Food & Receipts

Delicious Delicacies of Ben Tre: 15 Mouth-watering Local Specialties to Try and Buy as Gifts

Bến Tre, a treasure trove of delicious specialties, offers a unique culinary experience for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Vietnam. With a plethora of mouth-watering delights to discover, this charming destination promises an indulgent journey through its local flavors. Uncover the 15 best specialties of Bến Tre, a gastronomic adventure awaits!

Administrator

24 July, 2024

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Ben Tre is a province in the Mekong Delta region of Southern Vietnam, surrounded by the mighty Mekong, Hau, and Co Chien rivers. This region is rich in cultural and historical traditions, with Ben Tre at its heart. The area boasts a plethora of unique and exciting tourist attractions, including the famous Ben Tre coconut trees and a diverse culinary scene. Join us as we explore the must-try specialties of this region.

1Introduction to Ben Tre Tourism

Ben Tre is a treasure trove of cultural and historical significance, with a strong connection to the Mekong Delta region. The province offers a diverse range of tourist attractions, from the tranquil Ben Tre coconut trees to the bustling Binh Dinh pottery village, the impressive Nguyen Hue Square, and the eco-tourism site of Minh Dam. The region is also renowned for its delicious specialties, including bánh xèo (Vietnamese savory pancakes), bánh tét (cylindrical glutinous rice cakes), bánh ít lá gai (steamed glutinous rice cakes wrapped in dong leaves), bánh phu the (husband and wife cakes), che ba ba (a type of sweet soup), coconut juice, and coconut candy, to name a few. Ben Tre is also famous for its coconut products, such as coconut water, Siamese coconuts, and wax coconuts.

Introduction to Ben Tre Tourism

2Top 15 Ben Tre Specialties to Try

Must-Try Delicacies in Ben Tre

Coconut Rice

Coconut Rice

Coconut rice is a humble yet intricate dish that showcases the culinary prowess of Ben Tre. The locals use Siamese coconuts to achieve a delicate sweetness, and the rice is carefully selected for its large, round grains, ensuring a pure white appearance. The result is a dish that strikes a perfect balance between aroma and flavor, with a unique and appealing presentation.

Estimated Price: 13,000 VND (approximately $0.55)

Suggested Venue: Floating Restaurant at Hung Vuong Park, Ward 5, Ben Tre City.

Additional Recommendation: Discover more renowned destinations in Ben Tre that you shouldn’t miss.

Coconut Worm

Coconut Worm

Coconut worm is a delicacy native to Ben Tre, known for its rich, fatty flavor. These worms reside in coconut trees and feed on the coconut pith, resulting in their distinctively creamy texture and aroma. In Ben Tre, you can indulge in a variety of dishes featuring this unique ingredient, including grilled, fried, or steamed coconut worm, as well as coconut worm congee or porridge—a nutritious and flavorful treat.

Estimated Price: 5,000–25,000 VND (approximately $0.20–$1) per worm.

Suggested Venue: Con Phung Tourist Area: Ap 10, Tan Thach Commune, Chau Thanh District, Ben Tre Province.

Sour Soup with Linh Fish and So Dua Flowers

Sour Soup with Linh Fish and So Dua Flowers

This sour soup, or “canh chua,” is a must-try dish when visiting Ben Tre. The combination of linh fish, which is fatty and sweet, with the humble yet soft So Dua flowers, creates a delicious and refreshing dish. Adding a splash of pure coconut juice enhances the flavor and provides a cooling sensation.

Banh Xeo Oc Gao (Rice Pancake with Rice Snails)

Banh Xeo Oc Gao

While banh xeo, or Vietnamese savory pancakes, are a familiar dish in many regions, the version found in Ben Tre has a unique twist. Here, the pancakes are served with rice snails, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The snails, known for their fatty and sweet taste, elevate this dish to a whole new level, leaving a lasting impression on those who try it.

Ca Bong Kho Nuoc Dua (Ca Bong Fish Braised in Coconut Juice)

Ca Bong Kho Nuoc Dua

Ca Bong fish braised in coconut juice is a humble yet flavorful dish that you should not miss when visiting Ben Tre. The fish, locally sourced and freshly caught, retains its natural sweetness, and when combined with coconut juice and other spices, creates a nutritious and mouthwatering dish. This dish is especially delicious when served with rice, making it a true comfort food.

Estimated Price: 130,000 VND (approximately $5.50) per kg of Ca Bong fish.

Suggested Venues: Local rice restaurants or eateries in Ben Tre.

Hot Pot with Fermented Fish

Hot Pot with Fermented Fish

Hot pot with fermented fish is a specialty of the Mekong Delta region, particularly Ben Tre. This hearty dish typically includes a variety of ingredients such as snakehead fish, elephant-ear fish, eels, and field crabs. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting Ben Tre, offering a true taste of the region’s cuisine.

Estimated Price: 100,000–200,000 VND (approximately $4.25–$8.50)

Suggested Venues:

– 1992 Hot Pot & Grill Buffet 119k: 189 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Ben Tre City.

– Lau Mam Truc Giang: 293D, Nguyen Thi Dinh Street, Phu Chien Ward, Phu Hung Town, Ben Tre City.

Coconut Heart Salad with Shrimp and Pork

Coconut Heart Salad with Shrimp and Pork

This famous salad is easy to make and boasts a harmonious blend of flavors. The main ingredients include shrimp, pork, and coconut heart, a specialty of Ben Tre. The dish is characterized by its rich and refreshing taste, as well as its visually appealing presentation. Be sure to try this delicious salad when visiting Ben Tre!

Estimated Price: 150,000 VND (approximately $6.35) per small plate.

Suggested Venues: Upscale restaurants and eateries in Ben Tre, such as the restaurant on National Highway 60 in Binh Phu.

Wax Coconut

Wax Coconut

Although Ben Tre is known as the land of coconuts, wax coconuts are a rare treat, as only certain regions in the province can cultivate them. These coconuts have thick, chewy flesh and a distinctive aroma, and their water is exceptionally fragrant. When visiting Ben Tre, be sure to seek out and indulge in this unique variety of coconut.

Estimated Price: 200,000 VND (approximately $8.50) per coconut

Suggested Venues: Wax coconut shops in districts such as Mo Cay, Ba Tri, and Binh Dai, as well as Ben Tre City.

Pork Skin Rolls

Pork Skin Rolls

Pork skin rolls are a popular Ben Tre street food that you should not miss. These rolls are made with pork skin, pork meat, and vegetables, and they are served with a special dipping sauce prepared by the locals. The result is a perfect balance of crispiness and freshness, making for a truly addictive snack.

Estimated Price: 5,000 VND (approximately $0.20) per roll.

Suggested Venue: Mrs. Hai Thoai’s Traditional Pork Skin Roll Shop: 59 Le Loi Street, Ward 2, Ben Tre.

Smoked Banana

Smoked Banana

Smoked banana, made from semi-ripe Siamese bananas, is a Ben Tre delicacy that is known for its addictive quality. The bananas are skillfully grilled over charcoal, then smashed and served with coconut milk, resulting in a delicious and memorable treat.

Estimated Price: 5,000–10,000 VND (approximately $0.20–$0.40) per serving.

Suggested Venue: Smoked Banana with Coconut Milk: 311B, Dong Khoi Avenue, Phu Khuong Ward, Ben Tre.

Ben Tre Specialties to Buy as Gifts

Ben Tre Coconut Candy

Ben Tre Coconut Candy

Coconut candy is synonymous with Ben Tre, and its sweet and buttery flavors have captivated generations. Made with high-quality coconuts and sticky rice, the candy offers a unique sensory experience. Each bite delivers a burst of sweetness from the coconut and natural sugars, followed by a crunchy then chewy texture, leaving a lingering coconut aroma.

Estimated Price: 40,000–50,000 VND (approximately $1.70–$2.10) per pack

My Long Rice Paper

My Long Rice Paper

My Long rice paper is a local specialty made from carefully selected soi rice, which is meticulously cleaned and ground. The rice is then mixed with coconut milk and flesh from mature coconuts, resulting in a fragrant and appealing product. My Long rice paper comes in a variety of flavors, including milk, egg, and ginger, as well as salty and spicy options. It’s a delicious, nutritious, and memorable treat.

Estimated Price: 65,000 VND (approximately $2.75) per pack of 10

Son Doc Banh Phong (Son Doc Rice Crackers)

Frequently asked questions

Ben Tre is renowned for its delicious and diverse cuisine, heavily influenced by its location in the Mekong Delta. Some must-try dishes include: Crab Noodle Soup (Bún Rieu Cua), a rich and savory soup made with rice vermicelli, crab, and a unique fermented shrimp paste. Grilled Snakehead Fish (Cá Lóc Nướng Trui) is another specialty, where the fish is grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky flavor, and served with a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables. The region also boasts unique fruits like the Longan, a sweet and juicy fruit similar to lychee, and the Pink Dragonfruit, known for its vibrant color and refreshing taste.

Ben Tre offers a variety of local products that make great souvenirs or gifts. The region is famous for its coconut-based products, including coconut candy, coconut milk, and coconut oil, which are popular choices for visitors. Other unique gifts include Ben Tre’s specialty rice paper (bánh tráng), used for spring rolls, and its range of tropical fruit products, such as dried longan, dragonfruit chips, and bottled fruit juices.

Ben Tre’s cuisine is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage and geographical location. The region’s proximity to the Mekong River and its network of canals means that freshwater fish and aquatic ingredients feature heavily in local dishes. The influence of Chinese, Khmer, and Thai cultures can also be seen in the use of specific spices and herbs, as well as in certain cooking techniques, blending these influences with traditional Vietnamese flavors.

For an authentic Ben Tre dining experience, visitors can explore the local markets, such as Ben Tre Night Market, where street food stalls offer a variety of traditional dishes. Some well-known restaurants in the area include Hung Vuong Restaurant, renowned for its Crab Noodle Soup, and Hu Tieu Mien Restaurant, specializing in rice noodle soups and stir-fries. A trip to Ben Tre isn’t complete without trying the local fruit at the Cai Be Floating Market, a vibrant and iconic destination for fresh produce.