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Embark on a culinary journey in Bình Thuận, where you'll savor a plethora of delectable local delicacies in this land of sun and wind. Here are the mouthwatering specialties of Bình Thuận that you must try if you happen to set foot in this charming region.
1. Bánh căn
Bánh căn, crafted from rice flour, is poured into small molds resembling those used for bánh khọt in the southern provinces. However, what sets bánh căn apart is that the molds don't require a coating of oil or fat. Atop the cake, you'll find seafood such as shrimp and squid, grilled to perfection and served in pairs on a plate with a sprinkling of fried shallots. It's best enjoyed piping hot to fully appreciate its delightful aroma. This is undoubtedly a must-try dish when exploring Bình Thuận.
2. Fish Cake Noodle Soup
The allure of Phan Thiết's fish cake noodle soup lies not only in the golden-fried or steamed pristine fish cakes but also in the delicate strands of milk-white noodles. Don't forget to try the unique combination of dipping the bread into the locals' flavorful broth while relishing this dish.
3. Pig's Heart Bamboo Weave Cake
This dish features bamboo-weave cakes, pig's heart, thin rice paper, fresh vegetables, and dipping sauce. The bamboo-weave cakes may appear slightly loose, with small, smooth, elastic strands resembling vermicelli. The plate must be filled with heart, liver, kidney, young bamboo shoots, and, notably, pork belly. The highlight of this cake lies in the dipping sauce made from blended tamarind juice, garlic, chili, sugar, and a pinch of salt, creating a delightful sweet, fragrant, and slightly spicy flavor that tingles the taste buds.
4. Grilled Squid Fangs
After thorough cleaning, squid fangs are marinated with various spices and skewered before grilling. This dish captivates many diners with the chewy, crispy, and sweet taste of the squid when paired with grilled rice paper, delightful chili sauce, and a mouthwatering sensation. Over time, grilled squid fangs have become one of the specialties, as well as a familiar snack for students in Bình Thuận every time school is out.
5. Ribbon-shaped Cake
The ribbon-shaped cake is a well-known and popular dish in Bình Thuận. What makes this cake attractive is the translucent, smooth, and elastic layer of dough, coupled with enticing red shrimp pieces. Additionally, the cup of fish sauce, made from the famous local fish sauce, or the steamed firm and smooth fish cake slice, also contributes to creating a delicious flavor that no diner can resist.
6. Grilled Rice Paper with Shrimp Paste
Grilled rice paper with shrimp paste is a unique and delightful snack that you must try. The rice paper used is made from rice, with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds on top. When someone orders, the rice paper is placed on the grill, spread with shrimp paste, topped with sliced boiled quail eggs, spring rolls, fish cake, and green onions, then grilled until cooked. Once the cake is cooked, the seller will use a small bamboo stick to roll up the cake slowly, ensuring that all the ingredients stay securely inside the rice paper.
7. Oil-Drizzled Snakehead Fish
Snakehead fish is a common fish in Bình Thuận with firm and delicious flesh, often prepared in various dishes by the locals. However, what truly makes this species famous is the oil-drizzled snakehead fish. After cleaning, the snakehead fish is scored and then drizzled with hot oil or fat to cook the meat. The sweet taste of the fish, paired with tamarind fish sauce and the rich flavor of the fish liver, has enchanted many diners here. If you get the chance, don't forget to savor this renowned specialty of Bình Thuận.
8. Fish Salad
Phan Thiết's fish salad is crafted from local sea treasures such as scorpionfish, lizardfish, or rabbitfish. A delicious fish salad must achieve the perfect balance of sourness, spiciness from chili, the fragrant acidity of pickled onions, the freshness of fish, the crispiness of seaweed threads, and especially the delectable taste of the fish meat.
9. Freefall Hotpot
Freefall hotpot may sound unfamiliar, but in Bình Thuận, it's an enticing specialty. The main ingredients for this hotpot include fresh rabbitfish, ripe star fruits, tomatoes, and finely chopped chili. The broth is both rich and spicy, enjoyed with tasty vermicelli. Additionally, freefall hotpot balances the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth according to the five elements theory, making it a healthy choice for diners.
10. Hộc Sticky Rice
Experience the unique gift from the land of Phan Thiết with the delightful Hộc sticky rice. This treat is crafted from flavorful glutinous rice, popped and expanded, intertwined with palm sugar, pineapple, and ginger. According to seasoned Hộc sticky rice artisans, the phụng and hương varieties of glutinous rice provide the most delicious and aromatic results.
Hộc sticky rice can be stored for 1-3 months, making it a perfect gift for your loved ones and friends. When indulging, use a knife to cut the sticky rice into 4 or 6 pieces, and relish the enduring aroma and delectable flavor reminiscent of its freshly made state.
11. Rế Cake
Rế Cake, originating from Ninh Thuận, has become a popular and distinctive specialty of the Phan Thiết, Bình Thuận region. Despite its simple appearance, crafting successful Rế Cake requires skilled artisans. Fresh and vibrant sweet potatoes or yams must be chosen, and they undergo various processing stages to produce the rich and flavorful Rế Cakes.
12. Grilled Sand Worms with Chili Salt
Another Bình Thuận specialty that you must try is grilled sand worms with chili salt. The sand worms are cleaned, drained, marinated with well-balanced spices, and grilled over charcoal. When perfectly cooked, the sand worms are tender, with a sweet meatiness and a rich flavor that delights the taste buds of diners.
13. Lụi Sausage
It would be a huge oversight not to mention the renowned Lagi Grilled Sausage. This dish may seem simple at first glance, but the preparation process is quite intricate. Rice paper is cut into bite-sized pieces, filled with a mixture of finely ground shrimp, meat, and more, rolled into rectangular shapes. These rice paper rolls are then skewered, dipped in boiling water, and grilled to perfection.
If you're interested in traveling to Bình Thuận, you can explore the top hotels in Bình Thuận here.
