While Cần Thơ has a plethora of specialties, these 9 renowned delicacies are a must-try. A visit to Cần Thơ without indulging in these 9 delectable dishes would be a missed opportunity.
Cần Thơ Specialty 1: Purple-leaf Sticky Rice Cake (Bánh tét lá cẩm).
Where to find the best Purple-leaf Sticky Rice Cake in Cần Thơ?

Whenever you step into Sa Dec (Dong Thap), the inevitable craving for dry noodle soup emerges – Sa Dec's renowned specialty. It seems like Sa Dec's noodle soup has become an unmistakably familiar dish for the locals in this region.

Sa Dec's dry noodle soup in Can Tho is a delightful local delicacy that makes you forget your way back.
How delicious is Sa Dec's noodle soup?
Sa Dec's noodle soup comes in two variations: fresh noodle soup and dry noodle soup, but the most delightful is the dry version. A bowl of Sa Dec's dry noodle soup captivates with its chewy noodles, harmonizing with the rich and savory meat sauce, complemented by the crispy aroma of fried shallots. Adding a touch of fresh chili and green onions will make you completely lose your way :))
Can Tho not only boasts the delicious specialty of Sa Dec's dry noodle soup but also features a unique dish called rib noodle soup. The recipe for Can Tho's rib noodle soup is simple, easy to make at home, and a perfect treat for your loved ones.
Can Tho Specialty 3: Can Tho's Hollow Donut.
What is Can Tho's Hollow Donut made of?
Can Tho's Hollow Donut, a local specialty, has a rice flour outer layer and a filling made of minced meat and green beans. The golden, crispy Hollow Donut is a delight from inside out. Don't forget to visit Mrs. Ut Lu's Hollow Donut shop (Nguyen Trai old street) in Ninh Kieu, Can Tho to savor this delightful treat. It's absolutely delicious!!!

How to enjoy Hollow Donuts to the fullest?
Can Tho's Hollow Donut is served with various fresh herbs such as water spinach, lettuce, and aromatic herbs. The sweet, crispy, fragrant Hollow Donut paired with refreshing green vegetables and dipped in a tangy, spicy sauce with a hint of sweetness will leave you in a state of delightful ecstasy.
Can Tho Specialty 4: Grilled Nem of Cai Rang.
Cai Rang's Grilled Nem is renowned far and wide.
Grilled Nem along the banks of Cai Rang Canal is the renowned Can Tho specialty, celebrated across all directions, enticing everyone to indulge at least once. Cai Rang's Nem is crafted from fresh, tender pork, seasoned to perfection, and grilled over charcoal. When served, it is wrapped in rice paper along with fresh herbs, bitter banana, and starfruit, dipped in freshly ground soy sauce.

Cai Rang's delicious Grilled Nem is famous throughout Can Tho.
For delectable and affordable Grilled Nem in Can Tho, check out places like Hai Van Grilled Nem, Anh Map's Grilled Nem, and more.
Can Tho Specialty 5: Grilled Pepper Snails.
Grilled Pepper Snails, a rustic and authentic Can Tho specialty.
Finding Grilled Pepper Snails in Can Tho is a breeze; you can spot eateries almost anywhere. The snails, precooked before grilling, are seasoned with a pre-mixed blend of flavors, including pepper, MSG, garlic, and, of course, green pepper. Also, don't miss out on the steamed pepper snails in Can Tho!

Grilled Pepper Snails, a traditional specialty of Can Tho's locals.
The tantalizing aroma of Can Tho's Grilled Pepper Snails will make your mouth water.
Eating Grilled Pepper Snails might give you a tantalizing blend of sour and spicy flavors. The snail meat is tender, crispy, with a hint of the sweet and salty snail broth. Oh, it's absolutely delicious.
Can Tho Specialty 6: Can Tho's Swampy Reed Hotpot.
What makes Swampy Reed Hotpot, a Can Tho specialty, attractive to tourists?
The name 'Swampy Hotpot' alone sparks curiosity, attracting many curious visitors. However, this delectable Can Tho specialty is not just about the name; it captivates with its distinctive rural flavor. The mild sourness of the swampy hotpot is refreshing and gentle, not overwhelming.

Swampy Reed Hotpot is a delightful Can Tho specialty, alluring with its rustic countryside flavor.
What makes a delicious Swampy Reed Hotpot, a Can Tho specialty?
To make a tasty swampy hotpot, it's essential to use ripe swampy reeds. Using raw reeds will result in a bitter taste. Depending on the season, you can find different variations, such as swampy hotpot with snakehead fish, mud crab, tilapia, catfish, and more.
Can Tho Specialty 7: Can Tho's Tamarind Skin and Shredded Pork Rice Paper Rolls.
What is the origin of Can Tho's Tamarind Skin and Shredded Pork Rice Paper Rolls?
The exact origin of the Tamarind Skin and Shredded Pork Rice Paper Rolls is unknown. However, locals explain that the name 'tamarind skin' comes from the long, white rolls resembling silkworms and being eaten with pork skin, hence the name Tamarind Skin and Shredded Pork Rice Paper Rolls.

Can Tho's Tamarind Skin and Shredded Pork Rice Paper Rolls are always served piping hot.
What makes the flavor of Can Tho's Tamarind Skin and Shredded Pork Rice Paper Rolls unique?
The distinctive feature of Can Tho's Tamarind Skin and Shredded Pork Rice Paper Rolls is that they are always steamed in a bamboo steamer over a charcoal stove, ensuring they are consistently piping hot. The glistening pork skin, golden and glossy fish sauce, and the lightness of the coconut milk blend harmoniously. The richness of the coconut milk complements the rice paper, especially when paired with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, pickled vegetables, and a touch of fried shallots. This has become a beloved and familiar breakfast dish for the locals.
Can Tho Specialty 8: Ba Khia Tamarind and Sesame Stir-fry.
Ba Khia Tamarind and Sesame Stir-fry - A famous and delicious Can Tho specialty.
The unique and mouthwatering flavor of Ba Khia Tamarind and Sesame Stir-fry in Can Tho leaves an unforgettable impression on every diner. While the preparation of this dish may seem simple, it requires meticulous attention and skill. The tangy taste of tamarind, the nuttiness of peanuts, and the slightly intense heat from coriander make the Ba Khia meat more flavorful.

Ba Khia Tamarind and Sesame Stir-fry - A renowned and delicious Can Tho specialty.
Ba Khia - A meaningful Can Tho specialty gift.
If you're traveling nearby, consider buying Ba Khia as a special gift from Can Tho. You can then personally prepare Ba Khia Tamarind and Sesame Stir-fry for your family. Note that when purchasing Ba Khia, choose females with firm egg sacks and ample meat; they will enhance the dish's flavor during preparation.
In addition to this famous Ba Khia Tamarind and Sesame Stir-fry from Can Tho, you can also transform Ba Khia into a Thai-style papaya salad. Refer to the recipe here.
Can Tho Specialty 9: Dried Snakehead Fish Mango Salad.
A beloved specialty cherished by the people of Can Tho.
The Dried Snakehead Fish Mango Salad is a simple dish that frequently graces the daily meals of Can Tho residents. Its popularity stems from its easy preparation, accessibility, and uncomplicated cooking process.

Dried Snakehead Fish Mango Salad, a delicious Can Tho specialty, holds a special place in the hearts of the locals.
How delicious is Dried Snakehead Fish Mango Salad in Can Tho?
The rich flavor of dried snakehead fish, combined with the aromatic scent of coriander, blends with the tangy taste of mango, and the sweet crispness of carrots, creating a rustic and impressive countryside taste.
When traveling to Can Tho, besides admiring the beauty of the local girls, make sure to indulge in these 9 delicious Can Tho specialties. Don't forget to select some local specialties as gifts for family and friends. And remember to like the article and share your experiences in buying regional specialties as gifts on the Regional Specialties - PasGo Blog.
Wishing you a joyful trip to Can Tho!
_Thuy Dung_
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