Like other fish in the western region, snakehead fish are also caught naturally in rice fields, giving them a very distinctive flavor. To make dried snakehead fish, the chef must select fresh, large, and round fish. The fish must be cleaned and sun-dried to achieve the right level of dryness without any unpleasant odor. Just mentioning this Can Tho specialty may make you think of the famous dried snakehead fish salad!
There’s nothing more enjoyable than savoring a plate of dried snakehead fish salad with a hint of alcohol in the cool atmosphere of a garden. If you want to buy dried snakehead fish as a gift for your loved ones, you can visit the local markets or specialty dried food shops.
Purple Banh Tet (Purple Sticky Rice Cake)
The next Can Tho specialty that you should buy is the purple banh tet. This sticky rice cake is prepared in a unique Can Tho style, resulting in a delicious and visually appealing purple-colored treat. The ingredients for the purple banh tet include glutinous rice, butterfly pea flowers, banana leaves, pandan leaves, scallions, pork belly, grated coconut, minced shallots, salt, sliced boiled eggs, salted duck eggs, and seasoning. After a meticulous process of making the filling, wrapping the cakes, and cooking them for about 4-5 hours, the fragrant purple banh tet are ready to be sold.
You can easily find purple banh tet in the Can Tho markets. A well-known brand for the best-tasting purple banh tet in Can Tho belongs to the Huynh family. So, when purchasing these sticky rice cakes, make sure to look for this brand to ensure you get the authentic treat!
Fruits from Cai Rang Floating Market
At Cai Rang Floating Market, you’ll find a vast array of popular fruits, including familiar ones such as jackfruit, mangosteen, star apple, guava, pomelo, mango, and breast milk fruit, as well as unique specialties of the Mekong Delta like Ri6 durian and bon bon.
The market is most vibrant in the early morning, from 5 am to 9 am. When you visit, you’ll be immersed in the lively atmosphere, with boats laden with fruits creating a bustling scene. Tourists can either buy fruits directly from the boats or explore the fruit farms by boat to select the freshest produce.
Dried Frog Legs
Dried frog legs are a must-have delicacy on the dining tables of Can Tho locals, especially during drinking sessions. The proper way to enjoy this specialty is to dip the frog legs in spicy chili sauce and wrap them in fresh herbs. You can eat both the meat and bones of the frog legs. The meat is crispy, slightly salty, and fatty, making it a delicious and easy-to-prepare treat, which is why it’s a popular Can Tho specialty bought as gifts by young people.
This delicacy commands a high price because frog hunters have to venture out at night to catch the frogs in the fields. The caught frogs are then cleaned, marinated, and sun-dried for several days.
Termite Mushrooms
Mother Nature has blessed Can Tho with an abundance of seafood and valuable agricultural products, among which termite mushrooms stand out as a rare delicacy. It’s not uncommon for these mushrooms to be sold at a premium price of up to VND 1 million per kilogram. This is because termite mushrooms are scarce and can only be found in nature during the rainy season, and even then, in small quantities.
To date, no one has been able to cultivate these mushrooms through agricultural means. Termite mushrooms are used as a filling for steamed rice cakes, boiled with duck eggs, cooked in soups, or stir-fried, resulting in delectable dishes. If you have the opportunity, consider buying some termite mushrooms from Can Tho as a thoughtful gift for older family members.
Phong Dien Cacao
Can Tho is renowned not only for its fruit but also for its Phong Dien cacao specialty. While there are many cacao-growing areas in Can Tho, the beans from Phong Dien are of the highest quality.
The cacao beans are manually crushed in a mortar and pestle to produce pure, delicious cacao powder. Phong Dien cacao is famous for its quality and is a popular choice among tourists. Additionally, various products are made from cacao beans, such as cacao candy, cacao butter, and cacao wine.
The cacao powder can be mixed with boiling water and combined with condensed milk, fresh milk, or sugar to make a delicious and nutritious drink. So, if you’re unsure about what gift to choose, Phong Dien cacao is an excellent option.
Dried Snake
Mentioning dried snake may surprise many people, but the dried snakes used for this specialty are non-venomous water snakes that are commonly found in lotus and water lily ponds. During the snake breeding season, locals catch them and turn them into dried snake meat, which can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Premium dried snake is made from fresh snakes with minimal seasoning, preserving the natural sweetness and flavor of the meat. Grilled, fried, or turned into a salad, dried snake is a delicious treat. The chewy texture and sweet taste of the snake meat are sure to captivate those who enjoy unique culinary experiences.
Where to Buy the Famous Cần Thơ Purple Glutinous Rice Cakes in Ho Chi Minh City?
The purple glutinous rice cakes, a specialty of the Western Region, have always been a sought-after delicacy during the Tet Holiday. But where can you find these delectable treats in Ho Chi Minh City?
10 Delectable Dried Snakehead Fish Recipes for Home Enthusiasts
In today’s post, let’s explore the culinary wonders of dried snakehead fish and the must-try dishes that will tantalize your taste buds!
