One of the must-buy specialties in Phan Thiet is banh re, a unique type of cake. Banh re is made from small twisted strands of noodles and cassava, resembling a mat used for pot lining, hence its name. Banh re has an eye-catching appearance and a delicious, crispy texture, making it a popular choice for souvenirs.
These cakes are typically priced at 15,000 – 25,000 VND per 10 pieces and can be easily found at street stalls in Phan Thiet markets or traditional craft villages.
Milk and Green Bean Cake
Phan Thiet is renowned for its delicious milk and green bean cakes. These cakes offer a perfect blend of flavors, combining the nutty taste of milk with the crispiness of green beans, melting instantly in your mouth. Traditionally, the cakes were molded in wooden boxes, known as com hoc. Later, they started being pressed into molds and baked to create a year-round treat that has become a famous specialty.
These cakes are a familiar delicacy during the Tet Holiday for the locals and a popular choice for souvenirs among tourists visiting this beautiful city.
Phan Thiet Fish Sauce
When it comes to Phan Thiet, one of the first things that come to mind is its renowned fish sauce. Although fish sauce is readily available everywhere, it is still a must-buy when visiting Phan Thiet.
The key ingredient in this sauce is fresh anchovy, which gives it a rich and savory taste. The sauce’s quality also depends on the unique production process of each manufacturer, resulting in distinct flavors for different brands. Despite the ups and downs over 300 years, Phan Thiet fish sauce continues to preserve its traditional essence, ensuring the purest and most authentic taste.
Phan Thiet Fish Cakes
When in Phan Thiet, don’t forget to buy the famous fish cakes as souvenirs. Made from grouper, mackerel, and squid, these cakes have a rich and delicious flavor. Phan Thiet fish cakes come in two varieties: fried and steamed, each with its unique taste to suit different preferences.
The price of these fish cakes typically ranges from 150,000 to 200,000 VND per kilogram. You can find them for sale in Phan Thiet markets or on Tran Hung Dao, Tuyen Quang, and Kim Dong streets.
Sun-Dried Squid
Phan Thiet’s sun-dried squid is meticulously prepared by fishermen. Freshly caught squid is sun-dried for 24 hours and then carefully packaged and chilled. Sun-dried squid has a sweeter taste and embodies the essence of Phan Thiet’s sun and wind. When grilled with chili and salt, the squid releases an aromatic flavor, becoming chewy and savory.
To cook the squid perfectly, it should be grilled over low charcoal heat until it turns from opaque white to golden yellow. This ensures that the squid is cooked evenly throughout, releasing a naturally sweet aroma. Avoid using high heat, as it will only char the outside while leaving the inside raw.
Phan Thiet’s Lady Lai Cake
Phan Thiet’s Lady Lai Cake has a similar appearance to the Western-style banh da lon but with a richer and firmer texture. What sets it apart are the three layers of green, yellow, and coffee-milk colors, creating a unique visual and taste experience. The cake delights the palate with the creamy taste of fresh milk, the nuttiness of mung beans, a hint of bitterness from chocolate, and the fragrant aroma of vanilla and pandan leaves.
Additionally, the Lady Lai Cake stands out with its perfect balance of sweetness, making it a guilt-free treat for those conscious about their weight.
