Binh Duong is not only known for its captivating tourist attractions but also for its delectable specialties that will leave you craving for more. Join us as we explore the must-try delicacies and souvenirs from Binh Duong!
1 Introduction to Binh Duong Tourism
Located in the key economic region of the South and serving as a satellite city of Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong is often perceived as a province focused on economic and urban development. However, it also boasts a range of ecological, spiritual, and entertainment tourist destinations.
Sharing a similar climate to Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong is pleasant to visit throughout the year. The weather can be divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season, which lasts from May to November, and the dry season, from December to April of the following year. The dry season is ideal for outdoor activities, picnics, and camping.
From May to August, it’s harvest time for fruits in Binh Duong. The province is home to abundant orchards bearing the specialties of the Southern region. Visiting during this period offers a chance to indulge in and pick fresh, delicious fruits to take home as gifts.
2 Top 15 Binh Duong Specialties to Try and Buy
Delicacies to Try in Binh Duong
Banh Beo Bi
One of the signature dishes of Binh Duong is Banh Beo Bi, a unique variation of the traditional steamed rice cakes from the Western region of Vietnam. What sets this version apart is the addition of pork skin, creating a distinct flavor and texture.
With a history spanning over a century, Banh Beo Bi can be traced back to Cho Bung in An Thanh, Thuan An, Binh Duong. It has become a beloved delicacy among locals and famous artists, who never miss the opportunity to indulge when passing through the province.
Specialty Price: Approximately 15,000 – 35,000 VND
Address: Quan Banh Beo Bi My Lien
Banh beo bi with a unique twist
Goi Ngo Luc Binh with Shrimp and Pork
Another special dish to try in Binh Duong is the Goi Ngo Luc Binh, a salad made with typical local ingredients and a unique addition of water hyacinth stems. This aquatic plant, commonly found in rivers, has been transformed by the locals into a delicious dish that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
Specialty Price: Approximately 35,000 – 220,000 VND
Address: Quan Tan Sa Ke
Delicious GoI Ngo Luc Binh with shrimp and pork
Bun Tom (Shrimp Noodle Soup)
Bun Tom in Binh Duong offers a novel experience as the noodles are made on the spot, ensuring freshness. The key ingredient that makes this dish stand out is shrimp, caught fresh from the river and ground into a paste before being added to the broth. This dish is a delightful treat for all food enthusiasts.
Estimated Price: Around 30,000 VND/bowl
Address: Lang Chau Truc, Phu My District, Binh Duong Province.
Bun Tom in Binh Duong has a unique twist
Banh Khot (Mini Savory Pancakes)
Banh Khot is a specialty of the Western region of Southern Vietnam, and in Binh Duong, it has a unique twist. While the pancakes themselves are similar, the dipping sauce is what sets it apart. The sauce is slightly sweet and sour and perfectly complements the hot and crispy pancakes.
Specialty Price: About 25,000 – 45,000 VND/serving
Address: Banh Khot Vung Tau Le Huy
Binh Duong’s Banh Khot stands out for its unique dipping sauce
Banh Xeo Tom Nhay (Shrimp Pancake)
Banh Xeo Tom Nhay, or Shrimp Pancake, is a popular choice among tourists visiting Binh Duong. The batter is slightly diluted, and fresh river shrimp are added after pouring the batter onto the pan. Served with the traditional accompaniments of bean sprouts and herbs, and paired with a sweet and sour dipping sauce, this dish is sure to leave you craving more.
Specialty Price: Approximately 20,000 – 30,000 VND/serving
Address: Banh Xeo Tom Nhay Ba Thi
Banh Xeo Tom Nhay is a popular attraction for tourists visiting Binh Duong
Bo Nuong Ngoi (Tile-Grilled Beef)
Also known as Bo Nuong Mo Chai (Beef Grilled with Fat Chives), this dish is a delicacy in Binh Duong. The beef is wrapped in fat chives and grilled to perfection, resulting in a delicious combination of fatty and sweet flavors. It is typically served with a special dipping sauce that enhances the overall taste experience.
Specialty Price: Around 100,000 – 300,000 VND/serving
Address: Nuong Ngoi 49
Binh Duong’s specialty: Bo Nuong Ngoi or Bo Nuong Mo Chai
GoI Ga Mang Cut (Chicken and Mangosteen Salad)
Binh Duong is renowned for its mangosteen orchards, and the locals have creatively incorporated this fruit into a unique dish—the GoI Ga Mang Cut. The sweet and sour flavors of mangosteen blend beautifully with the chicken, resulting in a delightful salad that has gained popularity near and far.
Specialty Price: Approximately 60,000 – 150,000 VND/serving
Address: Chieu Nay Quan
GoI Ga Mang Cut: A delicious blend of chicken and mangosteen
Bun Rieu Luoi (Pork Tongue Vermicelli Soup)
For those seeking a unique culinary experience in Binh Duong, Bun Rieu Luoi is a must-try. This dish differs from the traditional Bun Rieu as it includes pork tongue, cooked in a similar style to Chinese barbecue, resulting in a flavorful and addictive broth.
Specialty Price: About 18,000 – 25,000 VND/bowl
Address: Bun Rieu Luu Luen
Bun Rieu Luoi: A unique twist on the traditional Bun Rieu
Lau Bo Nhung Mam Ruoc (Beef Hot Pot with Fermented Shrimp Paste)
While beef hot pots are commonly found across Vietnam, Binh Duong offers a unique variation with its use of fermented shrimp paste. This dish has gained popularity for its delicious flavor and is a must-try when visiting the province.
Specialty Price: 20,000 – 40,000 VND/serving
Address: Tam Con – Lau Bo Mam Ruoc
Beef hot pot with fermented shrimp paste: A delicious twist on a classic dish
Ga Quay Xoi Phong (Roasted Chicken with Puffed Sticky Rice)
Last but not least, Ga Quay Xoi Phong is a famous dish in Binh Duong. The sticky rice is cooked and wrapped around a whole chicken that has been marinated with a special blend of spices. It is then deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful meat. The sticky rice absorbs the juices from the chicken, creating a mouthwatering combination.
Specialty Price: Approximately 50,000 – 299,000 VND/serving
Address: Ga Quay Mam Nhi 279
Ga Quay Xoi Phong: A delicious combination of roasted chicken and puffed sticky rice
Specialties to Buy as Souvenirs from Binh Duong
Lai Thieu Fruits
Lai Thieu, located in Thuan An district, Binh Duong province, is famous for its diverse and enticing selection of fruits. From May to August, the orchards are in full bloom, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. Visitors can not only enjoy the fruits on-site but also pick and purchase them as gifts for their loved ones.
Estimated Price: About 30,000 – 80,000 VND/ depending on the type
Address: Vuon Cay Ba Tam
Binh Duong is renowned for its diverse selection of fruits
Lai Thieu Nem
In addition to its fruits, Binh Duong is also known for its Lai Thieu Nem, or fermented pork rolls. The fresh ingredients, traditional spices, and unique packaging in banana leaves give this delicacy a distinctive sweet, sour, and salty flavor. It is an excellent choice to bring home as a gift for friends and family.
Estimated Price: Approximately 30,000 – 45,000 VND/10 rolls
Address: Lo Nem Nga 5 Lai Thieu
Lai Thieu Nem: A delicious and unique delicacy
Binh Nhâm Ginger Candy
Binh Nhâm ginger candy is a traditional treat during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Each region has its unique way of making this candy, and Binh Nhâm’s version stands out with its light yellow color, mild spiciness, soft texture, and balanced sweetness. It has become a popular choice for gifts during the festive season.
Estimated Price: Around 60,000 – 80,000 VND/500gr
Address: Binh Hoa Ward, Binh Nhâm Town, Thuan An District, Binh Duong Province.
– Banh Can: A crispy, savory rice cake made with a mixture of rice and corn flour, topped with green onions and shrimp.
– Banh Xeo: A Vietnamese savory crispy crepe made with rice flour, filled with slivers of pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, and wrapped in lettuce and herbs.
– Com Tam: Broken rice with grilled pork chop, egg, and pickled vegetables, served with a side of fish sauce.
– Bot Chien: Crispy fried rice flour cubes stir-fried with eggs, green onions, and a variety of toppings like seafood or beef.
– Bun Bo Hue: A spicy beef noodle soup that is a specialty of Hue, featuring a rich broth, tender beef, and rice vermicelli.
– Banh Khot: Mini savory coconut pancakes with a crispy edge, topped with shrimp, green onions, and served with a sweet and sour fish sauce.
– Che: A variety of sweet Vietnamese desserts, including pudding, soups, and beverages, often made with beans, fruits, and jelly.
– Cai Beo Snail: A specialty of Binh Duong, these snails are cooked in a variety of ways, such as stir-frying with pepper and lemon grass, or steaming with beer.
– Dua Chao Toc Tien: A unique dessert made with coconut milk, tapioca starch, and long strands of fried batter, topped with a ginger syrup.
– Ruou Gao: Vietnamese rice wine, a traditional alcoholic beverage often enjoyed during special occasions and festivals.
– Local Specialties: Consider purchasing packaged versions of the local specialties, such as Banh Can, Banh Khot, or Dua Chao Toc Tien, to take home as gifts. These are often available at local markets or specialty food shops.
– Spices and Sauces: Vietnam is known for its diverse range of spices and sauces. You can buy chili peppers, lemongrass, fish sauce, or unique chili sauces made in Binh Duong to add a touch of local flavor to your cooking.
– Rice Wine: Ruou Gao, the traditional Vietnamese rice wine, makes for a unique gift. You can find it at local liquor stores or specialty shops, and it’s a great way to share a taste of Binh Duong with friends and family.
– Culinary Souvenirs: Look for culinary-themed souvenirs, such as beautifully packaged spices, tea, or coffee. You can also find cooking utensils, bowls, or chopsticks with traditional Vietnamese designs, which make great gifts for food lovers.
– Quan Banh Can Ba Hai: A well-known spot for Banh Can, offering a variety of savory toppings and a lively atmosphere.
– Binh Duong Night Market: A vibrant night market with numerous street food stalls serving Banh Xeo, Com Tam, Bot Chien, and more.
– Bun Bo Hue Restaurant: A specialty restaurant dedicated to the famous Bun Bo Hue noodle soup, offering a range of delicious variations.
– Banh Khot Co Huong: A cozy restaurant known for its authentic and tasty Banh Khot, served with a variety of toppings and a special fish sauce.
– Che 3 Miu: A popular spot for sweet Vietnamese desserts, offering a wide range of Che options, including traditional and innovative flavors.
– Cai Beo Snail Street: A street dedicated to snail dishes, where you can find a variety of restaurants and stalls serving Cai Beo snails in different styles.
– Dua Chao Toc Tien Shop: A specialty shop dedicated to the unique Dua Chao Toc Tien dessert, offering a sweet and crispy treat.
It’s always a good idea to ask locals for their recommendations as well, as they can guide you to hidden gems and popular eateries loved by the community.
