“Trash to Treasure”: How a Former Cast-Off is Now a Coveted Delicacy Fetching 140,000 VND per kg, with Foragers in Hot Pursuit.

Ben Tre, famously known as the “Coconut Kingdom,” boasts a unique cuisine centered around the coconut palm and its versatile fruit. Among the many delicacies, one particular dish that has gained popularity in recent years is the coconut mouse.

Despite its unassuming name, the coconut mouse is a delicacy that has captivated food enthusiasts. This dish is unique to Ben Tre, as these mice are found only in the coconut trees of this region. They feed on the tender coconut core, known as the hủ dừa, and are considered a delicacy themselves due to their diet of sweet, ripe coconuts. The meat of these mice has a distinct, sweet flavor and a chewy texture, making it a sought-after dish by locals and tourists alike.

The locals have mastered the art of catching these mice, not only to protect their precious coconut trees but also to supplement their income. The coconut mice are then supplied to restaurants and eateries, where they are prepared and served to curious diners. The hunting process involves strategically setting traps along the mice’s pathways, usually near the coconut trees they inhabit. The hunters also use fresh, ripe coconut pieces as bait to lure them.

Mr. Hạc, a resident of Hung Phong in Ben Tre, shared his experience: “When we spot a coconut mouse in a tree, we set traps at the base of the tree, using coconut as bait. However, we’ve found that chasing and capturing them is often more effective. We usually go in groups to increase our chances of success. When we see a coconut mouse in a tree, we poke the treetop with sticks, scaring the mouse into running out, and then we catch it.”

The price of coconut mice in the market ranges from 100,000 to 140,000 VND per kilogram, and the demand peaks during the Tet holiday. Restaurants and eateries scramble to secure enough supply to meet the surge in demand during this festive season.

Mr. Hạc added, “Coconut mice have become a unique and delicious specialty of Ben Tre. Diners from all over have expressed their satisfaction with the dishes made from these mice. I can never catch enough to meet the demand, as there are many diners and few hunters.”

The culinary journey through Ben Tre is incomplete without mentioning the unique preparation methods of this delicacy. One popular way to cook coconut mice is by steaming them with rice. A layer of fresh banana leaves is placed over the cooked rice, and the cleaned mice are arranged on top. The pot is then tightly covered, and the rice is allowed to steam again. When the lid is lifted, a fragrant aroma escapes, signaling that the meat is perfectly cooked.

This dish is typically enjoyed by shredding the mouse meat and pairing it with hot white rice, fresh rau răm (Vietnamese coriander), and a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and chili. Accompanying this meal with a few shots of rice liquor elevates the dining experience, reminiscent of savoring free-range chicken. This culinary tradition is an integral part of the local culture in the Coconut Kingdom.

Another beloved dish in Ben Tre is the stir-fried coconut mice. This dish is a favorite among locals, especially for social gatherings. While the preparation is relatively simple, it requires some time and patience. After cleaning the mice, they are washed in rice liquor, lemon, or vinegar to eliminate any unpleasant odors. They are then marinated in a mixture of chili, garlic, five-spice powder, fish sauce, sugar, and MSG. After about 15 minutes, the mice are stir-fried and then simmered in coconut water over low heat until they turn a golden brown color.

For those who prefer their meat grilled, the coconut mice are marinated in a blend of garlic, shallots, lemongrass, chili, salt, pepper, MSG, and five-spice powder. After a few hours of marination, the meat is sun-dried before being grilled over charcoal to perfection. The grilled mice are best enjoyed with soy sauce, salt and chili dip, or fish sauce with garlic and chili, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. The grilled meat is never overpowering and is usually accompanied by sticky rice cooked in coconut milk or glutinous rice.

For those who are new to eating mouse meat, presenting the dish on a banana leaf adds a touch of familiarity and makes it more approachable. The tender, juicy meat is mouthwatering and leaves diners wanting more.