Take your husband to savor the renowned specialties of the Bà Mountain region

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

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Specialties unique to the Bà Mountain region that have wives eagerly leading their husbands to sample

Mountain Black Lizards – Why are they prized?

Crispy, fragrant, creamy Mountain Black Lizard grilled dish from Southern Barbecue Village

>> Don't miss out on the 10% discount offer at Southern Barbecue Village!

Originally lamenting the many exotic delicacies of Tây Ninh that I had yet to taste due to a lack of time, it was fortunate that during a grilled food excursion, I unexpectedly stumbled upon a treasure trove of Tây Ninh specialties right in Saigon…

Specialties unique to the Bà Mountain region that have wives eagerly leading their husbands to sample

People returning from Tây Ninh always mention the must-try Trảng Bàng rice paper, the mountain snails of 'Nàng Hai,'… but for couples, they are advised: 'Don't forget the mountainous black lizard dish of Mount Bà Đen. To visit Tây Ninh without tasting the black lizard is to… miss out on half of life!'

When in Tây Ninh, people often advise trying Mountain Snails of 'Nàng Hai,' Trảng Bàng rice paper...

In recent years, there's been a trend among wives to 'hunt' mountain black lizards for their husbands due to their kidney-tonifying and health-enhancing properties, making this dish increasingly rare. Occasionally, you can 'grab' one or two in Saigon, where authentic mountain black lizard specialties are scarce.

The 'regular spot' for a girl obsessed with Tây Ninh rice paper like me is Southern Barbecue Village at 19B Nguyễn Thị Diệu, District 3. Personally, I usually come here for grilled dishes with rice paper, but I've noticed that many customers order Tây Ninh specialties, and of course, they don't just order rice paper like me. They always order the delicious and precious dishes such as Grilled Falling Leaf Bird, Steamed Mountain Snails with Cinnamon Leaves,... My sister-in-law has also brought my brother here several times to taste the authentic Mountain Black Lizard dish.

Go hunting for Mountain Black Lizards of Mount Bà Đen

Mountain Black Lizards – Why are they prized?

Firstly, they are prized because they are… rare. Despite everyone rushing to hunt them, this species of lizard only lives on Mount Bà Đen; beyond that area, they are nowhere to be found. That's why sometimes the price of these lizards triples that of beef!

This dish is rumored to be very beneficial for gentlemen!

Secondly, they are prized because they are nutritious. If they weren't, surely nobody would bother hunting them and spending a fortune to buy them! Mountain Black Lizards feast on forest fruits and drink mountain dew, so their meat is clean, fragrant, delicious, and nutritious. It not only helps gentlemen boost their health but also can be cooked into porridge for picky eaters, malnourished children,…

Crispy, fragrant, creamy Mountain Black Lizard grilled dish from Southern Barbecue Village

Ordering the Mountain Black Lizard grilled dish at Southern Barbecue Village brings out a plate of about a dozen gutted lizards, grilled to perfection. Looking at the grilled lizards, they may seem like dry pieces of wood, lacking any visual appeal, but upon biting into them, you'll experience their crispiness, chewiness, and creaminess, reminiscent of grilled frog meat. Diners often dip them in spicy chili sauce, savor with a few glasses of strong liquor or a refreshing beer, or wrap them with edible ferns, water spinach shoots, and silk melon, all dipped in tamarind sauce. Just one taste, and you'll be hooked for life!

Grilled Mountain Black Lizard at Southern Barbecue Village

Tamarind sauce and raw vegetables - Two essential condiments for the perfect pairing!

Additionally, Mountain Black Lizard specialty can also be fried to crispiness, finely minced and cooked with green beans,... you name it, they have it!

And if you're stopping by Southern Barbecue Village for grilled Mountain Black Lizard, don't forget to try other Tây Ninh specialties here like Rice Paper, Mountain Black Snails,... they're definitely worth a try!