Buzz
When it comes to diverse and rich Vietnamese cuisine, overlooking the expansive Mekong Delta with its unique dishes would be a significant omission. Can Tho, a place that gathers the cultural and culinary essence of the Southwestern region, is the destination I want to introduce to you today through 6 local spots that left a lasting impression on me.
Lữ Gia Family Restaurant
People in the Mekong Delta are known for their open-hearted and warm nature, expressing their emotions wholeheartedly, especially during communal gatherings where sharing a drink is integral to the conversation. Not having a glass of wine while exchanging thoughts is indeed a significant omission.
Lữ Gia Family Restaurant stands out as a local favorite, renowned for its homely dishes. Situated near the cool banks of the Cai Khe canal and the bustling Ninh Kieu pier, it resides in a vibrant and lively neighborhood. Especially during the early months of the year, with pleasant weather and numerous festivals, you'll be captivated by a lively and sparkling Can Tho by night. In sync with that festive rhythm, Lữ Gia Family Restaurant stays open until nearly 1 am, allowing you to comfortably extend your night out.
I give a perfect 10 for the presentation and flavors of the dishes here! In the picture are three dishes: fresh shrimp salad, crab stir-fried glass noodles, and steamed razor clams. Simple yet incredibly fresh, with subtly sweet and tender meat.
The ingredients here are incredibly fresh, mainly consisting of naturally raised shrimp and fish. The food is simply prepared but tantalizing to the taste buds. The appetizers are not only delicious but also meticulously presented, appealing to the eye in a clean and attractive manner.
Address: Riverside, Ly Hong Thanh, Cai Khe, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho
Price: Starting from 80,000 VND/dish
Hong Phat Noodle Shop
Situated along the renowned culinary street, De Tham, Hong Phat Noodle Shop has made a name for itself in Can Tho. The prices may be slightly higher than the average, but the quality of the noodles is unquestionable. And that's precisely why the place is always crowded – the fame is well-deserved.
The menu here is incredibly diverse. On that particular day, I ordered a bowl of Hu Tieu, a noodle soup famous in the Mekong Delta. The broth was rich, delicately sweet, well-seasoned, and not overly oily. The noodles and toppings were fresh and delightful, and there was no unpleasant odor from the organ meats. Despite the crowded environment, the service was quick; I barely had to wait, and within 3 minutes, my bowl was served.
Deliciously chewy noodles that satisfy until the last bite.
Price Range: 22,000 - 45,000 VND
Alley Snail 86
Alley Snail 86 remains a local favorite for Can Tho's food enthusiasts. With affordable prices and frequent discount programs, Snail Alley 86 is adored by students and young adults who often flock here for a meal.
The spacious and airy ambiance makes it a comfortable spot for gatherings or celebrations.
Perhaps catering to the younger crowd, the decor here is incredibly chill, with a refreshing riverside view. The interior is spacious, perfect for casual dining or partying with friends. The menu boasts over 200 fresh seafood and snail dishes, prepared with various cooking styles such as sautéed, grilled, and hot pot – truly impressive. The extensive menu made it challenging for me to choose, as I wanted to try everything, but my stomach wouldn't allow it.
Moving on to the main highlight – the snails. Despite their small size, the quality is excellent, and the seasoning is just right. I highly recommend trying the snail dish with salted egg flavor; its rich and aromatic taste left a lasting impression on me. It's hard to find any faults with the quality and price offered at Snail Alley 86.
Every dish here is fragrant and bursting with flavor.
Address: 86 Mac Thien Tich, Xuan Khanh Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho
Price Range: Starting from 69,000 VND/portion
Hoi Do Eatery
Hoi Do Eatery - Just the name brings back childhood memories. With its rustic and simple decor, embodying the ancient architecture of the Mekong Delta, the eatery successfully evokes vivid memories of the 'olden days' for me. Hoi Do Eatery serves as an impressive stop for those of us coming from afar, wanting to explore the life and cuisine of Southern people in the 1980s.
The eatery makes a lasting impression with over 60 small paintings depicting the simple and genuine life of the Southern people from the past.
The menu offers a variety of over 30 dishes, prepared and presented like a family meal in the Mekong Delta. This unique feature left a strong impression on me, making me both delighted and immensely curious during my first visit.
Items from the distant past always make us feel familiar and leave indelible emotions.
The most popular dishes here are often the family set meals: a bowl of mixed vegetable soup, simmered braised dishes, fermented fish dip, crispy fried shrimp,... Despite the simple and familiar ingredients, seemingly not too elaborately prepared, the dishes here are well-seasoned, invoking a sense of familiarity like a mother's cooking. Moreover, the menu is designed according to seasonal specialties to provide the most suitable and enjoyable experience for diners from afar.
A warm family meal
Address: 227/15A Tran Binh Trong, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho
Price Range
Can Tho Night Market Cuisine
When in Can Tho, you must not miss the unique culinary experience at the Can Tho Night Market, offering a diverse range of street foods. The market, over 100 years old, is a renowned historical marketplace with traditional beauty, embodying the unique charm of the Mekong Delta. With its long history, the Can Tho Market has truly impressed me with its majestic, serene, and nostalgic architecture. Visiting here allows you to enjoy and understand more about the traditional culinary aspect of the local people.
Timeless grandeur and serenity
Within the market, various snack stalls showcase a tempting array of colorful street foods that brought immense delight to my senses. I recommend trying the crab soup here, priced at only 25,000 - 30,000 VND per bowl. You'll savor a specially crafted, high-quality crab soup with delicious and rich toppings. Alternatively, indulge in a fragrant coffee while admiring the floating lanterns behind the market. Surely, it will be an unforgettable memory for you in this land.
A bowl of rich and delicious crab soup that I want to introduce to you all.
Address: Can Tho Market, Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Cai Rang Floating Market Cuisine
Anyone visiting Can Tho wouldn't want to miss the experience of exploring Cai Rang Floating Market. Like me, eager to feel the sway of the boat, engage in local exchanges, and witness the bustling buying and selling activities just like the true locals. Situated on a branch of the Hau River, with the distinctive Mekong Delta waterway lifestyle, Cai Rang Floating Market is sure to offer you a picturesque and diverse village of West River specialties.
A bowl of South Vietnamese Bun Rieu, packed with flavor, for a morning full of energy
Strolling around the floating market, you'll encounter many boats laden with fresh and enticing fruits such as mangoes, durians, watermelons, pineapples, and coconuts, sailing up and down the river. Each boat at Cai Rang Floating Market specializes in selling a specific dish. Some offer Hu Tieu, Banh Canh, Crab Noodles, while others sell refreshing drinks, coffee, and fresh coconuts. There's even a boat serving customers with sweet, fragrant, and juicy fruits.
Boats filled with crates of delicious fresh fruits
Here, I was not only impressed by the culinary culture but also captivated by the image of the warm, friendly, and amiable people of the Southwestern region. The locals are genuine, sincere, and welcoming. The prices here are reasonable, and the vendors don't overcharge tourists, so you don't need to worry. For example, the bowl of Bun Rieu I bought was priced at 35,000 VND/bowl, and a cup of coffee was 15,000 VND/cup.
An experience that a northerner like me wouldn't want to miss
Note that when visiting Cai Rang Floating Market, it's advisable to go early, around 7 AM, as that's when it's most lively and cheerful for you to comfortably experience.
The drink menu from the mobile stalls is also diverse, giving you plenty of choices to enjoy
Address: Located on the Can Tho River, 46 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City
Opening Hours: 4:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Summary
Culinary exploration in Can Tho is an unforgettable experience for me. It's not just about the diversity of unique, humble dishes deeply rooted in the soul of Vietnamese culinary culture over centuries but also about the honest, genuine, and warm-hearted people of the Mekong Delta.
Author: Võ Linh Chi
*Article participating in the Mytour Golocal program
Mytour Golocal is a blog-writing program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam, part of the Mytour Go & Share program. It's a fantastic opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying article, you'll receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a Mytour Contributor. For detailed information about the program, visit: https://trv.lk/golocal
