Vinh Long is a province in the Mekong Delta region, famous for its diverse and delicious specialties. Join us to explore the unique cuisine of Vinh Long and discover 15 must-try specialties to bring home as gifts!
1 Introduction to Vinh Long Tourism
Vinh Long is a well-known tourist destination in the Western region of Vietnam, loved by many travelers. With its picturesque river scenery and diverse specialties, a trip to Vinh Long offers a unique experience not to be missed. Some must-visit attractions include the Tra On Floating Market, My Thuan Bridge, Van Thanh Mieu, Truong An Tourist Area, and the Ancient House Eco-tourism Area.
Introduction to Vinh Long Tourism
2 Top 15 Vinh Long Specialties to Try and Buy
Must-Try Specialties in Vinh Long
Grilled Field Mice
Grilled Field Mice
Grilled field mice is a delicacy in Vinh Long that you must try. Although the idea of eating mice may seem unappetizing to some, this specialty is surprisingly delicious. The mice are sourced from the local fields, feeding mainly on rice, resulting in clean and sweet-tasting meat with a buttery and nutty flavor.
- Specialty Price: Approximately 150,000 VND
- Address: Huong Que Restaurant, 88/1 Pham Thai Buong, Vinh Long City, Vinh Long Province
Raw Sweet Potato with Fish Sauce Wrapped in La Cach Leaves
Raw Sweet Potato with Fish Sauce Wrapped in La Cach Leaves
This simple yet delightful specialty is a local favorite in Vinh Long. The sweet potatoes are boiled and cut into small pieces, then wrapped in La Cach leaves and dipped in a fish sauce made from local fish such as snakehead or catfish. The combination of sweet potato, salty fish sauce, and fragrant leaves creates an explosion of flavors that is hard to forget.
The sweet potatoes are boiled and cut into small pieces. The fish sauce is typically made from local fish such as snakehead or catfish. It is served with La Cach leaves, creating a unique blend of sweet, salty, and fragrant flavors.
- Specialty Price: Approximately 100,000 VND per portion (for 2 people)
- Address: This dish can be found at various small and large markets throughout the city.
Barbecued Snakehead Fish
Barbecued Snakehead Fish
During your trip to Vinh Long, don’t miss the opportunity to try the famous barbecued snakehead fish. This specialty is prepared by cleaning the fish, leaving the scales and internal organs intact, then skewering it lengthwise and roasting it over a fire. The unique cooking method imparts a delightful rustic flavor to the fish while also adding a touch of uniqueness.
- Specialty Price: 7 Bot Barbecue Restaurant, Vo Thi Sau, Ward 1, Vinh Long City.
- Address: Approximately 100,000 VND per portion
Crab Hot Pot
Crab Hot Pot
Crab hot pot is a popular dish throughout the Mekong Delta region, but the version in Vinh Long is particularly renowned. Freshly caught crabs are cleaned, ground, and strained to extract the meat. The hot pot is then prepared with a variety of seafood, resulting in a delicious broth that is slightly sour and sweet, with the richness of crab roe and the freshness of seafood.
The broth of the crab hot pot has a distinctive sour and sweet taste, enhanced by the richness of the crab roe and the freshness of the seafood. It is a memorable dish that leaves a lasting impression on those who try it.
- Specialty Price: Ranges from 50,000 to 200,000 VND
- Address: Crab Hot Pot Restaurant, 67 Pho Co Dieu, Ward 1, Vinh Long
Apple Snails
Apple Snails
Vinh Long is known for its rustic specialties, and apple snails are one of them. Despite their simple appearance, these snails offer a unique and flavorful experience that has gained a wide following.
The apple snails are carefully prepared and transformed into a variety of dishes by skilled chefs, including apple snail stuffed with meat, steamed apple snail with lemongrass, and more. The meat of the snails is chewy and goes well with various seasonings, creating a distinctive taste.
- Specialty Price: Ranges from 40,000 to 60,000 VND per portion
- Address: Oc Nguyen Restaurant, Ward 4, Vinh Long
Grilled Silver Fish in Bamboo Tubes
Grilled Silver Fish in Bamboo Tubes
Silver fish, or “ca keo,” may sound humble, but its flavor is sure to captivate visitors to Vinh Long. The fish are cleaned, placed in bamboo tubes, and grilled over charcoal until cooked, resulting in a beautiful golden color and a perfectly tender texture.
The grilled silver fish has a mouthwatering appearance with its golden color. The meat is tender, sweet, and buttery, and when paired with a tangy tamarind sauce, it becomes irresistible.
- Specialty Price: Approximately 70,000 VND per portion
- Address: Phuong Thuy Restaurant, Phan Boi Chau, Ward 1, Vinh Long
Catfish Braised in Coconut Milk
Catfish Braised in Coconut Milk
Catfish is abundant in Vinh Long, and the locals have created a unique dish by braising it in coconut milk. This dish embodies the essence of Western Vietnam’s cuisine, with the soft and fatty catfish absorbing the subtle sweetness of the coconut milk. The addition of lemongrass, chili, and ginger further enhances the flavor, making it a perfect companion for rice.
- Specialty Price: Approximately 70,000 VND per portion (for 2 people)
- Address: My Thuan, Vinh Long
Hến Bánh Xèo (Clam Bánh Xèo)
Hến Bánh Xèo
Bánh Xèo is a familiar dish in Vietnamese cuisine, but the version with clams, or “hen,” is unique to Vinh Long. The clams are carefully cleaned and stir-fried with onions, then added to the Bánh Xèo batter and fried until golden and crispy. Enjoying this dish with fresh herbs, rice paper, and fish sauce is an unforgettable culinary experience.
- Specialty Price: Approximately 10,000 VND per piece
- Address: You can find this dish at various markets in Vinh Long, such as Cho Vinh Long, Cho Cong, and Cho Kinh Cut.
Specialties to Buy as Gifts from Vinh Long
Cù Lao Lục Sĩ Nem Bánh Tráng (Cù Lao Lục Sĩ Spring Roll Wrappers)
Cù Lao Lục Sĩ Nem Bánh Tráng
Cù Lao Lục Sĩ, also known as Cù Lao May, is a traditional village with a 70-year history of making Bánh Tráng. They produce a variety of Bánh Tráng, including spicy, milk, and sweet versions, but the Nem Bánh Tráng is a must-try. Made using traditional methods, these wrappers are thin yet strong, made with rice flour and sun-dried, with no additives.
The Nem Bánh Tráng from Cù Lao Lục Sĩ is soft and flexible, not crispy, with a mild salty taste. They are commonly used for wrapping various dishes and are a great choice for bringing home as gifts.
- Specialty Price: Approximately 20,000 VND per 200g package
- Address: Luc Si Thanh Commune, Tra On District, Vinh Long Province
Bánh Tét with Three Fillings
Bánh Tét with Three Fillings
Bánh Tét with three fillings is a unique specialty of Vinh Long, featuring a combination of mung bean, bean, and pork belly fillings. Skilled artisans use sticky rice and a laborious process to create these delicious treats. Don’t forget to buy some to take home as gifts for your loved ones.
- Specialty Price: Approximately 110,000 VND per stick
- Address: Vung Liem District, Vinh Long Province
Ri 6 Durian
Ri 6 Durian
Durian is a famous specialty of Vinh Long, and the Ri 6 variety is a must-try for all durian lovers. With a weight of 3-5 kg, the fruit has well-defined, large arils with a deep yellow color and flat seeds. The taste is sweeter, butterier, and richer than other durian varieties.
- Specialty Price: Ranges from 100,000 to 200,000 VND per kg
- Address: Phuoc Dinh 1, Binh Hoa Phuoc Commune, Long Ho District, Vinh Long Province
Tra On Pomelo
Tra On Pomelo
Pomelo is a popular fruit in Vinh Long, and the Tra On variety is particularly well-known. This fruit is available year-round and makes a great gift for loved ones. The pomelo is typically consumed with the flesh, and the outer layer of the peel has a laxative effect, benefiting digestive health. The fruit is less juicy but very sweet and fragrant, becoming even sweeter as it ripens.
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