Food & Receipts

Delicious Specialties of Dong Thap: Top 15 Treats to Try and Buy as Gifts

The Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap is renowned for its delectable delights, offering a true culinary adventure for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Vietnam. With a plethora of mouth-watering specialties, both savory and sweet, this province promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Discover the top 15 must-try delicacies of Dong Thap, where each bite will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Administrator

24 July, 2024

When it comes to Dong Thap, an unforgettable memory for tourists is undoubtedly the famous local specialties, which are not only delicious but also rustic and unique. Below, we will suggest 15 specialties of Dong Thap that you can try and buy as souvenirs.

1Introduction to Dong Thap Tourism

Dong Thap is a province in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, known for its vast area surrounded by numerous large and small rivers. With its unique geographical location, Dong Thap boasts several attractive tourist destinations.

Dong Thap also offers other tourist attractions such as Xeo Quyt National Park, Dong Thap Tram Chim Eco-tourism Area, Pho Quang Pagoda, and Khang Dien Park.

Dong Thap is famous for its diverse specialties, including Linh fish hot pot, Tam cake, Luc Tra sweet soup, steamed rice cakes, Pia cake, Lot cake, buffalo meat, and sticky rice wine. Linh fish hot pot is a characteristic dish of Dong Thap, made with fresh Linh fish and various other ingredients. Tam cake is a traditional cake of the Mekong Delta, and Luc Tra sweet soup is a refreshing dessert made from various fruits and herbs.

For further reference:

Introduction to Dong Thap Tourism

2Top 15 Dong Thap Specialties to Try and Buy as Souvenirs

Specialties to Try in Dong Thap

Sa Dec Noodle Soup

Sa Dec Noodle Soup

Sa Dec noodle soup captivates diners with its delicious flavor and distinctive soft, clear, and chewy noodles. The broth is sweet and savory, making it a must-try dish when visiting Sa Dec.

Estimated price: VND 45,000 – 70,000/bowl

Address: Ba Sam Noodle Soup Restaurant – 188 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 1, Sa Dec, Dong Thap

Sa Dec Tam Cake with Pork Belly

Sa Dec Tam Cake with Pork Belly

The perfect combination of chewy and soft Tam cake, savory pork belly, and sweet and sour fish sauce creates a delightful rustic dish that will leave a lasting impression.

Estimated price: VND 25,000 – 50,000/serving

Address: Chu Dung Sa Dec Tam Cake Restaurant – 49B Phan Boi Chau, Ward 1, Sa Dec, Dong Thap

Grilled Snakehead Fish Wrapped in Young Lotus Leaves

This dish is a must-try when visiting Dong Thap. The fish is grilled to perfection, and the unique combination of the slightly charred and crispy fish wrapped in the earthy and fragrant young lotus leaves, paired with sweet and sour fish sauce, creates a delightful culinary experience.

Estimated price: VND 100,000 – 200,000/fish

Address: Mam Ngon Dong Thap Restaurant – 237 Ngo Thi Nham, Ward 1, Cao Lanh, Dong Thap

Linh Fish Hot Pot

Linh Fish Hot Pot

The arrival of the flood season brings schools of Linh fish and the blooming of yellow water lilies. The Linh fish hot pot is a unique and mouthwatering specialty with a sweet and savory flavor.

Estimated price: VND 150,000 – 500,000/serving

Address: Mam Ngon Dong Thap Restaurant – 237 Ngo Thi Nham, Ward 1, Cao Lanh, Dong Thap

Cao Lanh Vietnamese Pancake

Cao Lanh Vietnamese Pancake

While Vietnamese pancakes are a popular dish across Vietnam, each region has its unique twist. The Cao Lanh version features a thin and crispy crust, generously filled with shrimp, meat, bean sprouts, and other ingredients. Enjoying this savory treat with fresh herbs and sweet and sour fish sauce will leave you craving for more.

Estimated price: VND 50,000 – 70,000/pancake

Address: Hong Ngoc Pancake Restaurant – 228 Le Duan, My Phu Ward, Cao Lanh, Dong Thap

Lotus Stem with Fermented Fish

Lotus Stem with Fermented Fish

Dong Thap is renowned for its fermented fish dishes. This flavorful dish, made with fermented fish, pork belly, shrimp, and other ingredients, is best enjoyed with crispy rice paper.

Estimated price: VND 50,000 – 100,000/serving

Address: Tam Thanh Restaurant – 192 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Sa Dec City, Dong Thap

Brown Rice Cooked in Lotus Leaves

Brown Rice Cooked in Lotus Leaves

Lotus is a symbol of Dong Thap, and various parts of the plant, including the roots, stems, tubers, and leaves, are used in cooking. The brown rice cooked in lotus leaves inherits the fragrant aroma of the lotus leaves and the nutty and buttery taste of the lotus seeds.

Estimated price: VND 180,000 – 240,000/serving

Address: Xeo Quit Restaurant – My Hiep, Cao Lanh, Dong Thap

Sa Dec Roasted Duck

Sa Dec Roasted Duck

The duck is roasted to perfection over a charcoal fire, resulting in crispy golden skin infused with spices and tender, sweet meat. Enjoy it with the provided dipping sauce and fresh herbs for a memorable dining experience.

Estimated price: VND 180,000 – 250,000/duck

Address: A Tai Roasted Duck Restaurant – 169 Nguyen Cu Trinh, Khom 5, Ward 1, Sa Dec

Sa Dec Market – 7-12 Lac Long Quan Street, Sa Dec City
Thinh Phat Commercial Store – 88/6 Tran Hung Dao, Sa Dec City, Dong Thap Province

Specialties of Dong Thap to Buy as Souvenirs

Sa Giang Shrimp Crackers

Sa Giang Shrimp Crackers

These crackers are made from refined cassava flour, ground shrimp, and various spices. Sa Giang shrimp crackers are an excellent choice to buy as souvenirs for your loved ones when visiting Dong Thap.

Estimated price: VND 15,000/pack
Address: Thinh Phat Commercial Store – 88/6 Tran Hung Dao, Sa Dec City, Dong Thap Province

Lotus Seeds

Lotus Seeds

Dong Thap is famous for its lotus seeds, which can be used to prepare nutritious dishes. Consider buying lotus seeds from Dong Thap as gifts for your loved ones or for yourself to create healthy and delicious meals.

Estimated price: VND 130,000 – 250,000/kg
Address: Dam Sen Eco-tourism Food Area – My Phu Ward, Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap

Lai Vung Fermented Pork Roll

Lai Vung Fermented Pork Roll

Lai Vung fermented pork roll is a well-known delicacy made from lean pork, pork skin, and other ingredients, offering a perfect blend of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. The chewy and bouncy texture will leave a lasting impression.

Estimated price: VND 35,000/10 rolls
Address: Sa Dec Market – 7-12 Lac Long Quan Street, Sa Dec City

Cao Lanh Cat Mango

Cao Lanh Cat Mango

Cao Lanh Cat Mango stands out with its intense sweetness and aroma, unlike any other mango variety. When you bite into it, the mango melts in your mouth, leaving a pleasant sweet taste.

Estimated price: VND 30,000 – 70,000/kg

Address: Ly Hien Mango Farm – Tinh Thoi Commune, Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap

Lai Vung Pink Pomelo

Lai Vung Pink Pomelo

Lai Vung pink pomelo is juicy, with thin skin and a sweet and tangy taste. When ripe, it turns a beautiful reddish-orange color. During the pomelo season, visitors can also tour the local orchards.

Estimated price: VND 30,000 – 60,000/kg

Address: Hai Kiet Pink Pomelo Garden – Lai Vung District, Dong Thap

Lotus Wine

Lotus Wine

Lotus wine is crafted using lotus flowers, lotus seeds, glutinous rice, and a small amount of lotus seed yeast, following a traditional family recipe. The wine is then aged for six months, resulting in a distinctive and memorable flavor.

Estimated price: VND 300,000/liter

Address: Dat Sen Hong Specialty Store – 153 Hung Vuong, Ward 2, Cao Lanh, Dong Thap

Banana Puff Candy

Frequently asked questions

Dong Thap is famous for its unique and tasty specialties, including ‘Hu Tieu Sa Dec’, a rice noodle soup with a rich broth and fresh toppings, and ‘Com Chien Ca Loc’, a fried rice dish with snakehead fish and a special sauce. You can find these dishes and more at local restaurants and street food stalls throughout the province, especially in Sa Dec and Cao Lanh cities.

Yes, definitely! Some popular snacks and desserts in Dong Thap include ‘Banh Cong’, a crispy rice flour pancake with a mung bean filling, and ‘Banh Bo’, a steamed sponge cake with a soft and airy texture. You can also try ‘Kem Xoi Dua’, a unique ice cream made with coconut and sticky rice, and ‘Tra Da Chanh’, a refreshing iced lemon tea. These treats are available at local markets and cafes.

Dong Thap offers a variety of unique gifts and souvenirs, such as handcrafted silk products, including scarves, clothing, and home decor, which can be found at the Sa Dec Silk Village. You can also buy local specialties like honey, fish sauce, and dried fruits as tasty souvenirs. Additionally, the province is known for its beautiful flower gardens, so you can purchase fresh flowers or potted plants as gifts.

Absolutely! Dong Thap is known for its high-quality rice and rice products, so you can buy premium rice packs or rice-based snacks like rice crackers and rice paper. The province also produces a variety of delicious tropical fruits, such as mangoes, dragon fruit, and jackfruit, which can be purchased fresh or dried as gifts. Local markets and specialty food stores will have a great selection of these products.

Yes, there are several notable dining establishments in Dong Thap that are worth visiting. One popular spot is the ‘Mekong Rest Stop’ in Chau Doc, which offers stunning river views and a diverse menu featuring local specialties. In Sa Dec, ‘L’Indochine Cafe & Restaurant’ is a charming spot known for its French-inspired Vietnamese cuisine and elegant atmosphere. For a unique experience, you can also try a floating restaurant on the Tien River, like ‘Ngu Ong Dinh’, which serves fresh seafood and offers a relaxing river cruise.