Indulge in Tây Ninh's unique delicacies for a perfect weekend getaway

From sun-kissed banh trang rolls filled with savory goodness to the exquisite Bánh canh Trảng Bàng and the tantalizing salted shrimp... these dishes are synonymous with the windswept landscapes of this charming region.

With its close proximity to Saigon, travelers can explore and savor the local specialties, all while immersing themselves in the natural beauty of Tây Ninh.

Delight in 7 Tây Ninh delicacies for the ultimate weekend retreat

1. Bánh canh Trảng Bàng

When the town of Trảng Bàng is mentioned, the iconic Bánh canh immediately comes to mind. A bowl of this unique noodle soup features pork, blood pudding, and vibrant green onions. Though simple, the dish captivates diners with its rich flavors. The billowing steam, the sizzle of hot fat, and the first taste will leave you enchanted. The aroma of onions, the spiciness of pepper, the sweetness of the broth, and the tenderness of the meat slices create a sensory symphony that is simply irresistible.

2. Misty-dried Rice Paper Rolls with Meat

Considered a specialty of the people of Trảng Bàng, misty-dried rice paper undergoes a meticulous and sophisticated preparation process. The rice paper is made from high-quality, unadulterated rice, with a touch of salt for a savory flavor. The double-layered sheets are thicker than other varieties, requiring skillful and precise crafting. Once the sheets are cooked, they are sun-dried, then baked in a special oven until they change color, followed by a period of mist-drying for a specific duration.

Misty-dried rice paper is often served with fresh vegetables, boiled pork, and a meticulously prepared fish sauce dip. The soft and elastic rice paper, combined with flavorful slices of meat, harmonizes with the rich and savory dipping sauce, complemented by the sharp and tangy taste of various herbs, creating a captivating and delightful dish.

3. Tamarind Rice Paper

From misty-dried rice paper, locals in this region have ingeniously created various accompanying dishes such as mixed rice paper, grilled rice paper, and notably, tamarind rice paper, a popular snack that entices many young people. This snack consists of misty-dried rice paper, a packet of tamarind sauce, fried shallots, peanuts, roasted shrimp powder, and chili salt, all conveniently packed together.

Depending on personal preferences, diners can adjust the spice packets to create a unique dipping sauce. Unwrap the chewy rice paper, dip it into the freshly prepared sauce, and savor it slowly. The gentle sourness of tamarind, the tongue-tingling heat of chili, the saltiness of rice paper, the aromatic scent of roasted shrimp, and the crispy creaminess of peanuts come together to create a distinctive, irresistibly delicious flavor.

4. Bà Mountain Snail

Resembling snails but flatter and smaller, locals believe that Bà Mountain snails not only offer a distinct taste but also provide excellent relief from fatigue. Harvested snails are transformed into various enticing dishes such as grilled, steamed with lemongrass, tamarind stir-fry, and garlic stir-fry. The snail meat is chewy, crispy, subtly sweet, and carries a hint of precious herbs.

To savor the unique flavor of these snails, locals often steam them with coconut rice and accompany them with lemongrass or ginger, along with a side of salt, pepper, and lime dipping sauce.

5. Bà Black Virgin Mountain Lizard

Considered the 'culinary champion' in Tây Ninh, the Bà Black Virgin Mountain lizard is a captivating delicacy for adventurous eaters. This dish is always a sought-after treat for visitors to Tây Ninh.

The lizard is prepared in various ways, such as finely minced stir-fry with green pepper, served with rice paper and betel leaves. The most delicious variation is undoubtedly the crispy fried Bà Black Virgin Mountain lizard, served with lettuce, aromatic herbs, and tamarind sauce.

6. Shrimp Salt

When talking about Tây Ninh, the unique local specialty, shrimp salt, cannot be overlooked. Despite its sole purpose of dipping fruits like star apples, guavas, and mangoes, it captivates many food enthusiasts. Visitors often seek to buy jars of shrimp salt as souvenirs for themselves or as gifts for friends and family.

The ingredients for this special dipping sauce include salt, shrimp, meat, garlic, red mustard greens, and chili. The precise amounts of each ingredient are calculated, then ground together, roasted over fire, and sun-dried to enhance the salt with a delightful aroma.

7. Pomelo Spring Rolls

Pomelo spring rolls are a popular indulgence among the people of Tây Ninh. These rolls have a delightful combination of sour, salty, sweet, spicy flavors from chili, pepper, and a distinctive fragrance, making them a unique and enticing treat.

The main ingredients for this dish include pomelo peel, shredded green papaya sun-dried to perfection, combined with complementary ingredients like sour kumquat, hot chili, pepper, heartleaf, banana leaves, and more. The fully matured spring rolls boast a rosy hue, a perfect chewiness, and a harmonious blend of sour, salty, sweet, spicy, and fragrant tastes, creating a truly special flavor that charms many food enthusiasts.

As per VnExpress

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Reference: Travel guide Mytour