Delicious Delicacies of Dong Nai: 15 Specialties to Savour and Take Home as Gifts

"When it comes to Dong Nai, its renowned delicacies take center stage. This vibrant province boasts an array of mouthwatering specialties that are not only a delight to savor on the spot but also make for perfect souvenirs. Uncover the 15 most tantalizing Dong Nai delicacies that are a must-try for any discerning foodie."

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If you’re planning to explore the many scenic tourist attractions that captivate everyone, don’t miss out on the local specialties. Join us as we discover these delectable delights!

1. Introducing Dong Nai Tourism

Dong Nai is a province in the Southeast region of Vietnam. It’s a popular weekend getaway destination, boasting a range of captivating attractions such as Da Han Waterfall, Tre Viet Tourist Village, and Cat Tien National Park.

Introducing Dong Nai Tourism

2. Top 15 Dong Nai Specialties to Try

Delicacies to Sample in Dong Nai

Stir-fried Crickets with Fish Sauce

A unique dish made from crickets, these insects are caught, cleaned, marinated, and stir-fried to perfection. The result is a crunchy, flavorful treat with a juicy, fatty texture and a savory taste that lingers on the palate.

Stir-fried Crickets with Fish Sauce

For those with an adventurous palate, this nutritious delicacy is a must-try. Don’t be shy—give it a go, and you might just find yourself addicted!

Suggested Venue: Restaurants in Long Khanh Town

Bien Hoa Fish Salad

Biên Hòa Fish Salad

A renowned specialty of Bien Hoa, Dong Nai, this dish consists of fish, sauce, and vegetables artfully arranged in a bowl. The fish is briefly dipped in hot water before being wrapped in fresh, crisp vegetables—a delightful culinary experience.

Suggested Venue: Ben Do Quan Lang Be – 160 Huynh Van Hon, Tan Mai Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province.

Duck Eggs Steamed in Coconut Water

Duck Eggs Steamed in Coconut Water

A beloved street food in Bien Hoa City, these duck eggs steamed in coconut water offer a sweet, mild flavor and a warm, comforting sensation—perfect for chilly evenings.

Estimated Price: 9,000 VND/egg

Suggested Venue: Ha Vi Lot Nuong Thu Ha – 175 Phan Dinh Phung, Bien Hoa, Dong Nai

Bien Hoa Shrimp Hot Pot

Bien Hoa Shrimp Hot Pot

A trip to Dong Nai is incomplete without trying the famous Bien Hoa shrimp hot pot. The broth, made from fresh shrimp and pork bones, offers a sweet, refreshing taste, and the dish is accompanied by an array of fresh vegetables. It’s a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Suggested Venue: Lau Tom 5 Ri – 20/3C, CMT8 Ward, Hoa Binh Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province.

Grilled Cheese-Stuffed Eggs

Grilled Cheese-Stuffed Eggs

A favorite among snack lovers, this Dong Nai specialty is a grilled delight. The eggs are stuffed with meat and cheese, then grilled to perfection. Add a dash of chili sauce and mayonnaise, and you’ve got a mouthwatering treat.

Suggested Venue: Huynh Van Hon, Tan Mai Ward, Bien Hoa, Dong Nai

Chicken Steamed with Pomelo

Chicken Steamed with Pomelo

A unique Dong Nai specialty, this dish features chicken steamed with pomelo, specifically the renowned Tan Trieu pomelo. The chicken, either ri or hill chicken, has firm meat and an appealing golden skin.

Estimated Price: 300,000 – 350,000 VND/serving

Suggested Venue: Nam Hue Tan Trieu Pomelo Garden – 109/7 Huong Lo 9, Tan Binh, Vinh Cuu, Dong Nai.

Dong Nai Specialties to Buy as Gifts

Tan Trieu Pomelo

When it comes to Dong Nai specialties, the Tan Trieu pomelo is a must-mention. These sweet, famous pomelos grow along the Dong Nai River in Vinh Cuu District and Bien Hoa City. What sets this pomelo apart is that every part of it can be used to create a variety of dishes, from pomelo salad to spring rolls and pomelo dessert soup.

Nam Hue Tan Triêu Pomelo Garden

With thin skin and juicy pulp, these pomelos are often purchased by tourists as offerings to their ancestors or as a refreshing dessert after meals. Additionally, the Nam Hue Tan Trieu Pomelo Garden offers a peaceful escape where visitors can enjoy the natural surroundings and savor the sweet, juicy pomelo segments.

Estimated Price: 400,000 – 900,000 VND/box of 12 pomelos (depending on size)

Suggested Venue: Nam Hue Tan Triêu Pomelo Garden: 109/7 Huong Lo 9, Tan Binh, Vinh Cuu, Dong Nai (02513965555)

Forest Jackfruit

Found in the Cat Tien National Park and the province’s nature reserve, this jackfruit variety requires a unique preparation method. To enjoy this fruit, cut off both ends, soak it in warm water, and then peel off the outer layer. The seeds are often mixed with sugar and basil seeds to create a refreshing summer drink.

Forest Jackfruit at Nam Cát Tiên

Forest jackfruit seeds are also known for their medicinal properties and long shelf life, which contributes to their high price. This fruit is only harvested from June to August each year, so be sure to visit during the right season if you want to take some home.

Estimated Price: 50,000 – 150,000 VND/kg

Suggested Venue: Dried food shops in Cat Tien National Park

Long Khanh Ladyfinger Bananas

The favorable climate and soil conditions in the Long Khanh area produce ladyfinger bananas with a distinctive, intense aroma and deep yellow flesh that is exceptionally sweet.

Long Khanh Ladyfinger Bananas

When eating this variety of banana, it is customary to cut the fruit in half lengthwise, revealing the beautiful cluster of bananas within. Locals often hold the banana by the stem and enjoy the entire fruit, a unique and delightful experience.

These special bananas have found their way to markets near and far, allowing people to purchase them as gifts. However, if you have the time, we recommend savoring these bananas straight from the trees in the Long Khanh gardens.

Estimated Price:

+ Garden price: 5,000 – 10,000 VND/kg

+ Market price: 15,000 – 20,000 VND/kg

Suggested Venue:

+ Long Khanh fruit gardens, Dong Nai

+ Ut Tieu Long Khanh Fruit Garden: To 4, Ap Cay Da, Binh Loc Ward, Long Khanh City, Dong Nai

+ Di 2 Fruit Garden: To 2, Ap Cay Da, Binh Loc Ward, Long Khanh, Dong Nai

Dong Nai Termite Mushrooms

The termite mushroom season only lasts from June to August each year, and the best time to forage for these mushrooms is at night, as they bloom during the day. Found in the Binh Son and Thua Duc areas, these mushrooms have a distinctive flavor and are a healthy addition to any meal.

Dong Nai Termite Mushrooms

Whether cooked or raw, these mushrooms leave a lasting impression on the palate. They also make a great gift for health-conscious friends and family.

Estimated Price:

+ Mushroom buds: 90,000 – 100,000 VND/kg

+ Bloomed mushrooms: 60,000 – 70,000 VND/kg

Suggested Venue: Binh Son and Thua Duc markets

Dried Treated Caiman Fish

Treated caiman fish is a specialty of Tri An Lake, a popular camping spot for young people. After being caught, the fish are beheaded, gutted, and split in half. They are then marinated in a mixture of sugar, salt, and chili for 8 hours before being sun-dried or used in salads. This fish is popular due to its abundance of meat and soft bones.

Dried Treated Caiman Fish

Estimated Price: 80,000 – 100,000 VND/kg

Suggested Venue: Tri An Lake area, Dong Nai

Pomelo Wine

If you’re captivated by the sweet, juicy segments of the Tan Trieu pomelo, you’ll be delighted to know that you can also purchase pomelo wine as a gift. With a moderate alcohol content and a lingering sweet, tangy taste, this wine is enjoyable for both men and women. It’s also said to aid digestion and promote healthy skin. The wine’s unique packaging, resembling a ripe pomelo, makes for an impressive gift.

Pomelo Wine from Nam Huệ Tân Triều

Estimated Price: 100,000 – 250,000 VND/bottle (depending on size)

Suggested Venue: Nam Hue Tan Triêu Pomelo Garden: 109/7 Huong Lo 9, Tan Binh, Vinh Cuu, Dong Nai (02513965555)

An Phuoc Dragon Fruit

This dragon fruit variety, successfully cultivated from a Thai species in An Phuoc Commune, boasts large, seedless fruits with a deep red color and juicy flesh. The fruit is at its best from November to June of the following year, so be sure to get your hands on some during this period to share with your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions

There are several mouth-watering delicacies that Dong Nai province has to offer. Here are some specialties you should try and consider taking home as gifts: Banh Can, a crispy rice pancake with a soft center, often served with sweet and sour fish sauce; Banh Khot, a miniature version of Vietnamese pancakes with a crispy edge and soft center, topped with shrimp and green onions; Xiem Cake, a glutinous rice cake with a soft and chewy texture, often enjoyed with a cup of tea; and Dong Nai Chicken, a famous local breed known for its delicious meat, often cooked in soups or grilled.

Both Banh Can and Banh Khot are types of Vietnamese pancakes, but they have distinct characteristics. Banh Can is made with rice flour and has a crispy outer layer with a soft and fluffy center. It is often served with a sweet and sour fish sauce for dipping. On the other hand, Banh Khot is a miniature pancake with a crispy edge and a soft center, topped with shrimp, green onions, and served with a variety of herbs and vegetables.

Dong Nai Chicken is a local breed that is renowned for its delicious and tender meat. It is often compared to the famous ‘Ga Tan Chau’ chicken. The meat is known for its firmness and sweetness. Dong Nai Chicken is typically cooked in soups, such as ‘Ga chien nuoc mam’ (chicken cooked in fish sauce), or grilled to bring out its natural flavors.

Dong Nai province also offers a variety of other unique food items and products. These include ‘Ruou Gao’ (rice wine), a traditional alcoholic beverage made from glutinous rice; ‘Dua Cham Vai’ (hybrid pomelo), a sweet and juicy citrus fruit with a unique flavor; and ‘Gao Lai’ (sticky rice), a type of glutinous rice with a sticky texture and a slightly sweet taste, often used in desserts.

Yes, there are several popular restaurants and eateries in Dong Nai that are renowned for serving these local specialties. One well-known restaurant is ‘Quan Banh Can Ba Hai’, located in Bien Hoa city. This restaurant is famous for its delicious Banh Can and Banh Khot, and it is often visited by both locals and tourists. Another popular spot is ‘Ga Nuong Dong Nai’, a restaurant specializing in grilled Dong Nai Chicken, offering a variety of delicious chicken dishes.
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