Food & Receipts

Delicious Delights of Bac Lieu: Top 15 Local Specialties to Savour and Gift

Bạc Liêu is renowned for its delectable delights, offering a unique culinary experience for travelers to indulge in and take home as souvenirs. Uncover the 15 most tantalizing specialties that define the region's culinary landscape, enticing food enthusiasts to embark on a flavorful journey of discovery and indulgence.

Administrator

10 July, 2024

Bac Lieu, along with other provinces in the Mekong Delta, is famous for its diverse and delicious cuisine and souvenirs. Moreover, the prices are very reasonable. Therefore, when visiting Bac Lieu, tourists will have a lot of options for souvenirs to bring back home. Let’s explore some of the most meaningful gifts to give to your loved ones!

1Introduction to Bac Lieu Tourism

Bac Lieu is a well-known tourist destination in the Mekong Delta region of Southern Vietnam. It is renowned for its golden rice fields, the story of the Bac Lieu Prince, and several notable attractions such as the Bac Lieu Prince’s Residence, Vinh Hung Ancient Tower, and the Bac Lieu Wind Power Plant.

An overview of Bac Lieu tourism

2Top 15 Bac Lieu Specialties to Try and Buy as Gifts

Delicacies to Try in Bac Lieu

Bac Lieu Fermented Fish Hot Pot

Bac Lieu Fermented Fish Hot Pot

This hot pot is a unique blend of Vietnamese, Cham, and Khmer cultures, resulting in a distinct flavor. A complete pot usually includes snakehead fish, elephant ear fish, and field crab, accompanied by a variety of vegetables such as bitter melon, water lily stems, and yellow flowers.

Recommended restaurants:

Hong Gam Hot Pot: 3/225B, Duong Tinh 38, Nha Mat Ward, Bac Lieu City.
Thanh Thanh Restaurant: 50/8, QL1A, Ward 1, Vinh Loi, Bac Lieu.

Price range: 150,000–200,000 VND/pot.

Ngan Dua Sticky Rice Cake

Ngan Dua Sticky Rice Cake

This cake is made from glutinous rice, resulting in a fragrant, chewy, and sticky texture. It is served with shredded coconut and a sweet and sour fish sauce, creating a harmonious combination of flavors.

Recommended restaurants:

Co Nhan Sticky Rice Cake Shop: Le Duan Street, Ward 1, Bac Lieu City.
Que Noi Sticky Rice Cake Shop: 259 Tran Huynh Street, Ward 1, Bac Lieu City.

Price range: 10,000–20,000 VND/plate.

Bac Lieu Savory Pancake

Bac Lieu Savory Pancake

The savory pancakes of the Mekong Delta, especially those from Bac Lieu, are renowned for their delicious combination of greasy rice flour, savory shrimp and meat, and sweet beans and cassava. Enjoying the pancake with fresh vegetables and a slightly sweet and sour fish sauce dip is an unforgettable experience.

Recommended restaurants:

A Mat Savory Pancake: 182/2 Duong So 31, Ap Giong Nhãn, Hiep Thanh Commune.
Cao Vinh Savory Pancake: 222/2 Duong DT 31, Ap Giong Nhãn, Hiep Thanh Commune.

Price range: 20,000–40,000 VND/pancake.

Spicy Beef Noodle Soup

Spicy Beef Noodle Soup

This dish features a rich and spicy broth, white noodles, and tender beef brisket. The addition of fresh herbs like shredded banana blossom, bean sprouts, basil, and sawtooth coriander takes the dish to the next level.

Recommended restaurants:

Anh Nguyet Spicy Beef Noodle Soup: 119 Cao Van Lau Street, Ward 5, Bac Lieu City.
Hoan My Spicy Beef Noodle Soup: Le Loi Street, Ward 3, Bac Lieu City.

Price range: 25,000–40,000 VND/bowl.

Bun Nuoc Leo (Rice Noodles in Fish Broth)

Bun Nuoc Leo

Bun Nuoc Leo is a unique dish from Bac Lieu, often mistaken for Bun Mam (Rice Noodles in Fermented Fish Broth) due to its fish-based broth. However, the combination of snakehead fish, shrimp, and ngai (a type of herb) gives it a distinct flavor. Adding fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime enhances the taste of this dish.

Recommended restaurants:

Nam Hon Bun Nuoc Leo: 649 Tran Phu Street, Ward 7, Bac Lieu City.
Tan Mong Thuong Bun Nuoc Leo: 166 Vo Thi Sau Street, Ward 8, Bac Lieu City.

Price range: 20,000–30,000 VND/bowl.

Specialties to Buy as Gifts

Longan Fruit

Longan Fruit

Longan, also known as “ngan” in Vietnamese, is a must-buy when visiting Bac Lieu. The peak season for longan is usually in August, and during this time, you will find an abundance of longan fruit all over the province. The fruit has a golden, shiny skin and a thick, sweet, and juicy flesh, making it a delicious treat.

In addition to buying longan as a gift, you can also experience fruit garden tourism in Bac Lieu. Here, you can pick and eat longan directly from the trees. When it’s time to leave, you can either pick your own longan to take with you or ask the garden owners to help you. The prices for longan bought directly from the gardens are very reasonable. Tasting the sweet longan fruit will give you a true taste of the “Bac Lieu Prince” culture.

Where to buy:

Thanh Nhãn Bac Lieu Private Enterprise: 92/2, Ap Giong Nhãn A, Hiep Thanh Commune, Hiep Thanh District, Bac Lieu Province

Price range: 70,000 VND/kg

See also:

Longan Wine

Longan Wine

Longan wine is another famous specialty of Bac Lieu and a meaningful gift option. This wine has a long history in Bac Lieu and is well-known throughout the region. Typically, longan wine is served to honor guests, and its alluring fragrance, rich flavor, and subtle hint of alcohol are sure to captivate your senses.

Longan wine is made from longan fruit, glutinous rice wine, and a variety of traditional medicinal herbs. It is aged for a certain period, resulting in a strong yet smooth beverage. When consumed in moderation, longan wine is believed to have health benefits, promoting blood circulation and supporting bone health.

Where to buy:

Yến Nhi Longan Wine: 219/2 Giồng Nhãn, Ap Giong Nhãn, Hiep Thanh Commune, Bac Lieu Province

Price range: 130,000 VND/500ml bottle

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled Vegetables

While there are many types of pickled vegetables in Bac Lieu, this specialty is a must-try. To create a delicious batch of pickled vegetables, skilled artisans carefully select the freshest ingredients and combine them in specific proportions. Before the pickling process, the vegetables are marinated with a unique blend of spices.

Pickled vegetables are usually free from preservatives, so they have a limited shelf life of around 20 to 30 days. As soon as you open the jar, you’ll be greeted by a delightful aroma. Enjoying these pickled vegetables with plain rice makes for a scrumptious and satisfying meal.

Where to buy:

Vinh Hung Pickled Vegetables: Vo Thi Sau Street, near Hung Ly Computer Company, Bac Lieu Province

Price range: 70,000 VND/liter

Fermented Mud Crabs

Fermented Mud Crabs

Fermented mud crabs are a delicacy in Bac Lieu and make for an excellent gift. The peak season for these crabs is around October, when their meat is firm and flavorful.

The crabs are marinated and fermented for an extended period, resulting in a deeply infused flavor. If you can’t find fresh mud crabs, you can opt for the fermented variety, which makes a tasty addition to any meal and brings a touch of the Mekong Delta to your table.

Where to buy:

Bac Lieu Night Market: 453 Cach Mang Street, Ward 3, Bac Lieu City, Bac Lieu Province

Price range: 130,000–150,000 VND/700g box

See also:

Preserved Water Spinach and Mustard Greens

Preserved water spinach, known as “cốn xại” in Vietnamese, is made from fresh water spinach stalks. The stalks are sun-dried until slightly wilted and then mixed with salt, sugar, and chili. After about two weeks of fermentation, the water spinach takes on a salty-sweet flavor and becomes a delicious side dish for rice.

Mustard greens, or “xá bấu” in Vietnamese, are prepared in a similar but simpler manner. Fresh mustard greens are sun-dried and then seasoned with spices, ready to be enjoyed immediately. Both of these preserved vegetables embody the rustic and authentic flavors of Bac Lieu.

Chợ Đầu mối Nông sản, thực phẩm Bạc Liêu: Minh Diệu, Ward 3, Bac Lieu City, Bac Lieu Province

Price range: 30,000–50,0

Frequently asked questions

There are numerous delicious local specialties in Bac Lieu that are worth trying, including: Banh Cong (Mung Bean Pancake), Banh Tam Tro (Rice Noodle with Mung Bean Puree), Nem Nuong (Grilled Pork Nem), Cha Cua (Crab Cake), and more. Each dish offers a unique blend of flavors and textures that showcase the region’s culinary heritage.

The cuisine of Bac Lieu is known for its diverse and distinctive flavors, influenced by both the local agriculture and the region’s historical connection to the sea. Dishes often feature a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes, with generous use of fresh herbs and spices. Many recipes have been passed down through generations, preserving traditional cooking methods and local ingredients.

Yes, several delicacies from Bac Lieu are renowned throughout Vietnam and make excellent gifts. For example, ‘Nem Chua’ (Fermented Pork Nem) and ‘Khoai Lang Tim’ (Purple Sweet Potato) are popular choices. These specialties are carefully prepared and packaged, ensuring they remain fresh and tasty during transport, making them perfect souvenirs to share with friends and family.

There are many fantastic eateries and street food stalls in Bac Lieu serving authentic local cuisine. Some popular spots include the Bac Lieu Market, where you can find a variety of traditional dishes, and the night market along the Bac Lieu River, which offers a vibrant dining experience with fresh seafood options. Exploring these local haunts will give you a true taste of the region’s culinary delights.

Yes, one unique ingredient that is prevalent in Bac Lieu cuisine is ‘Nuoc Mam’, a type of fermented fish sauce that is produced in the region. It adds a distinct savory flavor to many dishes. Additionally, local herbs such as lemongrass, basil, and mint are commonly used, adding freshness and aroma to the food. The combination of these ingredients creates the signature flavors of Bac Lieu.