal fires. The batter must be spread quickly and accurately for the pancakes to be thin and uniformly crispy. A well-made pancake should make a sizzling sound when the batter is poured. You must wait for the pan to be hot, add cooking oil, and wait for it to heat up before pouring the batter. When the pancake is golden brown and crispy, fold it in half and place it on a plate lined with banana leaves to prevent sticking. Serve the pancake with lettuce, water spinach, and various herbs. If you want to try Mekong Delta crispy pancakes, you can visit Hoang Hoa Tham Market (Tan Binh District), Nguyen Van Troi Market on Le Van Sy Street (District 3), or the corner near Cach Mang Thang Tam and Dien Bien Phu (District 10).
Posted by: Đỗ Văn Vũ
Keywords: Authentic Mekong Delta Specialties Sold in Saigon
