Buzz
Coconut is the specialty of Bến Tre province. This versatile plant serves many purposes: providing refreshing coconut water, making coconut candy, crafting artistic handicrafts from coconut fibers, roofing with coconut leaves, and using sturdy coconut trunks as pillars. Undoubtedly, coconut water and coconut rice are key ingredients in Bến Tre's cuisine. If you have the opportunity to visit Bến Tre, don't forget to enjoy the delicious coconut dishes recommended by Mytour.
Coconut Rice
Embarking on a domestic trip to Bến Tre without trying coconut rice or coconut fried shrimp is like an incomplete journey. Coconut rice has long been a specialty of Bến Tre.
Coconut Rice: A highly renowned dish in Bến Tre - Image: Collected
To make this dish, rice is carefully stuffed into cleaned coconut shells, filled with fresh coconut water, and then steamed. For delicious coconut rice, it's crucial to choose high-quality, plump, tender grains of rice, especially cooked in small, adorable xiêm coconuts. When the rice is cooked, it emits a fragrant aroma, with sweet and nutty grains, particularly irresistible when eaten with savory coconut fried shrimp.
Coconut Fried Shrimp and Prawns
This is a rustic dish commonly found in the daily meals of every family in Bến Tre. It's straightforward to prepare. River shrimps, prawns, or green tiger prawns caught from the river are cleaned, marinated with sugar, salt, and MSG. After marinating, they are fried with coconut water sauce until evenly coated.
Coconut Fried Shrimp: Tempting tourists with its vibrant colors and delightful aroma - Image: Internet
When the shrimp turns brick red, its meat exudes the fragrant flavor of coconut water, offering a sweet and chewy taste. After a tiring day of exploration, indulging in this dish guarantees instant rejuvenation.
Coconut Shoot Salad
Coconut shoot salad is a renowned dish in Bến Tre, commonly found in restaurants and hotels. Despite its seemingly modest appearance, it's a luxurious treat as it requires cutting down a coconut tree to prepare. Coconut shoots refer to the tender white tops of coconut trees.
Coconut Shoot Salad: Sure to satisfy even the most discerning diners - Image: Internet
Preparing this dish is quite simple. The coconut shoots, after being thoroughly cleaned, are thinly sliced and mixed with shrimp, meat, cilantro, pig ears, roasted peanuts, and sweet and sour sauce.
Coconut shoots are a nutritious and healthy food. When traveling on a budget to Bến Tre, tourists must indulge in this special dish.
Coconut Braised Lóc Fish
In the Mekong Delta, various types of fermented fish paste are common, but coconut braised lóc fish sounds unfamiliar. Many diners are often hesitant because they're unsure of its taste. However, rest assured, this dish is incredibly fragrant, delicious, and easy to eat.
Preparing fermented fish paste is very straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available. Firstly, extract thick coconut milk from grated coconut and add it to the fermented fish paste pot until submerged. Then, add spices such as sugar, chili pepper, shallots, garlic,... Next, steam until the fermented fish paste thickens. When served, garnish with some coriander, basil, and sour star fruit on the surface, accompanied by fresh banana blossom or cucumber slices.
This dish leaves a lasting impression on anyone who has ever tasted it - Image: Vietnamnet Newspaper
Coconut Porridge
Another must-try dish when visiting Bến Tre is coconut porridge. This dish is widely available in both upscale restaurants and local eateries in Bến Tre, favored by many.
To achieve the thick, fragrant coconut porridge, chefs often choose sticky rice, which has high starch content, for cooking. Once the rice is soft, coconut milk is added and stirred evenly. This dish pairs well with shredded salted duck egg, shrimp, or coconut braised meat.
