Taste Testing in An Giang: 6 Mouth-Watering Street Food Delights You Have to Try

An Giang is a cultural melting pot, with a diverse range of ethnic groups such as the Chams, Khmers, Chinese, and Vietnamese calling it home. This rich cultural tapestry is reflected in the region's cuisine, which boasts a unique blend of flavors and a distinct identity in each dish.

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One of the most famous specialties in An Giang, Vietnam, is the delicious rice noodles with shredded pork and shrimp, known as “banh tam bi Tan Chau.” The chewy and crispy rice noodles are served with a generous amount of pork rind and shrimp, topped with a drizzle of rich coconut milk, creating a unique blend of salty and sweet flavors.

The star of this dish, the rice noodles, are made from a unique blend of rice and tapioca flour, resulting in a chewy and aromatic texture when cooked. These noodles are rolled out to a similar thickness as rice vermicelli, and their simplicity belies their ability to captivate the taste buds of anyone who tries this renowned An Giang specialty.

Nuoc Cham Mountain Pancake

The Nuoc Cham Mountain Pancake, a specialty of Tinh Bien district, captivates diners with its assortment of over 20 types of wild vegetables served alongside. Local restaurants source clean and fresh vegetables from the Nuoc Cham Mountain itself, creating a diverse plate of greens. These can include leaves from mango trees, perilla, various types of lettuce, and an array of pickled vegetables.

While the pancake itself typically includes pork belly, beansprouts, and shrimp, just like in other regions, it’s the wild and exotic vegetables that give it a unique appeal. Dining on this mountain pancake offers a taste of nature, with a variety of flavors from the different types of greens, all blending together in perfect harmony.

Tung Lo Mo

Although the name may sound unfamiliar, Tung Lo Mo is actually a beloved snack in An Giang. It is a type of beef sausage made by the local Cham people, and it is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Tung Lo Mo is crafted purely from premium beef, with no preservatives or pork fat added.

During the preparation process, the Cham people use beef intestines (or tofu skin) as the outer casing, stuffing it with finely ground beef mixed with spices like pepper, garlic, and other secret ingredients. Tung Lo Mo can be enjoyed with other dishes by grilling, frying, or steaming, but the best way to savor it is by barbecuing it over hot coals.

Thot Not Cake

An Giang is renowned not only for its savory dishes but also for its sweet treats. One of the most beloved desserts in An Giang is the Thot Not Cake from Chau Doc. This cake has a vibrant yellow color, a soft and spongy texture, and a subtle fragrance from the Thot Not palm sugar.

Thot Not Cake comes in two varieties: a dry version and one served with coconut milk. Both offer a sweet and nutty flavor profile, with the dry cake providing a chewy texture and the coconut milk version a more moist and indulgent experience.

Tri Ton Green Papaya Salad

When visiting Tri Ton in An Giang, one must-try dish is the unique and mouthwatering green papaya salad. This Khmer-style salad, known as “bok-la-hong” in the Khmer language, features a combination of ingredients not found elsewhere, including crab, fermented shrimp paste, and duck eggs, along with grilled meat.

The salad is made with shredded green papaya, beans, and bean sprouts, along with a blend of lime, tomato, and fermented shrimp paste. As you slowly chew, you’ll discover a delicate sweetness from the crunchy papaya strands, complemented by the salty-yet-not-overpowering taste of the shrimp paste. The addition of lime, chili, peanut, and herbs creates a burst of flavors that harmonize beautifully.

Delicacies Made from Lía in Tan Chau

When in Tan Chau, don’t miss out on the famous snacks made from lía, a type of freshwater clam. According to the locals, lía is related to cockles but has a thinner shell. They are harvested from the river and canals and can be prepared in various ways, including lía stir-fried with garlic, lía boiled with lemongrass, and dried lía.

The most popular choice among locals, especially the younger generation, is lía stir-fried with garlic. Dried lía, on the other hand, is an acquired taste as it is made with live lía that is simply marinated in salt and sun-dried. The stir-fried version is full of flavor, and the sauce that comes out during the cooking process makes it even more delectable. Pluck a piece of lía, dip it into the dipping sauce, and pop it into your mouth to savor this rustic delicacy, infused with the aromatic flavor of cinnamon basil, a signature herb of the region.

Frequently asked questions

The best way to immerse yourself in An Giang’s street food scene is by exploring its bustling markets and local eateries. Taste-test your way through the region, trying various dishes like grilled snakehead fish, Banh Cong, and Vietnamese pizza. Each dish offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Here are some mouth-watering street food delights you shouldn’t miss: Grilled Snakehead Fish: This dish is a local favorite, offering a unique taste of the region with its delicate white flesh and a hint of muddiness. Banh Cong: A crispy, deep-fried rice flour pancake filled with shrimp and mung beans, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Vietnamese Pizza: A unique twist on the classic, featuring a rice paper base, topped with a variety of ingredients like eggs, dried pork, and shrimp, creating a delicious and crispy treat.

An Giang’s street food is renowned for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and unique culinary techniques. The region’s proximity to the Mekong River and its fertile lands contribute to an abundance of fresh produce, seafood, and agricultural products, which form the basis of many local dishes.

To find the best street food spots, follow the locals! Markets like Chau Doc Market and Long Xuan Market are great starting points. You can also wander through the streets of An Giang, keeping an eye out for busy stalls and eateries with crowds of locals. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations and explore beyond the tourist paths to uncover hidden culinary gems.

Yes, while meat and seafood play a significant role in An Giang’s cuisine, there are vegetarian options available as well. Dishes like Banh Cong Chay (vegetarian version of Banh Cong) and various vegetable-based stir-fries and salads can be found. It’s always a good idea to inquire about the ingredients and request vegetarian options where possible.