Top 10 Local Specialties You Should Take Home as Souvenirs When Traveling to Dong Thap

Cao Lanh Pancakes are a perfect blend of crispy rice flour, the rich flavor of shredded coconut, and the savory taste of pork belly and shrimp. They are complemented by the fresh, cool crunch of jicama, bean sprouts, onions, and other greens. The pancakes are thinly fried in a small aluminum pan over low heat. The rice flour for Cao Lanh pancakes is made from fragrant, dry, new rice, not too sticky, finely ground and mixed with creamy coconut milk. The filling is particularly delicious, made from pork belly, shrimp, jicama, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs.

While pancakes can be found all across the Mekong Delta, what makes Dong Thap’s version special is the local lotus that appears in many of the ingredients. The filling often includes lotus roots or lotus stems, and some places even replace mung beans with lotus seeds, which are much sweeter and more fragrant. Pickled vegetables served with the pancake are not just daikon and white radish but also crunchy, young lotus stems. The addition of young lotus leaves in the herbs further enhances the unique flavor, leaving a lingering bitterness on the palate that keeps visitors coming back for more. You cannot visit Dong Thap without trying this simple yet unforgettable dish.

Cao Lanh is a fertile alluvial land known for its variety of fruits, and the Cao Lanh Mango is one of the region's most beloved specialties. This large, plump fruit is sweet with a subtle fragrance, and while it's not overly sour when unripe, it becomes incredibly fragrant and sweet when fully ripe. The local varieties, including the Chu Mango and Hoa Loc Mango, have made Cao Lanh a renowned name in the mango industry. Farmers in Dong Thap quickly recognized the value of this fruit and began investing in mango cultivation, producing bountiful harvests. The Cao Lanh Mango is beloved for its size, vibrant color, long shelf life, and rich, sweet taste.

Not only is the mango itself a sought-after gift, but the mango trees are also in high demand from visitors. Though these trees may not grow as well outside the region due to differing soil conditions and cultivation techniques, they still produce fruit with a sweeter flavor and higher yield compared to other mango varieties.

Cao Lanh Mangoes are mainly of two types: the Chu Mango, which has a protruding stem, a pinkish hue when ripe, and a sweet, tangy flavor, and the Hoa Loc Mango, which is larger, heavier, and has a smooth, elongated shape with a mild fragrance.

The field rat dish, also known as Cao Lanh’s Field Rats, is a popular local specialty enjoyed by many tourists. The meat of rats caught from the fields and gardens, such as rice rats and roof rats, is used to prepare a variety of delicious dishes, including roasted rats, shredded rat meat, stir-fried rat, and deep-fried rat dishes.

One of the most popular dishes is roasted field rats, which are a hit with visitors for their crispy, fatty texture and mouthwatering aroma. The price for each roasted rat is around 35,000 VND. Another must-try dish is grilled rat, where the natural sweetness of the meat blends perfectly with the sourness of water spinach dressed in vinegar and tomatoes, creating a unique culinary experience. Don’t forget to dip the grilled rat into fish sauce with green mango for an added layer of deliciousness.

With such unique dishes, Cao Lanh is not only a destination for nature lovers but also a place to experience the diversity and creativity of regional cuisine.

Sa Dec – Cao Lanh Roasted Duck is a unique local specialty, known for its distinctive preparation methods. The duck skin is perfectly crispy, golden, and free of fat, while the spices are deeply infused into the meat. This roasted duck is succulent and crispy, a delicacy priced between 50,000 and 220,000 VND that will satisfy even the most discerning food lovers. Visitors to Sa Dec and Cao Lanh have the opportunity to taste this irresistible roasted duck, with its golden-brown skin, crispy texture, and deep flavor.

The best time to enjoy Sa Dec – Cao Lanh roasted duck is during the flood season, which runs from July to November (subject to annual variations). Tourists can savor the rich, crispy duck meat, complemented by a special dipping sauce, all while enjoying the picturesque scenery of the Mekong Delta’s waterways during the season of rising waters.

Sa Dec's Hủ Tiếu is a well-known dish in Dong Thap, loved by many visitors. The noodles are soft and fragrant, with a creamy white color, neither too mushy nor too chewy. The main ingredients of this dish are beef balls and boiled pork. The broth is made by simmering pork bones, with no added MSG, creating a clear, aromatic, and naturally sweet taste.

Sa Dec's Hủ Tiếu gained recognition when it was featured in Tuoi Tre newspaper as the most affordable and tastiest noodle dish in ASEAN, with a price range of 20,000 to 30,000 VND per bowl. When the steaming hot bowl of noodles is served, the fragrant broth fills the air. Three years ago, a regular bowl cost only 6,000 VND, but now the price has risen to 7,000 VND. You can opt for a special bowl for just 10,000 VND or customize your order. If it’s your first time, don’t forget to try the dried squid side dish for just 5,000 VND to complement the meal.

Sa Giang Shrimp Chips are a delicious local specialty, recognized both domestically and internationally. Made from flour, finely ground shrimp, and a hint of crushed pepper, the process of making these chips is relatively simple. The dough is mixed together, placed in a cloth bag, and steamed. Once cooked, the chips are sliced into small pieces. This is a beloved traditional snack that appeals to both locals and visitors alike. A 200g package of Sa Giang shrimp chips is priced around 15,000 VND, making it a fantastic gift for friends and family or a tasty treat for special occasions.

With its perfect balance of simple ingredients and meticulous preparation, Sa Giang Shrimp Chips have firmly established themselves as a prominent part of Vietnamese cuisine. This dish is not just a snack but a symbol of the captivating flavors of the countryside.

Lai Vung Spring Rolls are well-known to visitors from near and far. This simple yet delightful delicacy plays a key role in defining the unique culinary identity of Đồng Tháp. Made with pork meat and skin, seasoned with pepper, chili, and garlic, and wrapped in green banana leaves, Lai Vung spring rolls are a must-try when visiting Đồng Tháp. Visitors should be sure to take home several packs of these rolls as souvenirs for their friends; they are a truly special gift. A box of 10 Lai Vung spring rolls is priced at only 35,000 VND.

The Lai Vung brand has long been a symbol of Đồng Tháp's rich food culture. What sets these spring rolls apart is their perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, making them not just a delicious treat but a part of the region's cultural heritage. For anyone visiting Đồng Tháp, Lai Vung spring rolls are an essential culinary experience, becoming a tradition for travelers who cannot leave without tasting them.

If Tháp Mười is known for its lotus, Cao Lãnh for its mangoes, and Lai Vung for its pink grapefruits, then Châu Thành is no less remarkable with its famous Châu Thành Longan. The longan varieties in Châu Thành, such as the black longan, the beef-skin longan, the seedless longan, and the Phú Quý longan, all feature large fruits with tiny seeds, thick flesh, and an irresistibly sweet and fragrant taste. Each kilogram of these longans is priced from 25,000 to 35,000 VND. When visiting Châu Thành, it's impossible to resist strolling through vast longan orchards, picking the fruit, and savoring it fresh right from the tree.

In addition to enjoying fresh longans, Châu Thành is also renowned for its longan-based products. Dried longans, longan jams, and longan juices have all become distinctive products from the region.

Visiting Châu Thành is not just about exploring a new land but also immersing yourself in the local way of life. Seeing the endless longan orchards, participating in fruit picking, and tasting the fruits on-site provides a deeper connection between people and nature.

Another specialty from Lai Vung district, Đồng Tháp, is the Lai Vung Pink Grapefruit. This grapefruit has a bright orange-yellow skin, is smooth and glossy, and is packed with juicy, sweet flavor, making it a popular choice. In addition to the pink grapefruit, Lai Vung is also known for its Lai Vung sweet grapefruit, which produces fruit year-round with a refreshing, mild sweetness. These two varieties, Lai Vung pink grapefruit and Lai Vung sweet grapefruit, are even exported to countries around the world.

Despite market fluctuations, the value of these grapefruits remains cherished by generations of locals. The price, which is around 30,000 VND per fruit, not only reflects the value of the product but also the affection of the people for the land and the hard work of cultivating these fruits.

Looking ahead, there's no doubt that Lai Vung pink and sweet grapefruits will continue to forge a connection between people and nature, bringing their sweet taste and natural fragrance into every moment of life. They will continue to strengthen bonds and mark important milestones as they take Đồng Tháp's legacy to the world stage.

“Tháp Mười, the most beautiful lotus bloom

Vietnam's most beautiful is named after President Hồ Chí Minh”

Tháp Mười in Đồng Tháp is not just a place of untouched natural beauty but also a strong symbol of the bond between the people and the land. This region is famous for its vast lotus fields, creating an almost magical landscape that's perfect for stunning photos. Visitors who make Tháp Mười their weekend destination are sure to experience the serene beauty of the lotus fields. During their visit, they must not forget to take home special lotus-based gifts, such as lotus-wrapped rice, lotus stem salad, and lotus wine.

In particular, the local people use lotus seeds to create a wide range of delicious dishes: lotus seed soup, sour lotus stem soup, and more. The dried lotus seeds have a rich, buttery flavor and a sweet taste, while the lotus wine is aromatic and sweet. Lotus seeds are not only delicious but also have medicinal properties, and the lotus leaves, though slightly bitter, give a unique fragrance that enhances the taste of various dishes. These simple, yet flavorful lotus-based dishes are beloved by many visitors and are treasured as a valuable local gift.