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Southern Specialties: 22 Delicious Local Treats to Try and Buy as Gifts

The southern region of the country is renowned for its delectable specialties, offering a unique culinary experience for travelers to indulge in and take home as souvenirs. Uncover 22 of the most mouth-watering southern delights that are an absolute must-try, promising an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Administrator

24 July, 2024

Southern cuisine is a delightful fusion of various ingredients, creating a plethora of mouth-watering flavors. Join us as we explore some of the most beloved Southern dishes!

1. Introduction to Southern Tourism

Southern Vietnam boasts a predominantly flat terrain, featuring numerous scenic spots and ideal destinations for adventurous travelers. If you’re a travel enthusiast planning a trip to the Southern provinces, here’s a list of places you should consider:

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Tay Ninh
Binh Duong
Binh Phuoc
Dong Nai
Ba Ria-Vung Tau
Long An
Tien Giang
Ben Tre
Dong Thap

And there are many more destinations awaiting your discovery.

Introduction to Southern Tourism

2. Top 22 Southern Delicacies to Try

Must-Try Southern Delicacies

Sa Dec Rice Noodles

Sa Dec Rice Noodles

If you find yourself in the bountiful Mekong Delta, especially in Dong Thap province, don’t miss out on trying this renowned delicacy. You can also find this exquisite dish in other provinces of the Mekong Delta.

Sa Dec rice noodles is a perfect blend of sweet broth, chewy rice noodles, tender pork, thinly sliced pork liver, and a touch of eye-catching red from shrimp. Additionally, the noodle soup is also worth a try.

Recommended eateries:

+ Mrs. Sam’s Rice Noodle Restaurant: 188 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 1, Sa Dec, Dong Thap

+ My Ngoc Sa Dec Nam Vang Rice Noodle Restaurant: 150 Hung Vuong Avenue, Ward 1, Sa Dec, Dong Thap

+ Phu Thanh Rice Noodle Restaurant: 75 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 1, Sa Dec, Dong Thap

Price range: 20,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl

Linh Fish and Water Hyacinth Hotpot

Linh Fish and Water Hyacinth Hotpot

Linh fish and water hyacinth hotpot is a dish that captures the essence of the countryside. The aromatic broth, the smoking pot, the freshwater fish, and the golden hue of the water hyacinth create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Head to An Giang during the flood season to savor the freshest linh fish.

Recommended eateries:

+ Chau Doc Clubhouse: 68 Hoang Dieu, Chau Phu B, Chau Doc, An Giang

+ Bay Bong 2 Restaurant: 121 Trung Nu Vuong, Chau Phu B, Chau Doc, An Giang

+ Hieu Mienn Crab Hotpot Restaurant: 5D Le Lai, My Binh Ward, Long Xuyen City, An Giang

Price range: 200,000 – 300,000 VND

Field Mouse Roasted in a Clay Pot

Field Mouse Roasted in a Clay Pot

Field mouse roasted in a clay pot is not just a dish but a renowned specialty in Southern Vietnam. Field mice are caught after the harvest season, as they feed on rice and grains, ensuring their cleanliness.

The mice are cleaned, marinated, skewered, and roasted over a clay pot. The meat turns a golden brown, emitting a mouth-watering aroma.

Recommended eateries:

+ Phong Lan Restaurant: 47A QL30, My Phu Ward, Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap

+ Tam Thanh Restaurant: Nguyen Tat Thanh, Sa Dec Town, Dong Thap Province, Sa Dec, Dong Thap

+ Tu Hao Restaurant: 17 Dien Bien Phu, My Phu, Cao Lanh, Dong Thap

Price range: 100,000 – 200,000 VND

Coconut Worm

Coconut Worm

Coconut worm is the larva of a beetle that lives in coconut trees, feeding on the tree’s flesh, resulting in a plump body and an enticing flavor. When consumed, coconut worms are often dipped in fish sauce with chili, stir-fried with salt, coated in batter and deep-fried, or grilled with salt and chili. However, the most exceptional way to enjoy them is raw.

Broken Rice

Broken Rice is a familiar dish in Southern Vietnam

is a staple food in Southern Vietnam. Notably, each province has its unique variation, showcasing the region’s distinct characteristics, with the most prominent being broken rice from Saigon, …

Snail Dishes

Snail Dishes

When it comes to Southern delicacies, we can’t forget about snail dishes. Snails come in a variety of species and are prepared in numerous captivating ways. You’ll easily find delectable snail restaurants throughout the Southern provinces, each offering its unique flavors.

Vung Tau Crab Noodle Soup

To prepare a steaming bowl of Vung Tau crab noodle soup with a thick broth, vendors go through a meticulous process of selecting the finest ingredients.

Vung Tau Crab Noodle Soup

The broth is made by simmering bones, crab, and sea crab, resulting in a rich and flavorful soup. The noodles are translucent and tender, infused with the aroma of crab. The standout feature of this dish is the natural red color of the sea crab, caught on the same day.

Saigon Mixed Rice Paper

is a ubiquitous snack among Saigonese. It’s a “specialty” during casual gatherings with friends. Mixed rice paper can be found on every street corner, from major roads to small alleys, and especially in front of schools.

Saigon Mixed Rice Paper

The soft rice paper strands are mixed with an array of toppings such as dried beef, dried squid, dried shrimp, roasted peanuts, and fresh herbs, all tossed in the vendor’s “secret” sauce. With its affordable price, mixed rice paper is a beloved snack for people from all walks of life.

Saigon Dumplings

is a dish originating from China and widely popular in Saigon. It’s no surprise that most dumpling shops in Saigon are run by chefs of Chinese descent.

Saigon Dumplings

The thin and soft dumpling wrappers are filled with a savory mixture of shrimp and ground pork. The broth is made by simmering white radish and bone marrow for hours, imparting a sweet and delicate flavor to the dish. Indulge in this delectable treat with your family and friends!

Tay Ninh Calf Meat

Tay Ninh Calf Meat

Tay Ninh calf meat is a renowned specialty of the Southern region. Calf meat is softer and more tender than regular beef. In Tay Ninh, the chefs grill the meat directly over red-hot charcoal, infusing it with an irresistible aroma. The meat is firm yet tender, and the charred exterior adds a unique touch to this dish, characteristic of Tay Ninh.

Trang Bang Noodle Soup from Tay Ninh

Trang Bang noodle soup is a specialty of Tay Ninh, always enticing diners with its fragrant broth made from pork bones and sweet and tender pork knuckles.

Trang Bang Noodle Soup from Tay Ninh

The broth has a pleasant aroma, and the pork is carefully prepared to eliminate any unpleasant odors. Enjoy this specialty with fried dough sticks, grilled rice paper with morning dew, and fresh forest herbs.

Mrs. Den Mountain Lizard from Tay Ninh

Mrs. Den Mountain Lizard from Tay Ninh

This dish is made from mountain lizards, a species of gecko with a white stripe on its back, found near Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh. Although it may seem unappetizing, mountain lizard meat is considered a delicacy in Tay Ninh. As these lizards feed on figs, bananas, and medicinal herbs, their meat is chewy, flavorful, and highly nutritious. Give this “elite” dish a try when you visit Tay Ninh!

Phu Quoc Rice Noodle Soup

The term “kèn” in the name of this dish refers to dishes that use coconut milk, derived from the Khmer language.

Preparing a bowl of Phu Quoc rice noodle soup involves multiple steps, including grinding fish and stir-frying it with lemongrass and chili. To create the perfect broth, one must combine coconut milk with the water used to boil the fish, along with spices such as tamarind or fish sauce.

Phu Quoc Rice Noodle Soup

A bowl of Phu Quoc rice noodle soup is a symphony of colors, from the white rice noodles to the green herbs, red chili, orange grated carrots, and golden broth. The combination of these elements creates an unforgettable flavor. Diners can adjust the taste by adding sweet and sour fish sauce to their liking.

Phu Quoc Herring Salad

People often say, “If you haven’t tried herring salad, you haven’t truly experienced the soul and culinary culture of Phu Quoc Island.” Indeed, this renowned specialty has attracted many visitors from far and wide.

Frequently asked questions

There are many delicious Southern specialties that you can sample and purchase as gifts. Some popular options include pecan pralines, grits, boiled peanuts, key lime pie, and hot sauce. You can also find unique gifts such as local honey, small-batch coffee, and craft beer.

You can find many of these specialties at local markets, grocery stores, and specialty food shops in the Southern states. Some items, such as hot sauce and coffee, may also be available for purchase online from small businesses and artisans.

Some mouth-watering treats to indulge in include New Orleans-style beignets, which are square French doughnuts covered in powdered sugar. You can also try the famous Florida Key lime pie, made with a graham cracker crust and a tangy, sweet filling. For a savory option, sample some lowcountry boil, a seafood dish popular in the coastal regions of the Southern states.

Absolutely! Besides food specialties, you can consider gifting items such as locally crafted pottery, handmade soaps or candles, or even a bottle of Southern whiskey or bourbon. You can also find unique art pieces, jewelry, and home decor items made by local artisans.

When possible, try to shop directly from small businesses, artisans, and local producers. Many of them have websites or social media pages where you can place orders or inquire about their products. By supporting these small businesses, you are not only getting authentic Southern specialties but also contributing to the local economy and cultural preservation.